Last Blog Post - Redirected to new NSAR blog!

Hello,

The Government Affairs is happy to report that NSAR's new website is up and running! The North Shore Association of Realtors® Government Affairs blog will now be incorporated right into the main NSAR website so this will be the last blog post to this site.

For future NSAR Government Affairs news and information, please go to this site: http://www.northshorerealtors.com/government_affairs/blog/.

Thank you very much and happy holidays!

ALWAYS Identify the Square Footage Source in Your Listings

The National Association of REALTORS® recently reported on a lawsuit decided by the Texas Court of Appeals that all REALTORS® should pay attention to. In the case, the trial court and appellate court decided that a REALTOR® could be held liable for Misrepresentation and Deception Trade Practices (our version of c. 93A) for incorrectly listing a property's square footage on an MLS, that the REALTOR® obtained from the county's appraisal district.

The basic facts of the case are this:

• REALTOR® obtained a property's square footage from the county appraisal district.
• REALTOR® listed the property on MLS with this square footage, and the MLS automates the price/square foot (like MLS-PIN).
• The source of the Property's square footage was NOT a required field on this MLS, but testimony at trial showed that it was standard practice in the industry to identify this source. Because of a clerical error, THE SOURCE OF THE PROPERTY'S SQUARE FOOTAGE WAS NOT IDENTIFIED ON THE MLS LISTING.
• Buyers purportedly based their valuation (at least in part) in the property being listed under the average price/square foot.
• Buyers actually did their own search and verified the county appraisal's office sqaure footage number.
• Before the purchase, Buyers did sign a form provided by REALTOR® that said "I/we have not relied upon any statement given to me/us by the REALTOR and/or his/her associates with regard to the property, and my/our decision to make an offer on the property and to subsequently purchase the property is based on my/our independent decision with or without legal counsel." The form also said, "The Buyer is advised to verify all information important to him/her and to ask the appropriate questions of the appropriate authorities himself/herself or through an attorney with respect to important issues such as . . . size of structure . . . . Any statements with respect to problems or with respect to the availability or existence of any of these items which were made by the REALTOR and his/her associates were made based on information given to the REALTOR by the Seller/Owner and/or government agencies, and/or others, and there is no intention that the Buyer rely on the statements of the REALTOR and his/her associates, and the Buyer is urged to confirm any such statements on his/her own."
• In this case, Buyers actually lived in the Property prior to the purchase and even made making improvements to the house, including painting the interior walls and replacing the flooring in the kitchen and master bathroom.
• Following receipt of a copy of the lender's appraisal, which calculated the square footage as less than the that listed in the MLS, Buyers sued REALTOR® on misrepresentation, and deceptive trade practices and won.

Bottom line, ALWAYS, ALWAYS IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF A PROPERTY'S SQUARE FOOTAGE WHEN YOU ARE LISTING A PROPERTY OR REPRESENTING A BUYER.

Click here to read the Texas Court of Appeals opinion.

New Green Lynnfield Townhouses

According to the Boston Herald, developer Linda Pizzuti has built a 20-unit Colonial-style townhouses, featuring the latest in Green technology. The complex, known as Pyburn Mews, is one of the North Shore’s first projects to receive both Energy Star and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

They are priced from $420,000 for 2-bedroom units to $580,000 for 3-bedrooms. Five townhouses will be designated as “affordable” will be sold by a special lottery. Pictured above is Unit 58, including eco-friendly elements such as strand-bamboo wood flooring, chemical-free carpeting, high-efficiency heating/cooling and Energy Star-certified windows, lights and appliances. Each townhouse’s garage even boasts a special outlet for recharging electric cars. Photo by Ted Fitzgerald.

Read the entire Boston Herald articile.

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

The Eagle Tribune reported that the Haverhill Community Development Department and the Home Preservation Center of Lowell will be holding a foreclosure prevention workship on Wednesday Nov. 19th from 1 to 3 p.m., in Room 301 at Haverhill City Hall. Those who attend will receive free counseling on foreclosure prevention, how to avoid foreclosure scams, reducing credit debt, and managing finances. Participants are advised to bring relevant paperwork so counselors can help them more effectively.

Get Out and Vote!

Realtors®, today is election day. We encourage you all to do your civil duty and get out and vote. If you do not know where your polling place is, check www.wheredoIvoteMA.com.

Also, there are three ballot initiatives on the ballot.

• Question 1 would repeal the State Income Tax.
• Question 2 would decriminalize first offense possession of marijuana.
• Question 3 would ban greyhound dog racing.

Click here for additional information.

Haverhill’s Olympia Square Being Developed

According to the Eagle Tribune, The Federated Companies, a Boston real estate development firm, has bought the Pentucket Building, locates at the intersection of White and Winter street, at the edge of a struggling neighborhood known as the Acre, for $1 million. Francis Bevilacqua, grandson of former longtime Haverhill state Rep. Francis Bevilacqua, is a principal in the firm and said that his group plans extensive renovations and hopes to attract high-quality local and national retail stores. Bevilacqua said he hopes renovations will start in a month, and he thinks the job can be done by the beginning of 2009, barring weather problems. He said he has hired a local architect, Ronald Albert, and that local firms will do the renovations.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

Free Energy Workshop in Haverhill

The Eagle Tribune reported that a free energy workshop will be held at the Northern Essex Community College Technology Center in Haverhill on Monday, October 20th from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Michael Berry, an energy efficiency expert, will make suggestions on how to make homes more energy efficient using the latest methods and also, local home improvement specialists and suppliers will be on hand to answer questions. Additionally, information on energy audits, fuel assistance and other programs will be available.

The workshop is cosponsored by the City of Haverhill, Rebuilding Together, the Clean Water Fund, Community Action Inc., and MASSAVE. More information is available from Lynn Murphy at 978-469-0800.

15 Homes Planned for St. Patrick's in Groveland

The Eagle Tribune reported recently that a development group, Coming Home, Inc., has purchased teh St. Patrick's rectory and parish hall and plans to build 15 energy-efficient townhouse-style homes for families with an annual income betwen $30,000 and $80,000. A day care center is also planned on the property.

21 New Homes Planned around Haverhill's Renaissance Golf Course

The Eagle Tribune reported that new owner Southworth Development expects to build 21 new high-end homes around Haverhill’s Renaissance golf course. These homes will add to the 42 homes already built or under construction. According to the article, Haverhill's population has grown by 20% since 1990 to the current all-time high of 62,000 people. During that time, the city has experienced several housing booms, the latest being more than 700 apartments and condominiums being built or planned downtown.

The Renaissance property is located in one of Haverhill's most rural areas, between East Broadway and Kenoza Street. Renaissance is Haverhill's 6th golf course (five 18-hole courses and one 9-hole). It has 18 holes and a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse under construction. The Renaissance complex, sprawling across 197 acres, was touted as the best course in the region when it was built 3 years ago.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

Federal Bailout Finally Passes

After passing through the Senate then the House of Representatives, President Bush signed an economic rescue bill today, which hopes to revive the U.S. financial system by allowing the federal government to buy up to $700 billion in failed mortgaged from banks and other financial institutions.

