LDS completed more than a dozen market studies for the DHCD's April 2011 funding round.  A handful of the market studies were new; most were updates from prior funding rounds. LDS returned to project sites and performed new research in order to refresh competitive data and keep up to speed on local trends for clients requiring study updates. The studies were for small and large developments in communities across the Commonwealth, from Hyannis to Dorchester. 

In response to the 2011 Notice of Available Funding for HUD's 202 program, LDS prepared three market studies for subsidized senior rental projects in Massachusetts. One of the studies was for a new client, CSI Support and Development, who is looking to develop 40 subsidized senior rental units in Brockton. The other two market studies completed by LDS were updates. One was for a 40-unit subsidized project in Mission Hill proposed by Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services, and the other was for the expansion of Plantation Apartments in Stow by the Stow Community Housing Corporation.

LDS prepared a market study for a 299-unit mixed-use development in Belmont for O’Neill Properties.  Consultant Bob Engler of SEB, LLC helped obtain the comprehensive permit for the project, Belmont Uplands, and he prepared the funding application. 

LDS conducted a market study for a proposed rental housing development in Brookline and Boston for Chestnut Hill Realty.  The study focused on the project’s 250 to 260 age-restricted rental units.

LDS analyzed market-rate rental housing in the Bridgewater area to help new client Claremont Companies make decisions about its proposed 300-unit, mixed-income development. Specifically, LDS examined 11 market-rate apartment complexes in Bridgewater and seven neighboring communities. Everything from the complexes' rents to occupancies were studied as part of the work. Ultimately, LDS offered recommendations on several issues, including proposed rents, target customers and amenities.

LDS prepared a market study for a proposed 192-unit affordable rental development in Holden called Winterberry Hollow.  The study examined the project’s location and included a competitive rental analysis.

LDS completed a rent comparison study for Whaler’s Place Apartments in New Bedford.

In May, LDS provided market research to new client Bonnet Realty, LLC, who is proposing to create six affordable one-bedroom units in Ayer. LDS examined rents at a wide range of properties, including mixed-income rental projects, affordable rental developments and one-bedroom rentals listed on the Multiple Listings Service. Demographics and housing demand were also studied to help Bonnet Realty in its planning efforts. The client's project is expected to include commercial space on the ground floor, with the residential units on the second floor

LDS principal Lynne Sweet served as an expert witness to the Cambridge Housing Authority ("CHA") by providing an affordable housing market report on regional need. The CHA had received a zoning board of appeals Chapter 40B permit to develop an affordable, multifamily rental housing project in Central Square at the former YWCA pool site and the project’s approval had been appealed by an abutter.  Lynne was also deposed on the case prior to the case being settled just days before trial.

Lynne served as an expert witness on behalf of a developer who proposed a 40B project in Sunderland called Sugarbush Meadows.  Testifying before the HAC, Lynne spoke to the regional need for affordable housing and discussed other zoning issues.  The HAC decided in support of Sugarbush Meadows as did Superior Court.

LDS was hired to assist a client who was interested in acquiring two large multi-family housing portfolios. LDS provided a supply and demand and sales comparison analysis to assist the client and its investment committee in understanding the current portfolio as well as an improved portfolio.

LDS has worked on feasibility analyses for three large multi-family housing developments, including 473 units in Marlborough, MA, 588 units in North Andover, MA and 412 units in Nashua, NH. LDS researched supply and demand to assist the client in making business decisions regarding the renovation of the existing product and achievable rents post renovation.

LDS provided a feasibility analysis for a proposed 253 unit multi-family development in Chelsea, MA. LDS researched supply and demand in order to assist the client in making business decisions about the development of the units including identifying the target customer, unit mix and amenities.

LDS provided a market study for the proposed development of 150 units of mixed income rental housing in Hyannis, MA in connection with a financing application to MassHousing. This development, if built, will be the first large multi-family housing development on Cape Cod.

LDS continues to provide a variety of services to the senior housing industry. LDS is called upon to assist developers in re-positioning their properties to address the current market conditions. Many of its clients are parties who have permits for active adult facilities and are looking to examine demand for other senior or multi-family housing products. LDS provides market research, permitting and financing strategies and helps locate potential purchasers or partners.

LDS completed a supply and demand analysis for senior housing on Cape Ann.  The study focused on the need for affordable assisted living and senior housing with services.

In preparation for a Town Meeting involving a proposed overlay district and transfer of development rights, LDS worked with Connery Associates to perform a Fiscal Impact Analysis for the Village at Kingston, a proposed 600-unit multi-use transit-oriented project.

LDS provided technical assistance to the City of Melrose Office of Planning and Community Development in connection with an overlay district proposal for 15 acres of land on lower Washington Street. LDS reviewed and commented on the developers Fiscal Impact Report.