Housing Headlines

EASTHAMPTON --- Citizens have submitted a petition to put a freeze on over-55 housing proposals while it reviews its housing master plan. The town had previously passed a bylaw in hopes of encouraging elderly affordable housing proposals, but faulty wording has allowed developers to build without inclusion of an affordable component.

FOXBOROUGH --- After downsizing his initial plans, a developer hopes to receive state approval for a 40B effort to build 52 single-family homes on 25 acres of land.

BOSTON --- To diminish the current exodus of young professionals from Massachusetts, the state needs to support the construction of starter homes on small lots close to transit lines.

BOSTON --- Governor Patrick needs to consider raising taxes, opines economist Ed Moscovitch. In this Herald op-ed piece, he also advises that Patrick lower zoning regulations to stimulate housing and economic growth, and then use the extra revenue to provide local schools with additional aid.

CHICOPEE --- The town will use a state grant to pursue an 'urban village' concept for downtown Chicopee. If approved, the smart growth district will include 20 percent affordable housing.

According to housing poll conducted by the UMass Donahue Institute and Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), there is strong statewide support for the construction of affordable housing, with a majority of residents hoping that Governor Deval Patrick will make affordable housing a high priority in his administration.