According to NAR President, Dick Gaylord, this historic legislation will help restore liquidity to the mortgage market, stabilize the housing market and protect home owners, and go a long way toward ending the current economic crisis crippling the housing and financial markets. President George Bush, along with congressional members, had lobbied throughout the week for the support of spending billions of dollars to buy bad mortgage-related securities from troubled financial institutions, as a way to ease the credit crisis.

The National Association of Realtors® strongly supported government intervention and teamed with eight other business organizations to run a full-page ad in the Wednesday edition of Washington Post and USA Today, urging Congress to pass a recovery plan. Click here to read the ad.

Click here to read why REALTORS® support the financial rescue bill.

Beverly Developer Planning 238 Senior Units

According to the Salem News, one of the country's largest developers of retirement homes wants to build 238 senior citizen apartments in five buildings in the Cherry Hill Industrial Park.
Holiday Retirement hopes to start construction on the $24 million project this fall.

Read the entire Salem News article.

Seller-funded Downpayment Assistance and New Housing Bill

The National Association of Realtors® reports that contrary to many reports, the Housing bill signed by the President on July 30, 2008, does NOT eliminate all downpayment assistance programs from eligibility for FHA insurance. Only those programs that are funded directly from the seller or other party to the transaction are prohibited. Downpayment assistance from family members, government programs, or charities that are not seller-funded is still permitted. The prohibition goes into effect October 1, 2008.

Click here to get the main points about the Seller-funded Downpayment Assistance Provision.

Click here to get a summary and history of the issue.

IRS Issues Guidance on Tax Credit

According to the National Association of Realtors®, the IRS has released IR-2008-106, providing some guidance about how individuals who utilize the new $7500 first-time homebuyer tax credit will reflect the credit on their tax returns and receive the benefit from any refund. The notice reinforces the fact that taxpayers will definitely be required to repay the credit, starting with their tax return for 2010, which will be filed in 2011.

Click here to see more information on the Tax Credit IRS Guidance.

NAR Chief Economist's Commentary

Curious on what the National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, thinks about the Government reponse to the recent credit crisis? Click here to read his September 22nd commentary.

As you can imagine, NAR's Washington D.C. Policy staff is working with regulatory agencies and elected officials on Capitol Hill to alleviate the financial troubles and to assure a robust secondary mortgage market. Liquidity in the mortgage market is essential to the health of the economy. Click Here to Find the Latest News & Information into the Federal Government Response to the Credit Crisis.

Lynn Councilor Seeks to Tax Foreclosure Properties

The North Shore Association of Realtors® Government Affairs Committee has learned that Lynn Ward 4 City Councilor Richard Colucci has proposed a 10% real estate tax for foreclosed properties. Under the new proposal, the added tax would be billed beginning Jan. 1, 2009, and will be on top of any other taxes authorized by general or public laws. The tax would be calculated from the value of the property at the rate of $10 for every $ 100 of the value assessed by the city Tax Assessor.

The Lynn City Council also voted in favor of instating a law through the state legislature to place a lien on foreclosure properties with outstanding fines, so that each fine would have to be paid first before the home is sold.

Lynnfield Appeals Board Approves Colonial Village

According to the Peabody & Lynnfield Weekly News, construction is about to get underway on the 3rd LIFE (Lynnfield Initiatives For Elders) facility in Lynnfield. In many ways, Colonial Village will be a departure from the other two existing LIFE Villages – more expensive, with access from the Meadow Walk development instead of a public way and within easy walking distance to the golf course and the shops and restaurants to be developed at Meadow Walk. 48 units are planned; 36 garden style and 12 townhouse style to be completed in October 2010.

Details on Government Takeover of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac

The Realtor® Association supports the Treasury Department's decision to takeovever Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac. The move is expected to have positive short-term benefits to the real estate market and open the door for the industry to shape the restructuring of each corporation. Fannie and Freddie own or guarantee almost half of the country's $12 trillion in outstanding home mortgage debt.

You can click on this link to see what the plan involves.

What are your RPAC $$$ Up to?

Realtors®, wonder what your Realtors® Politcal Action Committee (RPAC) contributions are supporting?

Click here to check out a recent podcast between National Association of Realtors® President, Gaylord and First Vice President Vicki Cox Golder, as they discuss the important role that the RPAC will play in strengthening REALTORS® political voices as we head into a crucial 2008 fall elections.

Groveland Historical Society Renovating Washington Hall

The Eagle Tribune has reported that Groveland volunteers are working to restore Washington Hall. When it’s complete, it will hold both a museum and a small theater. The town's Historical Society is renovating the historic building with money it received through the Community Preservation Act. Claire Walsh of the Historical Society said that it will be 4-5 years before the hall is open to the public.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

MAR $7500 tax credit podcast

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® recently posted a podcast that included a conversation with Anthony DeGregorio, Esq. about the new $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit.

Click here to download the podcast.

MBTA Receiving Garage Bids at Beverly Depot

According to the Beverly Citizen, 5 proposals have been submitted to build a parking garage near the Beverly Depot. The state has committed about $18.5 million to the project, in addition to $3 million in Federal money another $4 million in support from the MBTA revenue from parking fees. The bids are not public at this point. 100 letters went out to property owners within 80 feet of the Depot asking them to submit plans showing a property with enough room for a 500 parking garage to include retail, office and residential space. The T wants to complete the sale by March 2009 and have the garage open by 2011.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Key Provisions Housing Stimulus Bill

Recently, the National Association of Realtors® posted a good summary of key provisions of The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Housing Stimulus Bill - H.R. 3221).

Click here to see that link.

Realtors® Help Defeat Transfer Taxes

Good news for all Realtors®. The Realtor® lobby was once again successful in defeating a proposal to tax home sales on Martha’s Vinyard and Nantucket. Under SB2544, home sales over $750,000 on the Vineyard and $2 million on Nantucket would be assessed a 1% transfer tax.

Click here to read why Realtors® oppose transfer taxes.

Georgetown Historic House Tour on Sept. 27th

The Eagle Tribune reported that the Georgetown Historical Society is sponsoring a Historical House Tour on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10am to 4pm. Tickets will be available mid-August for $20 at Sedler's Antiques, Theo's Restaurant, Meader's General Store all in Georgetown and Kay's Interiors in Groveland. All proceeds will benefit the continuing restoration of the Brocklebank Museum. For further information, call the Brocklebank Museum at 978-352-8526 or e-mail at info@georgetownhistoricalsociety.com or visit their website at www.georgetownhistoricalsociety.com

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

FHA Reform under Housing and Economic Recovery Act

With the recently-passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, Congress permanently increased FHA loan limits to up to 115% of local area median home prices – capped at $625,000. According to NAR estimates, in Essex County this will increase FHA-insured loans to up to $481,500 (same as the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limit).

Additional FHA reform included streamlined processing for FHA condos; reforms to the HECM program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. Also, the downpayment requirement on FHA loans will go up to 3.5% (from 3%). Realtor® leadership strongly supports these reforms and feel that the new guidelines make FHA a stronger, more modern and flexible program.

New Housing Law Provides FHA Foreclosure Rescue

The recently-passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 developed a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Under the new law, lenders can write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90% of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50% of all future appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on October 1, 2008. This rescue plan is aimed at stabilizing the housing economy and preventing foreclosures.

