TopicsHousing & Zoning

Housing & Zoning

Affordable housing, 40B projects, MBTA Communities zoning, ADUs, and rezoning fights across Massachusetts towns.

Becket NewsSep 5, 2026

Becket deed disclosures thin in August, leaving housing market largely unread

Becket recorded 11 property deed transfers between Aug. 7 and Sept. 5, but only two disclosed a sale price: $277,000 for 96 Shore Rd. and $241,758 for 337 Silver Leaf Dr., yielding a median of $259,379 across the disclosed pair. The remaining nine filings, including two transfers to town entities,

MiltonSep 2, 2026

Council approves zoning change for auto-wrecking and scrap processing

Milton Borough Council approves zoning change for auto-wrecking and scrap processing operations. The 7-1 vote on Ordinance 1265 allows the uses as permitted in the Economic Development District, enabling Direct Recovery to expand to a site at Cameron Avenue and Cherry Street. Direct Recovery owners

Plymouth NewsSep 1, 2026

Plymouth Board Chair Unveils Affordable Housing Strategy

Plymouth's governing board chair unveiled a new strategy this week to hit the town's 10 percent affordable housing goal. The Community Report frames the effort as a proactive, ongoing push rather than a single fix, and comes as the town separately announced a third neighborhood informat…

Plymouth County NewsSep 1, 2026

Plymouth Board Chair Unveils Affordable Housing Strategy

Plymouth's governing board chair unveiled a new strategy this week to hit the town's 10 percent affordable housing goal. The Community Report frames the effort as a proactive, ongoing push rather than a single fix, and comes as the town separately announced a third neighborhood informat…

Boxborough NewsAug 31, 2026

Boxborough Planning Board recommends two zoning articles, pauses data center bylaw

Boxborough Planning Board sends two zoning articles to town meeting, holds off on data centers.

Middlesex County NewsAug 31, 2026

Boxborough Planning Board recommends two zoning articles, pauses data center bylaw

Boxborough Planning Board sends two zoning articles to town meeting, holds off on data centers.

Littleton NewsAug 31, 2026

Littleton Planning Board Sets Sept. 3 Hearings on Zoning, School Stormwater Permit

Littleton's Planning Board scheduled two Sept. 3 public hearings on zoning bylaw amendments and a Shaker Lane School stormwater permit, both ahead of the fall Special Town Meeting. The Affordable Housing Trust and Sustainability Committee also meet that evening, while the LCTV Advisory …

Worcester County NewsAug 31, 2026

Southborough Zoning Board Sets New Public Forum

Southborough's Zoning Board of Appeals is calling residents to another public forum, the town announced Monday morning, while five other town boards and committees prepare to meet in the first week of September. The Select Board, Golf Course Committee and Recreation Commission are slate…

Southborough NewsAug 31, 2026

Southborough Zoning Board Sets New Public Forum

Southborough's Zoning Board of Appeals is calling residents to another public forum, the town announced Monday morning, while five other town boards and committees prepare to meet in the first week of September. The Select Board, Golf Course Committee and Recreation Commission are slate…

Middlesex County NewsAug 31, 2026

Littleton Planning Board Sets Sept. 3 Hearings on Zoning, School Stormwater Permit

Littleton's Planning Board scheduled two Sept. 3 public hearings on zoning bylaw amendments and a Shaker Lane School stormwater permit, both ahead of the fall Special Town Meeting. The Affordable Housing Trust and Sustainability Committee also meet that evening, while the LCTV Advisory …

Worcester County NewsAug 30, 2026

County program saves Westborough taxpayers $1 million on inmate housing

A five-year Worcester County jail program has saved local communities an estimated $1 million by housing short-term arrestees, including 180 from Westborough, at the county jail instead of town police stations since 2021, The Gardner News reports via Westborough Patch. Separately, Westb…

Westborough NewsAug 30, 2026

County program saves Westborough taxpayers $1 million on inmate housing

A five-year Worcester County jail program has saved local communities an estimated $1 million by housing short-term arrestees, including 180 from Westborough, at the county jail instead of town police stations since 2021, The Gardner News reports via Westborough Patch. Separately, Westb…

Franklin County NewsAug 29, 2026

Single Disclosed Sale Price Leaves Leyden's August Housing Market Largely Unreadable

Eleven Leyden properties changed hands between July 31 and August 28, 2026, according to Franklin County Registry of Deeds filings, but only one transaction disclosed a sale price: $52,697 for 377 N County Road on August 28, sold by Jane A Mogelinski (also recorded as Jane A Thompson) t…

Middlesex County NewsAug 27, 2026

Medford Zoning Board Approves Sign, Dormer and Two-Family Variances

Medford Zoning Board approves two-family conversion, bank sign and dormer fix, all 4-0.

