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Date: 6/26/2023
HADLEY — As part of the June 20 meeting of the Planning Board, discussions revisited the subject of 40R zoning actions within the town.
Board members queried Bill Reylet, principal planner with the State’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Smart Growth Programs.
As described on the state website, the office is “charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents…and works with municipalities, local housing authorities, nonprofit organizations and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance and other support to Massachusetts communities.”
The subject had been brought forth previously back in April, part of a meeting of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission where potential benefits of the creation of a chapter 40R overlay district were outlined.
Chapter 40R is a 2004 state law which generally endeavors to raise housing numbers, including affordable dwellings, by increasing town land zoned for dense housing.
Board member Joseph Zgrodnik inquired about housing issues in terms of student housing needs as well as senior or residences for veterans.
“Who would be the gatekeeper regarding eligibility for the housing,” he asked. “This area is rather unique in as much as we have 30,000 students at the University of Massachusetts and then we have Hampshire College, Amherst College and many, many students live in homes in residential areas.”
Reylet indicated 40R could potentially apply to either affordable or market rate housing but the regulations do not allow for the requirement of age restrictions.
Planning Board member Jim Maksimoski asked about the potential for spot zoning, identifying smaller parcels as opposed to a larger land area, including acreage from a larger plot or property for such 40R zoning.
“There’s no minimum size per se but there are context matters in terms of how we look at that,” Reylet said. “We also look at the surrounding zoning. If it’s an area where there’s already mixed use and residential that would, if it falls into one of the other eligible categories, that wouldn’t ordinarily be a problem.”
As Reylet described in the eligibility process, the town would be required to file applications prior to approval at its own Town Meeting.
Zgrodnik also pointed to Hadley’s large agricultural base and the potential need for additional sewer connections with an increase in housing within the community.
The board agreed the process would continue under review and there would be no hurriedness in putting the issue before the fall Town Meeting.