Click here to see details of the FHA Foreclosure Rescue Program.

GSE (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) Reform Equals Increased Loan Limits

According to National Association of Realtors® estimates, the recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 will increase Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits by as much as $62,850 in Essex County, Massachusetts - from $419,000 to $481,850.

These reforms to GSE (Government Sponsored Enterprise) insured loans, which have Realtors® have actively lobbied for in the past several years, should stabilize the housing market and help ensure for safe, reliable mortgages for home purchasers.

Congress Moves to Reauthorize Down Payment Assistance

On July 31, 2008, Congress introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6694 that would reauthorize and reform charitable downpayment assistance. This bill would remedy a provision in the new Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 which eliminated charitable downpayment assistance funded in part by sellers. The legislation, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Al Green (D-TX), Gary Miller (R-CA), Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Christopher Shays (R-CT) reauthorizes and reforms these types of programs.

The Green-Miller-Waters-Shays plan would re-authorize and reform non-profit downpayment assistance and secure it as an allowable source for FHA borrowers. The bill seeks to ensure that providers of the downpayment assistance operate in a transparent manner to guard against conflicts of interest. The bill also includes language to ensure that FHA maintains its financial stability by permanently authorizing the Secretary to assess higher premiums to higher risk borrowers.

Understanding the $7,500 Homebuyer Tax Credit in the New Housing Law

One of the programs included in the new housing bill signed by President Bush on July 30th is a $7,500 homebuyer tax credit. While this tax credit has the ability to make the cost of homeownership more manageable, it is important to understand that this “tax credit” is actually an interest-free loan that is repaid over 15 years.

Below is a Q&A that summarizes the program’s features that was put together by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Q: What is the Amount of Credit?
A: 10% of the cost of home, not to exceed $7,500

Q: What properties are eligible?
A: Any single-family residence (including condos, co-ops) that will be used as a principal residence.

Q: Is the tax credit refundable?
A: Yes. It reduces income tax liability for the year of purchase. Claimed on tax return for that tax year.

Q: Is there an income limit?
A: Yes. The full amount of credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). The benefit of the credit phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000, respectively).

Q: Is this program for first-time homebuyers only?
A: Yes. A portion (6.67 % of credit) has to be repaid each year for 15 years. If the home sold before 15 years, then the remainder of credit recaptured on sale.

Q: What is the effective date of the program?
A: The credit is good on home purchases on or after April 9, 2008

Q: When does the program conclude?
A: July 1, 2009

Q: What is the tax credit’s interaction with Alternative Minimum Tax?
A: The credit can be used against AMT, so credit will not throw individual into AMT.

President Signs Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

Great news for REALTORS®! The National Association of Realtors® reported yesterday that President Bush signed into law the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.” Passed by a vote of 272-152 by the House on July 23rd and by a vote of 72-13 by the Senate on July 26th, the bill is considered to be one of the most important pieces of housing legislation ever created. The bill includes a number of victories for REALTORS® and American homeowners including: GSE reform, FHA reform, permanent loan limit increases for FHA and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac insured mortgage loans, and a $7500 tax credit for qualified home buyers.

Please click here to read a a summary from NAR of what the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008” includes.

Affordable Housing Applications in Haverhill

According to the Eagle Tribune, Community Action Inc. is accepting applications from low- to moderate-income residents over age 55 to buy new condominiums at the Fairways for the reduced sale price of $199,000 ($10-20k discount from the original reduced sales price). The Fairways is a 30-unit, 55+ garden-style condo development off Newton Road.

Applications are available at Community Action's main office at 145 Essex St. There will be no lottery. The homes will be sold on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. More information is available from Richard Lynch at 978-373-1971.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

Ipswich to Receive Funds through State PILOT Program

According to the Ipswich Chronicle, the town of Ipswich has won its challenge to the Department of Revenue's valuation of the land it owns in the town. A ruling by the Appellate Tax Board found the state owes Ipswich $60,000 for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Town Manager, Bob Markel, anticipates a struggle to get the state to pay for the earlier years, but he feels the town should at least receive $60,000 for 2009.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle article.

North Andover Police Station Site

The North Andover Citizen reported that a second option may be available for the site of the new North Andover Police Station. The Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union Building at 1475 Osgood St., which was now on the market for $1.8 million, is also being considered for the new Police Station. Allen M. Lieb, Architects, who are slated to take on the project planned for the old Bradstreet School at an estimated cost of $8.37 million will also evaluate the Credit Union Building. Voters have approved $930 million for a new police station. Objections to the Credit Union site for not being central in town are countered by references to the anticipated growth on Osborn Street particularly at the former Lucent Technology Plant where apartments, affordable housing, shops, movie theatres, etc. are planned.

Here is the site of the first option.

Read the entire North Andover Citizen article.

Federal Reserve Issues New Lending Rules to Prevent Foreclosure

According to the National Association of Realtors®, the Fed. Reserve adopted new rules designed to protect homebuyers from the kind of loans that drove many into foreclosure. The new rules apply to all lenders (not just to banks supervised by the Fed) and most are expected to take effect Oct.1, 2009. Escrow requirements won’t go into effect until April 1, 2010.

Here are the new requirements:

1. Prevent loans made without documenting borrower’s income
2. Require lenders to escrow money to pay taxes and insurance for risky borrowers
3. Limit and/or ban prepayment penalties
4. Prohibit lenders from making a loan without considering a borrower's ability to repay a home loan from sources other than the home's value
5. Require mortgage advertising to contain information about rates, monthly payments and other features of the loan
6. Insist lenders credit a mortgage payment to a home owner’s account on the day it is received
7. Forbid mortgage brokers and others from "coercing or encouraging" an appraiser to misrepresent the value of a home

New Multi-family Inspection Fee in Beverly

According to the Beverly Citizen, a new fee of $125.00 will be charged in Beverly for inspections of at least 3-family housing for safety inspections. The inspections will be done at least every 5 years which was required and haven't been done. This was a result of the Gloucester Crossing apartment building fire earlier this year which was caused by uninspected, faulty wiring.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Construction on new Salem Courthouse

The Salem Gazette posted a picture of how Federal Street will look upon the completion of the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center, near the intersection of Bridge Street and North Street, in Salem, MA. To make room for the new courthouse complex, the state plans to eliminate the existing District Court and Superior Court, as well as two houses that sit on the far end of Federal Street.

Read the entire Salem Gazette article.

Danvers Affordable Housing

The Danvers Herald reported in its June 19, 2008 paper that Selectman Gardner Trask will spearhead the formation of a permanent affordable housing subcommittee, after getting the go-ahead from Danvers selectmen on June 17th. Trask told the Board that the 2010 U.S. Census is likely to tabulate a larger population for Danvers, which means the town may need to provide more affordable housing.

Danvers reached the 10% affordable threshold last year, which means that it is currently immune to Chapter 40B developments. The results of the 2010 census could require Danvers to add an estimated additional 70 units of affordable housing.

The selectmen agreed to the formation of the Affordable Housing Planning Committee of about a dozen members, including 3 citizens. The selectmen also agreed to send a letter to the Danvers Zoning and Planning Boards, and the Danvers Diversity Committee to encourage them to look for opportunities to encourage affordable housing so that the town can meet the anticipated threshold.

