Sheldon Field Bobola.pdf 1
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
I: Project Information
Project Title: Sheldon Field Expansion – Farmland Now, Recreation Later
Project Summary: CPA funds are sought for acquisition of a 4.5 +/- acre parcel of
farmland off of Old Ferry Road near Sheldon Field. We are pursuing this acquisition
both for protection of farmland, and to be able to meet future recreation needs as
they arise. The City will lease the land for agricultural purposes until such time that
the recreational demands of the City are no longer met by existing facilities, and an
expansion of Sheldon Field is needed. The City crafted a similar acquisition with CPA
funds in 2009 directly adjacent to the field, and license terms for both parcels will
coincide.
Estimated start date: Spring 2016 Estimated completion date: Summer 2016
CPA Program Area (check all that apply):
X Open Space Historic Preservation
Community Housing X Recreation
II: Applicant/Developer Information
Contact Person and or/primary applicant: Ann-Marie Moggio or Wayne Feiden
Property Owner (if applicable): John and Karen Bobala
Organization (if applicable): Northampton Parks and Recreation Department
Mailing Address: 90 Locust Street, Northampton MA 01060
Daytime phone #: 413-587-1040 Fax #: 413-587-1045
E-mail address & Website: amoggio@northamptonma.gov
III: Budget Summary
Total budget for project: $33,000
CPA funding request: $27,000
CPA request as percentage of total budget: 82%
Applicant’s Signature: ____________________________
Date Submitted: ____________________________
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Narrative:
Location: Parcel 25-036, off Old Ferry Road
Project Description:
CPA funding is sought to purchase a 4.5 acre parcel just north of Sheldon field. The
area is currently farmed, and the City will not remove it from agricultural use until
needs for recreational uses necessitate an expansion of Sheldon Field. Two additions to
Sheldon Field have been created in the past ten years using a similar method. These
parcels were bargain sales to the Parks and Recreation Department by the Jasinski
family, in return for the right to continue farming. Both of these parcels now appear as
part of Sheldon Field, and the Jasinski’s right to farm extends for up to eighteen years.
The license for the Bobola parcel will coincide with the expiration of that license. At
that time, we will evaluate whether additional recreational facilities are needed at
Sheldon Field, and if not, another agricultural license will be issued. The creation of
Florence Fields reduced the backlog of the demand for new facilities, and the recent
allowance of CPA funding for rehabilitation to existing recreational facilities has also
helped a great deal. However, we are remaining vigilant in the need to plan for
addressing future needs as they arise knowing that there are very few opportunities
near population centers. A permanent conservation restriction will be placed on the
property to further ensure that it remains as open space, farmland, and recreation
permanently. This will be held by one of our local conservation partners for a bargain
cost. No maintenance will be required until the land is converted to recreation.
Community Preservation Criteria
The project meets many of the general CPA evaluation criteria:
Serves more than one CPA program area
Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of
the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents
Northampton provides recreational opportunities both for citizens, and participants from
surrounding communities. Ensuring that there is an ample supply of facilities to meet
recreational demands is a key factor in the community’s vitality and quality of life.
Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive
plan and/or the Northampton Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan 2011-
2018 or is consistent with other city-wide planning efforts that have received broad-
based scrutiny and input and can demonstrate wide community support
The expansion of Sheldon Field is directly called out in the Open Space Plan’s Action
Plan: “There is some land available adjacent to Sheldon Field that should be added to
Sheldon Field. Some is currently owned by the City and leased to a farmer and some is
currently privately held. A small amount of land would allow this area to reach the
critical mass to serve multiple recreation needs.”
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Places high value on sustainable, ecologically responsible, energy-conserving structures,
locations, and materials; demonstrates that the project minimizes the ecological
footprint
Expanding an existing recreational facility has a much smaller footprint than would
creation of a brand new facility.
Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments,
and City residents
The project is supported by the Mayor, Office of Planning and Sustainability, Parks and
Recreation Department and Recreation Commission, and the City Council.
Leverages additional public and/or private funds, or demonstrates that other funding
sources are not readily available or sufficient
The small size of this project makes it not eligible or not competitive for most of the
other funding sources we typically pursue.
Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget
We have an option on the property that expires on May 1. City Council approval of the
purchase has already been obtained, and we do not anticipate any issues with being
able to close as soon as funds are available.
Advances a public purpose
Provision of sufficient recreational facilities is an important part of the services the City
provides to its citizens.
It also meets many of the Recreation Evaluation Criteria:
Support multiple active and passive recreation uses;
Serve a significant number of residents;
Expand the range of recreational opportunities available to Northampton residents of all
ages
Enhance the appreciation of the natural world and its conservation
Contribute to the positive health status of its citizens
Benefit conservation and recreation initiatives
Maximize the utility of land already owned by Northampton (e.g. school property)
Promote the creative use of former railway, waterways and other corridors, including
connecting corridors, to create safe and healthful non-motorized transportation and
exercise opportunities
Expand recreational opportunities for those segments of the population that are
underserved given the current location of existing recreational lands and unique needs
of different segments of the community
Accomplish any of the preceding by restoring or rehabilitating existing facilities or lands
to serve their intended purpose.
Incorporate environmentally friendly design and long-term maintenance
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Have the support of the Northampton Recreation Commission and other groups and
partners involved in recreation
Project Budget:
Acquisition Cost: $30,000
(includes the current $27,000 CPA request, and $3,000 from conservation fund and/or
donations)
Soft Costs and Conservation Restriction (donated) $3,000
Project Timeline and Feasibility:
All due diligence has been completed, and we have already obtained City Council
approval. We will investigate the possibility of extending the current option, which
expires on May 1. We would like to request that CPC consider this as an out-of-round
application, allowing CPC to vote on their recommendation by the end of March so that
we can move forward without the risk that the seller will not extend our option period.
Attachments:
Map
Letters of Support to be provided as received
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