Cadwell St Pelham Statement Jan 2024

To Pelham residents and town officials:

    In July, 2023, with financial assistance from the Town of Pelham, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity bought two lots on Cadwell Street in Pelham, on which Habitat plans to construct two affordable owner-occupied houses. 

    In December, 2023, Habitat received a letter from an attorney representing a neighboring owner who claims he “has maintained a 25 foot wide strip of land on Lot 3 that runs adjacent to his driveway that we believe would give him a legal right to that area.” 

    We cannot in good conscience simply surrender one fourth of a building lot for which Habitat paid $50,000.00. Habitat’s attorney Michael Pill of Green Miles Lipton in Northampton advises us that such a letter carries an implied threat of litigation if we do not give in to the lawyer’s demand. 

    Michael has initiated litigation in the Land Court in Boston, to avoid the possibility that the neighbor’s lawyer might sue Habitat in the Superior Court in Northampton. Unlike the Superior Court, the Land Court has a full time mediator and actively encourages settlement of cases. The Land Court judges have experience and specialized expertise in this type of land issue, unlike the Superior Court which must handle all types of civil and criminal cases. 

    While Habitat, like any party to litigation, cannot discuss the case, any Pelham resident or town official is welcome to call Attorney Michael Pill at his home office (413) 259-1221. Michael will field all such calls pro bono, in support of Habitat.

2023 volunteer recap

YOU made a difference in 2023!

A majority of the work it takes to build a Habitat home is done by volunteers, both on-site and off-site. Every hour you spent volunteering with Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity made an impact — whether on the build site, on a committee, in the office, or out in the community, your efforts help make affordable homeownership a reality for more families in Hampshire and Franklin counties.

You supported us during one of our busiest years ever! Three families moved into their new homes on Burts Pit Road in Northampton, a fourth moved into their new home in Conway, and three more families are busy working on their future Northampton homes. Our FEAST for Habitat returned to rkMiles in May and debuted a food and drink contest, we honored volunteers with 100+ hours last fiscal year at our annual meeting in September, and our eleventh annual Gingerbread Build wrapped up the year in festive cheer with our fourth at-home build.

This work would not be possible without your contributions of talent, time, and financial resources, and we cannot thank you enough for standing with us and with families ready to own their first home.

Is volunteering part of your New Year’s resolutions?

We’re looking for new committee members! Committees meet virtually and are responsible for all areas of behind-the-scenes planning. From family support and DEI to site safety and more, there’s a wide range of committees and leadership positions to choose from!

Want to swing a hammer? Construction teams are on site in Northampton and Conway on most weekdays, with full-day and half-day shifts available. Our Women Build days are the third Sunday of every month in Northampton. You can also schedule team builds with your office, school, or place of worship for a unique group experience!

If you have questions or want to apply for a committee or special leadership position please contact Megan at 413-586-5430 x106 or volunteer@pvhabitat.org. We look forward to working with you!