CARD districts Downtown, Florence, Green St, King StCITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
� auncii, FEBRUARY 21 19$0
UPON THE RECOMMENDATION.OF MAYOR DAVID MUSANTE, JR.
RESOLUTION
For Approval of Downty '►n Business Area CARD Plan
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapters 40D and 23D, Massachusetts
General Laws, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acting by and
through the Secretary of. Communities and- Development may approve
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts Plans (herein referred
to as CARD Plans); and
WHEREAS, such approval is a precondition for the use of various
state financial incentives for commercial development that would
be in the public interest of the citizens of Northampton; and
WHEREAS, the development of the Downtown Business Area CARD, the
boundaries of which are described on page , would forward the
community development objectives of the city and would result in
physical development of said District and the creation of em—
ployment opportunities of a character consistent with that con—
templated by the above cited statutes:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the Downtown Business Area (herein referred
to as the CARD) Commercial Area Revitalization
District described above is a predominantly
commercial geographic area;
2. That implementation of the proposed CARD Plan
will serve to avert and reverse the decay of
the area covered by the plan and will help deter
the movement of commercial enterprises into pre—
viously non — commercial areas; and
3. That the Downtwon Business Area CARD Plan is here—
by approved and that said Plan shall be submitted
to the Secretaries of Communities and Development
for approval.
Jn Git Council,
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FEBRUARY 21, 19$0
UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF MAYOR DAVID MUSANTE, JR.
RESOLUTION
For Approval of Green Street CARD Plan
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapters JOD and 23D, Massachusetts
General Laws, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acting by and
through the Secretary of Communities and Development may approve
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts Plans (herein referred
to as CARD Plans); and
WHEREAS, such approval is a precondition for the use of various
state financial incentives for commercial development that would
be in the public interest of the citizens of Northampton; and
WHEREAS, the development of the Green Street CARD, the boundaries
of which are a on page , would forward the community
development objectives of the city and would result in physical
development of said District and the creation of employment
opportunities of a character consistent with that contemplated
by the above cited statutes:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the Green Street (herein referred to as the
CARD) Commercial Area Revitalization District
described above is a predominantly commercial
geographic area;
2. That implementation of the proposed CARD Plan
will serve to avert and reverse the decay of
the area covered by the plan and will help deter
the movement of commercial enterprises into pre—
viously non — commercial areas; and
3. That the Green Street CARD Plan is hereby approved
and that said Plan shall be submitted to the sec—
retaries of Communities and Development for approval.
A true cop
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
• 08 - _ .. . - -
council, ,,bxgAry 19, 1981
Upon the recommendation of His Honor, Mayor David B. Musante, Jr.
RESOLUTTON
Whereas, the City of Northampton has an established Downtown Commercial
Area Revitalization District ( C.A.R.D); and
Whereas, the development of parking facilities within CARD districts -
become eligible for state funding under the provisions of
Chapter 487, Massachusetts General Laws; and
Whereas, the intent of the C.A.R.D. Program is to encourage the re-
vitalization of established commercial districts by making
available reduced - interest industrial revenue bond financing
through the Massachusetts Industrial Finance Authority to
eligible commercial development projects; and
Whereas, the current southerly boundary of the Downtown C.A.R.D.
arbitrarily excludes municipal parking areas and commercial
properties which otherwise could qualify for the grants and
financing incentives made possible under the C.A.R.D. Program;and
Whereas, a public hearing was held on February 12, 1981, by the Northampto3
Planning Board at which time the proposed revision of the
C.A.R.D. was discussed and approved.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Northampton City Council hereby
approves the revision of the southerly boundary of the
downtown C.A.R.D. as shown on the map dated February 1981,
prepared by the Office of Planning and Development. The approval
revised southerly boundary is intended to include land currently
owned by the Massachusetts Electric Company (Parcel 246, Sheet
31D) as well as land which was formerly part of the Old Mill Rive
Bed prior to the rivers diversion. Moving east toward Old South
Street, the C.A.R.D. shall include the parking area used by the
Joseph MacDonald House and owned by the Northampton Housing
Authority. Continuing east across Old South Street, the amended
C.A.R.D. shall include all parcels on the north side of Maple
Street which are zoned NB (Parcels 67,68,69, Sheet 32C), as
well as the municipal parking area immediately north of these
parcels.
All other boundaries of the Downtown C.A.R.D. remain the same.
In City Council, . FEB 1 9 1981
Rules suspended, passed two readings and enrolled.
Attest: Adeline Murray , City Clerk
Approved:
David B., Musante, Mayor
Attest: City Clerk
Edward J. King, Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
The Honorable David Musante
Mayor of the City of Northampton
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mayor Musante:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of r „
Communities and Development
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street Room 1404 Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727.7765
February 16, 1982
We have received your request for approval of the Amended Northampton
Downtown CARD Plan.
We note that the governing body on February 4, 1982, approved the
above mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitalization
District. We further find in accordance with provisions of Chapter 40D
(as amended.by St. 1978, Chapter 495, Section 10) and of Chapter 23B (as
amended by St. 1978, Chapter 499; Section 2) that:
1. The plan boundaries described a predominately commerical
geographic area;
2. That the plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
3. That the plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration
of an older commercial center resulting from the movement of
commercial enterprises to previously non - commercial areas;
4. That the plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment, including public improvements, proposed to
carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on January 29,
1980. We find that these hearings and advertisements afforded ample opportunity
for public comment and satisfy the hearing requirement of Section I. (4) of
the Rules and Regulations for securing CARD Plan approvals.
We further note that the Northampton Office of Planning and Development
will be the implementation agency.
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
BJM /kaw
I hereby approve the Amended Northampton Downtown CARD Plan.
Sincerely,
Ayron . Matt1iews
Secr ary
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
(0! Uppoiuwiy
04
‘
Edward J. King, Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
Communities and Development
.�' Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 - 7765
The Honorable David Musante
Mayor of the City of Northampton
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
March 19, 1980
Volott
Dear Mayor Musante:
We have received your request for approval of the Downtown CARD Plan.
We note that the governing body on February 21, 1980, approved the
above mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitalization District.
We further find in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D (as amended
by St. 1978, Chapter 495, Section 10) and of Chapter 23B (as amended by
St. 1978, Chapter 499, Section 2) that:
1. The plan boundaries described a predominately commercial
geographic area;
2. That the plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
3. That the plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration
of an older commercial center resulting from the movement of
commercial enterprises to previously non - commercial areas;
4. That the plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment, including public improvements, proposed to
carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on January 29,
1980. We find that these hearings and advertisements afforded ample opportunity
for public comment and satisfy the hearing requirement of Section I. (4) of
the Rules and Regulations for securing CARD Plan approvals.
We further note that the Northampton Planning Department will be the
implementation agency.
-2-
It has been agreed, and is duly noted, that copies of the additional
information about the plan which is presently available at the Northampton
Planning Office will be forwarded to the Executive Office of Communities
and Development by April 15, 1980, and serve as supporting documentation
to the CARD submission.
* A map at a larger scale than that submitted and which indicates
institutional and residential uses in the area, not scheduled
for inclusion in the CARD program.
* A status report on the Comprehensive Parking Study, referred to
on page 4 of the application.
* Clarification of the issues which the Urban Systems study is
addressing in the downtown area.
* Expanded and more detailed information on sign control and urban de-
sign studies -now underway.
* A more explicit description of how human services are to be
enhanced in the downtown as referenced in the CARD Plan.
* Citizen participation is referred to in the plan but needs more
specificity.
* The improvements to downtown sidewalks has been referred to in the
plan with an indication that additional work will be done. This
needs a clearer definition.
* The plan refers to a new PVTA transit service which is ready for
implementation. A more detailed description of this as well as
more information on the concept of a Central Transportation Center
would be a helpful addition to the plan.
* A Development Cabinet of City officials to coordinate city policies
is an excellent idea. The composition of this board should be
listed.
We look forward to adding the above information to the CARD Plan. With
the addition of this material, we will find the Downtown CARD Plan complete and
in conformance with regulations.
dic
I am happy to approve the Downtown CARD Plan.
Since ely yours,
/��
Byro( J. M: ' hews
Secr•tary, xecutive Office of
Communities and Development
EXECEiTiVE
OFFICE OF
COMMUNITIES &
DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Gene Bunnell
Director, Office of Planning
and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Mr,-Bunnell:
This office has considered your recent request (letter dated December 4,
1984) regarding a renewal of the Downtown Business Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan.
Based upon our review of the documentation submitted with that letter , it
appears that the City is making a sincere effort to implement the proposals set
forth in the CARD plan, and we hereby approve a renewal of your Comnercial Area
Revitalization District Plan for 2 years, beginning on September 28, 1984.
This CARD plan renewal will expire on September 28, 1986. A request from
the City for subsequent renewal of this CARD plan, including documentation sup-
porting such request, should be received by EOCD at least 45 days prior to the
expiration date.
JWY /mb
Michael S. Dukakis, Govemor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
cc: MIFA
David Musante, Mayor
10(1 Cambridge Street
t;otitc },; .\,Lt: -. scliusetts 02202
cerely,
/
/% ' John W. You, g
! -'CARD Coordinator / /
January 18, 1985
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Downtown
Business Commercial Area Revitalization
District (CARD) Plan - Renewal
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
John Young
CARD Coordinator
EOCD
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02202
Dear John Young,
December 4, 1984
RE: Northampton CARD Districts
1. Downtown Business Area
2. Florence Street
We herewith submit a request for renewal of the two Card Districts referenced
in your letter of November 7th, 1984. We are pleased to provide information on
each of the areas for your review.
Downtown Business Area
1. The objectives as set forth in the original CARD application still apply.
The primary objective is the strengthening and protection. of the central
business district. Further, as set forth in the initial plan, "the goals,
objectives and strategies outlined in this plan are intended to be the
beginning of a comprehensive effort by public'and private bodies to enhance
the public service infrastructure, attract significant new commercial
activities and overall, promote a %positive business climate in the area."
Progress has been made in many of the- initial problem areas identified
(see below) but three areas continue to require special attention:
a. Parking: A Parking Commission, composed of local business people, has
recently been charged with making recommendations relative to the con-
struction of a parking facility (in addition to the development of
parking areas under design).
b. Circulation: Considerable'attention has been given to strengthening
and improving major entrances into the downtown. The reconstruction
of Pleasant St. (Route 5 from the south) has recently been completed
with State Public Works Economic Development funding, and the city
is seeking Urban Systems funding to rebuild and improve the Conz
Street /Old South Street entrance to the downtown as per the recommen-
dations of the Main Street Center Consultant Panel - 1980.
c. Special Projects: The renovation and reuse of the old Union Railroad
Station is a significant opportunity, which also may be combined with
MEMORANDUM
TO: CARD Steering Committee Members
FROM: Gene Bunnell, Office of Planning and Development , 6
SUBJECT: Proposed Revision of Downtown CARD District Boundaries
DATE: January 29, 1981
FILE: I012
cc: Marcia Goldstein
Walter Murphy
CITY of NORTHAMPTON OFFICE of PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT
The Office of Planning and Development has been approached by
David Clark of 471 Bridge Road, Florence, who plans to undertake a
mixed commercial /residential project on the north side of Maple
Avenue, involving a mixture of renovations and new construction.
