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| By Rick Sobey Staff Intern WILBRAHAM Habitat For Humanity has never built a home in the town of Wilbraham. However, the word "never" could be removed from that statement in the near future. During the March 24 Wilbraham Board of Selectmen meeting, Peter Ablondi, a Greater Springfield Habitat For Humanity representative who is sponsored by St. Cecilia's Parish, presented an overview of what the organization does. He talked about the past and current projects in Monson, as well as the possibility of constructing a home in Wilbraham. The Wilbraham Board of Selectmen were receptive to what Ablondi had to say about building in town, but there are some hurdles in the way before building could occur. First of all, it is necessary to find a plot of land that has both of the following requirements the town must own the land and the organization needs to be able to build a home on it. Director of the Planning Department, John Pearsall, is involved with going through all of the land that the town owns and seeing if there is any land that is developable. Right now, Pearsall has not found any potential sites for Habitat For Humanity, but he will continue to search for properties. "Most of the land in town is either already developed, protected, a part of the schools, or wetlands," Pearsall said. "I don't want to rule out that there won't be any construction in Wilbraham for Habitat For Humanity, but it is difficult to find land that has development potential. "Land in this town doesn't stay around for a long time," Pearsall continued. "I will just continue to do research and try to put together a list of properties." In addition, if Pearsall is able to find a piece of land that meets the requirements, then the town must be willing to donate it to Habitat For Humanity. Ablondi is a coordinator of the Monson Circle of Faith, which is a group of nine local churches (including St. Cecilia's Parish) that help build homes. The group is currently in the process of finishing its third house in Monson. Over 300 volunteers from St. Cecilia's Parish have been helping the cause in Monson. Wilbraham Selectman James E. Thompson believes it's great that this organization exists. "I think that it is a wonderful program," Thompson said. "Habitat For Humanity gets somebody into a house who needs the support. Then, people volunteer materials for the home, which is also great." The Greater Springfield Habitat For Humanity brings families who need housing together with people who can provide help. The group charges no interest and does not make any profit. Ablondi, St. Cecilia's Parish and Habitat For Humanity will have to wait and see if any piece of land in Wilbraham is acceptable for a new home project. |