Housing Headlines

WORCESTER --- The Canal Lofts housing development recently received state approval to use new state and federal tax credits to draw investors. Winn Developers will receive $576,000 in federal credits and $2.5 million in state tax credits to help finance the rehabilitation of the former mill site. The project is expected to product 65 units for rent, with 32 units designated as affordable for low- to moderate-income families.

WAREHAM --- Selectmen recently approved an increase in the number of units for a proposed development at 361 Main Street. The new project proposal will include six units of affordable rental housing and two market-rate rental units. Developers say they plan to start construction this summer and hope to complete the project by the end of the year.

WELLESLEY --- At a recent town meeting, two measures were approved allowing more than more than $1 million in CPA funds to be spent on affordable housing. The first measure will allow $700,000 to be spent for renovations at the Waldo Court affordable housing complex, consisting of 12 two-bedroom units. The second measure will reserve $350,000 for the town housing development corporation to buy affordable housing as it becomes available.

WEBSTER --- Selectmen will soon be presented with recommendations from a review committee outlining development proposals for the former A.J. Sitkowski School. While all of the four proposals envision residential use for the building and have put maintenance of the building's historic integrity at the top of their lists, they vary in the number of units proposed, the target market, and in the bidding price for the property.

WATERTOWN --- The former Coolidge School on Arlington Street has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. Developer Mitchell Properties is converting the 94-year-old building into 38 apartments for people over 55 years of age, with 15 of those apartments designated as affordable for low-income individuals.

SWANSEA --- Eight aging housing authority homes, available for sale to non-profit bidders in January, have gone unsold. The Board of Selectmen granted approval to sell the homes because the housing authority determined that they could not afford to rehab the properties. Housing Authority Chairman Wayne Gray said the board may change the bidding process to allow homes to be bid on individually, hopefully sparking more interest from buyers.