Town Selects Way Finders To Develop Two Affordable Housing Projects

Source:  amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst has selected Way Finders, Inc. as the developer for two new affordable housing projects in Amherst. The Town and Way Finders will construct approximately 70 units of affordable housing at two sites owned by the Town in East Amherst. 

The former East Street School site includes a new building with approximately 23 units that will complement other existing structures in the historic village center. The plan also calls for the adaptive re-use of the former school building with six new units. The goal on this site is to connect the old with the new with similar height, massing, and a welcoming New England style architecture. 

The property at 72, 76, and 80 Belchertown Road would locate over 40 units in a three-story building. The proposed site plan takes advantage of the proximity to the East Amherst village center with sidewalks, bus routes, shops and stores while also celebrating the features of the adjacent land with trail connections and views of the conservation area to the east. 

Overall, the preliminary concept design calls for 18 units at 30% Area Median Income (AMI), 27 units at 60% AMI, 15 units of “workforce housing” at 60%-100% AMI, and 10 units of market rate housing at 100% AMI. The final concept plan and unit mix will evolve over time with input from the Town, Affordable Housing Trust, neighbors, and various other stakeholders. 

Both developments will have on-site management, a community room, laundry, bike storage, and a mail area. Where possible the design will create shared outdoor spaces for residents and their guests to enjoy. 

Town Manager Paul Bockelman said, “The significant investment of Town resources – including Town land, Town funds, and Town staff – will produce a large number of new affordable housing opportunities for members of our community. We are thrilled to join with a strong partner in Way Finders, Inc. They live and work in Amherst, are reputable property managers, and bring solid finances to the projects. They know us and understand the Town’s values. I thank both non-profit agencies for their proposals and thank the review committee for its diligent assessment of each.” 

Way Finders President and CEO Keith Fairey said, “We are grateful to the Town of Amherst, the Affordable Housing Trust, and the review committee for selecting us as the developer for these projects. Way Finders shares Amherst’s demonstrated commitment to create greater housing affordability, choice, and opportunity for individuals and families. We see ourselves as a vested community member and are looking forward to working with all stakeholders to bring this project to fruition.” 

The review committee was chaired by Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek and was comprised of Town staff and members of the Amherst Affordable Housing Trust. The review committee reviewed materials, plans and proposal references; met with each project teams as they presented their proposals; and reviewed references and finances.  

Way Finders, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and has been developing and managing affordable rental housing in western Massachusetts for more than 35 years. With two developments in Amherst already, Butternut Farms and Olympia Oaks, Way Finders is very familiar with Town government, understands local permitting, and has a strong network of partner agencies that provide resources to residents. 

The Town and the Amherst Affordable Housing Trust have been working collaboratively for years to develop more affordable housing in the Town. In the fall of 2021, the Town issued a Request for Proposals inviting developers to submit plans and a narrative outlining a vision for affordable housing at the former East Street School and three municipal parcels located nearby in the East Village Center on Belchertown Road. 

Way Finders intends to move as quickly as possible from developer designation to project completion with stakeholder engagement planned for each stage of the process. Construction completion and full occupancy is anticipated in 2026. 

To stay informed on the progress of this development project, please visit us online: at www.amherstma.gov and www.wayfinders.org