Housing Choice-FY23 full application as submitted 5-16-22Section 1.
Applicant Information
EOHED Region MassDOT
District
MDFA Regional
Office West Gateway City N/A Housing Choice
Regional
Planning
Agency
Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission
1.2. Organization Type
✓ Public Entity
✓ Municipality
Public Housing Authority
Redevelopment Authority or Similar Quasi-Governmental Agency
Water or Sewer District
Other Public Entity
1.3. Applicant Organization Name:
City of Northampton
1.4. Applicant Organization Legal Address:
210 Main St., Planning & Sustainability
1.5. City/Town:
Northampton
1.10. CEO Tel.:
(413) 587-1249
1.13. Project Contact Title
Infrastructure for Affordable Housing
1.15. Contact Email
wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
1.17. Organization Description – Outline the organization’s mission, structure, and economic development goals
and history.
The City of Northampton is a municipal government. Planning and Sustainability is the department charged with, among
other things, affordable housing, sustainability, land use, and community development.
1.1. Primary Location:
Northampton
Pioneer Valley District 2 Rural or Small
Town N/A
Yes - HC
MVP
Community Yes - MVP MBTA
Community No
please specify:
Non-Public Entity
1.6. State:
Massachusetts
1.7. Zip Code:
01060
1.8. CEO Name:
Gina-Louise Sciarra
1.9 CEO Title:
Mayor
1.11. CEO Email:
Mayor@northamptonma.gov
1.12. Project Contact Name
Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning & Sustainability
1.14. Contact Tel.:
(413) 587-1265
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Section 2.
Project Information
2.1. Project Categories for Grant Consideration (Check all that apply). Please note that, for each category selected, additional
questions will appear in the application related to that funding type. (note: Section 1.1 and 1.2 must be completed before
selecting an option here).
Community Capacity Building
Planning and Zoning
✓ Infrastructure
2.2. Project Name:
Infrastructure for Affordable Housing
2.3. Is this a joint application between two or more municipalities (and/or entities), which will entail a formal arrangement for a
shared scope of work and allocation of funds?
Yes ✓No
2.4. Short Project Description / Abstract – Provide a concise description of the project, with a focus on the portion
of the project for which the applicant is requesting funds.
Provide site improvements and infrastructure for affordable housing at up to four properties in Northampton: Cooke Ave,
Chapel Street, Cooke Avenue, Evergreen Road, Oak Street, and Prospect Avenue.
✓ Site Preparation
Building
2.5. Leadership and Ability to Execute – Describe the leadership and project management group for this project
and why it is an effective team to advance this project.
Planning & Sustainability will be the project manager. Planning has a strong project management focus and, for example
in FY23, is directly overseeing five grant-funded construction projects (including one FY22 infrastructure for affordable
housing project), several engineering and design projects, and coordination of CDBG (Northampton is an entitlement city),
projects. All of these projects are on-time and on-budget.
Planning & Sustainability is an eight person office. All staff oversee and serve as project manager for some projects, with
2.5 FTE devoted to project management and implementation.
Planning & Sustainability reports directly to the Mayor, who has been extremely supportive of projects and has allocated
both CDBG funds and City Capital Improvement Funds to meet the necessary local matches for projects.
2.6. Project Need – Describe why this project is necessary in enhancing economic development or unlocking
other housing and/or jobs.
Northampton is committed to expanding affordable housing, both funding (CDBG, CPA, and state infrastructure grant
management) non-profit partners affordable housing, and aggressively finding city land for affordable housing. Finding
land or providing money for development is often not enough, especially for marginal land, and infrastructure to serve
those sites is critical to creating the affordable and attainable housing that the City and the Commonwealth definitely need.
This project is focused on infrastructure required to serve one non-profit lead affordable housing site and up to f]three city
parcels of land that have been declared surplus by City Council for affordable housing purposes.
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2.7. Progress to date – What progress has the applicant made on this project to date? Include details about
planning, stakeholder engagement, development tools used, noting if the project is included in any adopted
municipal or regional plans (e.g. Master Plan, CEDS, HPP, etc.), etc.
1. For Prospect Street, a non-profit driven affordable housing site, the City has already allocated $1 million to aid in the
purchase of the property (using CDBG, CPA, and short term rental housing. The city has determined that the developer will
build sidewalks along their property but, to address traffic mitigation requirements, the City, if funded by Housing Choice,
will develop the sidewalks to provide critical connections. The City has determined that our right-of-way is sufficient for
these sidewalks, so the final design and construction are not complicated.
2. For Cooke Avenue, the City completed its 21E/ESA and purchased the property earlier this week and is dedicating it for
affordable housing. We are using city funds (CDBG) for the asbestos remediation and demolition of a derelict unusable
building on the site, with demolition scheduled for July. We have determined that we need to improve the water, sewer, and
parking lot to serve this site, which are all uncomplicated projects.
3. For Chapel Street, the City completed a sewer feasibility study and needs to install the pressure sewer outlined in the
study and a new crosswalk with advance warning across a busy street. With the sewer feasibility study completed, the
design and construction is fairly straight forward.
