Housing Headlines

SHREWSBURY --- The Worcester Telegram talks to some of the residents living in the affordable units at AvalonBay's new Shrewsbury development and examines other AvalonBay 40B efforts and proposals in its circulation area.

SPRINGFIELD --- Local officials expect construction of a homeless shelter and resource center to begin in the spring, with an opening expected by March 2009. The $12 million project will include renovation of the existing Worthington Street shelter into single-room and efficiency apartments and construction of an adjacent building that will house an emergency shelter and dining area. The Patrick Administration and the Springfield Finance Control Board have each committed $2 million to the project and the local Friends of Homelessness say they are nearing their goal of raising $1 million in private donations.

WALTHAM --- On December 11, 2007, the Waltha City Council voted to adopt a state law that will allow them to create a Municipal Affordable Affordable Housing Trust, which would have the power to create, own and manage affordable housing projects for the city.

READING --- At special town meeting in December, residents voted to amend zoning bylaws so that the vacant 25-acre Addison-Wesley Longman site can be developed into a mixed-use development that would feature town houses, senior residences, apartments and office space. National Development is proposing to build 16 town houses, 160 senior residences, 202 apartments and office space.

CHICOPEE --- As part of his effort to boost owner-occupied homes in town, Chicopee's mayor has set aside $250,000 to offer financial assistance to first time homebuyers.

GLOUCESTER --- A private lender representing a consortium of banks has taken ownership instead of foreclosing on the 33 unsold condominiums at Pond View Village. After slashing prices by about a third, the lender has successfully resumed selling the remaining units despite the slumping market.