North Common Site plan Cover Letter
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
Planning
Land Surveying
4 Allen Place ···· Northampton, MA 01060 ···· Telephone (413) 582-7000 ···· Facsimile (413-582-7005 ···· E-mail bdg@berkshiredesign.com
December 8, 2017
Northampton Planning Board
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Project: Village Hill
Re: Lot 13A - Site Plan Review Submission
Dear Planning Board Members:
On behalf of The Community Builders Inc, we respectfully submit the enclosed
Major Site Plan Application for the development of lot 13A located to the north
of Ford Crossing at Village Hill, otherwise known as Map 31C, Parcel 017.
This project proposes the construction of a new 3-story residential apartment
building on the vacant site north of Ford Crossing. The entire parcel under
consideration consists of roughly 41 acres however only about 5 acres are
proposed for development. Remaining land will be split amongst protected
conservation land (18 ac), a cohousing community (6.2 ac), and residential house
lots along Ford Crossing (1 ac). The new 18,900 sq. ft. building will include 53
new 1,2, & 3 bedroom apartments, more than 20% of which will be affordable.
The potential of pursuing passive house certification for the building is also being
studied.
The majority of the proposed site is located inside the existing tree line that
surrounds the meadow area. Parking for the residents is provided via 35 car
parking lot located to the north of the building as well as a small number of
parallel spaces along the entry drive. A large open lawn, common space and
community playground is proposed to the south of the building and will be
accessible to the larger community. Site lighting will consist of LED fixtures
similar in design to the existing street lights at Village Hill. Storm water from the
building and parking/drive will be managed by a series of rain gardens located
around the site. Any overflow will discharge to the existing detention pond (#2)
located to the east of the project site. This detention pond was sized to
accommodate some storm water flow from this and other nearby projects. A full
analysis of the existing and proposed storm water system is being reviewed by the
DPW and MassDevelopment to ensure compliance with existing permits. All
other service utilities for the project will originate from the stubs provided at the
end of Olander Drive.
An extensive planting and landscape plan has been proposed which includes tree
replacement as required by zoning. All of the existing “specimen trees” located
within the project boundaries are being preserved as are most other trees of
significance and proximate to the work site. Inevitably, some trees will need to be
removed including those that are in poor and/or failing health. A detailed Tree
Assessment Report prepared by a certified arborist has been included for review.
A traffic study has not been provided due to the comprehensive traffic study
provided during the larger permitting efforts for the redevelopment of the entire
Northampton State Hospital property. Generally speaking, the anticipated vehicle
trips generated by this project is much less than what was originally expected
overall.
Pedestrian connections into and across the site are being provided. This includes
connections to the playground and open space south of the building to Ford
Crossing, Olander Drive and to the multi-use trail systems on the east and
western portions of Village Hill. These trail systems are also being extended or
improved as part of this project.
The building design and architecture is consistent with the Village Hill Design
Guidelines and is in keeping with the current architectural styles at Village Hill.
Mechanical units will be roof mounted and entirely hidden from view. As
mentioned previously, the project team is exploring the potential of obtaining
passive house certification is being studied. This may result in the addition of
roof mounted solar panels which are not currently shown.
This exciting project will provide new residential and affordable apartment units
within an efficient, single building footprint. The reduced need for parking,
extensive roadways and other utility infrastructure allow this project to maximize
tree preservation and the amount of available open space which will offer
opportunities to create amenities to serve the entire Village Hill community.
We look forward to presenting the full scope of the project and answer any
questions you might have at the next available public hearing.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Squire, RLA