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CHD_Lumber Yard_CPA Letter of Support.pdfAugust 29, 2014 Mr. Downey Meyer, Chair Community Preservation Committee City of Northampton 210 Main Street - Room 11 City Hall Northampton, MA 01060 Re: Redevelopment of the former Northampton Lumber Yard Dear Mr. Meyer: The Center for Human Development (CHD) is one of the Commonwealth’s largest family shelter providers. We have a long standing relationship with Valley Community Development Corporation. I am writing to strongly support Valley CDC’s request for $500,000 to purchase and redevelop the former Northampton Lumber Yard property located at 256 Pleasant Street. Valley CDC will construct approximately 50 new affordable rental apartments for families and 3,500 square feet of commercial space on the first floor. These new affordable apartments, which are desperately needed; will be located close to downtown, transportation, retail stores, grocery stores, the bike path, and the new Amtrak train platform. This project will not only meet the need for more affordable housing, it will also provide the City of Northampton with a sustainable, mixed-use building that enhances the Pleasant Street corridor. The proposal is consistent with the housing and community development priorities of the City of Northampton and meets Community Preservation Act criteria for affordable housing. Considering Valley CDC’s experience and expertise in developing affordable housing, I believe they are well prepared to take on this new project which will result in safe affordable housing for our Commonwealth’s working families. This past year Valley CDC began construction on a project which will create an additional 38 affordable rental units to Easthampton. Valley CDC has the experience and expertise to create decent, safe and affordable housing in our community. I would like to thank you in advance for your consideration of this project and urge you to support Valley CDC’s proposal to redevelop the former Northampton Lumber Yard into a mixed-use development with 50 new affordable family rental units. Sincerely, Jane Banks Program Director Homeless Services