East Street and Belchertown Road

In March 2022, Way Finders was selected by the Town of Amherst to develop mixed-income housing on two Town-owned sites: the former East Street School at 31 South East Street and 72, 76, and 80 Belchertown Road. As the owner and property manager of two affordable housing developments in Amherst (Butternut Farms and Olympia Oaks), Way Finders is thrilled to expand our impact and provide more housing in Amherst. Way Finders will also manage the new development once complete.

Way Finders will develop 78 mixed-income apartments across the two sites. Approximately two-thirds of the units will be designed to accommodate families. Both properties will feature on-site management and flexible spaces to enhance the programs and services already available at Way Finders’ other Amherst locations, while exploring new ways to support residents.

At the East Street School Site, we will repurpose the school building to create 6 units and construct a new three-story building with 25 units, for a total of 31 units. The new construction will seamlessly connect to the school, featuring a central patio and main entrance equipped with an elevator for accessibility across all levels in both buildings.

At the Belchertown Road site, we will create 47 new apartments in a single three-story building, including an elevator to ensure maximum accessibility to barrier free common spaces.

Development Timeline
Way Finders intends to develop the two sites concurrently, with the goal to start the Comprehensive Permit Process with the town in the Spring of 2024. The construction start is based upon funding sources availability but is anticipated to start in early 2027 with the goal of completion and initial occupancy by the fall of 2028. Applications for apartments will be available approximately six months before the completion of construction.

Building features and benefits

• All units, community spaces, and amenities will be barrier free with elevator access at both sites.
• Elevator access and universal design features in all units.
• Energy efficiency and resilience with all-electric heating and cooling powered by solar panels.
• Onsite property management and resident services staff.

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Please note: The rental application process for these apartments is anticipated to start in 2028. We are not accepting applications at this time.

If you are looking to rent affordable housing, we suggest you search the Housing Navigator. You can also explore resources on our Housing Center page, and you may also join the wait list for our other rental properties in the region.