This project would essentially be a continuation of the attractive
renovation that he ha.s already completed (the renovated buildings
face onto the Old South Street municipal parking area). Mr. Clark
is requesting that the boundaries of the downtown CARD district be
amended to include his development so as to allow him to finance
his project with industrial.revenue bonds. The southerly boundary
of the Downtown CARD District currently ends at the railroad right -
of -way, but I believe that the extension of the district boundaries
proposed is a logical one and would be in the interest of the City
to endorse.
The argument for extending the - southerly boundary of the CARD
district is strengthened by the fact that the inclusion of downtown
parking areas within the CARD district qualifies the City to apply
for State financing for the construction and upgrading of parking
facilities.
To qualify the City for State monies for developing parking in
the area of the Roundhouse, I am also proposing that the CARD dis-
trict boundaries be extended south beyond the railway right -of -way
to include land presently owned by Massachusetts Electric Company
and up to the boundary of the elderly housing development. Again,
expansion of the CARD boundaries in this area will allow us to
proceed with an application for State monies to upgrade this area
for parking, with landscaping and improved pedestrian access to
Crafts Avenue and Pulaski Park.
If you have any comments or objections to the proposed boundary
change, please get in touch with me by letter or by phone.
The proposed revision will be discussed at the Planning ?oard's
meeting on February 12 at 7:30 PM. A legal notice will be placed in
the Gazette notifying people of this public hearing.
64
GENE BUNNELL
:DIRECTOR
Office of Planning and Development
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Telephone 413/586 -6950
overseeing agency for
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Robert E. Patterson
Executive Director
•
•
August 14, 1980
Walter Murphy, Director
Redevelopment Comm.
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060.
Dear Walter::
Recently Governor. King signed the state's 1980 Housing Bill. Among
the bill's new initiatives to stimulate housing production is a - change
in the law governing the state's Commercial Area Revitalization
District investment incentive program (the so- called "CARD Program ").
For the first time housing as well.as commercial uses can now be
included in mixed -use CARD projects.
Enclosed is a brief memo summarizing this exciting new program and a copy
of the new law.
I look forward to working with you in implementing this important new
tool for commercial center revitalization. Susan Taymor -Luria will be
coordinating the program for MIFA. We plad to supply more details on
how the program will operate as soon as we can. Feel free to call
myself or Susan with any questions or any projects which you think might
use this -new program.
Sincerely,
/7
✓S G-4
Robert E. Patterson
Executive Director
Enclosure
REP /dik
MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRIAL FINANCE AGENCY
131 State Street, Suite 600
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(61T) T23 -4242
Robert E. Patterson
Executive Director
J
MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRIAL FINANCE AGENCY
131 State Street, Suite 600
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 7234242
New Law Adds Residential 6ses To
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts
August 8, 1980
The 1980 Housing Bill recently signed by Governor King has changed the
law governing the Commercial Area Revitalization District ( "C_A.RDf
program. Housing, previously ineligible for tax- exempt CARD financing,
may now be included in mixed commercial /residential buildings.
The'new law states that commercial revitalization projects may include
housing if the following conditions are met:
1. The project must involve the rehabilitation of one or more existing
structures.
2. The structures must be located in a Commercial Area Revitalization District
established by local government (and approved by the Secretary of
Communities and Development pursuant to the "CARD" regulations issued
by Secretary Byron Matthews).
• 3. Each building to contain housing must be a mixed use building (i.e.
must also contain some commercial space).
4. Before any mixed commercial /residential building can be approved for
tax - exempt financing, the governing .body of the municipality must hold
a public hearing and approve the project for a "sub- standard, decadent or
blighted open area" designation (es defined in M.G.L. c. 121A. Except
for this definition, no other sections of c. 121A apply.)
5. The law requires that MIFA (as a central clearinghouse for these new
mixed use projects) issue the bonds, and therefore, mixed used projects
should receive their "official action" vote from MIFA (rather than from
an IDFA) before any commitment for the project is undertaken.
As in any new program, particularly those involved in housing, policies
and details are sure to evolve and change over time. There are a number of
legal issues which MIFA has asked its counsel to look into, and which must
be decided in order to get this new program going.
Susan Taymor -Luria will be coordinating the program for MIFA. She and
other members of the MIFA staff will be pleased to answer questions, and
also would like to hear of any possible CARD mixed use rehabilitation
projects which could benefit from this new program.
Edward J. King. Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
Honorable David B. Musante Jr.
Mayor
City of Northampton
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mayor Musante:
(
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
406 Communities and Development
Division of Community Services
100 Cambridge Street 9th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 -7001
March 3, 1981
FILED
MAR 16 1981
MAYOR'S OFFICE
We note that the City Council on February 19, 1981 approved the above
mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitialization District. We
further find, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D as amended:
(1) The plan boundaries describe a predomintely commercial
geographic area;
(2) The plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
The plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration of
an older commercial center resulting from the movement of
commercial enterprises to previously hon- commercial areas;
(4) The plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment including public improvements proposed
to carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on
February 19, 1981. We find that this hearing and advertisement afforded ample
opportunity for public comment.
We further note that the Office of Planning and Development will be the
overseeing agency for implementation of the CARD Plan.
We have received your request for approval of the Amended Downtown Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan.
BJM:hm
cc: Conrnunity File
-2-
Therefore, we hereby approve the Amended Downtown Commercial Area
Revitalization District Plan.
Sincerely,
Byr' J. Matthews
Secretary •
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
FILE: I012
CITY of NORTHAMPTON OFFICE of PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Members of Downtown CARD Committee
FROM: Gene Bunnell, Director, Office of Planning and Development.
SUBJECT: Proposed Expansion of Downtown CARD District to Include Hawley
and Sullivan School Properties
DATE: December 15, 1981
•
The City of Northampton will soon be embarking on a process of
inviting proposals for the private purchase, renovation and redevelop-
ment of the Hawley and Sullivan School properties in the downtown area.
To make the redevelopment of these properties economically feasible
and at all attractive to potential developers, it may be crucial to be
able to offer the kind of financing advantages available within the
Downtown CARD District.
The current boundaries of the Downtown CARD District were drawn
in the past so as to exclude public and institutional properties (for
which the private financing advantages of CARD designation were unneces-
sary and inappropriate). Thus, although the CARD District begins at
State and New South Streets and extends to Market and Hawley Streets,
properties such as the County Courthouse, City Hall, Memorial Hall,
Edwards Church and the Academy of Music, etc., were left out. Nonethe-
less, the intent was always to have a single contiguous downtown CARD
district, including major properties for which CARD- related incentives
might be needed.
With the City's move to invite private development proposals for
Hawley and Sullivan Schools, it is thus important and appropriate that
the Downtown CARD District boundaries be amended to reflect the ex-
pected transfer of these properties from the public to private sectors.
This change should be initiated now so that interested developers will
know of the inclusion of the property in the CARD District prior to
submitting their formal development proposals.
The proposed CARD District revision would simply be to extend the
westerly boundary of the District across New South Street to include
the Hawley and Sullivan properties (the proposed revision is shown on
the attached map). With churches, Forbes Library, and Smith College
defining the westerly boundary, the Sullivan and Hawley properties, if
and when privately developed, would truly define the beginning of the
Downtown CARD District.
CpnD Committee - 12/15/81
The attached sheet is being sent to all CARD Committee members
to gain their vote in favor or against the proposed revision. Please
try to return your vote promptly (along with any other comments you
may want to make) so that we can proceed with filing a formal request
with E.O.C.D.
Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Comments:
DOWNTOWN CARD COMMITTEE
PROPOSED INCLUSION OF HAWLEY AND SULLIVAN
SCHOOL PROPERTIES IN DOWNTOWN CARD
I am in favor of the proposed revision of the
Downtown CARD District to include the Hawley
and Sullivan School Properties.
I am not in favor of the proposed revision of the
Downtown CARD District to include the Hawley and
Sullivan School Properties.
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City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586-6950
• Community and Economic Development • Conservation
• Historic Preservation • Housing Rehabilitation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
David Clarke
Maplewood Development Co.
25 Keyes Street
Florence, Mass. 01060
Dear Mr. Clarke:
December 12, 1980
Responding to your letter of November 25, 1980 to Mayor Musante, I
would like to indicate to you** the process by which the City
of Northampton might be able to amend the boundaries of the down-
town CARD District to include the properties you have described
immediately adjacent to the present district boundaries ( Assessor's
Plan 32- c- Parcels 67,68,69). First, I would like to meet with
you at your convenience to establish that there is a good likeli-
hood that substantial private investment would result, and that
the project you propose would be eligible to qualify for M.I.F.A.
financing.
If it is established that your project is potentially CARD - eligible,
the process we must then proceed with is as follows:
1.) We must hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed
boundary change.
2.) Results of the public meeting would be reported to
the City Council which must approve the boundary
change.
3.) A letter describing the reasons for the boundary change,
and a map showing the change, would be sent to the Execu-
tive Office of Communities and Development for their
acceptance.
I look forward to meeting with you in the near future should you
still wish to proceed.
cc. David B. Musante, Jr., Mayor
Walter Murphy, Marketing Director
ne Bunnell, rector
Office of Planng and Development
Northampton Redevelopment Authority
TO Marcia
FROM:
SUBJECT: CARD District extension (Conz & Maple)
DATE November 25, 1980
FILE:
Walter J. Murphy
Personally, 2. don't have any difficulty with the attached request.
This seems to be an acceptable extension of the district bounding as it
does on the periphery of the public parking area.
Apparently it is the intent of the proposer to include housing in
this development4herefore Mass. law mandates that the M.I.F.A. application
commence at the Boston level not here with the N.I.D.F.A.
MEMORANDUM
Walt
geh,
1
MAPLE WOOD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
25 KEYES STREET FLORENCE MASSACHUSETTS.
MAYOR'S OFFICE
Dear Mayor Musante:
FILED Mayor Musante
�a City Hall
Nov Main Street
Northampton, Mass.
Over the past eighteen months I have been renovating three
old buildings and constructing two new structures at the
corner of Conz Street and Maple,Avenue. I plan to continue
this process and recently while enquiring about further
financing was informed about the Northampton C.A.R.D. program,
which looks very interesting and could be very helpful to me
in implementing my future plans. However, my project is
located just outside the present C.A.R.D. boundary, and
therefore I cannot proceed with an M.I.F.A. application at
this time.
I would like to request that my property (Assessor's Plan
32- c- 67,68,69) be considered for inclusion in the Northampton
C.A.R.D, District.
I feel that the renovations performed to date are an asset
to the community, the architectural style fits well with this
area of downtown, and that my future plans will interphase
appropriately with the overall philosophy of the M.I.F.A.
and C.A.R.D. program.
For the immediate. future I "plan to continue renovations,
and then early in 1981 to construct an addition to the building
on parcel 32 -c -69. This addition will provide about 5000
square feet of commercial space and provide housing for
about twelve families. I expect to continue the same
architectural theme as developed in the front buildings.