Windover and MBTA to Work Together on Beverly Parking Garage

The Salem News reported that the president of Windover Development said that Windover looks forward to working with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to build a long-awaited parking garage near the train depot on Rantoul Street.

Read the entire Salem News article.

US Senate Passes FHA Modernization Bill

The National Association of Realtors® reported this week that on July 11th, the Senate voted 63 to 5 to approve the FHA Modernization Bill. It is the Realtor® position that HR 3221 creates affordable housing opportunities by setting loan limits up to $625,500 for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA, and will stimulate housing demand with a temporary $8,000 home ownership tax credit. The bill also includes broad reform for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA, and creates a new FHA program to help homeowners at-risk for foreclosure.

NAR believes that this bill is critical to restoring confidence in the mortgage and housing markets and the nation’s entire economy. But it isn’t complete yet. Now, the bill goes to a conference committee before Congress can send it to the President. Negotiations begin over the next few days and weeks, and both House and Senate leaders hope to get the bill on the President’s desk before the August recess.

The National, State and Local Association of Realtors® have lobbied hard to get to this point. Our strong involvement included face to face meetings between members and their Senators and Representatives in their home states as well as in Washington, DC – including the May Midyear Legislative Meetings. NAR generated more than 250,000 e-mail messages and phone calls urging Congress to take action on the vitally important Housing bill.

Chapman’s Corner Development in Bevely

According to the Beverly Citizen, the Beverly Planning Board approved a 27 house development at Chapman's Corner. The project will be called Manor Homes at Whitehall and will be located above a hill at Chapman's Corner (near the intersection of Hale and Boyles streets in the Cove). 27 houses are expected to be built and one 2-family. The houses will start at $750,000 – including two below market homes – and are expected to break ground in the fall.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen's article.

Lynnfield Commons starts construction while other 40B projects fizzle

According to the Peabody & Lynnfield Weekly News, construction will begin shortly on the 200-unit Lynnfield Commons rental development on Route 1-North, in the rear of the Flagship Motorcars dealership.

According to the article, Lynnfield had initially attempted to block this apartment complex by passing 3 smaller condo complexes under Chapter 40B, the state’s affordable housing “anti-snob zoning” law. Currently, the 3 developments are no closer to being build than the day the permit was granted.

Read the entire Peabody & Lynnfield Weekly News article.

Old Salem Jail to be Converted into Condos & Apartments

The Salem Gazette reported that the old Salem jailhouse, on the corner of Bridge Street and St. Peters, will be converted into 36 housing units – 14 condos and 22 apartments with 5-year leases.

Read the entire Salem Gazette article.

Groveland ZBA to review proposal for 132 single-family homes Meadowbrook project Thursday night

According to the Eagle Tribune, the Groveland Zoning Board of Appeals will review discussions on the topic of the Meadowbrook affordable housing project its meeting on Thursday, June 26th. The ZBA will meet with members of the development team for the 132 single-family homes proposed by Meadowbrook Construction Corp. on land off Center Street.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

Thursday June 26th Georgetown Conservation Committee Meeting

The Georgetown Record reported that the Georgetown Conservation Committee June meeting will be held on Thursday, June 26th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Town Hall, 1 Library St., 3rd-floor meeting room. On the agenda will be the results of the Parker River Clean Water Association’s recent River Restoration Grant from the MA Riverways Program. This study observed the impact of Georgetown’s water supply withdrawals on annual base flows and seasonal flows in the upper Parker River.

Read the entire Georgetown Record article.

Transfer Tax Call to Action

Realtors®, this week Massachusetts Association of Realtors® President, Susan Renfrew put out a Call to Action to oppose proposed transfer taxes in Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, which will likely be heard and voted upon by the State Senate this week (Senate Bills S. 2546 & S.2544).

Realtors® strongly oppose real estate transfer taxes as bad tax policy for the following reasons:

1. Community-wide Responsibility. A community wide responsibility should be paid for by the entire community. Property taxes are inequitable and discriminatory as it would single out a small segment of the population, specifically home buyers and sellers, to pay for a community-wide need.
2. Exclusionary & Unstable Revenue Source. Transfer taxes are exclusionary because it would increase the cost of home ownership and in effect create an additional barrier to entry for an already expensive part of the state. Further, the real estate market is highly sensitive to economic downtowns as sales may vary greatly from year to year.; therefore this tax would provide an unstable source of revenue for a current and ongoing community need. However well intentioned, the fact that a transfer tax may contain a "sunset" provision does not change the problematic nature of this tax scheme.
3. Subert Prop. 2½. The tax would subvert the voter approval process inherent in a Proposition 2½ override, in which voters can decide for themselves whether to increase their own property taxes. In fact, both islands have among the lowest property tax rates in the entire Commonwealth.
4. CPA, 40B, 40R, 40S. The Legislature has already given all cities and towns many equitable tools to create affordable and workforce housing through passage of the Community Preservation Act, Chapter 40R, Chapter 40S and Chapter 40B. These tools are available for all communities to use. According to information provided by the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority last year, 3 of the 6 communities on Martha's Vineyard did not have a single unit of 40B housing.
5. Foreclosures & Short Sales. Today's housing market conditions, with increasing foreclosures and "short sales," make transfer taxes even more detrimental to home owners. Because transfer taxes reduce one's equity, homeowners attempting to avoid foreclosure or selling their home for less than the outstanding mortgage – selling short – may face new burdens just to sell their home. For those with little or no equity in their home, these transfer taxes could force sellers to sell short or else, in some cases, face foreclosure.
6. Equity Stripping. It is important to remember that, unlike a home purchase which can be financed, payment of a sales tax CANNOT be financed. Such a tax would cost thousands of dollars at closing taken from the seller's proceeds assuming that the seller has equity in their home at the time of sale. In some ways, a transfer tax can be looked at as a type of municipal "equity stripping" of the value of one's home.
7. Voter Representation. Finally, the fact that Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket already have a significant transfer tax (2% of the sale price) in place for the acquisition of open space makes the argument for rejecting S.2546 and S.2544 even more compelling. Furthermore, most of the people who would pay this tax will not be able to vote on it. Many, if not most, of the purchasers who will pay this transfer tax are not residents of the communities of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

For the preceding reasons, the NSAR Government Affairs Committee urges all Realtors® and like-minded citizens to contact your State Senator and urge them to vote “NO” on S.
2546 and S. 2544.

For comments/questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at governmentaffairs@northshorerealtors.com.

NAR Joins Senators to Introduce Small Business Health Options Program

The National Association of Realtors® reports that on June 10, 2008, NAR Treasurer Jim Helsel represented Realtors® at a bipartisan press conference introducing H.R. 6210, the Small Business Health Options Program Act (SHOP). H.R. 6210 is a House companion measure to the earlier introduced Senate small business health measure, S. 2795.

As proposed, the SHOP concept would offer tax incentives to encourage states to reform small group insurance markets and to make health insurance premiums more affordable for small businesses and the self-employed. It would also develop a nationwide insurance small-business purchasing pool that would still be subject to state insurance regulation to protect those who choose to participate.