Middlesex County NewsAug 27, 2026

Planning Board denies cell tower permit after zoning variances rejected

Groton Planning Board unanimously denies a cell tower special permit at the regional high school after zoning variances failed.

Groton NewsAug 27, 2026

Planning Board denies cell tower permit after zoning variances rejected

Groton Planning Board unanimously denies a cell tower special permit at the regional high school after zoning variances failed.

Medford NewsAug 27, 2026

Medford Zoning Board Approves Sign, Dormer and Two-Family Variances

Medford Zoning Board approves two-family conversion, bank sign and dormer fix, all 4-0.

Norfolk County NewsAug 27, 2026

Weymouth Veterans Can Access Avon's Housing Assistance Program

Weymouth veterans gained a new housing lead this week as Avon's "House to House for Heroes" program opened to eligible residents. Weymouth Patch's Friday digest, "🌱 Patch AM: How Weymouth veterans can join Avon's 'House to House for Heroes'," flagged the assistance program alongside a r…

Suffolk County NewsAug 27, 2026

Boston Housing Redevelopment Project's Funding Tops $2 Million

A Boston housing redevelopment project has grown to more than $2 million in funding, according to Boston Patch. The outlet also reported that a Roxbury sunflower garden party hosted by Madison Park Development Corporation returns to Grove Hall this week, while Boston-based Shanghai Ravi…

Hampshire County NewsAug 27, 2026

Amherst Advances Zoning Study for Hampshire College's Future

Amherst is advancing a zoning study for the Hampshire College campus after the college's plan to cease academic operations after December 2026. The town launched the study to develop zoning options for the property's future use, officials said this week. Separately, Town Hall will be li…

Amherst NewsAug 27, 2026

Amherst Advances Zoning Study for Hampshire College's Future

Amherst is advancing a zoning study for the Hampshire College campus after the college's plan to cease academic operations after December 2026. The town launched the study to develop zoning options for the property's future use, officials said this week. Separately, Town Hall will be li…

Middlesex County NewsAug 27, 2026

Holliston Seeks Volunteers For Zoning Board Alternate Seats

Holliston is seeking volunteers to fill two Associate Member seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals this week. The town posted the call in a News Flash the morning of Aug. 27, part of a broader push to fill committee vacancies that has also included an open Parks Commission seat. Separate…

Weymouth NewsAug 27, 2026

Weymouth Veterans Can Access Avon's Housing Assistance Program

Weymouth veterans gained a new housing lead this week as Avon's "House to House for Heroes" program opened to eligible residents. Weymouth Patch's Friday digest, "🌱 Patch AM: How Weymouth veterans can join Avon's 'House to House for Heroes'," flagged the assistance program alongside a r…

Holliston NewsAug 27, 2026

Holliston Seeks Volunteers For Zoning Board Alternate Seats

Holliston is seeking volunteers to fill two Associate Member seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals this week. The town posted the call in a News Flash the morning of Aug. 27, part of a broader push to fill committee vacancies that has also included an open Parks Commission seat. Separate…

Boston NewsAug 27, 2026

Boston Housing Redevelopment Project's Funding Tops $2 Million

A Boston housing redevelopment project has grown to more than $2 million in funding, according to Boston Patch. The outlet also reported that a Roxbury sunflower garden party hosted by Madison Park Development Corporation returns to Grove Hall this week, while Boston-based Shanghai Ravi…

Middlesex County NewsAug 26, 2026

Berberian discusses parking, zoning and yard waste cuts on Belmont Journal

Belmont Select Board member Carol Berberian defends yard waste cuts and touts a No. 2 statewide high school ranking on Belmont Journal.

Norfolk County NewsAug 26, 2026

Weymouth zoning board continues 1085 Main Street daycare case

Weymouth zoning board delays decision on a 148-child daycare over Route 18 left-turn traffic.

Boston NewsAug 26, 2026

Council votes to surplus land for 217-unit Roxbury housing project

Boston Council clears land for 217-unit Roxbury housing project, kills early voting curbs. Councillors voted to surplus two Melnea Cass Boulevard parcels for a Drexel Village LLC affordable housing development including 217 units, retail and community space.

Weymouth NewsAug 26, 2026

Weymouth zoning board continues 1085 Main Street daycare case

Weymouth zoning board delays decision on a 148-child daycare over Route 18 left-turn traffic.

Suffolk County NewsAug 26, 2026

Council votes to surplus land for 217-unit Roxbury housing project

Boston Council clears land for 217-unit Roxbury housing project, kills early voting curbs. Councillors voted to surplus two Melnea Cass Boulevard parcels for a Drexel Village LLC affordable housing development including 217 units, retail and community space.

