Housing Headlines

MARION --- A 7,000 square foot mixed-use building designed to resemble a traditional New England marketplace is set to open next month, but still awaits approval for the 'friendly 40B' planned for the second floor.

NEEDHAM --- Town leaders have put together a ten year 'project development plan', plotting how the town will meet its 10 percent affordable housing goal. Needham currently has one 40B effort underway and has several ideas which include a buy-down program and another downtown 40B.

PROVINCETOWN --- A motel will be converted into 12 affordable apartments, made possible by the town's commitment of $735,000 in community preservation funds for the effort.

BELMONT --- Opponents of the approved 40B Belmont Uplands plan have taken a legal suit to the state, claiming that the low number of three-bedroom units in the effort is discrimination against families with children. This is the first suit of its kind in Massachusetts, though precedents have been set in other states.

CHELMSFORD --- Selectmen await results from a drainage analysis in hopes that they will be able to sell the land and create housing through a 40B effort.

LEOMINSTER --- A developer who says he was unfairly targeted by the IG's probe into 40B profits has stalled his efforts from going forward in two towns, saying he may develop the land for commercial use instead. He is joined by several of the state's housing agencies in questioning the IG's tactics of applying development standards retroactively.