In announcing its support for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), NAR reiterated the importance of reforming the U.S. health care market for small businesses and independent contractors. In a recently conducted 2008 NAR Health Insurance Coverage survey, 82% of Realtors® believed the current health care system is not meeting the needs of most Americans, and 9 out of 10 Realtors® thought that the U.S. health care system should be reformed. Nearly a ¼ of NAR's 1.2 million members do not have health care insurance, and for most Realtors® without insurance, the reason is cost. NAR continues to meet with both Senate and House offices seeking additional cosponsors.

Click here for a Small Business Health Options Probram (SHOP) overview.

Chapter 40B Battles in Amesbury

The Boston Globe reported that Amesbury has appealed 2 recent decisions from the state Housing Appeals Committee, in an ongoing battle Amesbury has fought to prevent projects proposed under Chapter 40B, the Commonwealth’s affordable housing law.

The first project is a proposal to construct 269 townhouse condominiums on a 155-acre site off Kimball Road (Meadowbrook Estates).

The second proposal is a 56-unit rental development on a 10-acre site off Clark’s Road (Eagle Point).

According to the Globe, the recent rulings followed a decision by the Housing Appeals Committee against the city last October on another Chapter 40B project, a proposal to build 40 condominium units on Haverhill Road.

Read the entire Boston Globe article.

Whittier Bridge in Newburyport Need Repair

The Newburyport Current reported that the I-95 Whittier Bridge that spans the Merrimack River between Newburyport and AmesburyWhittier Bridge that spans the Merrimack River between Newburyport and Amesbury is a priority repair, according to State Treasurer Timothy Cahil.

Read the entire Newburyport Current article.

303-Unit Downtown Housing Complex to be Completed in Haverhill this Fall

According to the Newburyport News, the largest and most expensive housing development in city history is expected to have people living in it by October, Mayor James Fiorentini said. Forest City Enterprises of Cleveland is moving towards the completion of 303 1 and 2 bedroom upscale downtown apartments. The apartments are being built in old shoe factory buildings at the former Stoller building on Essex Street and the Lagasse building on Duncan Street.

The development is the 2nd in a Haverhill’s Chapter 40R Zoning “Smart Growth” district, approved by the City Council in 2007. Chapter 40R provides financial incentives to communities that help developers build affordable housing near transportation centers and existing urban infrastructure. Haverhill will receive a one-time payment from the state of $3,000 per new home built in the zone — more than $900,000 when the Forest City development is completed and fully occupied.

Read the entire Newburyport News article.

Rare fish Halts Haverhill’s Plan to Dredge Merrimack River

The Newburyport News reports that Haverhill’s plans to dredge the Merrimack River from Newburyport to lure more boaters downriver to its shoreline has been shelled by a fish (pun intended). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ruled the Haverhill stretch, particularly the waters off the downtown area, cannot be dredged because the work would disrupt the spawning areas of the shortnose sturgeon, a prehistoric-looking creature that lays eggs among rocks that would be removed during dredging, federal officials said.

Haverhill is looking to add public boat docks and build a riverwalk along the downtown stretch of the waterway, as well as enact new zoning to make sure future development does not block views of the river or public access to it. Workers are expected to start building two sections of the boardwalk this summer.

Read the entire Newburyport News article.

Senior Housing proposed for Cherry Hill Industrial Park in Beverly

According to the Beverly Citizen, a national developer of senior housing plans to build a 238-unit complex in the Cherry Hill Industrial Park in Beverly. The 2-phase project needs a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is scheduled to meet on June 24th at 7:00pm at the library on Essex Street to consider the plan.

Phrase 1 would be 118 independent living building on a 9.5 acre parcel and will include studio, 1-bedroom,and 2-bedroom units plus many other rooms such as large formal dining and other amenities and rooms. 15% of the units would be subsidized. The site plan calls for a 4-story, 118-suit building closest to Conant Street and 3 other 4-story buildings on the rest of the property. The entrance would be directly across from Axcelis Technologies’ driveway on Cherry Hill Drive (pictured right).

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

NAR Testifies in Support of Homebuyer Tax Credit

According to the National Association of Realtors®, The House Small Business Committee held a hearing on June 5th to review the impact of the housing crisis on small businesses and to discuss tax incentives that might help stabilize housing. NAR Treasurer Jim Helsel presented testimony urging that Congress act quickly to move to conference and send a final version of tax credit legislation to the President for his signature. In his comments, Mr. Helsel emphasized the importance of making the credit available for the purchase of any type of residential property that would be used as a principal residence. (The Senate version of H.R. 3221 allows the credit only for the purchase of foreclosed property.) In addition, he recommended that Congress raise the income limits the House imposes, particularly for those who file single returns.

The testimony also explored the importance of the so-called "small" individual investor and explained the importance of adjusting the exceptions to the passive loss rules so that more small investors will return to the market. The limits for the exception have not been adjusted since their original enactment in 1986.

Click here to read the full testimony.

View a side by side chart comparing the House and Senate provisions.

Fight Over Open Space Continues in Beverly

The Beverly Citizen reports that heated discussions over open space preservation in Beverly continue. The Open Space and Residential Design Ordinance (OSRD) requires new developments to set aside half the land for open space and work around slopes, wildlife habitats, scenic vistas and other natural features. This was passed by the City Council in 2005. A waiver has been requested by the developers of Beaver Pond Road. Changes approved by the Planning Board to OSRD law apply to a four-acre or larger parcel where three or more lots are created in the one acre zoning district. In the two-acre zoning district, parcels about seven acre or larger, where three or more lots are created , would fall under OSRD requirements. The Conservation Commission feels this may eliminate open space completely on some lots. Robert Buchsbaum chairman of the Open Space and Recreation Committee suggested the OSRD guidelines should not be amended until the city has more experience with the ordinance.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Governor Promises Money for Beverly Parking Garage

According to the Salem News, Governor Deval Patrick has promised Beverly that the state will help pay for a new parking garage near the Beverly train depot, an announcement that MBTA and local officials said means the long-awaited project will finally become a reality.

The Commonwealth is committed to spending the $11 million the state Legislature authorized four years ago for the Beverly garage. The MBTA will pay $4 million and the federal government will pay $3 million, MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas said.

Read the entire Salem News article.

First Time Homebuyers Find Help in Ipswich

The Salem News has reported that the Ipswich Planning Board is offering cash incentives for first-time home buyers.

First-time buyers can get up to $10,000 to help with their purchase, provided:

1. They make no more than $46,300 for a single person, $66,150 for a family of four
2. The property is in Ipswich
3. The purchase price is less than $250,000

The money can be applied to a down payment or to reduce the size of the mortgage.

Home buyers will need to act fast. This deal is only available through the end of June 2008.

For more information, click here or call the Ipswich Planning Department at 978-356-6607.

Fannie Mae Scraps Higher Downpayment Requirements

On Friday, May 16th, Fannie Mae scrapped its increased minimum down-payment requirement for homes in declining markets. This replaces a December policy that required a higher minimum down-payment if the loan was for a home in a market with declining real estate prices (not necessarily distressed areas). The government-sponsored mortgage financier said it will continue to require minimum downpayments of between 3%-5% for all loans that it guarantees.