I would appreciate your attention to my proposal and will
happily provideaany information you or your staff may need to
consider my request.
kmtk
David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor
Secretary Byron J. Matthews
Executive Office of Communities and Development
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Ma.
Dear Secretary Matthews:
I am pleased to forward to you Northampton's applications for the
designation of two C.A.R.D. Districts: the Green Street Business Area C.A.R.D.
and the Downtown Business Area C.A.R.D. In previous discussions with you and
with Edmund Mangini of your staff, you have been well aware of our desire to
move ahead with efforts to encourage revitalization of our business areas. We
feel strongly that C.A.R.D. designation for the Downtown and Green Street areas,
as well as the upper King Street area (for which the application is already on
file in your office), will provide a vitally needed tool to assist us in our
economic goals for the City.
We also intend to begin to prepare a C.A.R.D. Application for the Daantown
Business Area of the Florence section of Northampton, which will be presented
to you within the next few months.
I am extremely grateful for the prompt attention and interest you have
shown in assisting us in our community development programs, and look forward
to working together in a continually productive way.
Sincerely,
David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor
P.S. Thank you, also, for letting us know
of pending legislation before the Massachusetts General Court regarding
possible C.A.R.D. financing for parking facilities. I have notified our
area Legislators of my strong support for that bill and, also, for the
other proposed community development bills you noted.
DBM:md
pc: Arthur Kimber
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
586 -6950
February 22, 1980
r
1
/WAth /4,
Daniel Haugaard, Chairman
Danco, Inc.
22 Green Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Bess Allison v
191 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Felix Borawski
119 Prospect Avenue
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Richard Covell
Northampton Institution for
Savings
109 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Mazie Cox
Cedar Chest l/
150 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 0106
Lisa Falkenthal
Community Self - Relianc
16 Armory Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
John FitzGerald
133 South Main Street
Florence, Ma. 01060
John Gare
E.J. Gare and Son
112 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. / 01060
Robert Glass J
68 Lyman Road
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Patrick Goggins
666 North Farms Road
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Barry Goldberg
Midway Electric Supply, Inc.
135 King Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
CARD STEERING COMMITTEE
584 -6311 (office)
586 -3213 (home)
586 -0613 (home)
584 -0097 (office)
584 -3860 (office)
586 -0543 (office,)
584 -4702 (home)
584 -3473 (office)
586 -0280 (home)
586 -0257 (home)
586 -0285 (office)
Janus 24 , 1980
Samuel Goldman
155 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Alfred Griggs
Coca Cola, Inc.
366 King Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Georgina Kish
Community Self- Relianc
16 Armory Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Doris Knight
69 Acrebrook Drive
Florence, Ma. 01060
Everett Ladd
Northampton National ank
130 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
CARD STEERING COMMITTEE (CONTINUED)
584 -1893 (work)
584 -2050 (home)
586 -0543 (office)
584 -8801 (home)
584 -0120 (office)
Gordon Murphy ✓ 586 -0554 (home)
76 North Elm Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
John Orleans ✓ 584 -6863 (office)
Hampshire Community Action
Commission lt
441 Pleasant Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Stanley Osowski 584 -4400 (office)
Nonotuck Savings Bank
175 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Matthew Pitoniak ✓ 586 -2611 (home)
75 Washington Avenue
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Richard Shea, J 584 -5008 (home)
Elm Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
James Tobey 584 -4474 (office)
Northampton Co- Operative Bank
67 King Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Paul Walker
Chamber of Commerce
62 State St.
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Richard Wall
Northampton Institution
for Savings
109 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Shanley �"•-
Kollmorgen .• poration
347 King Str
Northampton, Ma. .1060
6k
CARD STEERING COMMITTEE (CONTINUED)
* a
ofiLA A(k)
avi62,1 s/
1,i-axig-d 'Ali •
584 -1900 (office)
584 -0997 (office)
586 -2330 (office)
Daniel Haugaard, Chairman
Danco, Inc.
22 Green Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Bess Allison
191 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Felix Borawski
119 Prospect Avenue
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Richard Covell
Northampton Institution for
Savings
109 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Mazie Cox
Cedar Chest
150 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Lisa Falkenthal
Community Self - Reliance
16 Armory Street"
Northampton, Ma. 01060
John FitzGerald
133 South Main Street
Florence, Ma. 01060
John Gare
E.J. Gare and Son
112 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Robert Glass
68 Lyman Road
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Patrick Goggins
666 North Farms Road
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Barry Goldberg
Midway Electric Supply, Inc.
135 King Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
CARD STEERING COMMITTEE
584 -6311 (office)
06
586 -3213 (home)
586 -0613 (home)
584 -0097 (office)
584 -3860 (office)
586 -0543 (office)
584 -4702 (home)
584 -3473 (office)
586 -0280 (home)
586 -0257 (home)
586 -0285 (office)
1
c'
January 24, 1980
Samuel Goldman
155 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Alfred Griggs
Coca Cola, Inc.
366 King Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Georgina Kish
Community Self - Reliance
16 Armory Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Doris Knight
69 Acrebrook Drive
Florence, Ma. 01060
Everett Ladd
" Northampton National Bank
130 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
CARD STEERING COMMITTEE ' (CONTINUED)"
584 -1893 (work)
584 -2050 (home)
586 -0543 (office)
584 -8801 (home)
584 -0120 (office)
Gordon Murphy '586 -0554 (hone)
76 North Elm Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
John Orleans 584 -6863 (office)
Hampshire Community Action
Commission
441 Pleasant Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Stanley Osowski 584 -4400 (office)
Nonotuck Savings Bank
175 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Matthew Pitoniak 586 -2611 (home)
75 Washington Avenue
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Richard Shea. 584 -5008 (home)
Elm Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
James Tobey 584 -4474 (office)
Northampton Co- Operative Bank
67 King Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
CARD STEERING COMMITTEE (CONTINUED)
Paul Walker 584 -1900 (office)
Chamber of Commerce
62 State St.
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Richard Wall 584 -0997 (office)
Northampton Institution
for Savings
109 Main Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
Shann]ey y de 586 -2330 (office)
,) Kollmo en Corporation
347 K ng \ Street
Northampton, Ma. 01060
:26/
/040 Pr. c..E__,
Mak Lo
ttmii
oat
W /Th
g n 614 eou,Zcil,
In
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FEBRUARY 21, 19$0
UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF MAYOR DAVID MUSANTE, JR.
OadraP X= RESOLUTION
For Approval of Downtown Business Area CARD Plan
WHEREAS,, in accordance with Chapters 4OD and 23D, Massachusetts
General Laws, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acting by and
through the Secretary of Communities and Development may approve
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts Plans (herein referred
to as CARD Plans); and
WHEREAS, such approval is a precondition for the use of various
state financial incentives for commercial development that would
be in the public interest of the citizens of Northampton; and
WHEREAS, the development of the Downtown Business Area CARD, the
boundaries of which are described on page 7 , would forward the
community development objectives of the city and would result in
physical development of said District and the creation of em—
ployment opportunities of a character consistent with that con—
templated by the above cited statutes:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the Downtown Business Area (herein referred
to as the CARD) Commercial Area Revitalization
District described above is a predominantly
commercial geographic area;
2. That implementation of the proposed CARD Plan
will serve to avert and reverse the decay of
the area covered by the plan and will help deter
the movement of commercial enterprises into pre—
viously non — commercial areas; and
3. That the Downtwon Business Area CARD Plan is here—
by approved and that said Plan shall be submitted
to the Secretaries of Communities and Development
for approval.
City Council, February 21, 1980
Rules suspended,
A true copy.
Attest:
Approved:
(.744;e7;c_v
passed two readings and enrolled
Adeline Murray, City Clerk
David B. Musante, Jr., Mayor
City Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION PACKET
Tuesday, Januar
1979
"COMMERCIAL AREA REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS"
Proposed for:
s Upper King Street
41 Central Business District
Prepared by:
Northampton Planning Department
Room 102, Municipal Office Building
Northampton, MA 01060
January 30, 1979
GENERAL INFORMATION: COMMERCIAL AREA REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS
Authorizing Legislation
• Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40D, Section 12,
(as amended by Sections 1 and 10 of St. 1978, Ch. 495)
Requirements for Plan Approval
• District boundaries must encompass a predominantly
commercial geographic area.
• The purpose of the plan must be to prevent the deteri-
oration of an existing commercial center resulting from
the movement of commercial enterprises into previously
non- commercial areas.
• The plan must establish a strategy for the revitaliza-
tion of the commercial district employing a comprehen-
sive program of public improvements, land use and
design controls and financial incentives.
• The City .Council must approve the plan before it is
forwarded to the Secretary for Communities and Develop-
ment for review at the State level.
Procedure for "CARD" Designation
1. City makes initial contact with Massachusetts Depart-
ment of Community Affairs.
2 Public hearing on proposed revitalization district is
held.
3. CARD boundaries, plan objectives and revitalization
strategy are finalized.
4. City Council reviews CARD plan and boundaries.
5. After City Council approval, CARD Plan is submitted
to Secretary for Communities and Development for final
approval.
1. Traffic Conditions
• Improve traffic circulation
• Improve pedestrian access and safety
• Remove and reduce traffic hazards
• Separation of turning traffic from through lanes
• Installation of appropriate signing
• Improve access to businesses
• Make provisions for transit access
2. Land Use Controls
• Review zoning regulations
• Review sign requirements and regulations
• Establish reasonable parking requirements
3. Visual Character
PLAN OBJECTIVES
PROPOSED KING STREET REVITALIZATION DISTRICT
Improve lighting and utilities
• Upgrade landscaping in district
• Reduce visual confusion
4. Marketing Conditions
• Maintain diversity of commercial activity
• Attract businesses to vacant properties
• Establish unified advertising campaign
• Maintain role of district as sub - regional shopping center
• Identify strongest attractions of commercial district
12
REVENUE BONDS IN COMMERCIAL AREA REVITALIZATION DISTRICTS (CARDS)
Since 1967, industrial firms in Massachusetts have been able to borrow funds
at reduced rates to finance capital improvements -- buildings, land, and equip-
ment-- through the Industrial Development Revenue Bond program. Funds are raised
through the issuance of tax - exempt revenue bonds by the municipality in which
the firm is located. Basic program administration has been performed by local
Industrial Development Finance Authorities (IDFA) with final review of bond is -.
sues by the State Industrial Finance Board.
Liability for repayment of the bonds rests solely on the firm seeking to expand
its operations. Buyers of the bonds -- typically banks in the same locality as
the firm - -may deduct interest income from their state and federal tax returns.
While neither the municipality nor the state makes any direct financial con-
tribution, both are responsible for screening applicants.
To remedy several program defects and to encourage greater use of the revenue
bond mechanism, modifying legislation was passed late in the 1978 legislative
session. The most important change extended the program to commercial enter-
prises, so long as they are located in designated Commercial Area Revitalization
Districts. These districts (CARDS) must be approved by the Secretary of Communi-
ties and Development before a bond may be issued. Other changes will allow pro -
jects in municipalities where no local IDFA has been established. Bonds in
these instances will be issued directly by the state via a new agency, the Massa-
chusetts Industrial Finance Agency (MIFA). MIFA will also have the capability
to package a group of small applications into one bond issue, enabling firms
without large capital needs to participate in the program. In addition, MIFA
will be offering mortgage insurance to approved firms.
