Affordable Housing in the North Shore

According to the Salem News, here is a breakdown of affordable housing percentages in many of the North Shore Communities:

Beverly 11.5%
Boxford 0.7%
Danvers 10.4%
Hamilton 3.3%
Ipswich 8.2%
Manchester 4.7%
Marblehead 3.8%
Middleton 4.2%
Peabody 10.4%
Salem 13.2%
Swampscott 3.6%
Topsfield 5.4%
Wenham 8.9%

Read the entire Salem News article

Manchester-by-the-Sea Meeting on Chapter 40B Condos

The Gloucester Daily Times reported that the developer of a 40-unit condominium project on Summer Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea held a meeting with neighbors to address concerns about the pending project. The Manchester Zoning Board of Appeals asked the developer, Coolidge Commons LLC, to schedule the meeting after it began hearing the application for a comprehensive permit under the state’s Chapter 40B affordable-housing laws to build a $19.7 million condo complex at 601 Summer Street.

The developer is planning to place 24 smaller condo units in a "garden-style" building near Summer Street and another 16 units in four townhouse-style buildings spread over the 14-acre property. The non-affordable-housing units are planned to be listed for an average of $683,000; 10 affordable units will sell for less than $200,000 in order to meet state affordable housing standards.

Read the entire Gloucester Daily Times article

October 24, 2007 Legislative Breakfast

On October 24, 2007, NSAR hosted its third Legislative Breakfast in 2007. The event was attended by State Representative Anthony Verga (D-5th Essex), Representative Brad Hill (R-4th Essex), and Dan Pawson, Legislative Director for Senator Bruce Tarr (R-1st Essex & Middlesex).

MAR Associate Counsel Margy Grant presented the Realtor® position on the following topics:

1. New proposed Transfer Taxes (S. 1776; S. 1773; H. 3959)
2. New proposed Lead Paint law (SB. 1230)
3. New proposed mandatory Seller’s disclosure in connection with environmental issues (H. 323, S. 201)
4. New proposed mandatory disclosures for real estate licensees in connection with Wetlands (H. 767)
5. Smart Growth funding for Chapter 40R (S. 132, H. 160)

NSAR and the Government Affairs Committee extends a sincere appreciate to the legislators who participated and to all those that attended.

Next Legislative Breakfast: Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 8:30am

The next North Shore Association of Realtors® Legislative Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, from 8:30am to 10:00am. All NSAR members who live in Boxford, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Newbury, Rockport, Rowley, Wenham, Byfield, and/or Middleton are encouraged to attend.

Topics will likely include:

1. Transfer Taxes.
2. An Act Protecting Children from Poisoning (SB. 1230)
3. An Act Providing Information to Real Estate Buyers. (H. 323, S. 201)
4. An Act Relative to the Disclosure of Wetlands on Property. (H. 767)
5. An Act Relative to Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund (S. 132) and An Act Relative to Financing the Smart Growth Housing Trust (H. 160).

Sign up today using this form, by calling 978-232-9410, or by emailing Jeff@NorthShoreRealtors.com!

The Legislative Breakfast will be at the NSAR office at 398 Essex Street in Beverly. For directions, visit our website by clicking here.