4. For Oak Street, the City has completed wetlands due diligence and determined that a pressurized sewer, water service,
and a long driveway will be needed. All are straight forward.
Although all the sites are straight forward, we understand that surprises come up. For this reason, we have identified four
projects but are budgeting for fewer projects so that we can successfully finish the Housing Choice project even if any of the
project finds surprises that cause delays.
2.8. Prior State/Federal Funding - Has the applicant applied for or received state or federal funding for this project?
Please detail any type of funding, including grants, financing, etc. from any state agency or quasi-public agency
(i.e. MassDevelopment).
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which is technically federal money but for grant purposes is typically
treated as local money (Northampton is an entitlement community) has been allocated for MA-FY23 for asbestos
remediation and demolition at Cooke Avenue and the for a portion of the City's $1 million commitment to fund the
purchase of Prospect Avenue for affordable housing. Chapel Street was deeded to the City for municipal purposes (which
covers affordable housing) by a grant of the legislature as consideration for hosting the Northampton State Hospital
(according to the legislation). No other state or federal funds have been applied for yet for these projects.
2.9. Timeline – Provide the start/end dates for the overall project and any other notable periods. Note: Grants will be
announced in fall 2022 for contracts starting in FY23. Dates below should reflect that timing.
Target Start Date of the Project:10/3/2022
Target End Date of the Project:6/30/2024
3/31/2023
4/14/2023
2.10. Timeline Information – Describe the timeline for the project and provide information about any notable dates
and/or milestones.
We have already advanced through due diligence and are moving forward on site clearance for the one city property with a
building. We anticipate six months to complete infrastructure design and bid specifications, 1.5 months for bidding and
contract awarding, allowing 14.5 months for construction, which provides a six month safety margin from how long we
believe construction will actually take,
Other. Specify:
Completion of design and release of bids
Other. Specify:
Sign construction contract
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2.11. Anticipated Outcomes - Provide a description of the anticipated outcomes of the project. Describe the
envisioned end use and expected impacts, such as information about housing, jobs, residents or businesses
supported.
We expect to have several sites ready for affordable housing construction. The larger sites (12 units at Chapel Street and
63 units at Prospect Avenue) will need to apply for construction funding. The small sites (2 to 4 units at Cooke Avenue, and
2 to 4 units at Oak Street) will be ready for construction by smaller developers, some Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
which rely on CPA, CDBG and community contributions, or private developers who are willing to take cross subsidies in
return for free land for market rate units (Cooke Avenue and Oak Street). In total, these funds will be part of the leveraging
of a total of 80+ affordable units.
The city's policy is that affordable housing projects where we provide free land and/or substantial funding must be fossil
fuel free for heating and cooling and beyond the energy stretch code for energy efficiency, so all 80 units will contribute to
our climate mitigation efforts.
2.12. Does the project support and/or directly result in any of the following Sustainable Development Principals? (Check all
that apply or None)
✓Concentrate Development and Mix Uses
✓Advance Equity
✓Protect Land and Ecosystems
✓Provide Transportation
None
2.13. Does the project support and/or directly result in any of the following development outcomes? (Check all that apply or
None)
✓Transit-Oriented Development (located within a half mile of a transit station or route)
✓Production or Preservation of Housing (with density of at least four units to the acre)
✓Developments that are Reusing Previously Developed Sites
✓Development of Underutilized Properties
Development in a Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District
Development in a Cultural District
Development in a 43D Expedited Permitting District
Promote Equitable Opportunity (Equitable Opportunity is a principle outlined in the state's economic development plan –
Partnerships for Growth. Click HERE.)
✓Have Environmental Benefits
Develop or support Small Businesses
2.14. Is this project directly related to and/or seeking to support efforts related to economic recovery from the Covid-19
pandemic?
2.15. Does the community have an active housing moratorium or any type of restriction of new housing?
✓No
✓Make Efficient Decisions
✓Use Natural Resources Wisely
Increase Job and Business Opportunities
✓Promote Clean Energy
Developments that Contain a Mix of Residential and Commercial Uses
Development of Commercial Areas in a Downtown
Development in an Opportunity Zone
Included in the community’s Local Rapid Recovery Plan (LRRP)
None
✓ Yes No
2.14a. Describe the Covid-related harm or need to be addressed.
Eviction rates and housing insecurity increased during Covid. The numbers of people experiencing
houselessness have either increased dramatically or have resulted in people coming out of hiding
and being far more visible. Part of our mix of Covid recovery is to create more affordable housing,
including studios that serve those at the greatest risk of houselessness.
2.14b. Explain why the requested funds are necessary to address the harm or need, and if the
applicant intends (or not) to allocate local ARPA funds to also support this project.
ARPA funds are already dramatically overcommitted because the need is so great. For example, the
City is committed to developing a community resilience hub to provide a response to acute (e.g,
major storms) and chronic (e.g., people experiencing houselessness) with daytime support for a cost
of well over $4 million. A portion of this will come from ARPA funds, as does support for downtown
businesses and many other uses. We don't have enough ARPA funds to cover all needs and given
the longer term nature of this project it is not our top ARPA priority.
Yes
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2.16. Is the project site located within an Environmental Justice census block group? Click HERE to access the
Commonwealth’s Environmental Justice Map Viewer.