The local response to the CARD program has been impressive. Springfield, Fitch-
burg, Lowell, and Worcester have had CARD districts approved by the state. In
Worcester, the first approved MIFA commercial bond issue in the state will allow
a Valle's Steak House to be built in the downtown. Pending final approval are
CARD plans in Boston, Fall River, Quincy, and Taunton. In Fall River, the avail-
ability of commercial revenue bonding through the CARD program was a crucial
factor in securing the private investment commitment required for the award
of that city's UDAG by HUD. Among the several other cities and towns planning
to use the program, New Bedford has a major waterfront hotel (qv) moving toward
construction as a result of the passage of the CARD legislation; the project
was announced right after the bill was approved.
While the Secretary of Communities and Development is responsible for CARD dis-
trict approval, OSP has worked closely with his staff to advance projects which
contribute to comprehensive downtown revitalization agendas. The CARD legis-
lation originated at OSP.
From:
Major Economic Development and
Urban Revitalization Projects,
A Background and Status Report,
Mass. Office of State Planning,
December, 1978
October 6, 1978
FACT SHEET
For more information contact: Sarah Peskin /Office of State Planning
(617)727 -4470 or Peter Epstein /DCA
(617)727 -7180
Revenue Bonds in Commercial Area Revitalization Districts
Financing for commercial enterprises under the tax exempt revenue bond
program is now possible.* In order to be eligible for the program a
Commercial Area Revitalization District Plan must be approved both by the locality
in which the bonds are to be used and by the Secretary of Communities and
Development. A brief description of the procedure follows:
1. Applicant (designated local agency -- can be planning or community
development department, redevelopment authority, planning board,
or other agency or group) contacts Office of Local Development in the
Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for CARD (Commercial Area
Revitalization District) guidelines and preliminary discussion of
project.
2. CARD plan and supporting documents submitted. Documentation must
include evidence of public hearing, opinion of legal counsel and copies
of any operative local master or urban renewal plan that covers all
or part of the CARD area. The CARD plan itself must include: a map
showing the boundaries of the commercial area, description of current
land use and zoning, description of general physical conditions,
information describing current market conditions in the plan area.
3. Letter of approval issued by the Secretary of Communities and Development.
4. Commercial applicant (firm desiring to obtain financing under the bond
program) contacts MIFA (Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency) and
submits Initial Application.
5. Financing proposal structured, buyer for the bonds or method of sale
is tentatively determined and bond counsel is selected.
6. MIFA requests determination by municipality of agency to issue bonds --
local Industrial Development Financing Authority (IDFA) or MIFA itself.
7. If local IDFA:
a. Initial Application forwarded for approval by IDFA
b. Municipal governing body concurs
c. Formal Application for Revenue Bonds prepared in form proposed
to be executed with appropriate legal documentation for issuing
revenue bonds (prepared by bond counsel)
d. IDFA authorizes issuance of bonds and submits material to MIFA with
request for Certificate of Convenience and Necessity be issued
e. MIFA reviews, and upon formal approval of its Board arranges to
have Certificate of Convenience and Necessity issued by the
Department of Commerce and Development.
8. If MIFA is to issue the bonds directly:
a. Formal Application for Revenue Bonds prepared and submitted to MIFA
b. Bond terms finalized and legal documentation prepared for bond
issue by bond counsel
c. Proposed format of documentation to be executed submitted to MIFA
for Board approval and issuance of Certificate of Convenience and
Necessity
9. Bonds are sold with a tax - exempt opinion from bond counsel and proceeds
placed in trust, to be withdrawn as needed to finance project.
In Massachusetts cities and in towns of 35,000 or more population at last'
U.S. census.
'ti � jai
MICHAEL S. DUKAKIS
GOVERNOR
FRANK T. KEEFE
DIRECTOR
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
URBAN REVITALIZATION LEGISLATION
The bills discussed in this package are:
OFFICE OF STATE PLANNING
JOHN W. McCORMACK BUILDING ROOM 2101
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
(617) 727 -5066
- An Act Amending the Act Providing Assistance to Certain Cities
and Towns for Park and Recreation Purposes
(amends the Self -Help Act so that funds may be used for main-
taining and fixing up parks as well as acquisition of land- -
filed by Representative Cusack)
- An Act Increasing the Investment Tax Credit for Corporations
Located within Distressed Areas of the Commonwealth
(increases the Investment Tax Credit (3 percent) which now
exists, to 8 percent in distressed areas - -filed by Representative
Cusack)
- An Act to Stimulate Rehabilitation Efforts in Commercial Area
Revitalization Districts
(extends the sales tax exemption to building materials when used
for rehabilitation of commercial, industrial, or mixed -use build-
ings in Commercial Area Revitalization Districts- -filed by Repre-
sentative Cusack)
- An Act to Assist the Cities and Towns to Finance the Construction
of Off- Street Parking Facilities in Commercial Area Revitalization
Districts
(provides up to 80 percent matching funds for parking facilities
in CARDS - -filed by Representative Cusack)
- An Act to Assist the Cities and Towns in the Commonwealth to
Finance the Construction, Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, or Ex-
pansion of Suitable Facilities for Civic and Convention Centers,
Exhibition and Theatrical Halls, and Museums
(would provide 80 percent reimbursement for civic and convention
center construction by cities in CARDs - -filed by Representative
Jordan)
- A Proposal to Enable Renters to Deduct Local Property Taxes from
their Federal Income Tax Liability
(bill filed by Representative Frank, but exact language under
revision at this time)
Cityof Northampton, Massachusetts
Officeof Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586-6950
• Community and Economic Development • Conservation
• Historic Preservation • Housing Rehabilitation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
Edmund £4angini
Executive Office of Communities and Development
Division of Community Services
100 Cambridge Street
Room 903
Boston, VIA 02202
Dear Ed:
Enclosed please find the Northampton City Council's revision
of the downtown CARD District. Also enclosed is a new map which
we have prepared showing the district boundaries, including the
revision of the southerly boundary.
. New maps of the Florence and King Street CARD13 are being
prepared and will be forwarded to you shortly.
Sincerely,
Gene Bunnell
Director, OPD
February 25, 1981
CITY of NORTHAMPTON OFFICE of PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: CARD Steering Committee Members 99
FROM: Gene Bunnell, Office of Planning and Development�,.r /A
SUBJECT: Proposed Revision of Downtown CARD District Boundaries
DATE: January 29, 1981
FILE: 1012
The Office of Planning and Development has been approached by
David Clark of 471 Bridge Road, Florence, who plans to undertake a
mixed commercial /residential project on the north side of Maple
Avenue, involving a mixture of renovations and new construction.
This project would essentially be a continuation of the attractive
renovation that he has already completed (the renovated buildings
face onto the Old South Street municipal parking area). Mr. Clark
is requesting that the boundaries of the downtown CARD district be
amended to include his development so as to allow him to finance
his project with industrial revenue bonds. The southerly boundary
of the Downtown CARD District currently ends at the railroad right -
of -way, but I believe that the extension of the district boundaries
proposed is a logical one and would be in the interest of the City
to endorse.
The argument for extending the southerly boundary of the CARD
district is strengthened by the fact that the inclusion of downtown
parking areas within the CARD district qualifies the City to apply
for State financing for the construction and upgrading of parking
facilities.
To qualify the City for State monies for developing parking in
the area of the Roundhouse, I am also proposing that the CARD dis-
trict boundaries be extended south beyond the railway right -of -way
to include land presently owned by Massachusetts Electric Company
and up to the boundary of the elderly housing development. Again,
expansion of the CARD boundaries in this area will allow us to
proceed with an application for State monies to upgrade this area
for parking, with landscaping and improved pedestrian access to
Crafts Avenue and Pulaski Park.
If you have any comments or objections to the proposed boundary
change, please get in touch with me by letter or by phone.
The proposed revision will be discussed at the Planning Board's
meeting on February 12 at 7 :30 PM. A legal notice will be placed in
the Gazette notifying people of this public hearing.
cc: Marcia Goldstein
Walter Murphy
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586-6950
• Community and Economic Development • Conservation
• Historic Preservation • Housing Rehabilitation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
David Clarke
Maplewood Development Co.
25 Keyes Street
Florence, Mass. 01060
Dear Mr. Clarke:
December 12, 1980
Responding to your letter of November 25, 1980 to Mayor Musante, I
would like to indicate to youlAW the process by which the City
of Northampton might be able to amend the boundaries of the down-
town CARD District to include the properties you have described
immediately adjacent to the present district boundaries ( Assessor's
Plan 32 -c- Parcels 67,68,69 ). First, I would like to meet with
you at your convenience to establish that there is a good likeli-
hood that substantial private investment would result, and that
the project you propose would be eligible to qualify for M.I.F.A.
financing.
If it is established that your project is potentially CARD - eligible,
the process we must then proceed with is as follows:
1.) We must hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed
boundary change.
2.) Results of the public meeting would be reported to
the City Council which must approve the boundary
change.
3.) A letter describing the reasons for the boundary change,
and a map showing the change, would be sent to the Execu-
tive Office of Communities and Development for their
acceptance.
I look forward to meeting with you in the near future should you
still wish to proceed.
cc. David B. Musante, Jr., Mayor
Walter Murphy, Marketing Director
ne Bunnell, rector
Office of Planrii.ng and Development:
MAPLEWOOD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
25 KEYES STREET FLORENCE MASSACHUSETTS
E R EI) Mayor Musante
City Hall
p 2 51990 Main Street
Northampton, Mass.
Dear Mayor Musante:
Over the past eighteen months I have been renovating three
old buildings and constructing two new structures at the
corner of Conz Street and Maple Avenue. I plan to continue
this process and recently while enquiring about further
financing was informed about the Northampton C.A.R.D. program,
which looks very interesting and could be very helpful to me
in implementing my future plans. However, my project is
located just outside the present C.A.R.D. boundary, and
therefore I cannot proceed with an M.I.F.A. application at
this time.
I would like to request that my property (Assessor's Plan
32- c- 67,68,69) be considered for inclusion in the Northampton
C.A.R.D, District.
I feel that the renovations performed to date are an asset
to the community, the architectural style fits well with this
area of downtown, and that my future plans will interphase
appropriately with the overall philosophy of the M.I.F.,A.
and C.A.R.D. program.
For the immediate. future I plan to continue renovations,
and then early in 1981 to construct an addition to the building
on parcel 32 -c -69. This addition will provide about 5000
square feet of commercial space and provide housing for
about twelve families. I expect to continue the same
architectural theme as developed in the front buildings.
I would appreciate your attention to my proposal and will
happily provide:.any information you or your staff may need to
consider my request.
Welk,
EXECUTIVE
OFFICE OF
C0MMUNITIES &
DEVELOPMENT
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor -
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary October 31, 1986
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Mr, nnell:
This office has considered your request (letter dated October 17, 1986)
regarding a renewal of the Downtown Business Area Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan-
Based upon our review of the documentation submitted with your request,
it appears that the city is making an effort to implement the proposals set
forth in the CARD Plan, and we hereby approve a renewal of your Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan for 2 years, beginning on September 28, 1986.
