AMHERST — As both an affordable housing project that will incorporate the former East Street School is being designed, and a new three-story elementary school is being planned, the town is getting a state grant to build new sidewalks in the East Amherst village center.
The town learned last week that it will be getting $755,000 from the MassWorks Infrastructure program to pay for sidewalks and bicycle lanes on Belchertown Road. They will extend along both sides of the state highway from South East Street to Colonial Village. As part of the project, new crosswalks will also be installed. Road paving and utility upgrades will be done at town expense.
The Department of Public Works has been working in consultation with the state Department of Transportation for improvement on the stretch of road where Way Finders Inc., a Springfield nonprofit housing organization, will be undertaking a $27 million, 70-apartment affordable housing project. Some of this affordable housing includes properties on Belchertown Road, as well as the vacant East Street School.
Amherst Town Council President Lynn Griesemer said in a statement that the town prioritizes sustainable, walkable village centers, with multifamily housing and active retail and commercial spaces.
“This project helps create the spine of the East Village Center that will provide a safe, accessible pedestrian and multi-modal connection between the residential and commercial areas of East Amherst,” Griesemer said.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman thanked the DPW and Planning Department staff for putting together strong plans and a good application.
“These infrastructure improvements show foresight and will support other town investments as we build a new Fort River Elementary School and construct new affordable housing on Belchertown Road and East Street,” Bockelman said.
This is the second MassWorks grant the town has received in recent years. In 2020, the town got $1.5 million for the Pomeroy village center, where a roundabout will replace the signalized intersection on West Street and Pomeroy Lane.
Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement that MassWorks supports public infrastructure projects that accelerate housing production, spur private development and create jobs.
“Since taking office, we have been proud to make significant investments in helping our cities, towns and local partners achieve their economic development goals through a range of grant programs and legislation aimed at advancing the diverse needs of municipalities across the state,” Baker said.
