Housing Headlines

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.

LENOX --- The Lenox Affordable Housing Corporation, a local nonprofit organization, has come up with a plan to cooperate with housing developers and give community members a greater voice in deciding what housing projects are built in town.

NATICK --- Twenty-six people were certified as potential homebuyers after an affordable housing lottery was held last month. In total, 48 affordable homes were created in Natick following an agreement when the town approved General Growth Properties Inc.'s 215-unitNouvelle at Natick condominium tower. Twenty-two units are still available to interested and qualified buyers.

GREENFIELD --- Construction will soon begin on the Wisdom Way Solar Village, a 20-unit condominium project that will produce almost as much energy as it uses. Yesterday, the project was awarded nearly $1.8 million in state and federal grants that will help the Franklin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority get the work started.

MASHPEE --- After only six months of construction, a 56-unit affordable elderly housing complex is ready to be occupied. Fifty of the units were reserved for residents who make 50 percent of the area median income for Barnstable County.