On September 15, Sovereign Builders asked the Northampton Planning Board to let it reduce its View Avenue project from 12 to 7 detached, single-family units. “Given current building and energy code requirements, construction costs, alternative housing options, and limited storage space, the viability of building and selling ultra-small houses at a reasonable price-point does not appear practical.”
In the new proposal, the number of surface parking spaces is reduced from 15 to 7. All units would now include a garage and associated storage space, so the bike shelters have been eliminated.
The units in the old plan ranged from 736 square feet to 1,300 square feet in size. The new plan calls for 5 units of 2,062 square feet and 2 units of 1,190 square feet.
Overall, the new plan reduces the impervious area by 245 square feet. The stormwater system is not changing.
Here is a link to the documents associated with the new plan. The Planning Board will hold a hearing on Sovereign Builders’ request on October 9, 2025, 8:30pm, in City Council Chambers at 212 Main Street. We expect the public will also be able to attend via videoconference. We’ll publicize that link when it’s available.