2.17. Does the applicant have a letter from the municipal CEO outlining knowledge of and support for the proposed project? If
yes, attach support letter.
No
SITE INFORMATION:
2.18. Project Address(es): (If multiple, enter the ID for each parcel individually. Add lines as necessary)
2.19 Parcel ID(s): (If multiple, enter the ID for each parcel individually. Add lines as necessary.)
ATTACHMENT HERE: Attach a locus map showing the project location.
Locus-Housing Choice FY24.pdf
2.20. Describe the project site(s) or building, include square footage, ownership history, past/present uses and
operators, conditions of any existing building(s), historic considerations, unique challenges that may exist at this
location, etc.
Prospect Ave/Bridge Rd. is a former nursing home now owned by Valley Community Development Corporation (with $1
million in city funds). It will get a full gut rehabilitation to convert to affordable housing. It will only need a site plan approval,
under 40R Smart Growth overlay. The Housing Choice project is on city right of way and easement (sidewalks and a bike
share station).
Chapel St. is a vacant parcel owned by the City of Northampton and is part of the former Northampton State Hospital. The
state gave the city the parcel a decade ago.
Cooke Ave. is owned by the City of Northampton, purchased in early May for affordable housing. The former derelict
Moose Lodge will have asbestos remediated and will be demolished in July with city funds.
Oak St. is a former gravel pit owned by the City of Northampton.
All three City sites have been declared surplus by City Council for affordable housing.
2.21. What type of use is currently allowed by zoning on the project site(s)? (Check all that apply)
Mixed - Use
Other:
✓Residential – Multi-family None of the above
2.22. Would you like this application to be reviewed for potential 43D expedited permitting designation of the site? (If site is
already designated, check No)
Yes ✓No
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: The table below will display the total request amount from each of the corresponding
budget tables, based on the category selection(s) at 2.1. It will remain blank until the applicant begins to enter
budget numbers in any of the respective sections of this application. The values in this table will be automatically
updated, only AFTER the budget numbers in each section are entered/changed and that page is saved.
✓Yes No
✓Yes
ATTACHMENT HERE: Attach the support letter from the municipal CEO.
Mayor Support-Housing Choices-5-7-22.pdf
737 Bridge Road (at Prospect Avenue, Northampton, MA 01060
Chapel Street, Northampton, MA 01060
196 Cooke Avenue, Northampton, MA 01060
Oak Street, Florence, MA 01062
18C-048
38A-149
18-022
17C-001
Industrial/Commercial
Residential – Single Family / Townhome
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Amount Requested
Section 3: Capacity Building $0
Section 4: Planning and Zoning $0
Section 6: Building $0
Section 7: Infrastructure $0
Grand Total Requested $250000
Section / Category
Section 5: Site Preparation $250000
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Section 5.
Site Preparation Additional Questions
5.1. Before you proceed, have you read the Guidelines for Site Readiness and/or Brownfields Program?
✓Yes No
5.2. Is this project focused on an Industrial or Commercial site? Note: Priority will be given to Industrial/Commercial
sites, although brownfields site assessment or remediation projects also allow for a housing end use.
Yes ✓No
5.3. What is the focus of this project? (Check One)
Site Predevelopment
Site Due Diligence
Site Master Planning
Civil Engineering
Pre-Permitting/Permitting
Other
Implementation
Site Acquisition, related tasks
✓Construction of site related upgrades
Other
5.5. If known, provide the contact information for the provider undertaking the project:
Entity/Company:Phone:
Contact Name/Title:Email:
5.6. Budget – In the table below, provide a breakdown, by spending category, of the total budget for the proposed project.
Enter the grant amount(s) requested/allocated for each category and the amount(s) covered with matching funds, if any.
Spending Category Funds Requested Match / Other Funds Total Project
Budget
Source of Match /Other
Funds
Predevelopment
Consultants / Prof. Fees $$
Brownfield Site
Assessment $$
Other / Miscellaneous $$
Total $0 $0 $0
Market Study
Brownfields Site Assessment (Assessment Only)
Demolition (Full structure, no building interior demolition)
Brownfields Remediation (may include both Remediation and Assessment)
5.4. Narrative / Scope of work - Describe the proposed work that will be funded by the grant and carried out to
further this project. Include major milestones.
From award to six months we will complete engineering and bid specifications for the necessary work.
Two months for construction bidding and award.
Seven months for construction
Six months for punch list and safety for any construction delays.
Prospect Ave site will have sidewalks within the right of way to serve affordable housing.
Chapel Street will have pressurized sewer and related pumps, crosswalk and advance crosswalk warning.
Cooke Avenue will have driveway, parking, and water and sewer service extensions.
Evergreen will have rough grading and water and sewer service extensions.
Oak Street will have driveway grading and water and sewer services.
