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Agenda and Minutes 2009-10-21 City of Northampton Community Preservation Committee 210 Main Street, City Hall Northampton, MA 01060 Community Preservation Committee DATE: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 TIME: 7:00pm PLACE: Hearing Room, 210 Main Street (second floor City Hall) Contact: Fran Volkmann, Chair, Community Preservation Committee Franv@comcast.net Tom Parent, Vice Chair, Community Preservation Committee ParentBridge@hotmail.com Wayne Feiden, Community Preservation Planner wfeiden@northamptonma.gov (413) 587-1265 Agenda ?? Public Comment ?? Acceptance of October 7, 2009 Minutes ?? Chair’s Report ?? Meeting with Round 2 Applicants 1. Childs Park Open Space Preservation Project 2. Conservation Commission Barrett Street Marsh Open Space Pres. Project 3. Conservation Commission Conservation Fund Project 4. Conservation Commission Haydenville Road Open Space Project 5. Garfield Avenue Habitat for Humanity Community Housing Project 6. Grove Street Inn Community Housing Project 7. Look Park Recreation Project 8. Overlook at Northampton Community Housing Project ?? Other Business For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website: http://www.northamptonma.gov/gsuniverse/httpRoot/comm/ MINUTES Community Preservation Committee Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main St. Members Present: Fran Volkmann, George Kohout, Tom Parent, Downey Meyer, Lilly Lombard, David Drake and Joseph Defazio Staff Present: John Frey, Community Preservation Planner Fran Volkmann opened the public meeting at 7:01pm. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT ?? Fran Volkmann reminded all applicants that public comment regarding Round 2 projects is scheduled for November 4, 2009. However, public comment is always welcome at any meeting. 2. ACCEPTENCE OF OCTOBER 7, 2009 MINUTES ?? Fran Volkmann presented the October 7, 2009 minutes for discussion. After one minor correction to a speaker’s name Fran Volkmann declared the minutes were approved as read. 3. CHAIR’S REPORT ?? Fran Volkmann stated the interviews for Bruce Young’s position would happen next week. Fran Volkmann and Kevin Lake (Conservation Commission) are scheduled to sit in. 4. MEETING WITH ROUND 2, 2009 APPLICANTS (PART 2) CHILDS PARK OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION PROJECT ?? David Murphy, President of the Childs Park Foundation summarized the project. He stated they traditionally have been capable of paying own expenses. However, the trust is in difficulty and operating funds are down 40% this year. This is the first time they have sought public funds. They are looking to restore a man-made reflecting pond. It is a small project at just $6,400. ?? Lilly Lombard asked if they have considered a public fundraising campaign. David Murphy stated the directors considered it, but chose not to go public in and compete with the other non-profits in this economic climate. ?? George Kohout asked about the volunteer hours. David Murphy stated the park utilizes four paid employees for landscaping. However, they needed to shorten the season by two weeks this year. For this project though, specialized equipment is needed and beyond the scope of their employees. ?? Tom Parent asked about the timeline for work to begin. David Murphy stated work would not begin until after the deep freeze in order to avoid lawn damage. ?? Fran Volkmann asked if partial funding is possible. David Murphy stated full funding is necessary. Any additional resources from Childs Park would need to come out of next year’s budget. ?? George Kohout asked about the number of quotes for the work. David Murphy stated three were asked but only one gave a written quote since the job is so small. The other verbal quotes were in the same price range. CONSERVATION COMMISSION BARRETT STREET MARSH PRESERVATION PROJECT ?? Kevin Lake, Chair of the Conservation Committee summarized the project. The Barrett Street marsh has had beaver activity over the last few years. The marsh is quickly becoming a major pond. A heavy rainfall could endanger the Barrett Street neighborhood. The best alternative is to install a beaver deceiver device. The other alternative is to kill the beavers and hope others do not locate there. This is a low cost solution and volunteers have come forward who would maintain the site once finished. ?? Fran Volkmann asked to elaborate on the report that stated long-term planning has not been accomplished. Downey Meyer stated the list of immediate action recommendations have now been accomplished. The long-term goal of removing sediment is not possible to accomplish as long as the city continues to heavily sand following snow emergencies. ?? Fran Volkmann stated this feels like a maintenance project. Are we buying something that would not be useful in the long-term? Kevin Lake this is a missing structural piece that is crucial to maintaining this site. It would prevent dramatic change. ?? George Kohout asked if this is used to frustrate the beavers and convince them to move. Kevin Lake stated the water level post installation should still be high enough for the beavers to stay in this habitat. ?? George Kohout asked if any of this responsibility falls to the immediate corporate neighbors. Kevin Lake stated many of the neighbors have volunteered to help with the long-term maintenance. Wayne Feiden clarified the city has lost prior lawsuits which state maintenance is the city’s responsibility. ?? Lilly Lombard asked if coordination with the DPW has been made for earlier street sweeping in