Housing Headlines

FALMOUTH --- The Falmouth Planning Department staff will begin a six-month process to update the town's affordable housing plan to comply with new state 40bregulations. At a recent meeting between selectmen, the planning board and the town's affordable hosuing committee, Falmouth Assistant Town Planner Marlene V. McCollem said that instead of the state requiring that towns create three-quarters of one percent of their town stock as affordable every year, towns now only require the town create one-half of one percent. For Falmouth, that means that the town must create 73 units instead of 109 units.

HOLDEN --- The DPW Director's concerns about sewer capacity may force a developer to reduce his 246-unit 40B rental housing proposal for this town located just north of Worcester. At a recent zoning board of appeals meeting, developer Scott Sundin said he may have to reduce his project from eight to six buildings and his unit count to under 200 units.

SALEM --- A Woburn-based developer has completed construction of 15 affordable housing condominium units in Salem Point's Neighborhood for the Salem Harbor Community Development Corporation.

EASTON --- A proposed smart growth district for 60 acres off Rte. 138 has sharpened the public debate between affordable housing developers and local people who worry that more development will strain local services, endanger natural resources and fchange the character of the community.

DORCHESTER --- Short-selling, foreclosure sales, a buyer's market and worse have continued downward pressure on housing sale prices in Dorchester through the fall and winter months, particularly in the multi-family market, according to a report by Dorchester Reporter editor Pete Stidman.

DENNIS --- The town of Dennis has taken back ownership of Melpet Farm, a 6.4 acre site previously under control of the housiing authority. The housing authority had planned to devleop 28 units on the site but has been plagued by ethics violations and money woes. The town is considering hiring a consultant to help determine how to develop the property.