Housing Headlines

WELLESLEY --- Residents agree that the town needs affordable housing to support its employees, but leaders struggle to create affordable units in a high-priced market while fighting back abutters that oppose increasing density.

BEVERLY --- The city has reached an agreement with developers of a 46-unit luxury condominium project to include affordable housing in the plans. Five of the six units will be located off-site. Although city leaders would prefer the units to be mixed in with the new units, they agree that the net gain of housing is more important than where they are located.

MARLBOROUGH --- Since a fire left a dozen people homeless in January, Marlborough officials have been cracking down on illegal apartments. Earlier this week code enforcement officers cracked down on another landlord of an illegal three-unit apartment. At least one tenant was displaced.

NATICK --- The Community Development Director introduced a 40B proposal at town meeting that would add 404 affordable units in two buildings near the Natick Mall. The new units would help Natick surpass the state's 10 percent affordable housing requirement.

BOXBOROUGH --- A lost opportunity to capitalize on money that had been earmarked for affordable housing because of the lengthy approvals process has prompted officials to establish an affordable housing trust which will make funds more accessible.

BOLTON --- A town that had rejected the Community Preservation Act in 2002 by 12 votes has now voted in favor of adopting the three percent tax surcharge. The measure must win voter approval at the town election in May to be enacted. A minimum of 10 percent of funds raised must go towards affordable housing creation.