This CARD Plan renewal will expire on September 27, 1988. It should be
noted that any subsequent renewal of this Downtown Business Area CARD Plan
will be dependent on two things:
1. receipt of convincing documentation from the city citing
specific progress in revitalization of this CARD from
September 28, 1986 to a point in early September, 1988; and
2. a determination by EOCD, after a site visit, that the area still
meets criteria necessary for it to qualify as a Commercial Area
Revitalization District (CARD).
JWY /plb
cc: MIFA
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1404
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727 -7765
Sincerely,
John W.
CARD Co
Raz:. �J
E4l.V ';
5 1986
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Downtown
Business Area Commercial Area Revitalization
District (CARD) Plan
City of Northampton, _Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
John W. Young
CARD Coordinator
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02201
RE: Northampton, MA
Downtown Business Area CARD - Renewal
October 17, 1986
Dear John Young,
In response to your letter dated September 25, 1986, we herewith submit
a request for renewal of the CARD Plan in effect for the Downtown Business
Area. We submit the following information in support of this request.
1. The original rationale for designating this district and the Plan
Objectives still apply. The primary objective is the strengthening
and protection of the central business district. The initial plan
states: "...the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in this
plan are intended to be the beginning of a comprehensive effort by
public and private bodies to enhance the public service infrastructure,
attract significant new commercial activities and overall, promote a
positive business climate in the area."
2. The Downtown CARD continues to meet the criteria for a CARD. It is
an older, established center which went through a period of commercial
areas on Main and Pleasant Streets. Continued attention to the district
and its infrastructure is needed in order to sustain and extend the re-
investment which is occurring.
3. Specific project uses of development incentives (since the last report
in 1984) within the downtown area include:
a. The utilization of Industrial Revenue Bond Financing for the following
project:
Rugg Manufacturing Company $340,000
Rebuilding of a lumber business destroyed
by fire.
b. The Market Square Project:
° rehabilitation of the Chardan Foods Warehouse Building into
commercial and residential uses, financed in part through the
Massachusetts Government Land Bank. 25% of the housing units are
rented to Section 8 eligible tenants under the Project Self Suffi-
ciency program.
c. A recently announced HODAG will provide 70 units of housing off
Pleasant Street, upgrading the area and helping meet the need for
housing for low and moderate residents.
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through direct
private efforts include:
a. Rehabilitation of the old Union Railroad Station involving $2,000,000
in private investment, leveraged by a $596,000 CDAG grant from EOCD.
b. $2.35 million Housing Development Action Grant from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development to construct 70 units of rental .
housing in the downtown (the Hampton Court Project). 25% of the
units in this development will be rented to low income households.
c. Receipt of $4.5 million State Parking Facilities grant to construct
a parking structure behind Thornes Market place.
5. The City has followed through on its commitment to the CARD in the
following ways:
a. Through Public Improvements which include:
completion of Roundhouse and Masonic Street Parking Lots. Construc-
tion is nearing completion of a public parking area in the Railroad
Station area.
° City funding of engineering services for the redesign of the Conz and
Old South Street intersection; Urban Systems monies for reconstruction
of this central traffic channel is being sought through the Urban
Systems program.
GB /j ad
Design and construction of a Greenbelt /Walkway is being undertaken
with the assistance of State Urban Self -Help monies through the
Division on Conservation Services. Design and construction of
parrellel streetscape improvements is being undertaken with the
assistance of a CDAG grant.
6. The business community is informed of these activities through
the Downtown Business Association. The City Council and local
residents participate in the public hearings and discussions
concerning the allocation of CDBG monies ( a good % of this allo-
cation is targeted for CARD revitalization) and other public grant
programs.
The downtown CARD continues to be a vital component in our City's overall
community development program.
Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
EXECLTTWE
OFF1IcE OF
COMMUNITIES &
DEVELOPME
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Downtown Business Area
Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD)
Plan - Renewal
Dear Mr. Bunnell: ii1
� �-c.
A check of our- records indicates that the two (2) year renewal of the CARD
plan will expire on September 28, 1986.
If the community wants to request renewal of the CARD, it must, through
its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a request for
such renewal and provide us with the following information.
1. The community should indicate whether or not the (a) Original Rationale
for designating the CARD and (b) Plan Objectives as set forth in the
original CARD still apply. If there are obvious changes or differences
in the "Rationale for Designating the CARD" or in Plan Objectives and
and specifications as set forth in the CARD plan, these differences or
changes should be spelled out.
2. Does the existing CARD still meet the basic criteria for a CARD?
i.e. Is the CARD an older established center which is still experiencing
commercial disinvestment?
3. The community must detail the specific project uses of
. development incentives within the CARD since the CARD plan
was approved,or since the last report submitted to EOCD
on activity in the CARD.
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through .
direct private efforts during this renewal period should be
specified in this section.
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
September 25, 1986
RECEIVED o 2 '3 'r335
September 24, 1986
Page_ 2.._._.__
5. Specific information should be provided as to how the community has
followed through on its commitment to the CARD as set forth in the CARD
plan. This report should include not only the public improvements that
the 'community has provided within the CARD, but also the strategy employed
by the community to keep the business community informed of the CARD
incentives and to involve them in the revitalization of the CARD.
Renewal of this CARD plan will be contingent upon receipt of the above information
and a determination by this office as to .whether the criteria necessary
for renewal of this CARD have been met by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted, we will advise you as to
whether or not your CARD plan has been renewed.
If you should have any question, please contact me at 617/727 -3197.
kah
.Sincerely,
John W /Youn
CARD C000rdiia or
/ /
EXECUTIVE
OFIFICE OF
COMMUNZTIES &
DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Gene Bunnell
Director, Office of Planning
and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear: nell
This office has considered your recent request (letter dated December 4,
1984) regarding a renewal of the Downtown Business Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan.
Based upon our review of the documentation submitted with that letter,, it
appears that the City is making a sincere effort to implement the proposals set
forth in the CARD plan and we hereby approve a renewal of your Comnercial Area
Revitalization District Plan for 2 years, beginning on September 28, 1984.
This CARD plan renewal will expire on September 28, 1986. A request from
the City for subsequent renewal of this CARD plan, including documentation sup-
porting such request, should be received by EOCD at least 45 days prior to the
expiration date.
JWY /mb
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary January 18, 1985
cc: MIFA
David Musante, Mayor
100 Cambridge Street
Boston,- Massachusetts -02202
R ECEIVED- J
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Downtown
Business Commercial Area Revitalization
District (CARD) Plan - Renewal
i
ohn W. Your g
CARD Coo ddinator
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
John Young
CARD Coordinator
EOCD
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02202
Dear John Young,
\,77))
December 4, 1984
RE: Northampton CARD Districts
1. Downtown Business Area
2. Florence Street
We herewith submit a request for renewal of the two Card Districts referenced
in your letter of November 7th, 1984. We are pleased to provide information on
each of the areas for your review.
Downtown Business Area
1. The objectives as set forth in the original CARD application still apply.
The primary objective is the strengthening and protection of the central
business district. Further, as set forth in the initialplan, "the goals,
objectives and strategies outlined in this plan are intended to be the
beginning of a comprehensive effort by public and private bodies to enhance
the public service infrastructure, attract significant new commercial
activities and overall, promote a positive business climate in the area."
Progress has been made in many of the initial problem areas' identified
(see below) but three areas continue to require special attention:
a. Parking: A Parking Commission, composed of local business people, has
recently been charged with making recommendations relative to the con-
struction of a parking facility' (in addition to the development of
parking areas under design).
b.. Circulation: Considerable attention has been given to strengthening
and improving major entrances into the downtown. The reconstruction
of Pleasant St. (Route 5 from the south) has recently been completed
with State Public Works Economic, Development funding, and the city
is seeking Urban Systems funding to rebuild. improve the Conz
Street /Old South Street entrance to the downtown as per the recommen-
dations of the Main Street Center Consultant Panel - 1980.
c. Special Projects: The renovation and reuse of the old Union Railroad
Station is a. significant opportunity, which also may be combined with
a significant amount of adjacent new construction. The vacant Chardan
Foods Warehouse and Food Processing Building on Hawley Street has re-
cently been purchased and the new owners have applied for IRB financing
to renovate the building.
Specific Project Uses of Development Incentives within the Downtown Area
include the utilization of Industrial Revenue Bond financing for the fol
lowing projects:
a. Hebert Building. $500,000.. Renovation of the old Gazette Printing
Building.,, .20,000 sq.' with 5,000 for four commercial tenants and
15,000 sq,' for 22 apartments.
. Serio Building. $202,000. Rehabilitation of a Main Street building
gutted by fire. Converted the four pre- existing units into 31/4 pro-
fessional office spaces.
c. Northampton Terminal Associates. $1,300,000. Acquisition of municipal
property garage and construction of additional 23,000 sq.' to accommo-
date a bus terminal and office and retail space.
d. Hotel Northampton. Two issues for a total of $1,600,000, Renovation
of the historic hotel in.central downtown.
3. Public Improvements. In the years 1981, 1982, 1983, the City of Northampton
spent and /or committed over $1,700,000 in public funding toward public im-
provements and improved amenities and design ,in the downtown CARD, including:
sidewalk reconstruction; roadway improvements; parking improvements; and
such diverse things as landscaping and plantings in Pulaski„Park, the restor-
ation of the mural which hung in the Old Central Post Office, and the design
and installation of murals on the railroad,trestle over Main Street.
The business community has been kept informe.d'through direct mailing of
information on incentives to members of the Northampton,Redevelopment Auth-
ority and the'Northampton Development Corporation. Further', presentations
are made to those two groups, as well as to the Downtown Business Association,
when appropriate or useful. Finally, the City Council and local citizens
have participated in discussion concerning the allocation of CDBG monies
and the targeting of much of those funds toward CARP district revitalization.
Florence Street CARD
1. The objectives. originally stated for this CARD district in an important bus-
iness area in the City of Northampton still apply. These goals include:
strenthening the public service infrastructure, enhancing existing business
activities and attracting significant new commercial activity to the business
_district.
2. Specific project uses of development incentives with the Florence CARD.
No specific projects have yet been developed utilizing IRB financing in
the Florence CARD. However the city planning staff has made property
owners aware of the opportunity. One possible project might be the re-
novation and conversion of the upper 2 floors of the Everybody's Market
building, which are currently vacant.
3. Public Improvements provided to this CARD District include a commitment
of $20,000 in CDBG funds to designpublic improvements and another $250,000
in CDBG funding over another two years to construct the recommended
improvements. The City, through the Housing Authority, has supported and
approved plans to build 52 units of Elderly Housing on Maple Street in
the center of Florence, utilizing $2.25 million in Chapter 667 funding.
Locating this housing within the CARD District is viewed as a positive
way to support and encourage a strengthening of the Florence Commercial
District. The Downtown location will also be an asset to residents of
the 667 housing since they can walk to stores, churches, the post offices
and to a bus stop only a short distance away.
