EASTHAMPTON – With a unanimous vote last week by the City Council, it is full steam ahead to find a developer that can fulfill the community’s vision to turn three vacant schools into affordable housing.
The council agreed to issue a request for proposals by mid-October.
A news release from the office of Eastampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said the city hoped all three of the properties would be redeveloped into affordable housing. However, a secondary goal would be for spaces such as public parking and playgrounds.
“We as a community must understand we are asking developers to take these buildings on and accomplish our goals,” LaChapelle said in a statement. “The City’s best outcome is the residents’ primary goal — affordable housing.”
She noted the city will have to support any developers interested in making an investment in the city.
Once a developer is selected, more community input would be sought during the permitting process, which requires public hearings.
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