I write in support of the proposed conversion of the EconoLodge on Route 9 in Hadley to housing for a variety of people who have special needs for affordable housing. I read in the Gazette’s March 3 story [“Housing plans for old motel debated,”] about various committees and individuals who have different ideas about such a project.
I moved to Hadley 20 years ago and was impressed with the affordable rental housing that was available to seniors and families of moderate income in the Winfield apartments. My mother-in-law would have been an ideal resident for the Winfield apartments but at the time there was a two-year waiting list for new residents. We were fortunate to be able to build a home in Hadley on a lot of regulation size. We were able to incorporate her into our family since at that time two-family homes were not allowed. Over the years, the zoning laws have changed in Hadley so we could now make those very changes we would have liked.
Hadley can change for the greater benefit of our community. In the last five years, the rents on those affordable units have skyrocketed. For many they are no longer affordable. There are many new homes being built in Hadley but they, in general, are large and expensive and far out of the reach of many of our aging population not to mention young people with moderate income. Apartments located near our business district would be in keeping with having housing near a bus line, shopping, and other necessary services. It would also be using existing construction rather than using up Hadley’s farmland of which we are so proud. It is fortunate for Hadley that this building is becoming available at a time when small units of housing are so desperately needed in our town. There has been much discussion about trying to find a good place for such housing and it seems that the Valley Community Development proposal has arrived at the perfect time.
Gerry Harvey
Hadley