$0
$0
$0
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Implementation
Design / Enginering /
Permitting $67000 CPA affordable housing
Construction / Demolition $210000 $90000 CDBG
Brownfield Remediation $$
Other / Miscellaneous $$
Total $250000 $117000 $367000
5.8. Site Information - Provide the assessed value and acreage information. (Estimate as needed)
Current assessed value of the site:
How many acres are currently developed:
How many acres have the potential to be developed:
16.00
5.9. Utilities - Describe the availability of utility services to the project site:
Public Water:Not Available Needs Upgrade Unknown
Public Sewer:✓Available Not Availale Needs Upgrade Unknown
Electric:✓Available Not Available Needs Upgrade Unknown
Natural Gas:Available ✓Not Available Needs Upgrade Unknown
$40000 $27000
$300000
$0
$0
5.7. Provide line item explanations, justifications, and/or notes, as needed. Include description of the source(s)
and status of all matching funds.
Design of sidewalks, driveway, grading, water and sewer and other related improvements will be done partially with Housing
Choice and partially with City funds using an existing CPA affordable housing grant and, for Cooke Avenue, and existing
CDBG allocation. Some of the design work will start prior to the Housing Choice award (but in FY23) so it may not qualify
as a formal match.
The design work will happen at all four sites. The construction work for all four sites will be done using Housing Choice and
CDBG funds that the Mayor has committed to. Although we are working on four sites, there is enough work to do that if any
site has delays we can easily use the entire requested budget.
ATTACHMENT HERE: Attach a cost estimate or proposal from prospective consultant(s) for this project. If a
Brownfields project, include a detailed workplan and schedule for the assessment and/or remediation work,
prepared by a Mass. Licensed Site Professional in good standing.
ENGINEERING BUDGET-2022-05-13 BDG Proposal - FY23 Housing Choice projects.pdf
$2298500
4.00
7.00
How many acres cannot be developed:5.00
Total Site Acreage:
✓Available
5.10. Utilities – Describe any other relevant information about existing utilities, deficiencies, and/or needed
upgrades to support your project:
Chapel Street does not have sewer, but we have already completed a sewer feasibility study and have an estimate of what
it will take to extend pressure sewer. All the other sites have adequate water and sewer in the adjacent street.
Prospect Ave does not have sidewalks on the Prospect Ave side of the property, which is needed given the size of the
project. The developer will complete the sidewalks abutting their property and we hope to add them to connect those
sidewalks to the nearest safe street to walk on.
Oak Street is somewhat more complex with a long driveway down to the property, requiring a need for a pressurized sewer.
Otherwise, all of the properties require relatively simple infrastructure services.
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5.11. Site Access – Describe existing access to the project site and required improvements, if applicable.
All of the properties have frontage on a city street with plenty of opportunities for site access. Oak Street requires a long
driveway. Cooke Ave requires some parking adjacent to the driveway to replace the parking on site that has been used for
people walking on nearby walking trails that will be lost from the site redevelopment (this parking has been by the former
owner's permission and is not subject to Article 97 since it was never set aside for open space). Otherwise access is fairly
simple.
5.12. Site Marketing Status – Summarize past and current site marketing efforts, and indicate if the site is on the
market now or has been on the market before.
Prospect Ave/Bridge Road, the former nursing home, was on the market for over a decade but was purchased earlier in
2022 (in part with $1 million from the City) by a partnership led by the Valley Community Development Corporation. All the
other sites are owned by the City of Northampton and dedicated to affordable housing. They will be transferred for no
consideration, except the requirement to provide affordable housing, to an affordable housing developer. After the work is
completed and final Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity board approval. Chapel Street will be transferred to Valley
Community Development Corporation. Cooke Avenue and Oak Street will be determined after the City does a RFP for
developers. To increase the number of affordable housing providers, we are exploring an option for each site of giving the
land for free to a developer in return for two market rate units and two affordable units on each of those two sites. We did that
recently on another project with some success.
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Section 7.
Infrastructure (Horizontal Construction) Additional Questions
7.1. Before you proceed, have you read the Guidelines MassWorks Infrastructure Program?
✓Yes No
By virtue of your community’s Housing Choice Designation, this project is eligible for the Housing Choice Community Grants
Program. Please note that the maximum Housing Choice Community Grants Program award is $250,000.
7.1.c. Have you read the guidelines for the Housing Choice Community Grants Program
✓Yes No
7.1.d. Is the proposed project budget $250,000 or less?
✓Yes No
7.2. Select the one category below that best describes the type of development that is being supported by the public
infrastructure project proposed in this section:
Mixed-Use Development (Residential with office, retail, and/or commercial
development)
✓Housing Development (Residential only)
Economic Development with job creation and/or retention (No
Residential/Housing)
7.3. What is the primary emphasis of the infrastructure work? (Choose One)
Predevelopment: Design/Engineering Documents
Roadway/Streetscape Improvements
✓Water / Sewer Infrastructure
Public Utility Project (Gas, Electric, etc.)
7.4. Indicate which, if any, of the following housing and/or economic development tools have been adopted within the project
site.
✓40R Smart Growth or Starter Home District
43D Expedited Permitting District
Approved Urban Renewal Plan
District Improvement Financing (DIF)/Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Economic Opportunity Area (EOA)
Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District
7.5. Is the project site located at or within a half mile of a transit station (defined as a subway or commuter rail station), or a
bus route that directly connects to a transit station?
