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Date: 9/19/2023
EASTHAMPTON — Michael Michon, project developer for One Industrial Lots at 1 Ferry St., received approval from the Planning Board to adjust the configuration of a building and parking areas at the new development.
The amendment to the original site plan will move the building to the center of the lot and away from the canal. This will allow for increased safety for both the building, as emergency vehicles will now have better access, and for the construction crews, who will not have to work above the canal. The parking area will now be adjacent to the canal.
A two-tiered parking garage will also be added to the rear of the property, allowing double the number of cars, and a pick-up and drop-off area will be at the front of the building. The last part of the amendment will now allow a maximum of 225 units to be built, up from the original 150 units.
The proposal already went to the Conservation Commission, which is currently drafting its order of conditions.
Although the board did approve the amendments, concerns were raised about the potential flooding of the parking garage and an additional exit from the property.
Michon explained that the parking garage is open, allowing for “more flood storage,” so he doesn’t anticipate a problem. The company also has the water rights to the canal and will be able to control that as necessary.
As for the second exit, Michon explained that the current traffic setup has been designed for optimum traffic flow. This exit would mostly be used for deliveries. Michon and the board agreed to post a right-turn-only sign to alleviate the traffic concerns of the board.
Michon also touched on his desire to have affordable housing units included. However, he has faced challenges to that plan.
According to Michon, the state does not appear to have programs that would help with that issue and he feels very frustrated about it. However, he did say that he would keep working on it, a sentiment that was encouraged by the board.
“We’re going to try to do everything we can for an affordable project,” said Michon.
Construction on this building is currently slated to begin in 2025 or 2026.