This image from Google Earth shows how the Bear Hill area once appeared. To the lower right is the JFK Middle School parking lot.
Another development under way in Northampton is called Bear Hill Estates. Located on Bridge Road in Florence near the Look Park entrance and soon to be roundabout at the Route 9 intersection (like a rotary only different), Bear Hill is targeting people 55 and older. Described by the Gazette last summer as luxury living, the single use development comprises about 50 residential units settled on about 25 acres of land near the JFK Middle School, or about two units per acre. So much for the downtown infill and density that was supposed to save the outlying areas from development. To date I have not heard anything about the "green" aspects of the development so I am not certain if there are any.
Although the Gazette reported that a section of the property will be protected from development and that the project will include a sledding hill and a much needed soccer field, there does not seem to be any accessory apartments included. These are something city planning has encouraged in other projects. On the plus side fewer units means fewer vehicle trips.
As well it is not clear whether the access road is eventually to become a city maintained street or not. As the homes are installed I imagine the view looking up at the hill will change quite dramatically while the views from the hill should be quite pleasant for those who will reside there presiding over the neighborhood. This development combined with the recently completed expansion of the intersection at North Maple Street and Bridge Road and the overhaul of Look Park is sure to continue altering the small town feel and charm of the area.
Residents of Bear Hill will be situated close to several nearby amenities though, like the bicycle trail which will provide easy non-motorized access to a nicely refurbished downtown Florence. The JFK swimming pool is next door and the many features of Look Park are close by too, like the Garden House, tennis courts and mini golf facilities. Heck maybe these folks will even take a spin in the bumper boats that replaced the historic pool.
Rich soil was scraped off the hill for construction purposes
Cut along the dotted line please
Dietz Construction prepares the way for a new sidewalk which will offer safer passage along Bridge Road to JFK.
