COMMENTS REQUESTED FOR 132 NORTHAMPTON ROAD PERMIT REVIEW

Source: amherstma.gov

Valley Community Development Corporation has submitted their 40B Comprehensive Permit Application to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA will begin its review of the project on June 25, 2020. Comments can be submitted using an online form which can be found here.

or can be sent to Town Planning staff here.  

Project Background
Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC) is proposing to develop approximately 28 single-occupancy units of affordable housing at 132 Northampton Road.  The project is seeking a Comprehensive Permit per M.G.L Chapter 40B for the development of affordable housing. The Comprehensive Permit allows all local permitting to take place with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Valley CDC is a local non-profit corporation formed in 1988 that addresses the needs of low and moderate income people by developing and preserving affordable rental and ownership housing and providing economic opportunities through small business assistance (summarized from Valley CDC’s website.

The project on Northampton Road is in response to the local need for small affordable rental units for extremely low- and low-income individuals.  The Master Plan (2010) and Housing Production Plan (2013) identify the severe lack of this type of housing, and recommend the creation of such units. The project would be one building that includes 28 small studio apartments as well as multi-purpose common room, a laundry room, and office space for the Resident Services Coordinator.  The project also includes the provision of support services for tenants.  

Permit Timetable
Within 7 days of the receipt of the Comprehensive Permit application, the ZBA needs to distribute copies of the application to all local boards, departments, and committees.

Within 14 days from receipt of the application the initial public hearing must be advertised with proper legal notice and proper notice to abutters.

Within 30 days from receipt of the application the ZBA must open the initial public hearing.

Within 15 days from the initial public hearing the ZBA must make a determination as to whether or not it wants to deny an application.

Within 15 days from ZBA action the applicant, if denied, must file its written response (challenge) with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

Within 30 days from filing of an applicant’s challenge DHCD must issue its decision re: the applicant’s appeal.

Within 180 days from initial public hearing the ZBA must close the public hearing (except with the written consent of the applicant for an extension).

Within 40 days from closing of the public hearing the ZBA must “render a decision” (Denial, Approval, or Approval with Conditions), based on a majority vote.

Within 14 days of its decision, the ZBA must file a copy with Town Clerk.

Within 20 days from date the ZBA decision is filed with the Town Clerk the application or public can appeal the ZBA’s decision.

Additional Info on the project can be found here.