Housing Headlines

HAVERHILL --- Several efforts to build new housing in downtown Haverhill have been stalled due to the sluggish condo market. At least three different construction projects planned for in or near downtown are on hold, and developers have had to lower prices on units already completed.

MASHPEE --- The Wampanoag tribe has received a $669,500 grant from the federal government to help rehabilitate existing housing and to increase capacity to build new housing in Mashpee. The tribe's housing department services are open to tribe members living in the state, but the housing units are available to all Massachusetts residents who meet the income requirements for affordable housing.

SANDWICH --- After eight years of public meetings and appeals, Housing Assistance Corp. has reached a settlement with abutters that will allow HAC to move forward with plans to construct 65 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including 10 that will be set aside for formerly homeless people. Dana Fields, as the effort is called, will include a community garden and a renewable energy center that will be open to all Sandwich residents.

MILFORD --- Despite protest from some landlords, residents at a special town meeting voted not to repeal the town's apartment inspection bylaw, which works to combat the overcrowding of rental units. In the same meeting, the town passed an article to exempt owner-occupied units from undergoing similar unit inspections.

MANCHESTER --- A large indoor horse riding arena on Summer Street may be replaced by affordable housing if the landowners receive approval by the town's zoning board. A developer is proposing building a 40-unit 40B effort that will include 10 affordable units on the land, which is a 3.2 acre lot currently occupied by a single-family home and a horse riding arena.

CLINTON --- Increase homeownership, slow overall housing growth and develop downtown mill space are some of the bullet points in the housing section of the town's proposed master plan, set to be finalized in 2008. At a recent meeting, planning consultant Judi Barrett asked the town to elaborate on its housing goals.