Beglane spoke about the city's stated goals for affordable housing and said Parsons Village does not meet them. Watch video
EASTHAMPTON – The vote on a special permit for Parsons Village was delayed for at least a month Tuesday after abutters called in a lawyer to challenge the proposed development's adherence to the zoning ordinance.
Planning Board chair Ann Parizo said the public hearing would be limited to remarks made by Mark Beglane of the law firm Bacon & Wilson, who spoke for more than 20 minutes. This upset another member of the public who said she wanted to speak, as well; Parizo reiterated that no other comments would be allowed.
Beglane laid out several grievances abutters had with the affordable housing project's design and pointed to the portions of the ordinance he said backed up their claims. He also spoke about the city's own stated goals for affordable housing and said Parsons Village does not meet them.
The board said they will seek the input of the city solicitor and discuss the matter again June 7. Valley CDC representatives said the project is in compliance with all zoning requirements, but will review Beglane's findings.
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