Housing Headlines

LOWELL --- The plan to turn a former ironworks into 32 affordable units has stalled due to the slumping housing market, a city official said recently. In 2006, the city seized the land and paid the owner of Soucy Ironworks $1.5 million to move his business out of the city. Since then, little progress has been made. "We will keep on doing pre-development work and put out feelers to developers, but given the real-estate market things are slow," said Anne Barton, deputy director of the city's Division of Planning and Development. "It is all still on the table. Having housing on that site would create a good little neighborhood."

WAYLAND --- The Board of Selectmen is hoping to decide on a developer for an affordable housing project at the former Nike site by the end of November. The town has outlined detailed specifications for a 40B housing project and they have formed a committee to find the right developer for the job. The town has already used state grant money for preliminary plans and will use more of the grant money to help choose their developer.

MARION --- By an overwhelming majority, voters at a special town meeting last month approved three warrant articles leading to the expansion of the town's elderly housing complex at Little Neck Village. With the articles approved, the project will now be able to seek low income housing tax credit financing from the state. Marion will use community preservation funds to help finance the expansion.

CHICOPEE --- Begun in March of 2007, the city is wrapping up the planning phase in the creation of a smart-growth zoning district (40R) downtown. The city applied for a $75,000 gateway-plus grant from the state on Wednesday to turn their plans into projects for this walkable village-style environment. In return for establishing a smart-growth zoning district, the city will be rewarded by the state for each housing unit created.

MARBLEHEAD --- The town's Smart Growth Advisory Committee is exploring "smart growth" opportunities in Marblehead with funding from a $40,000 Department of Housing and Community Development grant. The committee hopes to use the funds to analyze development opportunities at sites they believe could be developed in the years to come. These sites include the soon-to-be-former YMCA building on Pleasant Street. Other possible redevelopment sites include the former Miller Ford retail location, Village Plaza and the former General Glover House Restaurant parcel adjacent to Vinnin Square.

NANTUCKET --- CPA grant funds are being used to finance a new housing planner to improve the affordable housing situation for year-round residents. The job was last filled in 1992. Selectmen hope that the planner will be able to help Nantucket approach the state-mandated goal of 10 percent affordable housing on the island.