Three local communities are being recognized for continued efforts to provide more housing for people of all income levels.
Northampton, Easthampton and Amherst this week were among 67 cities and towns designated as Housing Choice communities by the Baker-Polito administration.
“This is an affirmation of the work Northampton has been doing, which I’m proud of,” Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz said.
Narkewicz said being named a Housing Choice community illustrates what the city’s housing and planning staff have achieved, including creating 500 new units over five years, increasing housing stock by 5 percent since the 2010 census and showing substantial work in all areas of supporting affordable housing.
Using Community Preservation Act and Community Development Block Grant money, Narkewicz said the city has worked with nonprofits to build affordable and mixed-rate projects. He points to the success of Village Hill, housing close to downtown, as one such example.
Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said she has prioritized housing since assuming office earlier this year. “What’s going to keep us affordable and sustainable is to make sure everybody possible has a secure place to live in Easthampton,” LaChapelle said.
City Planner Jeff Bagg said the designation will enable the city to seek money that could pay for housing market studies, updating the housing production plan of 2014 and determine whether zoning is aligned with providing affordable housing.
In Amherst, the Housing Choice designation came with a grant, which is for up to $100,000 over three years, and which will help town planners create what is called a Chapter 40R district, where more dense housing development can occur, and assist officials in researching particular properties where affordable housing might be appropriate for construction.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said he is proud of the Planning Department and Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust for obtaining the technical assistance grants from MassHousing, the quasi-public agency that finances housing for low- and moderate-income families.
Amherst was one of just 15 municipalities that earned what are known as Planning for Housing Production grants.
In the application to MassHousing, Senior Planner Nathaniel Malloy said that the town’s hope is to use the grants to create conditions in which 50 to 75 new affordable homes and 250 to 300 market-rate homes can be built in town.
Malloy said the 40R district, or smart growth district, which the Planning Board has explored in the past, would be a place where housing can be built more densely by right and be close to transit.
“A consultant might identify the best location for it,” Malloy said. The Amherst Affordable Housing Trust is seeking help with site feasibility and selection as it continues to pursue projects. A consultant, Malloy said, would provide information about the suitability of various properties.
The designation means the communities will be eligible for a variety of state grants.
Narkewicz said he is confident Northampton will have a better chance at landing grants in the future, and the city intends to pursue them.
“In the meantime, the designation, like other designations we’ve received over time, does give us points toward other state grants,” Narwkicz said.
Bagg said planning assistance grants will help Easthampton continue getting projects off the ground, including in the existing 40R smart growth district from downtown to the mill buildings.
“Under the mayor’s initiative, we are pursuing a lot of grant opportunities,” Bagg said.
