Civil Municipal - April 2024

down in the mid-20th century, new opportunities were born. Amanufacturing hub emerged, while old mill spaces offered blank canvases for blossoming artists who’ve retooled gray parts of this small city into wells of color and culture. Over the last several years, Easthampton has seen a riveting combination of cultural, artistic, and economic influence embed itself into residents’ lives. “There’s a lot of excitement in those who live and work in Easthampton,” says Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. With Mount Tom, an iconic natural landmark standing tall over Easthampton’s core, a transformation is underway. The city is more interconnected than ever before providing the needed momentum for the year ahead. A SUSTAINABLE HOUSING SOLUTION When asked what the top priority is for Easthampton, the mayor quickly answered that “number one is housing.” “Unfettered access for developers, planners, and residents. Public informed planning, Building it, Moving in.” Many American cities are dealing with housing shortages as prices escalate and like so many of its counterparts, Easthampton is taking actionable steps toward a solution in 2024. The city is beginning with an ambitious residential project designed to house over 200 people. LaChapelle proudly notes this in- progress development will be a net-zero project offering affordable housing to residents of mixed incomes. The project accounts for 52 acres of land, but only 21 acres will be used for housing. The rest of the land will be preserved and put under the control of a land trust. When the project is completed, residents will not only reap the benefits of affordable housing, but they’ll also immerse themselves in what LaChapelle calls a “stunning” conservation area attached to flowing riverbeds. “What could have easily been 10 McMansions that 71 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 04 EASTHAMPTON, MA