SHELBURNE — With approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals, April and James Helenek of Two by Two LLC can proceed with their plans to purchase 1105 Mohawk Trail and convert the empty commercial building into five apartments.
The board approved a special permit for the conversion of the former Arrowhead Shops property from commercial use to a multi-family residential property on Thursday. The purchase and sale agreement was contingent upon the Heleneks receiving approval from the ZBA and Conservation Commission, so the hopeful buyers can now proceed with closing on the property in May and begin converting it into apartments.
“We noticed the space was sitting empty, and we had just done a similar project and saw there was a need for single-level apartments,” April Helenek said. “We’re not changing more, just the interior.”
The building, which was constructed in 2003, sits on approximately 5 acres of land and has been home to several businesses over the years. It has housed Posada Grill, Bonnie Brown’s Trail Toc Diner, Michael’s Cafe and Hilltown Growers Supply.
April Helenek explained that the plan is to convert the commercial spaces into four two-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit. They hope to keep construction costs low.
“We’re not interested in getting a really high rent; we would like to make it affordable for people,” April Helenek said. “Not necessarily affordable housing, but the idea is to make workforce housing.”
James Helenek added that they plan to install energy-efficient appliances, keep the exterior of the building the same, and add a deck and privacy fence in the backyard, so each tenant will have access to a private deck and outdoor space. Additionally, they plan to upgrade the septic system and do landscaping around the property.
He added that they need to install a sprinkler system, but their engineer is unsure at this time whether the system could be attached to the building or if an addition or outbuilding would be needed to house water storage tanks for the sprinklers.
From the back of the building to the swamp is approximately 29 feet. Constructing a 12-foot-wide deck will still provide residents with a 17-foot grassy area, April Helenek said.
“The hope is that we would be able to provide a backyard for each of the units,” April Helenek said. “We are hoping to give them a sense of home. … It’s not a ton, but it’s enough to put some lawn chairs or maybe a little fire pit or something.”
James Helenek said each apartment will have two parking spaces. The utility companies that have been parking there are leasing space to continue parking on site for an additional nine months after Two by Two LLC officially buys the property at the end of May.
The Heleneks said they will be looking for grant funding to help reduce construction costs and allow them to offer lower rents, but they currently plan to charge approximately $2,000 per month for the two-bedroom apartments.
“The rent we would have to ask for is like $2,000 for these small apartments, and we’re really struggling with that,” April Helenek said. “That’s not exactly affordable housing.
“We keep throwing out the term affordable housing, but that doesn’t seem that affordable,” she continued. “We’d like to make it as affordable as possible. We’re really not in the business of business; we’re in the business of people.”
Prior to the commercial office building being constructed, the property housed Shelburne Valley Cabins, and two of the old cabin buildings remain on the property. James Helenek said that, down the road, they could renovate those structures to be usable again, but in the meantime, they plan to focus on the office building.
Abutters in attendance at the public hearing on Thursday said it would be nice to see the property fixed up and used again, particularly as housing.
“I think it’s great. We definitely need more affordable housing,” resident April Healey said. “I think it’s going to be a huge improvement to the neighborhood.”
ZBA members expressed concern about the construction of another building on the property for the sprinkler system, but ultimately voted unanimously to approve the special permit, under the condition that if another structure is built, it will be no larger than 24 feet by 24 feet and the exterior will match the existing building.
“I think it’s commendable,” member Eric Lucentini said. “I think it’s a lovely project.”
Faye Whitney, the board’s administrative assistant, said there had been interest from another prospective buyer who wished to tear down the structure and build storage units, but that person had backed out after the Conservation Commission informed them they would not be allowed to expand the footprint of the building closer to the swamp.
“I had heard that storage units was sort of at the forefront and this is, to me, a much more positive outcome for Shelburne,” board member Michael Parry said.
With a special permit approved, the Heleneks said they would continue to move forward with closing on the property this spring and begin renovations.
“We’ll do everything we can do to make it work and make it beautiful,” April Helenek said.