Housing Headlines

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. --- Previously limited mostly to northern states, the ease and affordability of modular construction has prompted many developers to explore this method as a possible solution to the housing shortage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

DANVERS --- The redevelopment of a former state hospital makes progress as the first of twelve buildings in the 500-unit effort is ready to be rented.

BEVERLY --- The city hopes to approve a 30-unit, mixed-use development near its commuter rail station, but in order to do so, the zoning board will have to vote to permanently increase the city's building height restrictions. Height limits were recently granted a variance in a nearby effort by the same developer which resulted in 46 housing units.

SOUTH SHORE --- Though the South Shore's spending for affordable housing has trailed behind the other three CPA categories, Cohasset has led the way, spending over one-third of its allocation towards affordable units, and many other communities including Braintree are working to advance housing proposals.

BEVERLY --- A developer has been granted the necessary approvals and will now seek financing to rehabilitate a motel into 32 units of single-room apartments for low-income residents.

HOLLISTON --- Selectmen voted to give the Housing Authority 5 acres of land on which they will build 30 two- and three- bedroom rental units, 25 percent of which will be affordable.