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.

WAYLAND --- Undersecretary of housing, Tina Brooks, announced $1.7 million in state funding that will help convert the former Nike missile site into 16 units of affordable housing on Oxbow Road in north Wayland. Wayland will use the funds to ensure that 11 of the 16 units are affordable to residents making less than 80 percent of the area median income.