critical areas. Wayne Feiden stated it is a political issue for the city council to address. CONSERVATION COMMISSION CONSERVATION FUND PROJECT ?? Kevin Lake summarized the project. Wayne Feiden stated the current $100,000 fund has helped to fund 13 separate projects. ?? Lilly Lombard asked for a summary of the projects. Wayne Feiden stated three projects involve agricultural land in the meadows. Another with National Fish & Wildlife in the meadows. Others in Sawmill Hills and Haydenville Road area. ?? Lilly Lombard asked about deeded conservation restrictions. Wayne Feiden stated generally they are required to be maintained as open space conservation area. CONSERVATION COMMISSION HAYDENVILLE ROAD OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION PROJECT ?? Kevin Lake summarized the project. It is a hundred-acre parcel holding the headwaters of Beaver and Broad Brooks. ?? Lilly Lombard asked if this parcel has developable potential. Wayne Feiden stated it is developable from two directions, off Haydenville Rd and potentially North Farms Rd. ?? George Kohout asked if there is any thought of selling the frontage lands. Wayne Feiden stated goal is to receive a state Land Grant, which would not allow re- selling lots. If state does not fund then perhaps do some building along Haydenville Rd. to fund the backland preservation. Four building lots are possible from a wetlands perspective. ?? Lilly Lombard asked when state funding would be announced. Wayne Feiden stated an announcement is likely in November. In a normal year they would be funded, but hard to say in this economic environment. ?? George Kohout asked about the public use possibilities on the land. Wayne Feiden stated there are three aspects relevant to this land. 1. The public is allowed in any conservation area. 2. Walking trails could be permitted in partnership with local groups. 3. Prior existing right-of-ways would allow historic uses. ?? Lilly Lombard asked about motorized use. Wayne Feiden stated it is based on past use. It is up to the Conservation Commission to decide. It has not yet been discussed. ?? Downey Meyer asked who would hold the preservation restriction. Wayne Feiden stated Broad Brook Coalition is interested. ?? Lilly Lombard asked about paradigm of allowing motorized uses. Wayne Feiden stated enforcement is more likely with a use allowed. Local groups would be more apt to self-enforce Kevin Lake stated with allowed use in one area users would respect other land. ?? George Kohout asked about connections to other conservation areas. Wayne Feiden stated there are just a few owners between this land and Fitzgerald Lake. ?? Downey Meyer asked about price. Wayne Feiden stated the price was lower before and we missed it do to lack of resources. It is now more expensive with new owner. GARFIELD AVE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECT ?? MJ Adams summarized the project. They started looking at this site over 20 years ago. Original plan was six homes with condo, duplex model. We have changed that tact to five homes with just one duplex and three stand alone homes. Beneath the site is extensive ledge, which has delayed the start date. Sewer easements for back three lots are still to be negotiated ?? Tom Parent asked about common land on the duplex. MJ Adams stated the only common land is for storm water management. The duplex does not share land. ?? MJ Adams commented regarding first $120,000 in CPA funding. They have not taken ownership of land so the money has not been spent. They expect first homes finished by June 2010. ?? David Drake asked about the condominium situation. MJ Adams stated the condominium scenario was too difficult to maintain for families living barely within means. ?? David Drake stated the condominium model ensures preservation of property values. In absence, what is the guarantee? MJ Adams stated the guarantee is similar to any single-family home in a neighborhood. People were concerned with the Westhampton project but it has turned out fine. ?? Fran Volkmann asked about timing of funding. MJ Adams stated a commitment is needed but funds are not required until fall 2010, 2011, and 2012 at $60,000 each. ?? Lilly Lombard asked if they were planning to come to CPC for homes 3,4,5. MJ Adams stated yes, but hoping not to be back again on this project. ?? George Kohout asked if all permitting is complete. MJ Adams stated yes. ?? Downey Meyer asked if other grants are tied to this commitment. MJ Adams stated they need to continue pursing other funding but $60,000 should stabilize these units. Also, they will receive back mortgage payments over time to continue the program. GROVE ST INN COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECT ?? Dave Pomerantz, Director of Central Services summarized the project. City of Northampton owns the Grove Street Inn. Very little work has been completed in the past. However, life safety issues were completed recently. Now they need help with renovations to improve the interior space for the residents. Also, funding needed to maintain and preserve the long-term asset. This would reduce the operating, maintenance and utility costs. $120,000 is a budget estimate. Fairly reliable but not contractor quotes. Priority items include bathrooms, then kitchen. Next would be to upgrade the food pantry in the unheated barn. Structure is sound but needs to be upgraded and finished. The periphery of the building, with 38 double-hung windows, needs upgrading. Upgraded would alleviate need for replacement windows. Also, building needs to be painted along with trim upgrades. There are