City transforms historic sites into vibrant new developments

The Valley Opportunity Council is set to transform the Belcher School into 24 apartment units, marking a significant step in local housing development. Additionally, the former Masons Lodge property, which was recently damaged by fire, has received approval for the construction of 14 townhouses that will be marketed for sale.

These projects are part of a broader initiative within a large contiguous overlay district that includes several key developments. Among them is the city’s senior center and the River Mills assisted living facility, which has already been approved. The Baskin redevelopment parcel adjacent to the senior center is also in the pipeline, with plans for a residential structure, a sports complex, and a combination restaurant, market, and office space.

While construction has not yet commenced on some of these projects, the council has issued special permits for the conversion of the Dwight manufacturing mill and Cabotville, which were approved for development in 2019 and 2020. It is anticipated that the selected developer will leverage the mill conversion overlay district for future redevelopment of the Uniroyal site.

The overlay district has proven effective in facilitating the reuse of existing structures and the construction of new properties throughout the city, demonstrating its versatility in addressing both vacant and previously utilized sites. The upcoming townhouses and the River Mills assisted living facility exemplify this approach, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the community's housing options.