AMHERST — Developers who have previously built three mixed-use buildings downtown are about to embark on construction of a fourth project.
But before Archipelago Investments LLC breaks ground on what its principals, Kyle Wilson and David Williams, are calling 26 Spring Street, the company is requesting that the Town Council grant use of the town right of way on a portion of the street and sidewalk from Oct. 15, 2019 through Jan. 15, 2021.
On Monday, the Town Council will be presented the appeal, in which the developers would use a portion of the sidewalk and four parking spaces on the north side of the road. During the 15 months, the area would be enclosed with a 6-foot high construction fence with gate, and new accessible crosswalks would be added to get pedestrians around the project.
A $35,000 bond has already been submitted for repair and replacement of pavement and concrete affected by the development.
The site is a vacant parcel next to the Grace Episcopal Church and across from the Inn on Boltwood,
The 58 apartments in the five-story building will be mostly one-bedroom units and a variety of studio sizes. On the ground level will be 1,000 square feet for a commercial entity, similar to how Boltwood Place, Kendrick Place and One East Pleasant all have space for businesses.
Archipelago’s request comes after the Town Council last month postponed a decision on its appeal for a dedicated drop-off space in front of the new building, when complete. The building will have no on-site parking for its tenants.
A memo from the Community Resources Committee, which was charged with looking into the matter of this dedicated space, indicates that a number of questions exist about whether it is appropriate. The questions include whether the space could be reserved for handicapped or ride-share services, whether parallel spaces along the street can be shortened to provide additional parking and how to address what is likely to be more likely double parking on the street.
The council also instructed the Department of Public Works to comes up with plans for how parking and the streetscape can be improved before deciding whether the drop-off spot is needed.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
