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Date: 12/14/2022
HADLEY – At its Dec. 6 meeting, the Hadley Planning Board moved forward with historical information signs around town and a discussion on affordable housing.
Denise Barstow Manz and Diana West, members of the town’s historical commission, appeared to seek support and suggestions for placing four signs with historical information around town. Each sign would contain historical information about the area it’s in. Made of powder-coated aluminum, West said the signs “would last us decades and would weather extremely well.”
The commission wants to install the 2-foot by 3-foot signs at the Hockanum Schoolhouse, on the common near the bike path, in North Hadley at the intersection of Mt. Warner Road and River Drive and at the Goodwin Memorial Building in the center of town.
West explained that these sites were chosen because they allow drivers to safely pull off the road and read about the local area.
The Planning Board approved the concept, pending input from the Department of Public Works and approval from the building inspector and Select Board.
The board also began discussion on a new state law, Chapter 40Y, that encourages towns to create starter home districts. The advisory, received by towns, states that “the new provision provides for a unique process under which your town may facilitate the development of smaller more affordable homes.” In essence, it incentivizes towns to create starter home districts with specific requirements for the size and makeup of the homes, such as they have to be single homes less than 1,850 square feet.
All the members supported the idea in theory with several pointing out a lack of affordable and size appropriate housing for those people just starting out and for the elderly. However, several members pointed to challenges that may exist for such a district.
Member Joseph Zgrodnik said, “I don’t know how you’re going to make housing any cheaper.” Other members agreed specifically noting the current cost of land, building materials and labor.
“This is one of the most expensive places to build in,” said member James Maksimoski.
According to the board, Hadley has an 11.9 percent affordable housing rate and the town is trying to address that, as well as having more housing that is middle of the road in terms of cost.
The board postponed a discussion of Triangle Properties’ 13 Russell St. location.