Update on Beverly Commuter Parking Garage

Update on our May 21, 2008 post... according to the Beverly Citizen, Beverly officials are looking to seek proposals from local landowners to build a commuter parking garage near Beverly Depot.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

NAR Takes Step Forward with National Property Database

At the September 17, 2008, the National Association of Realtors® Board of Directors authorized NAR to work with a technology company to create a Realtors®-controlled national database or “library” of property data that would provide members-only access to detailed information on all properties in the United States.

The repository, which NAR is calling a "digital library/archive," would be revenue neutral but could eventually be fee-based to cover operating costs. In a report preceding the vote, NAR CEO Dale Stinton emphasized that the repository will not be a national MLS. There will be no offers of cooperation or compensation, nor any attempt to create a national online marketplace for property listings. The database also will be accessible to REALTORS® only, with no consumer-facing components.

You can real more about the NAR National Property Database here.

NSAR meets with Congressional Leadership

On Wednesday, May 14, 2008, the President of the North Shore Association of Realtors®, Marilyn Jarvis, and President-Elect, David Kres, met with Congressman John Tierney (D-6th District), and aides for Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Senator John Kerry (D-MA).

Issues discussed including FHA and GSE reform, buyer tax credit, flood insurance, small business health insurance, and other legislative items.

Realtors® can get a brief overview of our message by clicking here.

Above is a picture of Marilyn and Dave's meeting with Congressman Tierney.

News from NAR's Midyear Meetings

Last week, the National Association of Realtors® met in Washington D.C. for the Midyear Legislative Meetings. The agenda was packed and local, state and national leaders in the Realtors® Association were extremely busy.

Here's a list of headlines from the meetings: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2008051601?OpenDocument

Part of Historic Ipswich News Building to be Demolished

According to the Ipswich Chronicle, the owner of the 16 Market St, Ipswich property which housed the “Ipswich News” has filed a permit to begin demolition of the non-historical portion of the building which was damaged by fire last July. The historical commission previously implemented a demolition delay bylaw while they determined that the front portions both 16 Market Street and the adjoining property at 20 Market Street to be historically significant.

Read the entire Ipswich Chronicle article.

Beverly Developer Proposes New Plan

According to the Beverly Citizen, developer CEA Group of Cambridge, who bought the Beverly property at Brimbal Ave and Sohier Rd in November 2005, has asked the City to rezone the property from industrial to commercial. CEA Group has a plan on the site for 4 buildings, a mix of retail and office space along with a childcare center.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Affordable Housing Coalition Receives Funding for Beverly Construction

The Beverly Citizen reported that the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition has received all the needed permits and approvals as well as the funding for the $8.5 million project replacing the existing Mayflower Motel on Cabot and Elliot Streets in Beverly. Construction would begin the end of the year and last for about one year.

The units will be affordable based on the financing agreements with Department of Housing and Community Development, City of Beverly, Northshore Home Consortium, Enterprise Foundation and the Danvers State Preservation Fund. Each unit will be between 250-400 sq. ft. restricted to one resident and rent for $375 to $625 a month. A grant of $46,000 from The Enterprise Foundation is awarded because the building will be energy efficient thus a Green Building.

This photo, courtesy of the Beverly Citizen, is an artist’s conception of what Cabot Street Homes will look like when it is built at the current site of the Mayflower Motel.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Parking Garage Stalling $100 million Beverly Project

According to the Beverly Citizen, parking issues could stall a plan for Windover Development to go forward with plans for a mixed commercial and residential development block in Beverly next to Beverly Depot train station. A parking garage was supposed to be approved by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and without that, Windover President Lee Dellicker cannot advance with the plans. The key was to have this garage that would create hundreds of parking spaces. Windover has a plan B if they have no assurances of a garage being built they would revise their plans for a project that would take in account the smaller parking spaces.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Beverly Waterfront Modernization Advances

According to the Beverly Citizen, a consultant has been hired to write new regulations for the Beverly waterfront project along the inner waterfront on Water Street and Bass River between Goat Hill and Elliot Street. This will rewrite land use laws to allow mix use of retail stores, residential and restaurants.

Planning Director Tina Cassidy said a 3-consultant team will begin the work shortly. Public hearing and public meeting and speaking with property owners will be part of the process. The proposal will be presented by the end of 2008 to the City Council.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings

The National Association of Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings is this week.

Realtors® can click here to see the Events Reports, Lending Report, Tax Report, Housing Report, and Legislative Talking Points.

CEO Susan Kline, President Marilyn Jarvis and President-Elect David Kres will be representing North Shore Association of Realtors® at the Midyear Legislative Meetings.

New Rules for Borrowers With Foreclosures

The National Association of Realtors® reported recently that Fannie Mae will adopt new rules that will require higher minimum down payments and credit scores for borrowers with a past foreclosure.

Click here to read the entire article.

NAR President's Letter to Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac

Last month, the president of the National Association of Realtors® wrote letters to the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac CEO’s to address serious concern about a range of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac policies that Realtors® feel are hurting the economy and adversely affecting the housing and mortgage markets.

The main contentions of the letters included:

1. Extremely tight underwriting standards for jumbo conforming loans authorized by the Economic Stimulus Act.
2. Policies reducing maximum loan-to-value ratios (LTVs) by five percentage points for homes in declining markets.
3. A wide variety of higher fees and other underwriting standards that make mortgages much less affordable.

Click here to read the letter to Fannie Mae and here to read the letter to Freddie Mac.

Thanks to Dick Gaylord, NAR President, for his advocacy.

Lynnfield Restricting Adult Communities

Lynnfield may be the only town resticting an adult community to 60 years old or older. Due to its present agreement with the Lynnfield Intervention for the Elderly the two subsidized elder housing facilities have seniority lists for 60 years an older. In the past few years Lynnfield has been involved in the building of several adult communities. Heritage Woods is now complete and is selling upscale market rate condominiums to the 60 and over crowd. The upscale condos are selling slowly and the developers are anxious to present the question of lowering the adult community age requirement. Although the question was to be asked at last Monday's Town Meeting, the question was removed at the last minute due to the required 2 years since last voted when the developer was starting the project. Question will be moved to the Fall Town Meeting in October, it appears that LIFE administrators feel that the change would not affect adversely the town's elderly community.

Rail Trail Continuing to be Debated

The Tri-Town Transcript is reporting that the proposed rail trail, a 26-mile trail to run from Salisbury to Danvers, is continuing to be debated by committies and town selecteman.

PRCWA receives grant to study Georgetown’s well field

According to the Georgetown Record, the Parker River Clean Water Association received a grant through the Department of Fish and Game’s Riverways Program to study Georgetown’s well field.

Read the entire Georgetown Record article.

State Senators Review Ocean Management

According to the Georgetown Record, Senate minority leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) and Senator Steven Baddour (D-Methuen) have recently released the third installment of a cable information show on the "Ocean Management Act". This show delivers great perspectives on why managing our ocean resources are so important to every citizen of Massachusetts. The show was featured throughout Essex and Middlesex districts during the month of March.

Read the entire Georgetown Record article.

Topsfield Planning Board Member Departing

Attention is now starting to be noticed locally since the presidential primaries are behind us. According to the Tri-Town Transcript, candidates in Topsfield/Boxford/Middleton are starting to get noticed despite that selectmen, school committee's and planning boards are all running unopposed in Middleton,Boxford and Topsfield. Topsfield planning board is seeing one term end for a dedicated member due to by-laws restricting a fourth term.