✓Yes No
7.5a. If yes, identify the names of the transit station and/or connecting bus route(s):
PVTA R42 and R44.
7.6. Is the project site located within an Opportunity Zone? Click HERE to access the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Zone
Map.
Yes ✓No
Bridge / Culvert Repair or Replacement
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ATTACHMENT HERE: Attach a site plan, conceptual drawing, and/or construction design that clearly
demonstrates the location and proposed work.
CONCEPT-four sites-Housing Choice-WF5-13-22.pdf
7.8. Budget – In the table below, provide a breakdown, by spending category, of the total budget for the proposed project.
Enter the amount(s) allocated from the grant and the amount(s) covered with matching funds, if any. This budget should reflect
the full cost of ONLY the proposed project. DO NOT include the cost other components and/or adjacent but separate work
carried out by the applicant or other entities.
Spending Category Grant Request Total Project
Budget
Source of Match / Other
Funds
Design / Engineering /
Permitting $40000 $20000 $60000
Bidding $3000 $3000 City In-kind
$190000 $90000 $280000 City CDBG
Construction Admin.$0 $4000
Contingency $20000 $$20000Not included in budget, but
city covers
TOTALS $250000 $117000 $367000
ATTACHMENT HERE: * Attach an engineer’s cost estimate or similar document that details and substantiates the
requested grant amount for construction. . Applicant may submit a pre-filled worksheet, such as from the MassDOT
Construction Project Estimator. Contingencies should be clearly identified using a separate line item(s).
Housing Choice Northampton cost estimates.pdf
7.10. Is the project site publicly owned?
✓Yes No
7.10a. If Yes, describe the type of public ownership (Check all that apply).
✓Public Land ✓Right of Way Other
Leasehold ✓Easement
7.7. Narrative / Scope of Work - Describe the proposed limits and scope of design and/or construction work that
will be funded by the grant and carried out to further the project.
For all four sites, we have initial feasibility analysis, some completed in-house and a detailed sewer feasibility analysis for
one site. Our next steps with the grant are:
1. Design of the water, sewer, and driveway infrastructure required at the city owned Oak Street site which is dedicated to
affordable and mixed income housing.
2. Design of the water, sewer, and driveway/parking infrastructure required at the city owned Cooke Avenue site which is
dedicate to affordable and mixed income housing.
3. Design of sidewalks in the city owned right of way to serve a non-profit owned affordable housing site that the city will hold
an affordable housing restriction on at Prospect Ave and Bridge Road.
4. Design of the pressure force main to serve the city owned Chapel Street site which is dedicated to affordable housing.
5. Construction of all of the above improvements at the four sites.
Match / Other Funds
City Community
Preservation Act
$0
Construction (All
Earthwork and Site
Work)
$4000 City in-kind
7.9. Provide line item explanations, justifications, and/or notes, as needed. Include description of the source(s)
and status of all matching funds (including those spent to date), whether they are subject to a vote of approval by
Town Meeting or Council, and by what date (actual or anticipated) the applicant expects to secure the funds.
Design estimates are based on proposal from Berkshire Design.
Construction estimates are partially based on detailed feasibility estimates (Chapel Street Sewer Feasibility Study) and
partially standard cost items (e.g., sidewalks, water, sewer)
Local match (in-kind staffing and CPA) and (CDBG entitlement funds) are committed.
Bidding and Construction Administration to be handled by city with assistance (covered in the above table under design)
from our design contractor.
We are not building in contingency in the ask or the guaranteed city match, but internally we typically budget 20% for pre-
bid contingency (we underestimate costs) and 10% for post contract (change order) contingency. We are including that in
our construction amount and not breaking it down because we will typically do add alternative items (e.g., streets trees
along sidewalks) to get up to the full budgeted items.
All four sites exceed the funds shown. We will design all sites but build only as far as the funds go.
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7.15. Provide the planned schedule/timeline for the public infrastructure project.
Milestone Start Date End Date
Design / Engineering / Permitting 10/1/2022 3/31/2023
Bidding Open / Close 3/31/2023 4/14/2023
Construction Start 5/8/2023
50% Construction 8/15/2023
Construction Complete 5/1/2024
7.16. What percentage of the public infrastructure project design is completed?5.00%
7.17. Which of the following permits, licenses, and/or approvals are required for this project? For each selected item,
indicate if secured and the actual or anticipated dates of filing and issuance.
Check If Required Check if Secured Filing Date (Actual or
Anticipated)
Decision Date (Actual or
Anticipated)
Chapter 91 License
401 Water Quality Certification
Superseding Order of Conditions
Water Management Act
Permit
Mass Historic Commission Review
Planning Board
Conservation Commission
Zoning Board
✓Sewer Extension Permit 1/15/2023 2/28/2023
Utility Relocation
Building Permit
Other. Specify:
7.18. Is this construction work planned as a non-participating scope item on a MassDOT TIP project?
✓No
7.19. Will the project require coordination with a utility company?
Yes ✓No
7.20. Will the project include work on a state roadway and/or at an intersection with a state roadway?
Yes ✓No
7.21. Has the municipality applied to, or a received a grant from, the MassDOT Complete Streets Program for any portion of
this project?