also drainage issues. Exterior could be phased. Bathrooms, windows, and pantry prioritized first. ?? David Drake stated Service Net would be benefiting from these services. Could they pay a higher rate given the upgrades? Dave Pomerantz stated he is unsure but would investigate, Peg Keller would answer. ?? Lilly Lombard asked if an energy audit has been performed. Dave Pomerantz stated it has not. That is why windows and insulation are such a high priority. ?? George Kohout asked if this constitutes maintenance. Lilly Lombard stated maintenance is yearly type work. This is more renovation work. We are on solid ground here to fund. ?? George Kohout asked about occupancy limits. Dave Pomerantz stated it is building code based. Renovations would not influence. LOOK PARK RECREATION PROJECT ?? Ray Ellerbrook, Director of Look Park summarized the project. ?? Lilly Lombard asked if parking could be reduced in order to help make this project more inviting to alternative transportation means. Ray Ellerbrook stated we have welcomed the rail trail expansion to encourage Northampton residents. However, many users are from out of town. It is not likely for neighboring communities to bike in. ?? Fran Volkmann asked for a ballpark figure on the number of playing fields to be created. Ray Ellerbrook stated it is dependent on the Recreation Commission. Likely the area could fit one large field on each parcel, or two half-fields each. ?? Downey Meyer asked about meetings of the Look Park Board of Trustees. With CPA funding could the meetings be open pertaining to this project? Ray Ellerbrook stated he would take that to the board for a response. ?? Fran Volkmann asked a question on behalf of Don Bianchi regarding the work schedule. Ray Ellerbrook stated timing of the fields could be delayed, but dredging needs to be done in the winter, preferable winter of 2010-2011. ?? George Kohout asked about their ability to do this work so quickly. Ray Ellerbrook stated this is a much smaller project then that recently completed in Easthampton. Permits could be secured in 6 months. Water flow could be cut off flow by end of summer. ?? George Kohout asked about wetland concerns. Ray Ellerbrook stated we have done a preliminary look and one site is mostly usable; the second area they have not determined officially, but confident use would be legal there as well. OVERLOOK AT NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECT ?? Cathy LaRocca and George Senerth summarized the project. Upon purchase of Hampshire Care they have determined life-safety upgrades are well beyond the initial estimates. $500,000 needed for life-safety only. This proposal is for replacement of fire alarms, air circulation, and road re-grading. ?? David Drake asked how they could have mis-estimated so greatly when purchasing the property. George Senerth stated heat for one example is completely shot. It was never maintained. It was not possible to see full extent of the problems until after purchase. Former owners had a shortfall and therefore neglected maintenance expenditures. ?? Fran Volkmann on asked a question on behalf of Don Bianchi regarding project phasing. Cathy LaRocca stated they could prioritize and separate the items. Fire alarm is certainly top priority. ?? David Drake suggested if the building could freeze, preventing such would be considered preservation according to the definition, making it a legal use of CPA funds. ?? Tom Parent asked a second question on behalf of Don Bianchi regarding state anti-aid laws. Cathy LaRocca stated the letter from the CEO regarding a 30-year affordability guarantee should suffice. ?? David Drake asked what is the guarantee if they decide to move. Cathy LaRocca stated the restriction would be in place, and anyhow, nursing homes are by default 50%+ Medicaid patients. ?? Lilly Lombard asked about the long-term plan to move to small homes. Cathy LaRocca stated the plan is to build small units eventually, but this building would still be used. It is possible however that it could be demolished. If so, it would become a short-term care and research institute. ?? George Kohout asked about location of patients. Cathy LaRocca stated many are lifelong Hampshire County residents. Also many are parents of Hampshire County residents. It is not possible to prioritize Northampton residents. 5. OTHER BUSINESS CHESTERFIELD DAM APPLICATION ?? Fran Volkmann stated the CPC could benefit from a meeting with the DPW to clarify the Chesterfield Dam application issues. ?? Tom Parent stated he is concerned about lack of clarity concerning the hydroelectric assessment. Also, he does not want to create a debate between the applicant and the DPW. ?? George Kohout stated we have a written report. Why do we need more? ?? Fran Volkmann stated the project appears to be a moving target. There are many new unanswered questions. ?? Lilly Lombard stated the DPW has even changed a bit by allowing the decision delay. ?? All agreed to invite the DPW to the November 4, 2009 meeting. OVERLOOK AT NORTHAMPTON APPLICATION ?? Fran Volkmann queried about the Overlook application. It seems they would be open to doing an affordability restriction. ?? Tom Parent stated if they ultimately tear down this building to do another project that is not preservation. ?? Fran Volkmann asked if the CPC would like the opinion of the City Solicitor. ?? George Kohout suggested instead asking Staurt Saginore of the Community Preservation Coalition. ?? Fran Volkmann stated she would do that. Upon motion by Downey Meyer, seconded by George Kohout, all agreed to adjourn the meeting at 9:58pm.