Hadley board backs affordable housing plans

Published: 8/4/2022 8:56:55 PM

Modified: 8/4/2022 8:53:48 PM

HADLEY — A letter supporting Valley Community Development’s interest in converting the EconoLodge hotel on Route 9 into a 51-unit affordable housing complex will be issued by the Select Board.

Following extensive discussion with Laura Baker, real estate development director for Valley CDC, the board Wednesday voted 3-1, with member Amy Parsons voting against and member Joyce Chunglo abstaining, to have a support letter go to the state’s Department of Housing & Community Development’s Division of Housing Development and Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

Valley CDC eyes North Amherst parcel for affordable condo development

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Staff Writer

Published: 7/28/2022 3:28:13 PM

AMHERST — A North Amherst site long used as an auto repair garage and trucking terminal could be redeveloped for 30 affordable condominiums to be sold to first-time homebuyers, including many who may be racial minorities.

Ribbon cutting to mark opening of 53-unit North Commons at Village Hill in Northampton

By Jim Russell | Special to The Republican

NORTHAMPTON – A ribbon cutting to celebrate completed construction of North Commons at Village Hill, a 53-unit apartment building on 140 Olander Drive is set for Thursday at 11 a.m.

The Ekus Group | Small Business Spotlight

The Ekus Group is a boutique culinary agency in Hatfield that recently celebrated its 40^th year in business. What began as a culinary public relations company has grown into a successful agency whose services encompass literary and talent representation, media training, consultations, and workshops.

Office building, affordable housing plans at Hadley hotel sites advance

By SCOTT MERZBACH
Staff Writer

HADLEY — Projects to bring a new office building and 51 affordable apartments to the Route 9 corridor, which would cause two existing hotels to close, continue to move toward development.

Sticks & Bricks | Small Business Spotlight

Sticks & Bricks, a vintage furniture store and showroom, opened 13+ years ago and has been located at 9 Market Street, Northampton. They offer original made pieces and vintage furniture as well as a selection of other artists’ work. As the business has grown and times have changed, owner Liz Karney is moving the business to 90 King Street, Northampton at the end of the month.

Wonderland | Small Business Spotlight

Wonderland opened in Easthampton in May 2019 and will celebrate its third year in business this month, Wonderland is a vintage and home décor shop owned by Beth McElhiney.

A welcome space: At the Fields Center in Northampton, neurodiverse individuals have a home

One of Valley’s Small Business clients, the Fields Center, was recently profiled in the Gazette.

By EMILY THURLOW

Staff Writer

NORTHAMPTON — When Greg and Amy Richane learned from their pediatrician that their 3-year-old son was autistic, they felt that while the diagnosis itself made sense, it lacked nuance.

The Easthampton family described the experience surrounding the initial diagnosis as pretty negative with much of the overview highlighting universal challenges.

Masa Mexicano | Small Business Spotlight

Roberto Saravia has been in the restaurant business since he was 14 years old. When he decided to open Masa Mexicano in 2020, he was able to bring his invaluable food industry knowledge to his own restaurant.

Valley CDC Helps Small Businesses Succeed

By Elena Sharnoff
Originally published May 2022 in Northampton Living

Along with almost all businesses, COVID took a toll on mine. I launched my website strategy and design shop in 2019, and have spent more time working during COVID conditions than normal ones. So, I jumped at the chance to enroll in the Valley Community Development (Valley CDC)’s Small Business Fundamentals workshop listed in the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter.

I received an email from Sarah Sargent, Valley CDC’s Small Business Program Manager. She felt that the workshop wasn’t a good fit and proposed a one-on-one meeting to assess my three-year-old business situation and needs. How could I refuse this free opportunity to evaluate and troubleshoot what my business needed most?

Applications open for Sanderson Place: new affordable senior housing in Sunderland

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

SUNDERLAND — More than 40 people at the South County Senior Center were treated to a presentation from the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority Friday morning as it kicked off the application process for Sanderson Place, the new affordable senior housing complex in Sunderland.

The International Language Institute | Small Business Spotlight

Financial Literacy project – a collaboration between International Language Institute and Valley Community Development, is now in the pilot stage!

Town of Amherst Soon To Break Ground on Affordable Housing Project

The town of Amherst is set to break ground on a new affordable housing project, East Gables, this spring. The project is being built in response to the town’s lack of affordable housing.

By Ethan Foster ’25

Apr 6, 2022

This spring, the town of Amherst is set to break ground on a new affordable housing project called East Gables at 132 Northampton Road. The nearly six-million dollar project has elicited both support and concern from members of the college and town community.

