Schwartz Letter- in support of 737 Bridge RoadCarolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
in support of 737 Bridge Road
2 messages
Pamela Schwartz <pschwartz@westernmasshousingfirst.org>Thu, Oct 27, 2022 at 7:18 AM
To: Carolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
Good morning Carolyn,
I hope you're well! Please find my email below to the Planning Board in support of Valley CDC's proposed development of 737 Bridge
Rd.
Thanks,
Pamela
Dear Planning Board:
I am writing on behalf of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness in support of the Valley CDC's proposed
development of 737 Bridge Rd.
This project embodies the ideal solution to our homelessness and housing affordability crisis: rehabilitating a pre-existing building that
has fallen into disrepair and converting it to meet the urgent need for more affordable housing.
Across the Network, which includes dozens of organizations across all four counties, Valley's leadership on affordable housing
development in general and this site in particular is held up as a model for smart, efficient, and innovative vision that becomes reality
with lasting impact. We are thrilled at the prospect of what their work at Bridge Road will bring to the Northampton community and to
our region as a whole.
As you are no doubt aware, Northampton suffers a severe affordable housing crisis (notwithstanding the City's extraordinary
commitment to address the issue!), along with the entire region. As detailed in Way Finders' recent housing study, there is an
affordable housing gap of over 11,000 units in this region alone, slated to grow to upwards of 17,000 units by 2025.
This development on Bridge Road will provide 60 more units of affordable housing in the City of Northampton, yet another badge of
honor for the City's leadership on this issue. And we know it will be done right and well with Valley CDC at the helm.
Finally, as a long-time resident of Northampton and former city councilor, I can also add my heartfelt personal support for this project. I
am so proud to be part of a community that makes such a difference where it is needed most.
Thank you so much for your consideration and for your work.
Best,
Pamela
Pamela Schwartz, Director
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
413-219-5658
http://westernmasshousingfirst.org
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Pamela Schwartz, Director
Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
413-219-5658
http://westernmasshousingfirst.org
Carolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>Thu, Oct 27, 2022 at 12:44 PM
Draft To: Pamela Schwartz <pschwartz@westernmasshousingfirst.org>
Thank you Pamela, I'll add this to the list of supportive letters!
Carolyn Misch, AICP
Director
City of Northampton Office of Planning & Sustainability
210 Main St
Northampton, MA 01060
413-587-1287
cmisch@northamptonma.gov
www.northamptonma.gov/plan
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