FranVolkmann_Support for Valley CDC 082214.pdfAugust 22, 2014
Mr. Downey Meyer, Chair
Community Preservation Committee
City of Northampton
210 Main Street - Room 11
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Downey and Members of the Committee:
I am writing to urge the CPC to recommend the Valley CDC proposal to purchase the
former Northampton Lumber Yard and redevelop it into a mixed use project that
includes 50 new affordable rental apartments.
This will be an outstanding addition to our downtown. We continue to need the
affordable housing, and this is a perfect location, within walking distance of downtown
and public transportation. The location is also ideal for a mixed-use project.
Valley CDC has an outstanding record of developing housing in Northampton and
beyond that is permanently affordable and that meets the highest standards of
efficiency and design. Members of the CPC are probably familiar with the GO WEST
project, the King St SRO project, and the beautiful apartments next to Vets Field. Valley
CDC has most recently been funded for a major project to provide 38 affordable rental
units in Easthampton. Because long-term affordability is built into the funding for
projects such as these, the price tag seems extraordinarily high. You can build
apartments for a lot less money, but not permanently affordable ones. Valley CDC
knows how to put together workable funding packages from multiple sources and to
bring the resulting projects to admirable conclusions. Their track record speaks for
itself. We are fortunate to have this organization in the valley.
Let me add that the project strongly supports the goals of Community Preservation and
of Sustainable Northampton. This is an ideal project in a much needed, high priority
area. I hope that the CPC will move forward with a favorable recommendation for full
funding to the City Council.
Thank you,
Fran Volkmann
40 Arlington St.