Michael Giles: Groundbreaking work

Thursday, March 31, 2022

OPINION | LETTER

Groundbreaking work

I hope that, when our time in this Valley passes, we are remembered for how well we cared for all members of our small town society. But as we work toward that lofty ideal, let’s pause for a moment to celebrate the ground that is being broken this week at the East Gables development on Route 9.

Not only is the Valley Community Development constructing a large affordable housing complex, but they are simultaneously righting wrongs from the past while stepping bravely into the future. As intractable as our current homelessness crisis may seem, it has its roots in recent degradations in housing and health care.

Joyful Valley Coaching | Small Business Spotlight

In early 2021, Sarah Schmidt and Rachel Martins, longtime friends and colleagues, had the idea to start a life and career coaching business. Several months later, their partnership, Joyful Valley Coaching, was formed.

EconoLodge in Hadley eyed for affordable housing complex

By SCOTT MERZBACH
Staff Writer

HADLEY — A Route 9 hotel could be converted into a 51-room affordable housing complex according to concepts presented to municipal boards this week.

At the Housing and Economic Development Committee Monday, and at a joint meeting of the Planning Board and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Tuesday, Laura Baker, real estate development director for Valley Community Development, unveiled plans that would convert the EconoLodge hotel at 329 Russell St. into permanent rental housing.

East Gables housing project in Amherst set to break ground in March

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Staff Writer

AMHERST — Construction of 28 small studio apartments for low-income individuals, including more than a third that will be set aside for those who have recently been homeless, is expected to begin by mid-March.

The Valley Community Development project at 132 Northampton Road, to be called East Gables, is nearing its groundbreaking on the site acquired by the agency three years ago, and which received a comprehensive permit under the state’s Chapter 40B law in November 2020.

Yoga Major | Small Business Spotlight

Over the past few months, Alexis Major Jameson has been working with our Valley Community Development Consultant, Ray Rieder, on developing her business, Yoga Major.

Housing plan aired for former nursing home

Developer, Valley CDC eye $25M project to build affordable development

By BRIAN STEELE
Staff Writer
NORTHAMPTON — The public got its first look Monday evening at a proposed overhaul of the vacant Northampton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a $25.3 million project that would create 60 units of affordable housing. The 6.2-acre property at 737 Bridge Road has been vacant since 2011.

Amor Propio by Jada | Small Business Spotlight

Over the past few months, Jada Fraser has been working with our Valley Community Development Business Consultant, Ray Rieder, on developing her holistic wellness business, Amor Propio by Jada.

To launch Amor Propio by Jada, Jada has created a line of soy-based, all-natural candles. She offers a variety of scents and smells to match various preferences and all products are made with gentle, sustainable products. These candles are currently available for direct sale to customers and for wholesale to interested retail outlets.

Announcing our new Executive Director, Alexis Breiteneicher

Dear Friends,

We are very pleased to tell you that we have hired Alexis Breiteneicher as our next Executive Director.

Matt Dibrindisi | Small Business Spotlight

Last week, Matt Dibrindisi, a themed entertainment company based in Northampton, co-hosted their first in-person event at A2Z Science and Learning Toy Store in Northampton since being founded last year.

Fields Center | Small Business Spotlight

Last week, the Fields Center celebrated its grand opening for the second time with the mission of improving the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In early 2020, owner Jenn Bogin was ready to open up her business at the Roundhouse in Northampton. She had hired staff, painted the office, and started servicing clients when Covid hit.

Small Business Newsletter | Fields Center Spotlight

Read our 10/19/2021 newsletter about our spotlight on the Fields Center, plus upcoming events for small businesses.

Featured in the Hampshire Gazette: Small Business Recovery Grants Program

Candace Czerniak, owner of Knowles Flower Shop in Amherst, wraps an order Monday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE/CAROL LOLLIS

A small-business lifeline: Valley CDC looks to award $600K in recovery money by year’s end.

The Women’s Idea Co-op | Small Business Spotlight

Cheryl Berkowitz has been working with our Valley CDC Consultant, Ray Rieder, on developing her new business project, The Women’s Idea Co-op.

Small Business Newsletter | Small Business Spotlight

Read our 9/24/2021 newsletter about our spotlight on the Women’s Idea Co-op, plus upcoming events for small businesses.

Dobra Tea | Small Business Spotlight

Entering Dobrá Tea, you will be transported into a new atmosphere far away from the stresses of your everyday life. You are immediately surrounded by authentic, beautiful décor from faraway places of Morocco, Asia, and the Middle East. You will be introduced and educated by your devotee (owner or employee) in the fine art of handmade teas imported from distant countries.

The Gazebo | Small Business Spotlight

The Gazebo in Northampton- helping people feel great in their bodies and under their clothes

Small Business Newsletter | Upcoming Events

Read our 9/7/2021 newsletter about available grants in Amherst & Regional towns, plus upcoming events for small businesses.