Hornor_CPA Valley project LOS 9-5-14.pdfJACK HORNOR
46 Ladyslipper Lane, Florence, Massachusetts 01062-9735
September 5, 2014
Mr. Downey Meyer, Chair
Community Preservation Committee
City of Northampton
210 Main Street - Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: Redevelopment of the former Northampton Lumber Yard
Dear Mr. Meyer and Members of the CPC:
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 and 3,500 square feet of
commercial space on the first floor. These new homes will be located close to transportation,
retail stores, grocery stores, the bike path, and the new Amtrak train platform.
This project will meet a pressing need for this type of housing downtown and 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.
As a former member of the Northampton Housing Partnership and also of the Community
Preservation Committee, I have seen firsthand the very positive impact that Valley CDC has had
in Northampton. Valley is a highly professional non-profit which does excellent work. Their
experience in developing affordable housing makes them exceptionally qualified to take on this
project.
I thank you in advance for your consideration of this request and urge the CPC to vote
favorably on Valley CDC’s proposal to redevelop the former Northampton Lumber Yard
property into a mixed-use development with 50 family rental units.
Sincerely,