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Date: 2/14/2023
CHICOPEE — The Planning Board voted 3-1 to approve a Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District zone change for land at 105 East St. during its Feb. 2 meeting. Prem LLC owner Dennis Patel and R. Levesque Associates representative Rob Levesque are proposing a two-story, 33,130-square-foot apartment building with 24-units.
Levesque shared that the apartment complex would be a multi-family structure, featuring a variety of single, studio and two-bedroom units. The land is currently vacant. It is synonymous with the former Masonic Temple building, which was operational as T&L Antique store until the property burned down in 2018.
A central conversation regarding the proposal was its zone change request. The Planning Board meeting also featured extensive debate on a Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District zone change concept for another residential development occurring at 480 and 510 Burnett Rd. Under this zoning, property owners are allowed free reign to embrace a variety of potential development concepts.
In the past, the Planning Board approved a similar zoning concept for the former Belcher Elementary School property at 10 Southwick St. The Valley Opportunity Council purchased the century old building and received a Mill Conversion and Commercial Center Overlay District zone change in 2020. They plan to construct an apartment complex that primarily features affordable housing.
As Planning Director Lee Pouliot explained in referencing the Burnett Road and Belcher proposals, the zone change is mainly applied to prevent the creation of a residential spot zone. Spot zones are when a property is surrounded by other properties that do not share the same zoning distinction.
Levesque expressed his confidence in the development plan for the vacant East Street property.
“We think its one of the best uses for the site,” said Levesque.
Ward 5 City Councilor Fred Krampits aired his views on the project during public speak out. He shared initial concerns about the projects size.
“I’m a little concerned about the size of the project … [I] would feel better if it was a smaller sized project,” said Krampits.
Levesque said the development team will connect with Krampits and his constituents to address any potential issues.
Cierpial Funeral Home owner Maryanne Cierpial also expressed concern about the proposal. She said the developer “should consider individual housing” instead.
The Planning Board zone change approval is the first step in the developments process. All zone changes are discretionary, meaning the City Council can approve or deny the zone change proposal based on whether they think it its conducive to the neighborhood. The zone change will be discussed during a March Zoning Committee meeting before being voted on by the council.