Sept 27, 2012 min
The Northampton Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
Sept 27, 2012
City of Northampton Council Chambers, 212 Main St., Northampton, MA
Members Present: Time
Chair, Mark Sullivan
Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer
Francis “Frandy” Johnson
Stephen Gilson
Debin Bruce
John Lutz
Karla Youngblood, Associate Member
Ann DeWitt Brooks Associate Member
Staff:
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden 7:30
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
7:00 P.M
Mark Sullivan opened the meeting with Beth Murphy from MassDevelopment
who gave an update on build-out of the state hospital and future plans.
Jennifer Dieringer asked what efforts are being made to attract retail.
Murphy noted that MassDevelopment is working to set the framework for retail with
infrastructure. She noted that retail is usually the last use to arrive based on intensity of
existing uses on site. Lot 18 should be a driver toward that end. Murphy noted that the
brokers are working on marketing for retail.
Stephen Gilson asked if there are plans for more infrastructure development north of Ford
Crossing.
Murphy confirmed that absorption of existing lots need to be seen first before any more road
development.
Board asked question about the role of the Citizens Advisory Committee and Planning
Board.
7:20 PM Staff provided overview of discussion of the zoning changes at the public comment
session.
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Staff presented a map to illustrate the magnitude of possible lot changes that could arise from
the zoning changes.
Janet Rini, Langworthy Road noted the reason Langworthy (and Ward) are URA zones is
because of deed restrictions on the lots.
David Drake, Locust Street, noted role as historic commission chair, CPC member and CAC
member. He stated he has no problem with expanding the number of units within older
homes or units in a garage. He argued that infill doesn’t guarantee affordability.
Affordability has to be constructed and planned. Density is bad. He also asked or a working
group with Historic Commission to think about partial demolition and impacts to historic
neighborhoods from the zoning.
Jim Nash read a letter from Jerry Budger who raised concerns about influx of new units, loss
of green/open space, and equity across zoning districts including the URA.
Nash clarified that design to fit into neighborhoods was important.
Janet Gross 38 Round Hill Rd. asked for a total number new lots represented by the map.
She asked why the board didn’t discuss low cost housing? She argued that changes were not
conducive to low cost housing and the changes should not be voted on by council but should
go to voter referendum.
Board continued discussion about zoning until after the Oct 17 Ward 3 meeting.
8:40 adjourn.
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