Housing Headlines

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.

BOSTON --- The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) voted unanimously to endorse a petition that calls for 50 percent of housing developed as part of the Forest Hills Improvement Initiative to be affordable.

CHATHAM --- Residents are up-in-arms about the results of a housing lottery. While 70 percent of the units are required to be reserved for applicants with strong ties to Chatham, some are saying that the lottery process was unfair and secretive.

DORCHESTER --- A developers' decision to use a non-labor contractor to complete a major project in Lower Mills has drawn loud protest from the Carpenters Union Local 67 and inspired City Council President Maureen Feeney to consider legislation that would hold developers more accountable for promises they make to community groups when seeking city approval.

LEOMINSTER --- The Massachusetts Fair Housing Center of Holyoke has opened a satellite office at Leominster City Hall. Center director Erica Johnson said her organization's new office will focus on working with homeowners who believe they are the victims of predatory lending.