AMHERST — An Amherst developer is being given the go-ahead to build a six-story, mixed-use building on University Drive at the edge of the University of Massachusetts campus.
With an expectation that the 102 units with 290 beds, and 12,000 square feet of street level commercial space, will be ready for occupancy on the former site of Rafters Sports Bar and Restaurant by August 2027, the Planning Board Wednesday voted 7-0 to set a series of conditions and issued findings that will allow the development, known as Campus View, to proceed.
Previously, the board approved a five-story building for the site, but Amherst attorney Tom Reidy, representing developer Barry Roberts, said the intent is to use the University Drive Overlay District to add a story and increase the height to up to 70 feet.
“We think it’s a really good opportunity for this additional story, this additional housing, for a really good project,” Reidy said, adding that Roberts is also less concerned about the rising price of steel.
The larger building will accommodate 24 more units and 65 more beds than in the original proposal. The number of affordable apartments is also increasing from nine to 12 units.
The decision allows for the demolition of the building, most recently used as Pleasantrees marijuana dispensary, to get underway in August, with a two-year timeline to complete most of the building.
Another building on the 5-acre site, which houses Encharter insurance and other tenants, will remain standing and likely would be torn down once space in the new building is ready for that company. A smaller, final phase for Campus View would be complete after that demolition.
The plans, drawn up by Kuhn Riddle Architects, remain largely the same, with the top floor to be stepped back. The site will continue to have 160 parking spaces, 24 of which are considered for compact vehicles and that will be assigned to tenants, but far short of the number of beds in the building.
Reidy acknowledged that in an ideal world there would be one space per bedroom, but that’s not possible for the site and to make the project viable. He didn’t think this would be an issue, due to the proximity to UMass and the shops and services along the road and a multi-use trail.
“I think it’s at Barry’s risk, but he, based on his other projects, believes folks are going to look for housing, even if parking isn’t there,” Reidy said.
Reidy said there could also be an arrangement in which there are discounted rents for those tenants who use public transportation rather than their own personal vehicles.
Planning Board member Bruce Coldham said he likes that Roberts is taking a chance by limiting the parking.
“I’m very curious, and I hope you’re right, Barry,” Coldham said. “I think we’re going to learn something, and I hope what we learn is all good.”
Reidy said the limited parking will play a role in what kind of businesses, in addition to Encharter, move into the site, suggesting that a restaurant may not be appropriate if customers arrive in the evening, but a cafe during the day time could work.
Planning Board member Jesse Mager said he would like the developer consider a restaurant since that would make the site a vibrant place for those who live in town.
Other conditions include leaving 3.1 acres of open space untouched, having a live in, on-site manager, protecting the multi-use path and ensuring there is additional bike storage.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
