The Amherst-Leverett Alliance supports sustainable and responsible affordable housing that will truly benefit local communities.
When Michael Kittredge II, the founder of Yankee Candle, died in 2019, he left behind a large estate spanning the border of both towns. Now, a proposal seeks to turn the property into a 400-unit housing development. A portion of the units would be classified as affordable in an effort to overcome local zoning.
The idea is being spearheaded by Joshua Wallack, a Florida nightclub owner and real estate developer.
We do not believe that Joshua Wallack and his vision are the right approach for Amherst and Leverett, Massachusetts.
Our Concerns About the Proposed Kittredge Development
Although residents in both towns support affordable housing, we have serious concerns about Wallack, his credibility and credentials, and the proposed development.
Broken Promises
Wallack attempted to develop two large entertainment complexes in Orlando and Atlantic City, promising local communities that these would create thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue. After years of hype, neither project was ever built. more
Out of Scale
The scale of the proposed development on the Kittredge estate would be one of the largest in western Massachusetts and is radically misaligned with the surrounding rural community. more
Out of Alignment
The proposed development is at odds with Amherst’s stated development priorities, which call for infill housing near transit and services. more
Community Opposition
Leverett residents are nearly unanimous in their strong opposition to Wallack’s vision and proposal. more
Lack of Experience
Wallack has no known experience with affordable housing. He has developed a nightclub, a parking garage, and a billboard. more
Questionable Costs
The extremely high annual maintenance costs for the lavish estate and amenities (estimated at $1.5 million per year) would work out to thousands of dollars per unit, raising questions about the actual affordability of the housing. more
Haves v. Have-Nots
Wallack has promoted “micro housing” in the development, along with tiered access to the amenities, suggesting a development comprised of “haves” and “have nots.” more
Questionable Partners
Wallack’s choice of partners raises additional concerns. His general contractor has a long history of “systematically using subcontractors that engage in the most egregious abuses, such as wage theft” according to a leader of Community Labor United. more
Our Frequently Asked Questions page includes a wealth of additional information and sources.