Housing Headlines

BEDFORD --- The zoning board is ready to vote on a 40B effort that has been under negotiation for over three years. Though 40B efforts are mandated to include 25 percent affordable units, this effort at 447 Concord Road will have, if passed, 12 of 14 rental units designated affordable at 60 percent median income.

NORTH ANDOVER --- As the town looks to meet the 10 percent affordable housing requirement, it has submitted a smart growth proposal which will invigorate the town with a mixed-use district and prevent developers from pursuing 40B developments.

WILMINGTON --- The 108-unit Crystal Commons 40B development may now move forward, as a judge has dismissed an appeal of the effort's approval which had been submitted by two local residents in May.

BOSTON --- A UMass Boston study reports that minority-headed households continue to face the highest risk of foreclosure and that they have a tougher time than whites in juggling housing costs with other everyday expenses. ... Boston Globe, Dec. 14, 2006

NORTHAMPTON --- The Village at Hospital Hill effort has received over $85 million in state and federal funding and tax credits, and will include a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential space, including 207 units of mixed-income housing.

ARLINGTON --- The city manager has called for a second land appraisal to be performed on a parcel that developers hope to designate as a 40B effort, saying that earlier estimates may be too high.