Housing Headlines

WESTPORT --- The town's plans for an affordable housing complex called Noquochoke Village are moving forward, with a request for proposals expected to be issued at the end of September or first week of October.

GROTON --- Three years after designating Capstone Properties as the developer for a 2.1 acre downtown site, selectmen say that if they don't get details about how the company will develop the site, they will ask the developer to withdraw its proposal and the town will issue a new RFP. The town hopes to see the site developed into retail and affordable housing.

HAVERHILL --- The Boston Archdiocese has received $5.1 million from the state to kick-start a 57-unit housing project in an old shoe factory next to the downtown train station.

WILLIAMSTOWN -- While it has been years in the making, the vision of Cable Mills is moving closer to reality with project bids expected back next month. Bart J. Mitchell, president of Mitchell Properties LLC of Boston, said Wednesday night at a dinner hosted by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, bidding on the project was underway. He said the company is hoping to get the construction prices in October so it can estimate pre-construction unit sale prices and advertise them.

ANDOVER --- A developer's plan to build 32 three-bedroom townhouse condominiums on 12 acres is getting a chilly reception from neighbors, who fear the 40B project will crowd schools, clog roads and eat up open space. Andover's affordable housing percentage recently dipped below 10 percent after the 220-unit Riverview Apartment's 20-year affordability restriction expired last year. Developers have greater latitude to build housing at densities greater than local zoning allows in towns that are under 10 percent.

BILLERICA --- For the first time in its 17-year history, the regional Habitat for Humanity chapter filed a foreclosure notice, alleging that the homeowner never lived in the house, and rented out rooms to friends and family.