✓No
7.22. Does the public infrastructure project meet or exceed any of the thresholds for MEPA review set forth in 301 CMR
11.03?
✓No
7.23. Does the private development project, identified herein, meet or exceed the MEPA thresholds as set forth in 301 CMR
11.03?
✓No
ATTACHMENT HERE: Attach a copy of the project's output report from the Commonwealth's
online RMAT Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool ("RMAT tool").
RMAT-Northampton-HousingChoice_report.pdf
The RMAT tool guides users to input basic project information and will generate a
downloadable report for attachment. Please note that only information related to the public
infrastructure portion of the project should be entered into the tool. After clicking “Submit
Project inside the tool, the project information will be saved, and a “Download Report icon will
appear for the user. The entire process, exclusive of registration, should take no more than 15
minutes per project. Click HERE to register and access the RMAT tool.
Article 97 Land Disposition
MassDOT Access Permit
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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7.27. Will the public infrastructure improvements directly serve or connect to the private development?
✓Yes No
7.28. Will the public infrastructure project be on parcels of land that are either, a) part of the private development project site,
or b) adjacent to the private development project site?
✓Yes No
7.29. Will the public infrastructure project involve the construction of improvements that are required as a condition in a
permit or approval for a private development project, including Section 61 findings?
Yes ✓No
7.31. Is this private development project allowed by-right in the municipality's current zoning?
✓Yes
7.32. What percentage of the project design is completed for the private
development?25.00%
7.33. Does the private development have all required permits and approvals to commence construction?
Yes ✓No
7.34. Provide the anticipated schedule/timeframe for the private development project.
Milestone Start Date End Date
Design/Engineering/Permitting 4/1/2022 10/3/2022
Construction Start 5/2/2024
50% Construction 3/15/2025
Construction Complete 12/31/2025
7.35. Is the private development project's financing fully secured?
✓No
7.24. Describe any climate resilience measures that the public infrastructure project will include or that the
applicant plans to investigate as part of design or permitting. If applicable, note any climate resilience measures
that are anticipated to align with the recommended design standards provided in the project's RMAT tool report
(see above ATTACHMENT).
All four sites are gray field or previously developed sites (former Northampton State Hospital, former gravel pit, former
Moose Lodge, former nursing home) and are within the urban core walkable section of the city. Steering housing,
especially affordable housing, to sites where lower vehicles miles traveling and more walking and riding and away from
virgin brownfield sites is especially important to climate resilience.
7.30. Describe the private development project(s), including the scope of the development, expected public
benefits, and project phasing, if any.
One site, Prospect Avenue/Bridge Road, is adjacent to a privately owned parcel will be privately developed (affordable
housing non-profit) for affordable housing. It requires low income housing tax credits and its construction will follow this
project. The city has committed $1 million to this affordable housing project and will hold an affordable housing restriction
by July 15, 2023.
Three projects are currently on city property, but once build the infrastructure is built we will donate all three of these parcels
to affordable housing non-profit developers and hold 99-year affordability restrictions.
The public benefits for all four projects are 1) affordable housing that the city and the commonwealth needs, 2)
development within existing urban neighborhoods that makes the city more walkable, 3) development in areas that
minimize greenhouse gas emissions because of closeness to commercial and recreation areas, access to transit, access
to sidewalks, and access to shared use paths.
No
7.33.a. If No, identify what permits are outstanding and the anticipated timeframe within
which they will be secured.
Smart growth 40R permit, in essence a special kind of site plan approval. We anticipate a
September 2022 application and permit issuance.
Yes
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7.36. Complete the table below with the specific housing production and/or economic growth impact that is expected to
result from the primary private development project, based on information about the single private project that will be most
directly leveraged by the public infrastructure work.
General Information
Development Address (or Parcel ID)
737 Bridge Road,
Northampton, MA 01060 and
three other sites
Total estimated construction value ($) of the private development project:
Information on Commercial Development
Square footage of office and/or retail space to be created, including restaurants:0.00
Square footage of industrial space to be created, including warehouses:0.00
Total square footage of commercial space to be created:
Information on Residential Development
Lot area (acres) of the housing and/or mixed-used private development project:
Number of NEW market-rate units to be created for rent/lease:0
Number of NEW market-rate units to be created for homeownership:
Number of NEW affordable units to be created for rent/lease:76
Number of NEW affordable units to be created for homeownership:
Total number of all NEW housing units to be created:84
Total density (units/acre) of all NEW housing units:14
If any affordable, specify lowest income limit used (65% AMI, 80% AMI, etc.):
Information on Job Creation
Number of NEW permanent full-time jobs to be created:
Number of NEW permanent part-time jobs to be created:
Total number of all NEW permanent jobs to be created:2
Total construction jobs to be supported by the private development project(s): 30
Total existing full-time jobs to be retained as direct result of this project:
7.37. Provide the following information for the primary private development project most directly leveraged by this
infrastructure project, including the entity name and contact information.
