Valley CDC executive director Joanne Campbell said she was unsure how long the new hearing would delay the project because it would depend on what, if any, modifications have to be made. Watch video
View full sizeA southerly aerial view of Parsons Village from the Valley CDC's special permit application, filed December 28, 2010.EASTHAMPTON - The planning board Tuesday re-opened the public hearing for the proposed Parsons Village affordable housing development, allowing the public to offer more input and giving the developer time to modify the design if needed.
At a special permit hearing May 10, attorney Mark Beglane, retained by abutters who oppose the project, said the design presented by Northampton-based Valley Community Development Corp. violates the zoning ordinance. The board closed the public hearing and said they would ask city solicitor John H. Fitz-Gibbon to respond.
As it turns out, the board’s major question for Fitz-Gibbon became whether or not the public hearing could be re-opened. He said it could and that his opinion on Beglane’s report can be ready next week.
Beglane said he is not pleased with the decision.
“All of a sudden they find out they’ve got real problems with the proposal and they’re going to let them amend the proposal so they can address the problems that they created and didn’t address,” said Beglane. “Last time, (the board was) frustrated. They said, ‘We have all the evidence we need.’”
Indeed, chair Ann Parizo chastised a member of the public at that meeting for trying to speak after she had announced Beglane would be the only one heard.
“Now they’re giving (Valley CDC) a second or third bite at the apple. How many bites do you get?” Beglane said.
A lawyer for Valley CDC has written a response to Beglane’s findings, but executive director Joanne Campbell said she will not discuss it with The Republican. Attorney Edward Etheredge has said, however, that some sections of the ordinance are open to interpretation.
A vote must take place within 90 days of closing the public hearing or the permit is automatically granted. Valley CDC has agreed to let the board restart the clock after the next hearing closes.
“If we had said no, they could have just voted it down tonight,” said Campbell. “But it certainly delays the whole process.”
The CDC is applying for state funding in December. Campbell wants to have the special permit in hand by August, she said. She was unsure how long the new hearing would delay the project because it would depend on what, if any, modifications have to be made.
Mary Westervelt lives in the New City neighborhood where the project would sit. An outspoken opponent, she said she is glad residents will have more time to speak.
“I find it heartening and it means the process is working,” she said. “There are a lot of things (Valley CDC) can’t change ... but if they can change small things and make it a better site, a better project for the residents, then that’s a step in the right direction.”
The next hearing is scheduled for July 19, at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building at 50 Payson Ave.
This map shows the location of the Municipal Building.
View Larger Map
Background on the Months-Long Parsons Village Debate
Valley CDC applied for the special permit in December to develop a 4.3-acre lot at 69 Parsons St. Five buildings are planned with a total of 38 one- to three-bedroom apartments, a community building and a playground.
David Boyle of Autumn Properties has agreed to sell the property to the CDC if all permits are approved. The project's total price tag is expected to be about $10 million.
The community preservation act committee has promised $200,000 in funding and Campbell said the CDC will seek $300,000 more.
Mayor Michael Tautznik and planning board member Edwin Quinn support the project. Quinn was replaced for the Parsons Village proceedings because he volunteers for the CDC through the Commonwealth Corps. Jason Duda has taken his place.
Many residents have spoken in favor of Parsons Village, citing the city's lengthy affordable housing waiting lists as a major concern. As of last month, the Easthampton Housing Authority had 179 applicants waiting and no vacancies.
A major point of contention among the New City Neighborhood Association is what they say is the project's high density.
An elderly housing project at the same location was approved with a similar density, but never came to fruition.
Abutters are also concerned that the plans show the buildings so close to their own homes.
View full sizeAn aerial view of the lot at 69 Parsons St. taken from Valley CDC's special permit application.City councilors Justin P. Cobb, Daniel C. Hagan and Donald L. Cykowski have also voiced opposition. Cobb is the councilor for New City and said, like many others, that he would like to see owner-occupied units there, which the Community Development Strategy calls for.
Opponents have often said the project violates the city's Master Plan on several points, such as the fact it is situated away from commercial districts and transportation hubs. Boyle, who chaired the Master Plan committee, said they are wrong.
Many residents want a guarantee that mostly Easthampton residents will occupy the units. The state makes the rules for occupancy preferences, but Campbell has said she also supports a high percentage.