This Thursday the Northampton City Council is scheduled to discuss a proposed zoning change that addresses a question vital to the future character of Northampton’s downtown and nearby neighborhoods. How wide can houses be built and with how much.
Guest columnist Bill Ryan: More big buildings in Northampton’s backyards
Created by Bill Ryan, this projection aims to show what could happen at 14 Garfield St. in Florence should zoning changes before the City Council get approved Thursday night. Submitted photo
Published: 3/16/2021 2:46:44 PM
I volunteer for Save Bay State Village, a group seeking to stop aggressive, out-of-control development that is densifying and gentrifying our Northampton neighborhood.
Last week the Gazette reported that Northampton’s City Council advanced an ordinance to encourage building more two-family houses throughout Northampton. A final council vote is pending this Thursday.
The story put a fine face on the proposal. It failed to mention, however, the developer-friendly provisions that could be called “more big buildings in Northampton’s backyards.”
New density dogs Bay State Village neighborhood
Cate Rowen talks about the development in her neighborhood on Landy Street in Northampton. She’s no fan of the newer, more expensive homes being built on split-up lots, but says she doesn’t “want to be a NIMBY.” STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Diane Scott stands in front of her home on Landy Street and talks about the development in her neighborhood. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
39 Landy St. in Northampton. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Jackie Ballance chats with a passing neighbor as she checks her mail at her home on Warner Street in the Bay State Village section of Northampton on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING