Neighbors working together to preserve our neighborhoods.

Chapter 40B Steve Stearns Chapter 40B Steve Stearns

Chapter 40B Public Hearing - April 24, 2024

The upcoming public hearing for the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project will be hosted by the Millbury Board of Appeals. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM. The venue for this event will be at the Millbury Senior Center, situated at 1 River Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. Attending in person is encouraged for maximum participation. However, if you're unable to attend physically, you can join via Zoom using Meeting ID 894 1550 4957.

Read More
Chapter 40B Steve Stearns Chapter 40B Steve Stearns

5 Reasons Why There Isn’t A Housing Shortage

The United States is experiencing declining population growth, with fewer than one million people added in 2021, a slower rate compared to historical events like the Spanish flu pandemic and World War 1. Single-family home permits have plummeted since 2005, dropping by 70% to 400k in 2010. Even in 2020, permits remained low at 1 million. However, analyzing the population growth to new housing permits ratio reveals a concerning trend. The ratio, which ideally should be around 1.5, dipped below this threshold in the mid-2000s and again in 2020, indicating a potential oversupply rather than a shortage.

Read More
Chapter 40B Steve Stearns Chapter 40B Steve Stearns

Providence & Worcester Railroad Vehement Opposition

Risk is going to increase for this highway crossing at grade. Out of interest for employees and the general public It is the stance of Providence & Worcester Railroad (PW) that the crossing not be expanded, and if it is that a robust and advanced crossing system inclusive of lights and gates be installed at the expense of the Town or developer to protect the community and PW employees.

Read More
Chapter 40B Steve Stearns Chapter 40B Steve Stearns

Recap Of Chapter 40B Public Hearing #7

Once more, members of the Millbury Board of Appeals raised the question of reducing the project's density from 192 units to a more suitable number for its location. In response, James Venincasa asserted that the 192 apartments were non-negotiable. A board member highlighted to the developer that they currently faced two potential dissenting votes, needing only one more to potentially reject the project.

Read More
Chapter 40B Steve Stearns Chapter 40B Steve Stearns

Chapter 40B Public Hearing - March 27, 2024

Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 27, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM, as the Millbury Board of Appeals will be holding another public hearing in a sequence regarding the proposed Rice Pond Village project under Chapter 40B, planned to be located at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts. The venue for this event will be at the Millbury Senior Center, situated at 1 River Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. Attending in person is encouraged for maximum participation.

Read More
Chapter 40B Steve Stearns Chapter 40B Steve Stearns

Andover Nonprofit Challenges Zoning Board's Affordable Housing Rejection

Discover the latest developments in the ongoing battle for affordable housing in Andover, Massachusetts, as local nonprofit Andover Community Trust (ACT) voices dissatisfaction with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) decision. Despite extensive efforts and support from the Select Board, ACT's proposed housing project on Mary Lou Lane faces rejection, prompting concerns over the prioritization of local interests over the pressing need for affordable housing. Learn how ACT emphasizes the importance of Chapter 40B regulations in overcoming barriers to affordable housing and how the ZBA's decision reflects broader challenges in balancing community concerns with housing initiatives. Delve into the emotional debates surrounding the project, including safety considerations and environmental impacts, as ACT navigates potential avenues for appeal. Stay updated on the upcoming ZBA vote on April 4, 2024, and the implications for Andover's affordable housing landscape.

Read More