Housing Headlines

WEST YARMOUTH --- Following the suspension of his operating license by local public health officials over the "transient" nature of his residents, the owner of three Rt. 28 motels says he will go to court to establish that he has the legal right to rent his units long-term. Homeless advocates fear that if the town succeeds in shutting down Harry Miller's three hotels, nearly 200 people will be homeless.

HOPKINTON --- At its May 5 town meeting, voters overwhelmingly approved a zoning change that clears the way for a development company proceed with plans to turn the former Weston Nurseries site into a 77-acre development that will include over 900 houses and 450,000 square feet of commercial space.

NORTH ANDOVER --- One year after voting no for the same project, town meeting had a change of heart on May 13, voting to give $1.3 million in community preservation money toward the Stevens Corner project, which involves turning a former nursing home into 42 apartments, 32 of them affordable.

ACTON --- Two years ago, a local school teacher faced the reality that she would probably never be able to afford a home in Acton, where she's lived for 14 years, on her salary. Thanks to Chapter 40B she now owns a deed-restricted condo unit on River Street with her three children.

READING --- The state Department of Housing and Community Development has approved a 40R application submitted by National Development that will redevelop a 25-acre currently vacant site into a mixed-use development for affordable housing. The site will include 378 homes, including a mix of townhouses, elderly housing, and multi-family housing as well as office space. At least 40 of the units will be affordable.

STATE --- This spring, housing construction has hit a 26-year low, causing work to dry up for local contractors and home builders. Only 451 home permits were issued in the month of February, compared to 982 permits issued during the same month last year.