Support Letter Mullin
Michael Mullin
153 Conway Street,
Greenfield, MA
01301
Mullin.michael.andrew@gmail.com
July 10, 2020
Carolyn Misch
Planning Department
Northampton, MA
Carolyn,
I'm writing to speak in support of the 36 Hampden St development project as it has
been put forth by Dani McKahn. I am a Valley renter, but not a current resident of
Northampton. I sat in on much of the 7/9/20 Planning Board meeting, and thought I
would offer the perspective of a would-be property buyer.
As the development project is currently planned, Northampton stands to add 3
townhomes offered at median-income buyers that are within a walkable and bikeable
distance from Downtown and a number of public schools. As my wife finishes her
PhD at UMASS in the next year and takes a full time position at an area hospital, this
sort of option would be within our household's options for a first-time home
purchase. Without such options, Northampton would much likely be off the table for
a younger couple like ourselves that would be ready and willing to make a serious,
long-term, and meaningful decision in choosing Northampton. Are there other
options in the price range within city limits? Yes, but can you reach important
amenities from them not only on foot, but pleasantly? Could we be a one-car (or
maybe even a no-car) household in those other options?
Perhaps, Northampton isn't interested in actually courting such homebuyers, but that
strikes me as out of step with the town's Comprehensive Plan to "make the city more
walkable [and] bikeable," "significantly improve energy efficiency," and "support a
wide variety of housing types." Living out that plan would seem to entail increasing
accessibility to the neighborhoods that already are bikeable and walkable, and
building multi-family units, which are inherently more resource-conscious.
As I am sure you're well aware, change in a neighborhood can raise some
"reservations" from current neighbors and residents. However, what is seldom
appreciated is the opportunity that the new project offers for folks who aren't already
your neighbors, but want to be.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Mullin