Housing Headlines

EDGARTOWN --- Though zoning regulation typically prohibit building on lots less than three acres, the Massachusetts Appeals Court recently upheld a land court decision in favor of the Edgartown zoning board of appeals' (ZBA) issuance of a special permit to build three affordable homes on three smaller, one-acre lots.

HOPKINTON --- HOPKINTON - The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue to mull the request of a builder who wants to lift an over-55 age restriction that would allow him to market his development to younger buyers. As part of the request, developer Miraj Ahmed also wants to reduce the number of units he has planned for Peppercorn Village from 56 to 44. The board did vote to have the developer pay a $4,000 consultant fee since the revised plans for Peppercorn Village would have to be reviewed again by multiple boards and committees.

BOURNE --- The Great Lakes Hotel Co. for the second time in nine years is expressing interest in developing a 400-room destination facility with a conference center at the CanalSide Commons tract above the Bourne rotary. If the project proves feasible, the developer will talk with CanalSide Commons developer Len Cubellis and see if he is interested in abandoning his proposed Chapter 40B complex of 300 dwellings now being reviewed by the Bourne Board of Appeals.

WORCESTER --- Former members of the Green Island/Vernon Hill Community Development Corporation (CDC) held a meeting this summer to discuss the possibility of regrouping. Inactive since 2004, the meeting was held in part to discuss public comments that the nearby Oak Hill CDC was considering expansion into the neighborhood.

WESTON --- For almost two decades, Connie Davis has been a champion of senior housing in Weston. But as of the end of August, she will officially retire from her role as manager of Brook School Apartments.

EASTON --- It was voted down at the Town Meeting in May, but developer Nick Mirrione of Mirrione Realty wants an opportunity to change residents' minds about the cottage community bylaw. Mirrione wants to build seven 1000-square foot starter homes on one acre of land.