Valley Community Development has 110 affordable homes in its pipeline. These include a wide variety of housing types, from single-person studio rentals to first-time homeownership condos. Development sizes range from 20 to 60 units. Locations in Northampton, Amherst, and Hadley are in planning.
EconoLodge, Hadley, MA (50 studio and one-bedroom apartments)
Valley acquired this property at 329 Russell Street, Hadley in January 2023 with financial assistance from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, having already received a $650,000 grant award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Affordable Housing Program in December 2022.
In 2023, Valley applied to the Hadley Zoning Board of Appeals for a permit under Chapter 40B. While multiple Hadley Boards and residents support Valley’s proposed redevelopment, the Hadley Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) denied the permit. Valley appealed the ZBA denial to the MA Housing Appeals Committee and received a Summary Decision in our favor.
During the holding period (prior to redevelopment), the first floor of the former EconoLodge is leased to Craig’s Doors and provides shelter for 38 homeless individuals. Valley is applying for funding in 2025 to renovate the building into permanent housing.
27 Crafts Avenue, Northampton, MA (Estimated 30 studio apartments)
In 2022, Valley responded to a Request for Proposals issued by Northampton to develop a City-owned property at 27 Crafts Avenue into affordable housing. Valley was selected and will work with Jones Whitsett Architects and the City to develop the site.
We will build 30 new studio apartments with 20 of the apartments for those individuals making at or below 30% AMI with a preference for homeless individuals. We intend to have property management, resident services, and maintenance staff on-site.
Project site plans, exterior elevations, and additional supporting documents are available to the public on the City of Northampton website.
Amherst Community Homes — North Amherst, MA
Valley plans to build an affordable homeownership development creating 30 homes on an 9.047-acre property in North Amherst. The development will be 15 duplex condominiums clustered around shared open spaces and shared parking arrangements will minimize vehicular traffic and emphasize pedestrian connections. All the homes will be deed restricted to Low-to-Moderate Income first-time homebuyer households, with a preference for first-time homebuyers that meet the CommonWealth Builders (CWB) program purchaser requirements.
Valley bought the site in 2022. Valley filed a Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit request with the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals in September 2023 and was approved in early 2024. Valley hopes to start construction in spring of 2025.
A draft of the potential site plan for an affordable housing development in North Amherst.