Belmont NewsAug 26, 2026

Berberian discusses parking, zoning and yard waste cuts on Belmont Journal

Belmont Select Board member Carol Berberian defends yard waste cuts and touts a No. 2 statewide high school ranking on Belmont Journal.

Nantucket County NewsAug 26, 2026

Nantucket Housing Office Launches Rooted Renters Program

Nantucket's Housing Office launched a new Rooted Renters program and detailed Lease to Locals funding in its August newsletter. The quarterly update, released Wednesday, August 26, also touched on the 2026 Housing Production Plan, the town's blueprint for adding year-round housing, and …

Fitchburg NewsAug 26, 2026

Fitchburg Invites Residents to Weigh In on Regional Housing Plan

Fitchburg is asking residents to complete a survey shaping the joint Fitchburg-Leominster Housing Production Plan, a document that will guide housing policy for both cities. The city posted the invitation on its website as the plan remains in progress, giving residents a direct channel …

Nantucket NewsAug 26, 2026

Nantucket Housing Office Launches Rooted Renters Program

Nantucket's Housing Office launched a new Rooted Renters program and detailed Lease to Locals funding in its August newsletter. The quarterly update, released Wednesday, August 26, also touched on the 2026 Housing Production Plan, the town's blueprint for adding year-round housing, and …

Worcester County NewsAug 26, 2026

Fitchburg Invites Residents to Weigh In on Regional Housing Plan

Fitchburg is asking residents to complete a survey shaping the joint Fitchburg-Leominster Housing Production Plan, a document that will guide housing policy for both cities. The city posted the invitation on its website as the plan remains in progress, giving residents a direct channel …

Barnstable County NewsAug 25, 2026

Yarmouth Promotes Affordable Housing Lottery for West Dennis Apartments

The town is promoting a regional lottery for two affordable apartments in West Dennis through the Cape Cod Ready Renter Program. The apartments sit at 209 Main Street on Route 28, and interested renters apply through the regional program rather than directly through Yarmouth Town Hall. …

Yarmouth NewsAug 25, 2026

Yarmouth Promotes Affordable Housing Lottery for West Dennis Apartments

The town is promoting a regional lottery for two affordable apartments in West Dennis through the Cape Cod Ready Renter Program. The apartments sit at 209 Main Street on Route 28, and interested renters apply through the regional program rather than directly through Yarmouth Town Hall. …

Berkshire County NewsAug 24, 2026

Select Board fills accountant, finance and zoning vacancies

Lanesborough Select Board appoints new town accountant, fills two board seats amid Bailey Road speeding complaints.

Lanesborough NewsAug 24, 2026

Select Board fills accountant, finance and zoning vacancies

Lanesborough Select Board appoints new town accountant, fills two board seats amid Bailey Road speeding complaints.

Essex County NewsAug 24, 2026

Newburyport Council Set to Vote on Height-Restrictive Zoning

Newburyport's City Council was set to vote Monday night on new height-restrictive zoning that could reshape development rules citywide, the Daily News of Newburyport first reported in "Newburyport council may vote on new height-restrictive zoning tonight." The proposal would cap buildin…

Newburyport NewsAug 24, 2026

Newburyport Council Set to Vote on Height-Restrictive Zoning

Newburyport's City Council was set to vote Monday night on new height-restrictive zoning that could reshape development rules citywide, the Daily News of Newburyport first reported in "Newburyport council may vote on new height-restrictive zoning tonight." The proposal would cap buildin…

Amherst NewsAug 21, 2026

Amherst Studies Zoning Options for Hampshire College Campus

Amherst launched a zoning study for the Hampshire College campus after the college said it will end academic operations in December 2026. The town also opened its new online Agenda and Minutes Center for public meetings, announced Bangs Community Center renovations aimed at accessibilit…

Hampshire County NewsAug 21, 2026

Amherst Studies Zoning Options for Hampshire College Campus

Amherst launched a zoning study for the Hampshire College campus after the college said it will end academic operations in December 2026. The town also opened its new online Agenda and Minutes Center for public meetings, announced Bangs Community Center renovations aimed at accessibilit…

Wellesley NewsAug 20, 2026

Wellesley Housing Authority Approves $600 Stipend, $295,000 in Bills

Wellesley Housing Authority clears $295,000 in bills and a $600 stipend for a fill-in maintenance worker.

Norfolk County NewsAug 20, 2026

Wellesley Housing Authority Approves $600 Stipend, $295,000 in Bills

Wellesley Housing Authority clears $295,000 in bills and a $600 stipend for a fill-in maintenance worker.

