Campbell LetterCarolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
Valley Community Development and 737 Bridge Road Site Plan Application
1 message
Joanne Campbell <joannec83153@gmail.com>Thu, Oct 27, 2022 at 3:36 PM
To: Carolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
Cc: Alexis Breiteneicher <ab@valleycdc.org>, Laura Baker <lb@valleycdc.com>, Jessica Allan <ja@valleycdc.org>
Dear Members of the Planning Board:
I am writing to express my whole hearted support for the proposed renovation and re-use of the former Northampton Nursing Home
located at 737 Bridge Road for 60 affordable rental apartments. I am in favor of this proposal because:
The property has been vacant for over 12 years. It has fallen into severe disrepair becoming an eyesore and the target of
vandalism. It is currently a wasted resource in our community.
A er all these years of abandonment and disrepair, I understand that Valley's proposal is the first truly viable reuse
proposal.
Valley Community Development has an excellent track record in developing and managing affordable housing and will be
good neighbors.
The need for addi onal affordable housing in Northampton remains at a cri cal level.
The proposed housing includes a wide range of apartment sizes and will serve a wide range of household incomes, from
30% to 100% of the Area Median Income.
A percentage of apartments will have a preference for high need persons, including those who are currently unhoused.
This is an excellent loca on for family apartments, being walking distance to schools, playgrounds, Childs Park, Cooley
Dickinson Hospital, the YMCA, the bike trail, and essen al stores.
This is a transit-friendly loca on for lower income tenants who may not have cars, being on a PVTA bus line and within a
block of the bike trail. In addi on, I understand a new bus shelter and ValleyBike Share sta on are shortly to be installed on
the site.
Valley’s proposal preserves and improves green space on the property.
The proposed building renova on will improve energy efficiency, including all-electric u li es, increased levels of insula on,
and alterna ve energy sources.
The new housing will meet high levels of accessibility for disabled persons, an acute need throughout the Commonwealth.
I urge you to grant site plan approval for the proposed development.
Sincerely,
Joanne Campbell
13 Perkins Avenue
Ward 1 Resident