Habitat for Humanity opens applications for Northampton Trailside Condos
The organization will accept applications through November 24 for four deed-restricted condos on Cooke Avenue designed for first-time homebuyers.
Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity has opened applications for a new affordable housing development in Northampton called Trailside Condos, which will offer homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers in the city.
The organization plans to build four energy-efficient condos on Cooke Avenue next to the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation area trailhead, which Northampton donated for the project. The development will include three three-bedroom, three-story homes and one two-bedroom, one-story home designed to be accessible for wheelchair users. According to Executive Director Megan McDonough, the initiative aligns with the Planning Department's goal of creating affordable housing on previously underutilized land while being close to public transit and neighborhood amenities.
Construction is scheduled to begin next spring. The homes will be all-electric and deed-restricted as affordable properties. McDonough said the organization is also working with PV Squared in Greenfield to incorporate on-site solar panels, with the aim of making the homes zero net energy, meaning they would generate as much electricity as they use.
The maximum sales price for each unit will be $200,000. Applicants must be willing to volunteer at least 250 construction hours, have a monthly housing payment capacity between $900 and $1,800, and meet the organization's income requirements. The organization said people with disabilities are encouraged to apply and can arrange alternative arrangements to fulfill the volunteer requirement.
Applications are due Tuesday, Nov. 24. Accepted applicants will then enter a lottery process that will occur one to two months after the deadline. To apply, prospective homeowners can visit fhhabitat.org/apply, email apply@fhhabitat.org, mail an application to PO Box 60642, Florence, MA 01062, or call 413-517-8326.
Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity is hosting three information sessions for interested applicants. The first takes place in person Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Lilly Library. Two additional sessions will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Monday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is available at fhhabitat.org/apply/.
McDonough said the organization has built more than 60 homes throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties since its founding in 1989, with roughly half located in Northampton. She noted that Northampton receives the most applications of any municipality where the organization builds.