30-home affordable complex in Amherst gets go-ahead
Staff Writer
Published: 03-19-2024 4:46 PM
AMHERST — An affordable housing development giving 30 families an opportunity to own their own homes is on track to be constructed over the next few years after receiving a comprehensive permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, with a condition that, during the selection process for almost one-third of the dwellings, a preference be given to those who live or work locally, or have children in the town’s public schools.
After a lengthy series of meetings beginning last October, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously last Thursday to award a comprehensive permit, with waivers, conditions and findings, to Valley Community Development so it can proceed with Amherst Community Homes, a $20 million development on just over 9 acres situated between Ball Lane and Pulpit Hill Road and just off Montague Road/ Route 63.
Ground is expected to be broken next year, with all homes to be sold by 2027, said Jessica Allan, real estate project manager for Valley..
An artist’s conception of Amherst Community Homes, as prepared by Austin Design Cooperative, Dodson & Flinker Landscape Architecture and Planning and Stonefield Engineering & Design.