Housing Headlines

BOXFORD --- The town has begun debating plans to turn 37 acres into a mix of affordable housing, recreational fields and open space. Purchased from a local family for $3.3 million, the town is seeking feedback on a proposal to construct 20 affordable housing units, various athletic fields and set aside 25 acres as open space.

EASTHAMPTON - The planning board has endorsed an ordinance that will create incentives for developers to build affordable housing, but said they want projects to go through the rigorous special permit process. If approved by the city council, the ordinance will replace a 1995 ordinance that encouraged developers to provide housing for people who are over 55 or who are handicapped by allowing increased density.

SPRINGFIELD - A non-profit organization on the city's north side has announced plans to turn two tax-title properties into affordable housing for first-time homebuyers. North End Housing Initiative President Michael Denney said the organization hopes to do more of this type of development. The effort is being supported by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Bay State Health Care, which has made a seven-year, $700,000 commitment to support neighborhood stabilization efforts.

WORCESTER --- The Worcester Business Journal examines why developers are interested in buying multi-family rental properties in the city, following news that multi-family permits request in Massachusetts rose by 75 percent in the second quarter of 2008. In the story, housing director Scott Hayman noted that while the city could benefit from multi-family investment, its priority has been on boosting homeownership. "For us it's a matter of whether they're quality (rental) developers; are they sustainable projects?"

AMHERST - Housing officials are hoping the town will take advantage of a 2005 state law that allows municipalities to create a housing trust without having to apply for a home-rule petition.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD --- The Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) turned up the heat last week on the Cozy Hearth development, a self-funded initiative by an Island electrical contractor to create affordable housing for some of his employees, family, and friends. The commission postponed a recent hearing but will meet again next month to ask the developer how he'll deal with issues like wastewater disposal, road and traffic issues, income eligibility requirements, and resale profits.