The Florence Business and Civic Association is kept informed of activities
in the CARD District and an active advisory committee is participating
in the planning for th.e Public improvements.
These designated CARD Districts continue to be a vital component in our City's
overall community.develOpment program.
• ne Bunnell, Dire4tor
Office of Planning & Development
EXECUTIVE
Or'rICE OF
COMMUNITIES &
DEVELOPMEM'
Michael S. Dukakis, Govemor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, - Massachusetts 02202
The Honorable David Musante
Mayor of the City of Northampton
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
RE. EIV O NOV
1984
November 7, 1984
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - 1) Down-
town Business Area and 2) Florence
Street Commercial Area Revitaliza-
tion Districts (CARDs) - Renewal
Dear Mayor Musante:
A check of our records indicates that the Two (2) Year Renewal of the above
CARD plans expired on September 28, 1984.
If the community wants to request further renewal of the CARD plans, it
must, through its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a
request for such renewals and provide us with the following information on each:
1. The community should indicate whether or not the objectives
as set forth in the original CARD plans still apply. If there
are obvious changes in objectives and specifications as set
forth in the CARD plans, these should be spelled out.
2. The community must detail the specific project uses of
development incentives within the CARDs since the CARD
plans were approved, or since the last report submitted
to EOCD on activity in the CARDs.
3. Specific information should be provided as to how the
munity has followed through on its commitment to the. CARDs
as set forth in the CARD plans. These reports should
include not only the public improvements that the community
has provided within the CARDs, but also the strategy employed
by the community to keep the business community informed of
the CARD incentives, and to involve them in the revitaliza-
tion of the CARDs.
The Honorable David Musante
November 7, 1984
Renewal of these CARD plans will be contingent upon receipt of the above
information and a determination by this office as to whether the criteria
necessary for renewal of these CARDs has been met by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted on each, we will advise
you as to whether or not your CARD plans have been renewed.
If you should have any questions, please contact me at 617/727 -3197.
S;, cer-ly,
JWY /mb
cc: Gene Bunnell 7
4//4
ohn W. Yo
CARD Coord
Edward J. King, Governor •
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
The Honorable. David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor of the City of Northampton
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mayor Musante: •
The Executive Office of Communities and Development has reviewed the
progress that your community has made since the original approval of your
Commercial. Area Revitalization District.•
The Department congratulates you on the progress and hereby approves
your Commercial Area Revitalization'District Plan for an additional two
years from the date of this letter.
JFB /cr
• cc: Gene Bunnell'
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
Communities and Development
Division of Community Services
100 Cambridge Street 9th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 -7001
& 21um"."4"
September 28, 1982
RE: Northampton Downtown Business
Area Commercial Area Revitalization
. District Plan
cerely
F.'Bradshaw
ssistant Secretary
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
An Equol Opportunify/Affirmalive Aclion Employe
z/�lh i►�- CO) ��11�'! !
Fi 'CEf 0c7 - 4
- City of Northampton,_ Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
John W. Young
CARD Coordinator
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02201
RE: Northampton, MA
Downtown Business Area CARD - Renewal
October 17, 1986
Dear John Young,
In response to your letter dated September 25, 1986, we herewith submit
a request for renewal of the CARD Plan in effect for the Downtown Business
Area. We submit the following information in support of this request.
1. The original rationale for designating this district and the Plan
Objectives still apply. The primary objective is the strengthening
and protection of the central business district. The initial plan
states: "...the goals, objectives and strategies outlined in this
plan are intended to be the beginning of a comprehensive effort by
public and private bodies to enhance the public service infrastructure,
attract significant new commercial activities and overall, promote a
positive business climate in the area."
2. The Downtown CARD continues to meet the criteria for a CARD. It is
an older, established center which went through a period of commercial
areas on Main and Pleasant Streets. Continued attention to the district
and its infrastructure is needed in order to sustain and extend the re-
investment which is occurring.
3. Specific project uses of development incentives (since the last report
in 1984) within the downtown area include:
a. The utilization of Industrial Revenue Bond Financing for the following
project:
0 Rugg Manufacturing Company $340,000
Rebuilding of a lumber business destroyed
by fire.
b. The Market Square Project:
° rehabilitation of the Chardan Foods Warehouse Building into
commercial and residential uses, financed in part through the
Massachusetts Government Land Bank. 25% of the housing units are
rented to Section 8 eligible tenants under the Project Self Suffi-
ciency program.
c A recently announced HODAG will provide 70 units of housing off
Pleasant Street, upgrading the area and helping meet the need for
housing for low and moderate residents.
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through direct
private efforts include:
a. Rehabilitation of the old Union Railroad Station involving $2,000,000
in private investment, leveraged by a $596,000 CDAG grant from EOCD.
b. $2.35 million Housing Development Action Grant from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development to construct 70 units of rental
housing in the downtown (the Hampton Court Project). 25% of the
units in this development will be rented to low income households.
c. Receipt of $4.5 million State Parking Facilities grant to construct
a parking structure behind Thornes Market place.
5. The City has followed through on its commitment to the CARD in the
following ways:
a. Through Public Improvements which include:
° completion of Roundhouse and Masonic Street Parking Lots. Construc-
tion is nearing completion of a public parking area in the Railroad
Station area.
City funding of engineering services for the redesign of the Conz and
Old South Street intersection; Urban Systems monies for reconstruction
of this central traffic channel is being sought through the Urban
Systems program.
GB /jad
° Design and construction of a Greenbelt /Walkway is being undertaken
with the assistance of State Urban Self -Help monies through the
Division on Conservation Services. Design and construction of
parrellel streetscape improvements is being undertaken with the
assistance of a CDAG grant.
6. The business community is informed of these activities through
the Downtown Business Association. The City Council and local
residents participate in the public hearings and discussions
concerning the allocation of CDBG monies ( a good % of this allo-
cation is targeted for CARD revitalization) and other public grant
programs.
The downtown CARD continues to be a vital component in our City's overall
community development program.
i. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
Edward J. King, Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
Honorable David B. Musante Jr.
Mayor
City of Northampton
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mayor Musante:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
Communities and Development
Division of Community Services
100 Cambridge Street 9th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 -7001
March 3, 1981
We have received your request for approval of the Amended Downtown Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan.
We note that the City Council on February 19, 1981 approved the above
mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitialization District. We
further find, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D as amended:
The plan boundaries describe a predomintely commercial
geographic area;
(2) The plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
(3) The plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration of
an older commercial center resulting from the movement of
coiiuiercial enterprises to previously non- corruuercial areas;
(4) The plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment including public improvements proposed
to carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on
February 19, 1981. We find that this hearing and advertisement afforded ample
opportunity for public comment.
We further note that the Office of Planning and Development will be the
overseeing agency for implementation of the CARD Plan.
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
FILED
MAR 16 1981
MAYOR'S OFFICE
Therefore, we hereby approve the Amended Downtown Commercial Area
Revitalization District Plan.
BJM:hm
cc: Community File
Sincerely,
Byrf J. Matthews
Secretary
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
•47.)!
Edward J. King, Got error
Byron J. Matthews, Secretory
Dear Mayor Musante:
The Honorable David Musante
Mayor of the City of Northampton
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
Communities and Development
, 4. 4 Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 -7765
March 19, 1980
We have received your request for approval of the Downtown CARD Plan.
We note that the governing body on February 21, 1980, approved the
above mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitalization District.
We further find in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D (as amended
by St. 1978, Chapter 495, Section 10) and of Chapter 23B (as amended by
St. 1978, Chapter 499, Section 2) that:
1. The plan boundaries described a predominately commercial
geographic area;
2. That the plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse.
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
3. That the plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration
of an older commercial center resulting from the movement of
commercial enterprises to previously non - commercial areas;
4. That the plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or'redevelopment, including public improvements, proposed to
carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on January 29,
1980. We find that these hearings and advertisements afforded ample opportunity
for public comment and satisfy the hearing requirement of Section I. (4) of
the Rules and Regulations for securing CARD Plan approvals.
We further note that the Northampton Planning Department will be the
implementation agency.
dlc
-2-
It has been agreed, and is duly noted, that copies of the additional
information about the plan whi ch is presently available at the Northampton
Planning Office will be forwarded to the Executive Office of Communities
and Development by April 15, 1980, and serve as supporting documentation
to the CARD submission.
* A map at a larger scale than that submitted and which indicates
institutional and residential uses in the area, not scheduled
for inclusion in the CARD program.
* A status report on the Comprehensive Parking Study, referred to
on page 4 of the application.
* Clarification of the issues which the Urban Systems study is
addressing in the downtown area.
* Expanded and more detailed information on sign control and urban de-
sign studies now underway.
* A more explicit description of how human services are to be
enhanced in the downtown as referenced in the CARD Plan.
* Citizen participation is referred to in the plan but needs more
specificity.
* The improvements to downtown sidewalks has been referred to in the
plan with an indication that additional work will be done. This
needs a clearer definition.
* The plan refers to a new PVTA transit service which is ready for
implementation. A more detailed description of this as well as
more information on the concept of a Central Transportation Center
would be a helpful addition to the plan.
* A Development Cabinet of City officials to coordinate city policies
is an excellent idea. The composition of this board should be
listed.
We look forward to adding the above information to the CARD Plan. With •
the addition of this material, we will find the Downtown CARD Plan complete and
in conformance with regulations.
I am happy to approve the Downtown CARD Plan.
Since ely yours,
Byro� J. M, it hews
Secr•tary, xecutive Office of
Communities and Development
Edward J. Kltig, Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
The Honorable David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor, City of Northampton
City Hall
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Mayor Musante:
August 14, 1980
Commonwealth of _ Massachusetts
Executive Office of c pi,"0
sea J Communities and Development
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street Room 1404 Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727.7765
We have received your request for approval of the Northampton Florence
Street Commercial Area Revitalization District Plan.
We note that the City Council on July 17, 1980 approved the above
mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitalization District.
We further find, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D as amended:
(1) The plan boundaries describe a predominately commercial
geographic area;
(2) The plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
(3) The. plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration
of an older commercial center resulting from the movement
of commercial enterprises to previously non - commercial
areas;
(4) The plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment including public improvements proposed to
carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on May 7, 1980.
We find that this hearing and advertisement afforded ample opportunity for public
comment.
We further note that the Planning and Development Department will be the
overseeing Agency for implementation of the CARD Plan.
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
-2-
The Honorable David B. Musante, Jr. (cont.
No housing component will be allowed until the governing body has amended.
the vote to include the necessary finding as prescribed by statute.
Therefore, we hereby approve the Northampton Florence Street Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan.
BJM /kp
Sincerely,
Byron J atth
Secre /ry
Exec ive Office of Communities
and Development •
EXECUTIVE
OFFIcE OF
CO_VIMUNTTIES &
DEVELOPMENT
4 k: ' - i. Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
. .• Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Mr. Gene Bunnell
Director, Office of Planning
and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Mr. Bunnell:
This office has considered your recent request (letter dated December 4,
1984) regarding a renewal of the Florence Street Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan.
