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