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Date: 3/15/2023
HADLEY – After much deliberation, members of Hadley’s Planning Board passed a series of conditions it would like to see in the redevelopment of the former Econolodge property into affordable housing.
The board said it would like to see the development have a preference for housing seniors, housing local people, the developer be responsible for all vetting of potential residents and for record-keeping. These conditions should last into perpetuity.
The board met March 7 with Laura Baker, the real estate development director of Valley Community Development, the agency which bought the property and is developing it.
Baker said the complex is planned for 50 apartments with 127 parking spaces. She explained there is a potential that the people who live there to provide a needed labor force for the various retail outlets on Route 9.
Members of the board were reticent at first to offer advice about the proposed development as the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is the entity of the local government which has more responsibility in the decision-making.
Board member Joseph Zgrodnik said, “The authority is in the ZBA’s hands. It’s their decision, not our decision.”
Board member Michael Sarsynski said, “I don’t think we are in the position of coaching other boards.” He added the “coaching” should come from the town’s attorney and said the ultimate decision might be in the hands of residents at Town Meeting.
Board member Mark Dunn reminded his colleagues, “We don’t know who’s going to move in there because it’s a lottery.”
The Select Board has voted to support the project.
The ZBA is scheduled to conduct a public hearing about the development at 7 p.m. on March 20 at the library.
Baker said there is a need for more affordable housing as Hadley has only 12.5 percent of its housing stock in that category.
Valley Community Development has extensive experience in developing housing and recently received the certificate of occupancy for Sanderson Place in Sunderland, a 33-unit complex for seniors.
Baker added Valley Community Development is open to all and any suggestions. She said the organization is used to working with a community on conditions of its developments and noted one such development in Amherst had 100 conditions added to its permits.
In other action, the board approved a two-year renewal for Heirloom Collection cannabis dispensary and will discuss a one-year license extension for Hadleaf until the next meeting.
It also approved an entertainment license for Scoop at the Silos at 102 Mill Valley Rd.