Housing Headlines

HOLDEN --- A 48-unit condominium complex built as over-55 housing for adults without children will be marketed to a broader age demographic because the units aren't selling. The apartment building, consisting of one and two bedroom units, is at 1818 Main St., near the entrance to Holden Country Club.

EASTHAMPTON --- Town leaders are considering placing a two-year moratorium on over-55 housing developments, which would halt any proposals from going forward if they were submitted after February 27, which was when the moratorium was first announced.

AGAWAM --- The Community Preservation Committee has approved nearly $250,000 for the Housing Authority to complete facilities upgrades in 244 housing units. Upgrades include roof replacements, doors, windows, and fire extinguishers. CPA funds were supplemented by $828,000 committed by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

LYNNFIELD --- By a vote of 1592 to 391 at the April 30 town meeting, Lynnfield residents provided the necessary two-thirds majority needed to rezone the former Colonial Country Club so it can be developed under the state's Chapter 40R bylaw. The vote paves the way for National Development to redevelop 68 of the site's 202 acres into 395,000 square feet of retail, 80,000 square feet of office, 180 rental units and 40 units of housing sponsored by Lynnfield Initiative for the Elderly (LIFE). The remaining 103 acres will be deeded to the town as open space.

NORTHAMPTON --- The town's planning board is considering changing the town's zoning to incorporate a growth overlay district in response to the town's affordable housing needs. The new district would allow the town to redevelop a former state hospital into 207 units of housing, industrial and commercial space. The state would provide up to $650,000 in additional incentive money under a sustainable growth ordinance.

TISBURY --- Having received all necessary town approvals, the Bridge Housing Corporation is going forward with their plans to purchase a 14.8 acre site on which they will build 30 affordable units.