Read the entire Tri-Town Transcript article.

5 North Shore Development Projects Aimed at Boosting Economy

The Salem News reports that there are 5 major development projects in the works in the North Shore aimed at boosting the local economy:

1. $106 million Salem court construction
2. Northshore Mall expansion in Peabody
3. $15 million Bridge Street bypass road in Salem
4. Health Care Expansions in Danvers & Peabody
5. Beverly waterfront transformation

Read the entire Salem News article.

Age Restricted Zoning in Hamilton

There was an interesting letter to the editor in the Salem News recently about age restricted zoning in Hamilton. According to the author, the Hamilton Planning Board is trying to change the zoning bylaws of Hamilton to allow age-restricted, dense development by offering a "Senior Housing Bylaw" at the next town meeting on May 5, 2008.

Click here to read the Salem News letter to the editor.

Two Plans Submitted for McKay School in Beverly

According to the Beverly Citizen, two developers have proposed converting the vacant McKay School in Beverly into residential units – beginning as apartments which may be later be sold as condominiums.

Redevelopment of the McKay School is one of several components of Mayor Bill Scanlon’s plan to pay for the $68 million Beverly High School construction and renovation project that is scheduled to break ground later this year. Any redevelopment plan would need a special permit from the City Council under a recently revised zoning ordinance that governs residential reuse of municipal buildings.

The Beverly Citizen article had a nice breakdown of the plans:

Windover Development LLC
Proposed residential units in former McKay School: 23
Units in newly constructed buildings: 6
New residents: 60 to 65 people
Proposed purchase price: $600,000
Project cost: $7.4 million
Tax revenue after six years: $101,700
Parking spaces: 58
Below market (affordable) units: four

Dakota Partners Inc.
Proposed residential units in former McKay School: 30
Units in newly constructed building: 6
New residents: 58 to 87 people
Proposed purchase price: $1 million
Project cost: $8.37 million
Tax revenue after six years: $136,768
Parking spaces: 72
Below market (affordable) units: four

Chapter 40B Recently Withstands Ballot Drive Challenge

Chapter 40B recently withstood a potentially significant challenge to its status as one of the Commonwealth’s most important housing law since its creation in 1968. According to the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office, a signature drive to repeal the law fell more than 35,000 signatures short of the 66,593 needed to place a question on the November 2008 statewide ballot. Consequently, the soonest any similar petition to repeal Chapter 40B could be on the ballot would be 2010.

Chapter 40B has been responsible for producing over 48,000 units of mixed-income housing, including housing for the elderly, single-family subdivisions that include affordable units for town residents, multifamily rental housing developments, and mixed-income condominium or townhouse developments. Its goal is to encourage the production of affordable housing in all cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth by reducing unnecessary barriers created by local approval processes, local zoning, and other restrictions. The standard is for communities to provide a minimum of 10% of their housing inventory as affordable. A total of 51 cities and towns have now met that standard.

The Citizens’ Housing And Planning Association have an excellent website with Chapter 40B information. Click here to view the website.

Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition to work on filling 65-unit Affordable-Housing Development

The Beverly Citizen reported that the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition and the North Shore United Way have organized an umbrella group of 11 social-service agencies in hopes to remake parts of the Gloucester Crossing neighborhood through Holcroft Park Homes, and also to help build the families that will live in the 65-unit affordable-housing development.

The group, under the banner of the “Gloucester Crossing Resource Group”, have been joined by the likes of Beverly Bootstraps, Health Quarters the North Shore Career Center, and the Police Department, and will cover everything from education, job training, day care, fuel assistance, literacy education, tax preparation, health services and law enforcement. The vision of Gloucester Crossing Resource Group is to provide a model for communities on the North Shore as communities grapple with solutions to poverty and a persistent affordable housing crisis.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Andover Considers Leasing Town Hall

According to the Andover Townsman, the Andover Old Town Hall is in need of roof and other repairs and crews have been conducting repairs, taking up parking spaces in the downtown shopping district. The recent repairs come at a time when Andover officials have said they'll consider leasing Old Town Hall to generate new revenue in light of the town's budget problems.

"I don't think we utilize the building well," said Selectman Mary Lyman. "I think we should examine it as an option. We're certainly not using it to full capacity." The proposal to lease Old Town Hall, also known as the Town House, was one of several cost-saving measures included in Town Manager Buzz Stapczynski's Feb. 4 budget presentation to selectmen, school and finance officials.

Read the entire Andover Townsman article.

West Street Junkyard Being Cleaned in Georgetown

The Georgetown Record reported that the Georgetown Conservation Commission has permitted site developer Richard Morello to clean out Tidd’s junkyard on Water Street, deciding that the dioxin levels in the dirt were finally low enough to be acceptable for disposal at in-state landfill sites. Years ago a huge tire fire erupted at Tidd’s junkyard, and contaminants from that fire are still in one of the site’s several hotspots.

Morello is the 3rd developer since the late 1990s to take on the controversial site, which is close to Georgetown’s water supply. He plans to construct 16 condos for active seniors in Zone 2, which includes Georgetown’s wells. Slowly over the years, through contentious hearings, developers have moved closer to something acceptable to abutters and to the town. Currently, the project is still in the complicated cleanup phase. According to Georgetown Conservation Agent Steve Przyjemski, the state Department of Environmental Protection is not going to allow the issuance of an Order of Conditions to the developer until it gets all the samples it is requesting from the site. The DEP is requiring the developer to continue testing dirt in a circle radiating outwards from the original tire fire site until the dirt samples come up clean of contaminants.

Read the entire Georgetown Record article.

FHA Increased Loan Limits

In response to mortgage guideline tightening, the federal government officially raised the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) loan limits for 1-4 family homes.

The updated FHA guidelines will increase loan limits in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk County by 125% of the area’s median selling price – from $362,790 to $523,750.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits have also increased. Single-family mortgages priced up to $523,750 will be available at lower interest rates than in the recent past when jumbo loans above $417,000 carried a higher interest rate. Loan limits for 2 and 3 family homes have also been increased in the five county Metro Boston region to $670,500 and $810,450 respectively. The new loan limits apply to FHA and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans.

According to 2007 NAR President Pat V. Combs, these reforms, included in the Economic Stimulus package, “will offer home buyers a safer alternative to riskier mortgage products and will help many homeowners who may be facing foreclosures."

Importantly, the new higher Fannie and Freddie conforming loan limits are temporary and only apply to loans made between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. This week, both the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® and National Association of Realtors® put a Call to Action to REALTORS® to contact your local federal legislators to make the increased loan limits permanent.

The NSAR Government Affairs Committee is asking all of its members to please look out for that email and Take Action if you have not done so yet.

New Salem Condo Complex Near Completion in The Point

The Salem News reported that construction is being completed on Palmer Cove Condominiums, new, three-story building with 15 condos with prices ranging from $142,500 to $191,000, at the end of Congress Street.

According to the Salem News article, built by Salem Harbor Community Development Corp., a nonprofit agency that manages about 150 apartments, this development is significant because it is the first condominium complex in this neighborhood in decades (or maybe ever). The area, known as The Point, a low-income neighborhood across the South River basin, had so far being bypassed by the condo and restaurant boom that rejuvenated the Salem downtown.

