December 5, 2025
Dear board members, my name is Matt Rasetta and I am the owner of CCM Properties Group LLC, the company that owns Pineridge Estates. I write this email out of great concern regarding the special permit application applied for on 158 Petty Plain Road.
This is a permit for a dog kennel. I am aware that the word “kennel” is not listed in the application but that is what this is. They describe housing dogs for weeks (6) and taking in rescue dogs till owners are found. The wording in the application is literally the definition of a kennel.
I spoke to the applicant and was pitched a fictional story in which the dogs would not be barking. I told her that if she was able to put 10 random dogs together, that didnt know each other, and got them to not bark- well, then, she would be rich and famous bc that has NEVER been done before in the history of mankind!!
This is 100% a dog kennel. If you’ve ever visited a dog kennel or “training facility” you will remember that it is nothing but barking dogs. That’s what dogs do when they come together. I love dogs but am just stating obvious facts. It would be a 24/7 constant noise pollution to anyone within earshot. This kennel would abut Pineridge Estates. It is literally within 100 feet of the buildings. I can say without any doubt that if approved- our business would suffer great financial losses.
Furthermore, the community of Pineridge estates would be subjected to the constant noise pollution of the dogs both night and day.
Imagine being a mother with an infant/baby who is battling nightly to find moments of sleep for her and her child- then enter barking dogs into that equation. Or the elderly couple that have lived there for decades and who just want a peaceful and quiet place to live out the rest of their days- then, again, enter the constant noise of barking dogs.
Residents/tenants would break leases and simply cite “barking dogs” or “noise pollution” as the reason. In fairness to the tenants, every judge in MA would allow for the lease terminations based on the cause.
In these times of “YELP” and “google reviews” it would only take one review with the word “KENNEL” to cause our vacancy percentage to skyrocket. NO ONE IS GOING TO RENT AN APARTMENT NEXT TO A DOG KENNEL (or whatever they want to call this business). If someone did- it would be at a far reduced rental payment.
There is ZERO exaggeration when I say this would cut our profits by a minimum of 25%. Which in turn would make the property 25% less valuable (more like 40%). Tax abatements would be filed that would cut the revenues to the city if approved. Eventually this building would be sold at a devastating loss (lowering the assessed value) to another affordable housing provider.
I am of course “pro business” being that I am an entrepreneur/business owner. However, to add a small business (generating minimal taxes) that would crush a larger business in the same area that generates HUGE revenues in taxes- doesn’t financially make sense.
There are no winners here other than the proposed applicants.
– The residents of Pineridge would be subjected to the noise pollution
– CCM properties would suffer great financial losses and move on
– The city of Greenfield would lose tax revenues (especially after a sale of the complex at a reduced price). How many companies are willing to buy an apartment complex next to a dog kennel?! I certainly would not unless it was at a dramatically lower price.
Our plans to develop the back area with more housing would immediately stop as well. CCM Properties would be forced to take legal action against the city to ensure this permit is not granted and then take further action to cover losses in the year(s) to come if this permit is granted. We would have no other options. We would also appeal to the state for help in this matter. I certainly do not want to spend money on these legal fees but am at a loss for what other course of action I would have.
I ask that you consider what is best for the greater good of Greenfield (the city itself, the residents of Pineridge estates, and the residence in the neighborhood)- as opposed to the wants of a small new business that carries the troubles as mentioned above.
Furthermore, when the surrounding homes come up for sale- will buyers purchase the homes at the current market price with a dog kennel nearby. Would you? Anyone with a family certainly wouldn’t. If they did, again, it would be at a far reduced price. Thus, lowering the assessed value(s).
We will be at the meeting next Thursday and ask for time to address the board.
If anyone has any questions or would like to talk with me- please feel free to shoot me a call.
Matt Rasetta
CEO/President
CCM Properties Group LLC/Superior CCM LLC