Housing Headlines

WESTPORT --- The town meeting recently voted to approve a new zoning district at the east end of Route 177 to allow for a 54-unit affordable housing development. The Noquochoke overlay district will allow for greater density at the proposed Noquochoke Village development. To address affordability issues, at least 30 percent of the units will be designated as affordable.

LEXINGTON --- Lexington Place at the Center owners recently announced that tenants will be able to move into the mixed-use complex starting in June. The property includes a mix of 27 condominiums, three affordable housing units, and retail space on the first floor. The affordable housing units consist of two, two-bedroom units selling for about $170,000 each and a one-bedroom unit selling for around $140,000.

HAMILTON --- A non-profit developer recently expressed interest in converting a former fire station into affordable rental apartments. The building presently holds an area food pantry but Harborlight Community Partners wants to renovate the space to include three studio apartments on the second floor and a one-bedroom, handicapped-accessible apartment on the first floor. All of the apartments would be affordable for those making between 50 percent and 65 percent of the median household income.

BOSTON, May 20, 2009 --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) recently approved a $10 million affordable housing project on Bloomfield Street in Dorchester. The project will involve redeveloping a vacant lot to make way for a 36,000-square-foot building with 27 rental units and 6,700 square feet of open space. The BRA expects the project to be completed by the summer of 2011.

BROCKTON --- CSI Support and Development Services developer is seeking to build a $10 million senior housing complex on the city's East Side. The proposed 40-unit development would provide affordable rental housing for senior citizens ages 62 and up, with rent levels based on 30 percent of the senior's income. If approved by the city's zoning board, developers hope the complex would be ready to open in late 2011 or early 2012.

WORCESTER --- Economic Development Finance Corp. developers recently announced the upcoming grand opening of the Hadley-Burwick building on Main Street. The five-story, mixed-use building consists of 44 rental apartments and 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The apartments will be affordable for tenants making between 80 and 140 percent of the state's median income. The grand opening ceremony is tentatively scheduled for June 18 at 3 p.m.