In a recent government meeting, the committee approved a significant zoning change for a property located at 586 Montgomery Street in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The proposal, put forth by Valerie Duquayne and Ronald Sagan, sought to convert the existing single-family residence into a two-family dwelling.

Duquayne explained that the property had been home to her mother and her special needs brother until their respective passings in recent years. With the need for rental income now pressing, the applicants requested the zoning change to better utilize the space, which includes an addition built in 1999.

The Chicopee Planning Board had previously held a public hearing on July 11, 2024, and recommended approval of the zone change, noting that the property is fully permitted and has a history of family occupancy. The committee's decision to approve the change requires further ratification from the city council, which is scheduled to review the matter next Thursday.

The motion to approve the zoning change was met with unanimous support from the committee members, reflecting a collaborative effort to adapt local housing to meet current needs. This decision marks a step towards increasing housing availability in the area, as the applicants aim to rent out the newly designated two-family residence.