Pepperell NewsAug 20, 2026

Pepperell Affordable Housing Trust Backs 10,000-Square-Foot Lot Zoning

Pepperell Affordable Housing Trust backs 10,000-square-foot minimum lots for denser infill housing.

Middlesex County NewsAug 20, 2026

Pepperell Affordable Housing Trust Backs 10,000-Square-Foot Lot Zoning

Pepperell Affordable Housing Trust backs 10,000-square-foot minimum lots for denser infill housing.

Hampden County NewsAug 20, 2026

Sarno Draws Four Winners in Old Hill Housing Lottery

Mayor Sarno drew four winners in a Springfield housing lottery for new Old Hill Infill homes on Thursday. The winning families will move into brand-new construction in the 01109 ZIP code at a steep discount from market value, a story Western Mass News also covered under the headline "Sp…

Springfield NewsAug 20, 2026

Sarno Draws Four Winners in Old Hill Housing Lottery

Mayor Sarno drew four winners in a Springfield housing lottery for new Old Hill Infill homes on Thursday. The winning families will move into brand-new construction in the 01109 ZIP code at a steep discount from market value, a story Western Mass News also covered under the headline "Sp…

Wrentham NewsAug 20, 2026

Wrentham Housing Authority Opens Search For Executive Director

The Wrentham Housing Authority posted a search this week for a new executive director to lead the agency, a notable leadership opening at the town's affordable housing arm. Separately, residential tax rates rose in 109 Massachusetts communities for fiscal 2026, according to a Wrentham P…

Middlesex County NewsAug 20, 2026

Belmont Center Zoning Proposals Could Reshape Leonard Street, Concord Avenue

New zoning proposals could reshape Belmont Center's Leonard Street and Concord Avenue, Belmont Patch reports. The Belmont Health Department opened back-to-school vaccine appointments for students and residents 18 and under, and the town closed its athletic fields from Aug. 21 to Aug. 24…

Norfolk County NewsAug 20, 2026

Wrentham Housing Authority Opens Search For Executive Director

The Wrentham Housing Authority posted a search this week for a new executive director to lead the agency, a notable leadership opening at the town's affordable housing arm. Separately, residential tax rates rose in 109 Massachusetts communities for fiscal 2026, according to a Wrentham P…

Medford NewsAug 20, 2026

Medford housing fair set to connect residents with city resources

Medford is organizing an affordable housing resource fair where residents can hear the city's plans and meet local housing organizations, Medford Patch reports. Separately, Medford Patch reports two Medford police officers are gearing up to return to their school posts as the new academ…

Yarmouth NewsAug 20, 2026

Yarmouth Select Board, Zoning Board Set Meetings for Aug. 25, 27

Yarmouth's Select Board meets Aug. 25, followed by a Zoning Board of Appeals session Aug. 27 this week. Both sessions fall in the run-up to the Labor Day holiday weekend, giving residents an early-September window to track town business before schedules shift. The Zoning Board's Aug. 27…

Belmont NewsAug 20, 2026

Belmont Center Zoning Proposals Could Reshape Leonard Street, Concord Avenue

New zoning proposals could reshape Belmont Center's Leonard Street and Concord Avenue, Belmont Patch reports. The Belmont Health Department opened back-to-school vaccine appointments for students and residents 18 and under, and the town closed its athletic fields from Aug. 21 to Aug. 24…

Middlesex County NewsAug 20, 2026

Medford housing fair set to connect residents with city resources

Medford is organizing an affordable housing resource fair where residents can hear the city's plans and meet local housing organizations, Medford Patch reports. Separately, Medford Patch reports two Medford police officers are gearing up to return to their school posts as the new academ…

Barnstable County NewsAug 20, 2026

Yarmouth Select Board, Zoning Board Set Meetings for Aug. 25, 27

Yarmouth's Select Board meets Aug. 25, followed by a Zoning Board of Appeals session Aug. 27 this week. Both sessions fall in the run-up to the Labor Day holiday weekend, giving residents an early-September window to track town business before schedules shift. The Zoning Board's Aug. 27…

Middlesex County NewsAug 19, 2026

Three Democrats spar on housing, Gaza in Medford forum

Three Democrats vying for the 34th Middlesex State House seat found rare agreement on Gaza divestment and ICE data-sharing.

Natick NewsAug 19, 2026

Natick Planning Board sends two zoning amendments to fall warrant

Natick Planning Board sends zoning flexibility measures to fall warrant, continues two development hearings.

ThompsonAug 19, 2026

Planning Board approves three sites, refers two to zoning board

Planning Board approves three major projects after extended reviews. Chairman Kathleen Lara's board unanimously granted conditional site plan approval to Robert Green Trucks, which had been in review for more than 18 months, along with Brookview Partners and Tara Acres. The board also referred Nob

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