The project tackles head-on one of the neighborhood's biggest issues – lack of homeownership. While Salem is split evenly between renters and home owners, The Point is almost all renters – 82%, according to the 2000 census. This Palmer Cove Condominiums project follows several smaller condo conversions in The Point, officials say, and continues an encouraging trend.

Read the entire Salem News article.

Beverly Mayor Seeks to Scale Back Open Space and Residential Design Ordinance

According to the Beverly Citizen, Beverly Mayor Bill Scanlon is seeking to change Beverly’s relatively new Open Space and Residential Design Ordinance (OSRD) in order to control, but not stop, residential development. The latest set of proposed changes would reduce the buffer around each parcel from 100 feet to 25 feet and not require it around rock outcrops and conservation areas on the site but still require it around wetlands and vernal pools.

The changes would also increase the threshold for land required to be developed using the rules in zoning districts where the minimum lot size is one or two acres.

The Beverly Citizen article includes a more detailed bulleted list of the proposed changes.

The March 23, 2008 OSRD ordinance public hearing will continue on April 7, 2008 at 7:15 in City Council chambers.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Crane River Dredging in Danvers

The Danvers Herald reported that Danvers is in the processing of dredging the Crane River in Danvers. The town’s four rivers — the Danvers, from which the Porter, Crane and Waters diverge into town — are tidal, fed by Beverly Harbor and the Atlantic ocean. Over time, the channels begin to silt in, making navigation problematic, particularly in the Porter and Crane rivers.

According to the Danvers Herald article, the last time these rivers were dredged was in 1983. Since then, environmental laws have changed significantly. The project stalled until last summer, when the town won permission from the federal Army Corps of Engineers to put the spoils in the state’s ocean disposal site. This brought the price tag down from an anticipated $4 million for trucking the material to a certified land site to $1.6 million for ocean disposal. The state, through the Seaport Bond Council, is paying about half the cost.

Read the entire Danvers Herald article.

Newburyport Custom House to be Renovated

The Newburyport Current reported that volunteers at the Maritime Society in Newburyport will be completing renovations to the historic Custom House. Most of the repairs are for masonry work and the building’s windows.

The Maritime Society received a grant through the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and private donations, along with insurance money, to fund the project. The cost is expected to run close to $80,000. The Custom House was built on Newburyport’s waterfront in 1835 to facilitate the growing overseas trade and tax collection of imported goods. The building was designed by Robert Mills, renowned architect of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury Building.

Read the entire Newburyport Current article.

Haverhill Downtown Garage to Begin Construction this Summer

The Eagle Tribune reported that the long-awaiting, long-debated Haverhill municipal parking garage will begin construction this summer. The parking garage, being built by the Merrimack Valley Regional Planning Authority, will be at Railroad Square off Moulton Way, adjacent to the Haverhill MBTA station.

Work will begin with the necessary environmental cleanup and will start to actually begin being constructed in spring/summer 2009. It could be open before Christmas 2010, which would be a big boost for the city’s ongoing downtown renaissance.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

First Residential Subdivision Application Under Beverly’s Open Space and Residential Design ordinance

The Beverly Citizen reported that the first residential subdivion application has been filed under Beverly’s new Open Space and Residential Design (OSRD) ordinance. The application proposes 4 new building lots off Beaver Pond, a private road that runs along the edge of Beaver Pond and connects Dodge Street in North Beverly and Old Essex Road in Centerville, behind Harry Ball Field.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.

Andover Town Manager Requests $7.4 million to recap Landfill

According to the Andover Townsman, the Andover Town Manager recommended that residents approve $7.4 million to re-cap 25.8 acres of the former Ledge Road landfill. The money also will be used to acquire land around the site that might also need to be closed off. According to the article, the $7.4 million in general fund borrowing is by far the largest request in the town's capital improvement plan for fiscal year 2009. At $1.5 million, a request for school building roof replacement is the only other project over $1 million.

Read the entire Andover Townsman article.

States Contributes $400k to Haverhill to Buy Unused Railroad Land in Bradford

The Eagle Tribune reported that the State is pitching in with $400,000 to help Haverhill purchase an abandoned railroad bed on the Bradford side of the Merrimack River. The 1.1-mile railroad stretch runs from the Comeau Bridge at the western end of downtown to the Haverhill Paperboard company just east of the Basiliere Bridge. The city hopes to replace the dilapidated railroad bed with a recreational trail and eventually connect it to boardwalks and pathways on the downtown side of the river. The 2.5-mile loop would be connected on both ends of the downtown at the Basiliere and Comeau bridges, forming a continuous loop.

According to the Eagle Tribune article, Haverhill is negotiating to buy the unused railroad land and is counting on the rail trail and several other projects, including a boardwalk along Washington Street, to revitalize downtown and take advantage of the river as a tourist attraction. The idea is that the proposed pathway will increase foot traffic in the business district, giving a boost to shops and restaurants and creating a lively atmosphere.

Read the entire Eagle Tribune article.

28-mile Bike Trail to Run From Boxford Through Newburyport

According to the Georgetown Record, MassHighway is moving forward on a proposed 28-mile bike trail set to run through Georgetown, agreeing to perform and fund 25% design work on the Border to Boston Trail. The trail will run on top of the historic and abandoned Maine to Boston railway, running from Salisbury to the Danvers/Peabody border. The proposed trail is set to run through Boxford, Danvers, Georgetown, Newbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Topsfield and Wenham.

The trail has been earmarked for $800,000 of federal safety funding to do the design work, secured by U.S. Rep. John Tierney in 2005. The final cost to complete the 25% design work is expended to exceed nearly $1 million, but MassHighway hopes to be able to provide the balance of funds needed for the project. MassHighway has begun the process of hiring a qualified consultant for the design, which is expected to be complete by the summer of 2009.

Read the entire Georgetown Record article.

Construction Begins on Future Salem Registry of Deeds

The Salem Gazette reported that construction has begun on the new (Salem) South Essex Registry of Deeds. After more than a century at 36 Federal Street, the Registry of Deeds will be moving for approximately five years to the Shetland Park complex at 27 Congress Street, home of the old Sears building.

The Registry is moving to make way for the city’s new courthouse complex, the J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center, in the Federal Street area. Tentative plans for a future home are to swap places with the current Salem District Court building, which will be vacated when the courthouse project is finished, in 2011 according to the Salem Gazette article.

The Shetland Park Registry promise to offer ample parking, including an adjacent parking garage with more than 100 free spaces, a shuttle bus which will operate every 30 minutes on weekdays from downtown, and climate control, which should help preserve some of the oldest deeds in the country – dating as far back as 1639.

Read the entire Salem Gazette article.

Beverly Public Hearing for Open Space Protection

According to the Beverly Citizen, the Beverly Planning Board and City Council is holding a joint public hearing tonight, March 3, 2008, at7:15pm to consider changes to the Open Space and Residential Design ordinance.

Among the proposed changes are a recommendation for the 100-foot buffer around each property to be eliminated or reduced to 25 feet, and also to change the threshold for land required to be developed using the ordinance.

Read the entire Beverly Citizen article.