Based upon our review of the documentation submitted with that letter, it
appears that the City is making an effort to implement the proposals set forth
in the CARD plan, and we hereby approve a renewal of your Commercial Area
Revitalization District Plan for 2 years, beginning on September 28, 1984. It
should be noted, however, that any subsequent renewal of this CARD plan will be
contingent upon the use in this CARD of development incentives available under
CARD regulations.
This CARD plan renewal will expire on September 28, 1986. A request from
the City for subsequent renewal of this CARD plan, including documentation sup-
porting such request, should be received by EOCD at least 45 days prior to the
expiration date.
JWY /mb
cc: MIFA
David Musante, Mayor
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
1
January 18, 1985
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Florence
Street Commercial Area Revitalization
District (CARD) Plan - Renewal
,S,incerely,
! : (/
John W. Young .
• CARD Coordinator
Edward J. King. Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
JFB /cr
cc: Gene Bunnell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
Communities and Development
Division of Community Services
100 Cambridge Street 9th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 -7001
The Honorable David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor of the City of Northampton
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
September 28, 1982
RE: Northampton Downtown Business
Area Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan
Dear Mayor Musante:
The Executive Office of Communities and Development has reviewed the
progress that your community has made since the original approval of your
Commercial Area Revitalization District.
The Department congratulates you on the progress and hereby approves
your Commercial Area Revitalization District Plan for an additional two
years from the date of this letter.
cerely,
F. Bradshaw
ssistant Secretary
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
An Equoi Opporturyty rAH,unotive Action F'sployer
FILED
OCT 4 1982
MAYOn'S
EXECUTIVE
OF1FICE OF
COMMUNZTIES &
DEVELOPMEF
' - Michael S. Dukakis, Govemor
I Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
September 25, 1986
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Downtown Business Area
Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD)
Plan - Renewal
Dear Mr.
RECEIVED r'r ^ T85
A check of our records indicates that the two (2) year renewal of the CARD
plan will expire on September 28, 1986.
If the community wants to request renewal of the CARD, it must, through
its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a request for
such renewal and provide us with the following information.
1. The community should indicate whether or not the (a) Original Rationale
for designating the CARD and (b) Plan Objectives as set forth in the
original CARD still apply. If there are obvious changes or differences
in the "Rationale for Designating the CARD" or in Plan Objectives and
and specifications as set forth in the CARD plan, these differences or
changes should be spelled out.
2. Does the existing CARD still meet the basic criteria for a CARD?
i.e. Is the CARD an older established center which is still experiencing
commercial disinvestment?
3. The community must detail the specific project uses of
.development incentives within the CARD since the CARD plan
was approved,or since the last report submitted to EOCD
on activity in the CARD.
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through
direct private efforts during this renewal period should be
specified in this section.
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
September 24, 1986
Page 2
5. Specific information should be provided as to how the community has
followed through on its commitment to the CARD as set forth in the CARD
plan. This report should include not only the public improvements that
the Community has provided within the CARD, but also the strategy employed
by the community to keep the business community informed of the CARD
incentives and to involve them in the revitalization of the CARD.
Renewal of this CARD plan will be contingent upon receipt of the above information
and a determination by this office as to .whether the criteria necessary
for renewal of this CARD have been net by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted, we will advise you as to
whether or not your CARD plan has been renewed.
If you should have any question, please contact me at 617/727 -3197.
kah
Sincerely,'
John W
CARD Co
7
or
;4,, t3°
Edward J. King, Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretory
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
Communities and Development
Honorable David B. Musante Jr.
Mayor
City of Northampton
City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mayor Musante:
Division of Community Services
100 Cambridge Street 9th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 -7001
March 3, 1981
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
FILED
MAR 16 1981
MAYOR'S OFFICE
We have received your request for approval of the Amended Downtown Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan.
We note that the City Council on February 19, 1981 approved the above
mentioned plan as demarcating a Co Area Revitialization District. We
further find, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D as amended:
(1) The plan boundaries describe a predonti ely commercial
geographic area;
(2) The plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
(3) The plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration of
an older cony ercial center resulting from the movement of
commercial enterprises to previously non - commercial areas;
(4) The plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment including public improvements proposed
to carry out the purpose of the plan.
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on
February 19, 1981. We find that this hearing and advertisement afforded ample
opportunity for public comment.
We further note that the Office of Planning and Development will be the
overseeing agency for implementation of the CARD Plan.
Therefore, we hereby approve the Amended Downtown Commercial Area
Revitalization District Plan.
BJM:hm
cc: Conrrnunity File
Sincerely,
Byr J. Matthews
Secretary
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
gn Cit Council,
v 0,4
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FibrI,IAXIY 12 1981
Upon the recommendation of His Honor, Mayor David B. Musante, Jr.
44g RESOLUTION
Whereas, the City of Northampton has an established Downtown Commercial
Area Revitalization District ( C.A.R.D); and
Whereas, the development of parking facilities within CARD districts
become eligible for state funding under the provisions of
Chapter 487, Massachusetts General Laws; and
Whereas, the intent of the C.A.R.D. Program is to encourage the re-
vitalization of established commercial districts by making
available reduced - interest industrial revenue bond financing
through the Massachusetts Industrial Finance Authority to
eligible commercial development projects; and
Whereas, the current southerly boundary of the Downtown C.A.R.D.
arbitrarily excludes municipal parking areas and commercial
properties which otherwise could qualify for the grants and
financing incentives made possible under the C.A.R.D. Program;and
Whereas, a public hearing was held on February 12, 1981, by the Northamptoi
Planning Board at which time the proposed revision of the
C.A.R.D. was discussed and approved. L
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Northampton City Council hereby
approves the revision of the southerly boundary of the
downtown C.A.R.D. as shown on the map dated February 1981,
prepared by the Office of Planning and Development. The approval
revised southerly boundary is intended to include land currently
owned by the Massachusetts Electric Company (Parcel 246, Sheet
31D) as well as land which was formerly part of the Old Mill Rive;
Bed prior to the rivers diversion. Moving east toward Old South
Street, the C.A.R.D. shall include the parking area used by the
Joseph MacDonald House and owned by the Northampton Housing
Authority. Continuing east across Old South Street, the amended
C.A.R.D. shall include all parcels on the north side of Maple
Street which are zoned NB (Parcels 67,68,69, Sheet 32C), as
well as the municipal parking area immediately north of these
parcels.
All other boundaries of the Downtown C.A.R.D. remain the same.
EXECUTIVE
OFF1cE OF
COMMUNITIES &
DEVELOPMENT
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Ms. Penelope Kim, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Ms. Kim:
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1404
Boston , Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727 - 7765
Re:
September 23,1988
Northampton, Massachusetts -
Downtown Business Commercial Area
Revitalization District (CARD)
Plan - Renewal
A check of our records indicates that the Two (2) Year renewal of the
above CARD plan will expire on September 27, 1988.
If the community wants to request renewal of the CARD, it must, through
its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a request for
such renewal and provide us with the following information:
1. The community should indicate whether or not the (a) Original
'Rationale for designating the CARD and (b) Plan Objectives as
set forth in the original CARD plan still apply.If there are obvious
changes or differences in the "Rationale for Designating the CARD"
or in Plan Objectives and specifications.as set forth in the CARD
plan, these differences or changes should be spelled out.
2. Does the existing CARD still meet the basic criteria for a CARD?
i.e. Is the CARD an older established center which is still
experiencing commercial disinvestment?
3. The community must detail the specific project uses of
development incentives within the CARD since the CARD plan was
approved, or since the last report submitted to EOCD on
activity in the CARD.
Renewal of this CARD plan will be contingent upon receipt of the above
information and a determination by this office as to whether the criteria
necessary for renewal of this CARD have been met by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted, we will advise you as to
whether or not your CARD plan has been renewed.
JWY
4 Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through
direct private efforts during this renewal period should be
specified in this section.
5. Specific information should be provided as to how the community
has followed through on its commitment to the CARD as set forth
in the CARD plan. This report should include not only the public
improvements that the community has provided within the CARD, but
also the strategy employed by the community to keep the business
community informed of the CARD incentives and to involve them in
the revitalization of the CARD.
If you should have any questions, please contact me at 617/727 -7180.
cc: David B. Musante, Mayor
incerely,
hn W. oung
CARD Co. dinat
EXECUTIVE
OFFIcE OF
COMMUNTI'IES &
DEVELOPMENT
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Ms. Penelope Kim, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Ms. Kim:
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1404
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727 -7765
Re:
September 23,1988
Northampton, Massachusetts -
Florence Street Commercial Area
Revitalization District (CARD)
Plan - Renewal
A check of our records indicates that the Two (2) Year renewal of the
above CARD plan will expire on September 27, 1988.
2. Does the existing CARD still meet the basic criteria for a CARD?
i.e. Is the CARD an older established center which is still
experiencing commercial disinvestment?
3. The community must detail the specific project uses of
development incentives within the CARD since the CARD plan was
approved, or since the last report submitted to EOCD on
activity in the CARD.
If the community wants to request renewal of the CARD, it must, through
its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a request for
such renewal and provide us with the following information:
1. The community should indicate whether or not the (a) Original
Rationale for designating the CARD and (b) Plan Objectives as
set forth in the original CARD plan still apply.If there are obvious
changes or differences in the "Rationale for Designating the CARD"
or in Plan Objectives and specifications as set forth in the CARD
plan, these differences or changes should be spelled out.
Renewal of this CARD plan will be contingent upon receipt of the above
information and a determination by this office as to whether the criteria
necessary for renewal of this CARD have been met by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted, we will advise you as to
whether or not your CARD plan has been renewed.
JWY
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through
direct private efforts during this renewal period should be
specified in this section.
5. Specific information should be provided as to how the community
has followed through on its commitment to the CARD as set forth
in the CARD plan. This report should include not only the public
improvements that the community has provided within the CARD, but
also the strategy employed by the community to keep the business
community informed of the CARD incentives and to involve them in
the revitalization of the CARD.
If you should have any questions, please contact me at 617/727 -7180.
cc: David B. Musante, Jr., Mayor
Sincerely,
J/ohn W. young
CARD C.o dinat
.5
EXECIJT1VE
OF1FIICE OF
COMMUNITIES &
DEVELOPMENT
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary October 31, 1986
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear M :unnell:
This office has considered your request (letter dated October 16, 1986)
regarding a renewal of the Florence Street Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan.
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Florence Street
Commercial Area Revitalization District
(CARD) Plan
Based upon our review of the documentation submitted with your request,
it appears that the city is making an effort to implement the proposals set
forth in the CARD Plan, and we hereby approve a renewal of your Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan for 2 years, beginning on September 28, 1986.
This CARD Plan renewal will expire on September 27, 1988. It should be
noted that any subsequent renewal of this Florence Street CARD Plan •
will be dependent on two things:
1. receipt of convincing documentation from the city citing
specific progress in revitalization of this CARD from
September 28, 1986 to a point in early September, 1988; and
2. a determination by EOCD, after a site visit, that the area still
meets criteria necessary for it to qualify as a Commercial Area
Revitalization District (CARD).