Proponent Entity/Company:
Valley Community Development Corporation
Contact Name/Title:
Laura Baker, Real Estate Manager
Project Name:
Prospect Place
Project Address:
737 Bridge Road, Northampton, MA 01060
7.38. Can the private development proceed independently without the public infrastructure project?
Yes ✓No
7.35.a. If No, indicate the status of the financing, if there are any significant contingencies,
and by when the private developer expects to secure the resources needed to proceed.
The private financing to purchase the property, including the city's $1 million dollar donation, for
Prospect Avenue/Bridge Road has been secured and the property purchased. Actual construction
requires low income housing tax credits, which always creates some risk but our experience,
especially with a very experienced developer like Valley Community Development Corporation for
this project, is that those credits always come through and we have never not had a project funded,
but the timeline is uncertain.
$30000000
0
6.00
4
4
50.00%
2
0
0
Phone:
(413) 586-5855
Email:
lb@valleycdc.com
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ATTACHMENT HERE: Attach a letter from the private development proponent confirming and
explaining this answer. Include letter(s) from additional private developer(s) noted above.
Valley CDC-Housing Choice-Letter of Support-LB5.16-22.pdf
7.39. Is the infrastructure project associated with any additional private development projects?
Yes ✓No
Housing Choice Community Grant
If you would like this application to be considered for a Housing Choice award, you must complete required additional
questions, related to Housing Choice eligibility and Housing Best Practices, in application Section 8.
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Section 8.
Housing Choice General Question
8.1 Eligibility Questions
Does the community have an ACTIVE housing moratorium?Yes No
✓
Yes No
✓
Has the community completed an ADA Self Evaluation Plan and/or Transition Plan?
Yes
✓
No
BONUS POINTS – Bonus points will be awarded in this section for the community's implementation of Housing Choice Best
Practices. Bonus points are available for up to fourteen (14) Best Practices. As applicable, select the best practice from the
list below, provide a brief description, and attach the requested information. Descriptions should highlight how Best Practices
has increased Housing Units in the community. Upload only the pertinent sections of the zoning ordinances or bylaw that apply
to each selected best practice.
8.2 Which of the Zoning Best Practices below has the community implemented in the last five years? For
each selection, provide a brief description and attach the requested evidence. (Check all that apply)
✓Multi-Family allowed by right: Have at least one zoning district that allows multifamily by right (in
addition to 40R districts) where there is capacity to add units and that allows for family housing that is
not age restricted and does not restrict units with more than 2 bedrooms (or have a pattern of
approving such developments over the last 5 years).
✓Inclusionary Zoning, with density bonus: Have Inclusionary Zoning that provides for
reasonable density increases so that housing is not unreasonable precluded.
Affordable housing density bonus more than doubles the allowable density in every residential
district in the city.
✓40R or Starter Home District: Have an approved 40R Smart Growth or Starter Homes district
that remains in compliance with the 40R regulations. Please note, that if your community repealed its
only 40R district, it no longer qualifies for this best practice.
40R Zoning (Sustainable Development Overlay) in several locations in the City.
✓Mixed-Use or Cluster Development: Have zoning that allows mixed use or cluster/Open Space
Residential development by right that is not part of a 40R district (or have a pattern of approving such
developments over the last 5 years).
Central Business District, Florence Village, General Business, and Highway Business all allow
mixed use by right. The most recent change is a switch to Form Based Code adopted in 2022 for
downtown and Florence. Attached is just one example.
✓Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Have zoning that allows for accessory dwelling units by right
(or have a pattern of approving ADUs over the last 5 years).
Does the community have a housing restriction bylaw or ordinance that limits
housing production growth by more than 5% per year?
Our Planned Village, Urban Residential C, Central Business, and Florence Center Zoning all
allow various multifamily housing by right. Attached is just one example (Urban Residential C).
NO2226-350h Table of Use and Dim Regs URC.pdf: Attach a copy of the relevant current zoning
section(s) and/or other evidence that demonstrates implementation of this best practice, include a
map if necessary/available.
Affordable housing.pdf: Attach a copy of the relevant current zoning section(s) and/or other
evidence that demonstrates implementation of this best practice, include a map if
necessary/available.
Sustainable Growth Overlay District (SG). - Purpose. - Definitions. - Overlay district. - Applicability
of SG District. - Permitted uses. - Project phasing. - Housing and housing affordability. - Density. -
Parki.pdf: Attach a copy of the relevant current zoning section(s) and/or other evidence that
demonstrates implementation of this best practice, include a map if necessary/available.
NO2226-350i Use and Dimen Regs CB.pdf: Attach a copy of the relevant current zoning section(s)
and/or other evidence that demonstrates implementation of this best practice, include a map if
necessary/available.
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Both ADUs and Two Family Homes are allowed by right in every residential district in the city. The
example here is the general standards and then the specifics for the most rural zoning district as
an example.
Form-based criteria for two-family and two single-family homes.pdf: Attach a copy of the relevant
current zoning section(s) and/or other evidence that demonstrates implementation of this best
practice, include a map if necessary/available.
One parking space per 1,000 square feet up to a maximum of one space per unit.
Off-Street parking requirements.pdf: Attach a copy of the relevant current zoning section(s) and/or
other evidence that demonstrates implementation of this best practice, include a map if
necessary/available.
