Amherst beings planning for $27M in affordable housing projects

AMHERST — Two affordable housing projects that will bring about 70 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to the East Amherst village center are in the planning stages.

Possibly breaking ground in 2025, Way Finders Inc., the Springfield developer, was selected by the town to handle the $27 million project at town-owned sites that include the former East Street School at 31 South East St. and 72, 76 and 80 Belchertown Road.

With the development still more than two years away, though, the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust is putting on a virtual forum Tuesday evening that will provide an overview of the project, while also exploring what can be done to increase the stock of housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

The forum “Affordable Housing in Amherst: the challenge, the accomplishments, and the work ahead” will be for the trust to outline its goals and accomplishments, said Brianna Sunryd, director of Communications & Civic Innovation for the town.

Among those speaking at the forum will be Keith Fairey, president and CEO of Way Finders; Diane Smith, Way Finders chief real estate officer; and Faith Williams, senior vice president of property and asset management for Way Finders. A representative from Narrow Gate architects will also be on the call, along with Erica Piedade and Carol Lewis, who serve as co-chairs of the trust.

The Amherst Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalition and the League of Women Voters of Amherst are co-sponsors of the event.

To participate, go to https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/89751212270 The webinar ID is 897 5121 2270.