Housing Headlines

BELMONT --- Not having reached the state's affordable housing requirement, the zoning board granted developers a permit to proceed with a 299-unit 40B effort, knowing that the state would overturn their rejection of the proposal.

FRANKLIN --- After the planning board denied a developer's request to change the approved construction sequence, he was forced to secure alternative additional funding to ensure that his effort stays on track.

WESTFORD --- A decision by the Board of Selectmen Tuesday not to purchase a 13-acre parcel of land caused housing advocates to question the board's role in creating affordable housing.

MILFORD --- In the aftermath of a house fire in Framingham, leaders in Milford are working to increase and enforce regulations against illegal rooming houses and overcrowded apartments.

MARLBOROUGH --- A developer who has submitted plans for a 95-unit development has offered to pay the town cash rather than include affordable units in his plans. Town leaders indicate that they would use the cash to create affordable units elsewhere in town.

EASTON --- The town has taken steps to begin what would be its first 40R smart growth venture. At a selectmen's meeting, the land owner proposed an effort that would include 220 apartments and 60 condos as well as retail space.