The CPAC believes that the acquisition of this 6+ acre former farm property is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand and enhance needed public facilities, whether for open space and recreation or community housing (potential reuse of the existing house on the property). The Hawthorne property is adjacent to the Amherst Community Child Care Center, Wildwood Elementary School, the Regional Middle School, and associated recreation fields. The property is located in a central downtown Amherst neighborhood, within walking distance of thousands of residents. Existing parking for the schools could serve any future uses on this property.