Jan 12, 2012 Minutes
The Northampton Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
Jan 12, 2012
City of Northampton City Hall Hearing Room 18, 210 Main St., Northampton, MA
Members Present: Time
Chair, Stephen Gilson
Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer 7:05
Francis “Frandy” Johnson
Marilyn Richards
Debin Bruce
Katharine Baker
Mark Sullivan
Andrew Weir, Associate Member
Associate Member
Staff:
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
7:00
Stephen Gilson opened discussion beginning with report from subcommittees:
CPC issues were updated by Katharine Baker. She noted that 2012 round applications
are currently under initial review. Deadline for final applications will be early February.
Housing Partnership issues were reviewed by Jennifer Dieringer noting the committee is
determining how to set priorities for implementing the housing plan.
Capital Improvements: Mark Sullivan noted that there is no action yet.
Parking & Transportation w/Bike Ped sub: Francis Johnson updated issues
Tree Committee: Nothing to report
State Hospital CAC: No meeting yet for the year.
PVPC no report.
EDHLU nothing to report
Upon motion by Katharine Baker and second by Mark Sullivan, the board voted unanimously
to approve the Minutes of 12-8 with corrections to name spelling.
Kollmorgen Planting: Staff gave update on request by Stephen Gilson to address planting
along front of property in compliance with the Planning Board issued permit. Carolyn Misch
1
explained that Louis Hasbrouck would schedule a site review to ensure all the plantings were
installed.
Stephen Gilson, Jennifer Dieringer, Marilyn Richards noted they would be absent on Feb 9
hearing.
Board discussed starting the evaluation of of residential zoning issues on 1-26 meeting and
then 2-24.
7:50 P.M.
Stephen Gilson opened the hearing onDefinitive Subdivision for creation of
Ford Crossing at Hospital Hill, off Village Hill Rd, Northampton, Map Id 31C-17.
Alan Delaney provided overview of the project and described the uses surrounding some
portions of the streets.
Stephen Gilson asked about the boundaries of the park and why they were defined on the
plans.
Delaney stated that they weren’t sure yet about the precise boundaries because they don’t
have a developer for one of the abutting parcels.
Board discussed need for greater definition of areas to be dedicated for open space and trail
connectivity.
The Board discussed concerns about modifications to the Master Plan and how they relate to
the subdivision under review.
Department of Public Works comments were discussed and noted that stormwater permitting
wasn’t completed.
There was no public comment.
Upon motion by Katharine Baker and second by Mark Sullivan, the board voted unanimously
to continue the hearing to Feb 9 at 7:30 p.m.
8:45 P.M
. Stephen Gilson opened the Major Site Plan Review for creation of more than 10
parking spaces and more than one curb cut and construction of 2,800 +- sf of building at
Florence Fields, 157 Spring St, Florence, Map Id 22B-113.
Wayne Feiden introduced the project history, location, intent.
Ann-Marie Moggio, Director of Recreation described the needs and the activities proposed
on the field. The city hosts approximately 4,000 games per year on fields.
2
Carlos Nieto, consulting project designer, described the technical details, parking lot, access
points, bike loops. He noted that there would be a walking trail around the perimeter of the
fields that would also connect to a farm access road on the west side of the site.
The Board asked about refuse removal particularly for larger tournament events. Would there
be a compactor on site?
Moggio stated that it would be managed just as the fields are today.
Mark Sullivan asked how wide the trail was surrounding the field.
Juliet Locke, transportation consulting engineer for the project, described the analysis of the
possible impacts of the fields at the location. She noted the project was at the geographical
center for the city.
Mark Sullivan asked about the possibility of PVTA bus route/stop.
Board discussed merits of bus stop at this location.
Marilyn Richards asked about impacts relative to the curve at Pine St and Spring Street.
Board discussed Department of Public Works comments and applicant’s response.
Board discussed proposal for irrigation, trash removal, drainage and possible conditions.
There was no public comment.
Upon motion by Mark Sullivan and second by Andrew Weir, the board voted unanimously to
close the hearing.
Upon motion by Mark Sullivan and second by Andrew Weir, the board voted unanimously to
approve the site plan with the following conditions:
1. Plans should be certified by a qualified professional that grading is completed as
designed.
2.A minimum of 24 spaces for bike parking be provided and distributed in 3 locations (at
both parking lots and near the playground).
3.Trash should be located in an enclosed area by the building.
4.Plan sheet shall be revised as offered /noted by the applicant to address DPW comments.
5.To the extent feasible, field irrigation should be accomplished through use of wells.
Board adjourned at 10:30.
3