City of Northampton Mail - Letter of Support for PBCarolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
Letter of Support for PB
2 messages
Jack Hornor <jack@jackhornor.com>Sun, Oct 23, 2022 at 1:29 PM
To: "cmisch@northamptonma.gov" <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
Cc: Jack Hornor <jack@jackhornor.com>, Alexis Breiteneicher <ab@valleycdc.org>
Carolyn,
I’m writing in support of the Northampton Nursing Home project which Valley CDC is working on. Below are the bullet points which
concisely summarize why I hope the Planning Board gives approval to this project. I have also attached the letter of support I wrote
earlier in the year when Valley was seeking funds from the Community Preservation Committee. I would like the Planning Board to see
that letter as well as this one.
Thanks, Jack
Dear Planning Board Members:
I am writing to express support for the proposed renovation and re-use of the former Northampton Nursing Home located at 737 Bridge
Road for 60 affordable apartments. I am in favor of this proposal because:
The former Northampton Nursing Home property has been vacant for over 12 years. It has fallen in to severe disrepair
becoming an eyesore and the target of vandalism. It is currently a wasted resource in our community.
Although many parties have explored re-developing the property over the years, this is the first truly viable re-use proposal.
There is a documented and critical need for additional affordable housing in Northampton.
The proposed housing includes a wide range of apartment sizes (from studios to 3-bedrooms) 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 location for family apartments, being walking distance to schools, Childs Park, Cooley Dickinson Hospital,
the YMCA, and essential stores.
This is a transit-friendly location for lower income tenants who may not have cars, being on a PVTA bus line and within a block
of the bike trail. In addition, a new bus shelter and ValleyBike Share station are shortly to be installed on the site.
Valley’s proposal preserves and improves green space on the property.
The proposed building renovation will improve energy efficiency, including all-electric utilities, increased levels of insulation, and
alternative energy sources.
The new housing will meet high levels of accessibility for disabled persons, an acute need throughout the Commonwealth.
This project is an excellent use of Community Preservation Act funds. Please see the attached letter of support I wrote to the
CPC earlier this year.
I urge you to grant site plan approval for the proposed development.
Jack Hornor
46 Ladyslipper Lane
Florence MA 01062