8.3 Which of the Other Best Practices below has the community implemented in the last five years? For
each selection, provide a brief description and attach the requested evidence. (Check all that apply)
✓Local funding sources that support housing: Designated local resources for housing such as
established an Affordable Housing Trust, donated land, or spent substantial Community Preservation
Act (CPA) funds for community housing over the last 5 years.
Well over $1 million in Community Preservation Act and well over $1 million in CDBG funds have
been allocated for affordable housing in the last couple of years. In addition the City has donated
significant parcels of city land for affordable housing
Land Use Board training: Provide evidence of education and training for a majority of members on
a land use board (Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Select Board and/or City Council) from Citizen
Planner Training Collaborative, Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s Housing Institute, Community
Development Partnership’s Lower Cape Housing Institute, or Urban Land Institute’s (ULI’s) Urban
Plan Public Leadership Institute over the last 5 years.
: Attach evidence of formal education and training, and/or specific information about comparable
trainings, received by the local land use boards).
✓SHI at or above 10%. Have units currently eligible for inclusion in the Subsidized Housing
Inventory (SHI) that equal or exceed 10% of total year round housing stock according to the DHCD
subsidized housing inventory, where such 10% was not reached after local comprehensive permit(s)
were denied or conditioned and had the denial or condition overturned by the Housing Appeals Court
(HAC).
Northampton exceeds 10% SHI units.
SHI updated totals 12-21-20.pdf: Attach a copy of the current SHI for your community.
The City has a property tax relief program for seniors. The attachment is a screen shot from the
relevant city of Northampton web landing page.
✓Multi-Family Parking Requirement: Reduced parking requirement for Multi-Family units within
the last 5 years or require no more than 1 parking space per unit for multifamily units.
CPA Community Housing for Housing Choice.pdf: Attach a list of community housing
expenditures over the last 5 years, include a map if necessary/available.
SHI increased at least 2.5%. Have increased your community’s SHI by at least 2.5% points in the
last 5 years where such increase was not reached after local comprehensive permit(s) were denied
or conditioned and had the denial or conditions overturned by HAC.
: Attach evidence of at least a 2.5% increase in SHI in last five years.
Community Compact, Housing Best Practices: Selected a housing best practice as part of a
Community Compact.
: Attach evidence of Community Compact Housing Best Practice(s).
Locally adopted programs that support housing: Participate in the Housing Development
Incentive Program (HDIP), have adopted an Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing district,
approved District Improvement Financing (DIF) related to housing, have adopted an Urban Renewal
Plan that includes a significant Housing element.
: Attach evidence of participation in related programs.
✓Property tax relief / Community Impact Fee: Have adopted local option property tax relief
programs for income eligible seniors either as provided for by statute (MGL c. 59 section 5) or
through a home rule petition; OR have adopted a Community Impact Fee for short term rentals (MGL
c. 64G, section 3D) where your community has committed in writing to using a portion of such
revenues for affordable housing.
Senior Tax Work Off Program _ Northampton, MA - Official Website.pdf: Attach evidence of
community’s adoption of related programs and statutes, and/or other commitment to affordable
housing.
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Housing Production Plan: Have a CERTIFIED Housing Production Plan which means that you
have an DHCD approved Housing Production Plan and have subsequently seen an increase of 0.5%
or 1% in your year-round housing units.
: Attach evidence of community’s CERTIFIED Housing Production Plan.
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Section 9.
Certification of Application Submission Authority
9.1 If the applicant is a public entity, does the submission of this application require a formal vote of any board, commission,
or other local entity? If Yes, attachment required.
Yes ✓No Not Applicable
9.2 If the applicant is a non-public entity, does the submission of this application require the authorization of the entity’s board
of directors, or other governing body or bylaw? If Yes, attachment required.
Yes No ✓Not Applicable
: If yes, attach a document demonstrating such authorization.
I, Wayne Feiden (Submitter Name), hereby certify that I am duly authorized to submit
this application on behalf of
(Applicant Organization Name). By entering my name in the space below, I further certify, under the pains and penalties of
perjury, that the responses to the questions provided in this application, and the attached documentation, are true, accurate,
and complete. I understand that the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) and its partner
organizations, specifically the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Massachusetts
Development Finance Agency (MDFA), will rely on the information provided in this application to make decisions about
whether to award a grant from their respective funding sources. Also, that the Commonwealth reserves the right to take action
against me, the applicant organization, and/or any other beneficiary of a grant, if any of the information provided is determined
to be false, inaccurate, or misleading. I also affirm that, if awarded, the applicant organization has the capacity to carry out the
project in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Wayne Feiden Director of Planning and
SustainabilityTitle 5/13/2022 5:30:34 PM
City of Northampton
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Section 10.
Other/Optional Attachments
In this section, upload all attachments that support this application.
Applicants may submit other attachments to support the application, which may be reviewed and/or filed. However, please
note that these items will generally not be scored or assessed as part of the formal evaluation of the proposal.
Attachment Type
Description
Other Site Images
Other Partner Letters
Other Support Letters General support letters.
Other site photographs, illustrations, and/or maps.
Chapel Street Sewer Service Evaluation Memo.pdf
Letters from any partner organizations that are collaborating on this
project.
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