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Council approves conveyance and easements to advance mixed‑use project at Baskin property
Summary
The Chicopee City Council voted to convey a tax‑taken parcel known as the Baskin property to Singing Bridge LLC and to accept easements back from the developer so a mixed‑use housing and brewery project can close on state tax credit financing.
The Chicopee City Council voted Tuesday to authorize a sale of city‑held property known as the Baskin property and to accept easements needed for utilities and drainage so a developer can proceed with a mixed‑use redevelopment.
Mayor (acting) told the council the action would allow Singing Bridge LLC to move forward with construction of a residential complex that is part of a larger proposal on the four‑acre site and to clarify easements for telecommunications, storm drain and sewer infrastructure. City planner Lee Puyat said the disposition process began in February 2019 and that the developer is in advanced stages of securing funding from the Commonwealth through MassHousing and the Housing & Livable Communities program and via housing tax credits. Puyat said the council’s assurances are one of the last local items required before those funding closings proceed.
“The process for advancing disposition of this property started in 02/2019,” Puyat said, and city staff described two actions: authorize closing on what the order calls Tax Lot A and accept easements granted back to the city after closing to preserve access to existing infrastructure that was extinguished when the city acquired the property through tax title.
Councilors asked procedural questions about the project’s special permit components and timeline. Puyat said the developer hopes to break ground on the residential buildings this spring, contingent on tax‑credit closings, and estimated an 18‑ to 20‑month construction schedule.
Council members made and seconded the motion to approve the order; the measure passed on roll call, 13‑0.
The order cites the city charter and Massachusetts General Laws chapter 40 and the specific language in the motion references the attached draft disposition and easement documents; the final legal conveyance will be subject to the land disposition agreement and the RFP provisions already accepted by the city. The council did not discuss the developer’s financing documents in public session.
Next steps include recording the easements and completing the closing on Tax Lot A so the developer can proceed with its funding closings and the planned site work.
