Housing Headlines

NEW BEDFORD --- The New Bedford Housing Authority will receive $4.9 million in federal stimulus money to improve many of its public housing units. The money will pay for increasing handicapped accessibility, weatherization, increasing the energy efficiency of heating systems, as well as repairing parking lots, walkways and roads on its properties.

BOSTON --- Eastern Bank recently honored 49 non-profit organizations with $800,000 in grants for commitment to community leadership at the 5th Annual "Community Quarterback" award ceremony. Of the 49 organizations, six received "surprise" grants allocated for home foreclosure prevention programs. Click on the title of this summary for more information about the award recipients.

BOSTON --- Commonwealth Ventures LLC developers recently adjusted plans to demolish a pair of turn-of-the-century warehouses in Boston's Fort Point Channel neighborhood, deciding instead to convert them into more than 100 moderately-priced apartments and live/work studios. Commonwealth Ventures LLC president Richard Galvin said he is weighing different configurations for the buildings, but he expects to seek city approval for the mix of studios and apartments this summer. The city must approves the changes before construction can begin.

DEDHAM --- An initiative created over increasing foreclosures numbers in the town has led to a unique church/public partnership to offer resources to distressed homeowners. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a group that emerged to offer free advice from bankers, lawyers, and financial advisers to people dealing with distressed properties or foreclosure. Also on hand at these seminars are social service providers who are able to make connections with fuel assistance and food pantries. One meeting already occurred in November and more are being planned. For more information visit the town's website at http://www.dedham-ma.gov/.

EASTON --- From time to time, we've posted articles on developer Nick Mirrione's efforts to build "cottage-style" housing south of Boston. Recently, the Boston Globe took a thorough look at Mirrione's plan for Eeaston and local reaction to his proposal.

SPRINGFIELD --- Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services recently completed the rehabilitation of eight blighted homes in the Mason Square area that have been converted into affordable housing units. Each house was sold to low-income families earning below 50 percent of the area median income, for a price of about $80,000 for each home. The organization is proceeding with plans to rehabilitate three additional houses in Upper Hill, and will announce a lottery drawing for eligible prospective homeowners at a later date.