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Housing

Posted inOpinion

Kerry Healey was right: We should discuss senior ‘overhousing’

by Ben Forman and Elise Rapoza April 2, 2025April 3, 2025

As a new state commission recommends policies, programs, and investments to expand the supply of housing for seniors, devising strategies to help older adults move into smaller homes should also be on their agenda.  

Posted inOpinion

In downtown Boston rezoning, let’s not repeat mistakes of the past

by Anthony Pangaro April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

IN JANUARY, Boston planning officials unveiled a new zoning proposal for a large area of the city’s downtown, a proposal that would dramatically alter the size and scale of permissible buildings within one block of Boston Common and the Public Garden. Under this proposed new zoning, luxury residential towers as tall as 500 feet – […]

Posted inCourts

Judge orders HUD to release $30 million in grants to fair housing groups 

Headshot of Jennifer Smith, reporter at CommonWealth Beacon. by Jennifer Smith March 27, 2025March 27, 2025

In approving a temporary restraining order to return federal grant money, a Massachusetts judge said options were limited by a recent Department of Education case.

Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago speaks in Lexington at a bill-signing ceremony for the HERO Act on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024.
Posted inState Government

Mass. exploring possible third state-run veterans’ home

by Colin A. Young // State House News Service March 25, 2025March 25, 2025

Talks are underway within state government about establishing a third long-term care home for veterans, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago said Tuesday.

Posted inHousing

Anti-discrimination housing orgs sue to ‘quite literally keep the lights on’

Headshot of Jennifer Smith, reporter at CommonWealth Beacon. by Jennifer Smith March 21, 2025March 21, 2025

Less than a month after tens of millions of dollars in fair housing cuts dropped, organizations are scrambling to adjust operations while suing the Trump administration.

Posted inTransportation

Meet Beacon Hill’s new top House lawmaker on transportation 

Headshot of Gintautus Dumcius, Reporter at CommonWealth Beacon by Gintautas Dumcius March 5, 2025March 5, 2025

Colleagues call Arciero a pragmatist who’s willing to listen, while Beacon Hill observers note that he was already a key player who helped shepherd Gov. Maura Healey’s multibillion housing bill.

Posted inHousing

Towns gear up after auditor declares MBTA Communities law an ‘unfunded mandate’

Headshot of Jennifer Smith, reporter at CommonWealth Beacon. by Jennifer Smith March 4, 2025March 5, 2025

After the state auditor handed down a determination that the MBTA Communities multi-family housing law is an unfunded mandate, towns are either scrambling to figure out next steps or racing right to the courthouse.

Posted inCourts

AG Campbell sues Boston-based home equity investment firm Hometap  

Headshot of Jennifer Smith, reporter at CommonWealth Beacon. by Jennifer Smith February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

A new lawsuit takes aim at the world of home equity investments, a growing industry that the Attorney General Andrea Campbell claims can mislead homeowners and and devalue their equity.

Posted inHousing

A new wrinkle in MBTA Communities rebellion, courtesy of DiZoglio

Headshot of Gintautus Dumcius, Reporter at CommonWealth Beacon by Gintautas Dumcius February 24, 2025February 26, 2025

Responding to a request from Wrentham officials, Auditor Diana DiZoglio waded into a local battle over the controversial MBTA Communities law, finding that the law is an “unfunded mandate” handed down by state officials.

Posted inHousing

Vacation home trends add to Massachusetts housing crunch

Headshot of Jennifer Smith, reporter at CommonWealth Beacon. by Jennifer Smith February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

A new statewide housing assessments finds almost half of all vacant homes are being reserved for seasonal or part-time use, worsening an “existential crisis” for small tourism-centered towns.

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