Northampton seeks Housing Choice designation; staff names Habitat and other sites for project grants

Keith, the City of Northampton’s Community Development Planner, told the Partnership the city is applying to maintain its Housing Choice designation with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC). The designation is a prerequisite to apply for housing-choice project grants that can fund site preparation, surveying and infrastructure to make difficult parcels shovel-ready.

Keith said the city has used project grants previously and currently has at least one project in process: a Cook Avenue house planned for 4–6 units for Habitat for Humanity, plus work on Evergreen Road and a prospective Oak Street project that, if it proceeds, could support about 60 units. He said the designation application is administrative and requires documentation of housing production (permits) over the last five years; the project application would require detailed parcel-level information and unit expectations.

Separately, members discussed approximately 40 acres of former gravel-pit land (referred to in discussion as the Willard’s Gravel Pit / 1010 Ryan Road area) that was reported to be listed at about $450,000. Participants noted they did not have full ownership or buildability details and that the parcel’s ponds and prior use could complicate development.

Keith said the designation paperwork and a subsequent project selection process will determine what grant-funded work the city pursues; he asked Partnership members to provide input if the city advances any specific parcels.

No formal Partnership vote was taken on grant selection at the meeting.