In The Press
Town of Amherst Soon To Break Ground on Affordable Housing Project
The town of Amherst is set to break ground on a new affordable housing project, East Gables, this spring. The project is being built in response to the town’s lack of affordable housing.
Michael Giles: Groundbreaking work
Thursday, March 31, 2022
OPINION | LETTER
Groundbreaking work
I hope that, when our time in this Valley passes, we are remembered for how well we cared for all members of our small town society. But as we work toward that lofty ideal, let’s pause for a moment to celebrate the ground that is being broken this week at the East Gables development on Route 9.
Not only is the Valley Community Development constructing a large affordable housing complex, but they are simultaneously righting wrongs from the past while stepping bravely into the future. As intractable as our current homelessness crisis may seem, it has its roots in recent degradations in housing and health care.
Joyful Valley Coaching | Small Business Spotlight
In early 2021, Sarah Schmidt and Rachel Martins, longtime friends and colleagues, had the idea to start a life and career coaching business. Several months later, their partnership, Joyful Valley Coaching, was formed.
EconoLodge in Hadley eyed for affordable housing complex
By SCOTT MERZBACH
Staff Writer
HADLEY — A Route 9 hotel could be converted into a 51-room affordable housing complex according to concepts presented to municipal boards this week.
At the Housing and Economic Development Committee Monday, and at a joint meeting of the Planning Board and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Tuesday, Laura Baker, real estate development director for Valley Community Development, unveiled plans that would convert the EconoLodge hotel at 329 Russell St. into permanent rental housing.
East Gables housing project in Amherst set to break ground in March
AMHERST — Construction of 28 small studio apartments for low-income individuals, including more than a third that will be set aside for those who have recently been homeless, is expected to begin by mid-March.
The Valley Community Development project at 132 Northampton Road, to be called East Gables, is nearing its groundbreaking on the site acquired by the agency three years ago, and which received a comprehensive permit under the state’s Chapter 40B law in November 2020.
Yoga Major | Small Business Spotlight
Over the past few months, Alexis Major Jameson has been working with our Valley Community Development Consultant, Ray Rieder, on developing her business, Yoga Major.
Housing plan aired for former nursing home
Developer, Valley CDC eye $25M project to build affordable development
By BRIAN STEELE
Staff Writer
NORTHAMPTON — The public got its first look Monday evening at a proposed overhaul of the vacant Northampton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a $25.3 million project that would create 60 units of affordable housing. The 6.2-acre property at 737 Bridge Road has been vacant since 2011.
Amor Propio by Jada | Small Business Spotlight
Over the past few months, Jada Fraser has been working with our Valley Community Development Business Consultant, Ray Rieder, on developing her holistic wellness business, Amor Propio by Jada.
To launch Amor Propio by Jada, Jada has created a line of soy-based, all-natural candles. She offers a variety of scents and smells to match various preferences and all products are made with gentle, sustainable products. These candles are currently available for direct sale to customers and for wholesale to interested retail outlets.
Announcing our new Executive Director, Alexis Breiteneicher
Dear Friends,
We are very pleased to tell you that we have hired Alexis Breiteneicher as our next Executive Director.
Matt Dibrindisi | Small Business Spotlight
Last week, Matt Dibrindisi, a themed entertainment company based in Northampton, co-hosted their first in-person event at A2Z Science and Learning Toy Store in Northampton since being founded last year.
Fields Center | Small Business Spotlight
Last week, the Fields Center celebrated its grand opening for the second time with the mission of improving the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In early 2020, owner Jenn Bogin was ready to open up her business at the Roundhouse in Northampton. She had hired staff, painted the office, and started servicing clients when Covid hit.
Small Business Newsletter | Fields Center Spotlight
Read our 10/19/2021 newsletter about our spotlight on the Fields Center, plus upcoming events for small businesses.
Featured in the Hampshire Gazette: Small Business Recovery Grants Program
Candace Czerniak, owner of Knowles Flower Shop in Amherst, wraps an order Monday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE/CAROL LOLLIS
A small-business lifeline: Valley CDC looks to award $600K in recovery money by year’s end.
The Women’s Idea Co-op | Small Business Spotlight
Cheryl Berkowitz has been working with our Valley CDC Consultant, Ray Rieder, on developing her new business project, The Women’s Idea Co-op.
Dobra Tea | Small Business Spotlight
Entering Dobrá Tea, you will be transported into a new atmosphere far away from the stresses of your everyday life. You are immediately surrounded by authentic, beautiful décor from faraway places of Morocco, Asia, and the Middle East. You will be introduced and educated by your devotee (owner or employee) in the fine art of handmade teas imported from distant countries.
The Gazebo | Small Business Spotlight
The Gazebo in Northampton- helping people feel great in their bodies and under their clothes
Sergeant House featured in WMAIA Summer 2021 Edition
Sergeant House was featured in the Western MA chapter of the American Institute of Architects (WMAIA) summer newsletter. Valley Community Development has owned and operated the antique building (circa 1820) in Northampton since 1990. Read on to see an excerpt from the WMAIA article.
Valley Community Development was awarded funding to develop 28 units of single person supportive housing in Amherst
Governor Baker just held a press conference yesterday to announce the awarding of $139 Million in Funding and Tax credits for affordable housing initiatives.
Valley Community Development was 1 of 28 affordable housing developers awarded funding for construction.
This was made possible thanks to the hard work of Laura Baker and Joanne Campbell and others within the organization. Valley’s pipeline is growing!!
Small Business Newsletter- Grants, October 18, 2020
Read our 10/18/2020 newsletter about available grants in Amherst & Regional grants, plus a profile on Gazebo in Northampton.
Joanne Campbell’s Farewell Message
Joanne Campbell retired from Valley Community Development on June 30th. Read her farewell message.