JWY /plb
cc: MIFA
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1404
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617)727 -7765
RECEIVED NO , , 5 1986
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
John W. Young
CARD Co- ordinator
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02201
RE: Northampton, Massachusetts
Florence Street CARD Plan - Renewal
Dear John Young,
We herewith submit a request for the renewal of the Florence CARD plan
referenced in your letter of September 25, 1986. We are pleased to submit
the information below in support of this request.
1. The original rationale for designating this district still applies. The
Plan's original Objectives include: strengthening the public service infra-
structure; enhancing existing business activities; and attracting significant
new commercial activity to the business district. The Florence CARD committee
has been working for five years on an overall design scheme for public improve-
ments aimed at encouraging and reinforcing private investment and commercial
activity. It is anticipated that construction of these improvements will
commence within the next year.
2. The Florence CARD continues to meet the basic criteria for a CARD. It
is an older, commercial center serving as a town center for Florence and a
commercial destination for outlying, smaller communities. The need for road-
way and sidewalk improvements, and the creation of an attractive, functional
streetscape, remains. The private reinvestments which have recently begun are
in anticipation of the undertaking and completion of public improvements to
sustain, support and expand such development.
3. There has been no use of IRB financing in the Florence CARD to date.
The Northampton Industrial Development Financing Authority remains available
to respond to any requests.
4. Revitalization efforts underway in the CARD undertaken through direct
private efforts include the following projects which have been hastened by the
expectation of concurrent public improvements in Florence:
a. Florence Savings Bank
2 story addition plus new drive -in
walk _up.. banking facility.
October 16, 1986
$2,000,000
b. Cooper's Corner -reta r.%expansion 300,000
c. Renovation of upper floors of Parsons Block
for office space; construction of new rear
parking area.
d. Construction of new retail /business office
400,000
space on site of "Yesterday's" bar.
e. Renovation of upper floors of Everybody's 410,000
Market (15,000 sq. ft.).
f. Renovation to accomodate new office for 25,000
Murphy Real Estate.
5. The Community has followed through on its commitment to the CARD in the
following ways:
a. Public Improvements
The City allocated $31,000 of CDBG funds for the design of public
improvements in the CARD. The City has received PWED grant to apply
toward construction of these improvments. The total project cost is
estimated at $711,000 with a local match of $175,307.
The City, through the Northampton Housing Authority, constructed
52 elderly and handicapped housing units on Maple Street. The location
of this housing in the CARD is viewed as a boost to the business climate
and an encouragement of new business investment.
The Valley Health Plan, a non - profit, non -tax paying entity, constructed
a Health Center on Main Street. This Center brings hundreds of people into
the CARD and it is expected that new business investment will be reinforced
by this public tax exempt project.
b. The Downtown Florence Development Task Force (formerly known as the
Florence CARD Committee) was reconstituted in July 1984 and has met to
guide the planning of improvements. The Design Consultant worked with
the Task Force. The Florence Business and Civic Association is kept
informed of activities in the CARD district.
This designated CARD continues to be a crucial factor in the vitality
of Florence Center and the City of Northampton as a whole.
GB /jad
-// "A? 2
ene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
100,000
EXECUTIVE
OFNICE OF
COMMUMTIES &
DEVELOPMENT
Michael S. Dukakis, Governor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
September 25, 1986
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts Florence Street
Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD)
Plan - Renewal
Dear Mr. B.. ell:
A check of our records indicates that the two (2) year renewal of the CARD
plan will expire on September 28, 1986.
If the community wants to request renewal of the CARD, it must, through
its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a request for
such renewal and provide us with the following information.
1. The community should indicate whether or not the (a) Original Rationale
for designating the CARD and (b) Plan Objectives as set forth in the
original CARD still apply. If there are obvious changes or differences
in the "Rationale for Designating the CARD" or in Plan Objectives and
and specifications as set forth in the CARD plan, these differences or
changes should be spelled out.
2. Does the existing CARD still meet the basic criteria for a CARD?
i.e. Is the CARD an older established center which is still experiencing
commercial disinvestment?
3. The community must detail the specific project uses of
development incentives within the CARD since the CARD plan
was approved,or since the last report submitted to EOCD
on activity in the CARD.
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through
direct private efforts during this renewal period should be
specified in this section.
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
September 24, 1986
Page 2
5. Specific information should be provided as to how the community has
followed through on its commitment to the CARD as set forth in the CARD
plan. This report should include not only the public improvements that
the 'community has provided within the CARD, but also the strategy employed
by the community to keep the business community informed of the CARD
incentives and to involve them in the revitalization of the CARD.
Renewal of this CARD plan will be contingent upon receipt of the above information
and a determination by this office as to .whether the criteria necessary
for renewal of this CARD have been met by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted, we will advise you as to
whether or not your CARD plan has been renewed.
If you should have any question, please contact me at 617/727 -3197.
kah
cerely,'
ohn W.
CARD Co
or
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
gn Citq eounciL, JULY 17, 1980
UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF COUNCILLOR ROBERT JOYCE' •
RESOLUTION
For Approval of Florence Business Area Card Plan
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapters 40D and 23D, Massachusetts
General Laws, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acting by and
through the Secretary of Communities and Development may approve
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts Plans (herein referred
to as CARD Plans); and
WHEREAS, such approval is a precondition for the use of various
state financial incentives for commercial development that would
be in the public interest of the citizens of Northampton; and
WHEREAS., the development of the Florence Business Area CARD, the
boundaries of which are described on page 6 , would forward the
community development objectives of the city and would result in
physical development of said District and the creation of employ-
ment opportunities of a character consistent with that contemplat-
ed by the above cited statutes:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY : THE NORTHAMPTON CITY : COUNCIL:
1. That the Florence Business Area (herein referred
to as the CARD) Commercial Area Revitalization
District described above is a predominantly
commercial geographic area;
2. That implementation of the proposed CARD Plan
will serve to avert and reverse the decay of
the area covered by the plan and will help deter
the movement of commercial enterprises into pre'= •
viously non - commercial areas; and
3. That the Florence Business Area CARD Plan is here-
by approved and that said Plan shall be submitted
to the Secretaries of Comaruntes. and Development
for approval.
nY
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON, MASS.
FLORENCE BUSINESS AREA
C.A.R. D.
Northampton Planning Department
July 16, 1980
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) Commercial Area Revitalization District Description
2) Plan Objectives
3) Rationale for District Boundaries
4) Land Use and Zoning
5) Plan Strategy
6) Local Implementation Agency
7) Evidence of P Hearing
8) Additional Documentation:
Resolution of City Council
Certificate of the Recording Officer
Opinion of Legal Counsel
'AGE
1 - 4
4 6
6
6 -. 7
7 - 14
-1-
1) Description: Proposed Florence Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD)
Introduction
The purpose of the proposed Florence, CARD as described herein, is to
strengthen and protect an important business area in the City of Northampton.
In terms of physical size and volume of trade Downtown and King Street
CARD areas are significantly larger than Florence's business district. How-
ever, this district has traditionally been an important source of goods and
services for the greater Florence area, the City as a whole and the hilltowns
to the west of the City. The goals, objectives and strategies outlined in
this plan are intended to be the beginning of a comprehensive and coopera-
tive effort by local public and private bodies to enhance the:.ublic service
infrastructure, enhance existing business activities and attract significant
new commercial enterprises to the Florence business district.
In March, 1980, after the designation of the Downtown and King Street
CARD's, the Mayor's Office and the Office of Planning and Development joined
with a Steering Committee of Florence citizens and business people to develop
strategies to revitalize the Florence business district. After a dozen formal
meetings, a public hearing and other time invested by the business people and
planning staff the following plan was developed.
a) Area Description.
The business district of Florence has traditionally been the commercial
center for the villages of Florence and Leeds and towns immediately to the
west. Its present form began to develop in the mid- nineteenth century when
a number of manufacturing enterprises were established in Florence. Within
the proposed CARD, a number of important commercial and industrial buildings
from that era still remain. In addition, buildings from the early twentieth
century and the post -war era are present.
-2-
The district is situated along Main Street (Rt.9), and, to an extent,
centers on the intersection with Maple Street and North Maple Street. It
is about two miles removed from the Downtown. The district is bounded mostly
by residential neighborhoods and, to a limited extent, by light manufactur-
ing facilities.
b) Marketing Conditions.
The primary market for Florence consists of the villages of Florence dnd
Leeds (Total 1970 population = 6,641). The secondary market includes the balance of
Northampton, Easthampton, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Goshen and Chesterfield.
Several speciality enterprises such as West Clothing and Danco, Inc. have a wide
regional market. Potential exists for capturing,more business from residents
of the local hilltowns if, new or expanded goods and services, are offered, since
Florence is the only substantial commercial district along Rt. 9 between Northampton
and Pittsfield. A significant portion of local trade is generated by employees of
local industries, such as Pro Brush and Hanmmerplast, Inc.
A 1979 consumer demand survey conducted by the Northampton Office of
Planning and Development revealed that only 1.5% of all respondents from North -
ampton and surrounding towns did most of their shopping in Florence. Since the
Downtown and King Street are so nearby, an overall marketing strategy for Flor-
ence might best aim to satisfy the needs of local residents for neighborhood
goods and- services and promote unique speciality shops that would have a far
wider drawing power.
c) Problem Statements.
The proposed CARD area has for a number of years been the victim of
increased customer mobility and the associated development of large, out-
lying shopping areas. Associated with these trends has been the loss of
food markets and variety stores which tended to act as stabilizing forces
and promoted multi -stop shopping. There are several highly notable specialty
enterprises located in the district, e.g., West Clothing, Daneo Furniture,
Keyes Florists and the Miss Florence Diner. One specific problem is how
all.
3-
to capitalize on these firms which have regional clientele by inducing
shoppers to utilize the district as a multiple purpose shopping area.
The need for substantial new activities such as new office buildings, a
discount variety store, and perhaps a new or expanded food market is an
associated problem.
The streetscape is in poor condition. A recent TOPICS project
facilitated traffic flow through the district but provided few benefits
for pedestrians and reulted in a loss of positive visual image through the
installation of obtrusive traffic signals and the use of asphalt, rather
then concrete, to repair disturbed sidewalks. There is no system of
handicapped ramps, and more crosswalks are needed. The sidewalk spaces
are bare of trees, benches and litter baskets. On the south of
Main Street the sidewalks are only about three feet wide, if present at
The facades of the buildings are covered by a wide variety of sign-
age, much of it of a mass - produced nature and inappropriate especially
to those buildings which have historic interest. These buildings are by
and large, under - utilized on there second and third floors and are cap-
.
able of having new access established in their rear portions.
In terms of overall demand, the number of parking spaces in the
district is adequate. However most parking occurs off - street on private
lots that are restricted to clientele of individual enterprises. A large
area to the rear of the north side of Main Street and to the cost of North
Maple Street is devoted to parking, but the space is fragmented by restricted
parking and fences that force pedestrians to take circuitous routes to get
to there destination. The location of off - street parking is not clear to
the passerby on Main Street,. The Zack of pedestrian improvements and the
existence of restricted parking makes shopping in Florence unnecessarily
difficult.
-4-
The demand for public transportation in Florence has been growing.
Although existing PVTA service connects Florence with Williamsburg to
the west and the Downtown and Amherst to the east, the extensive sub-
urban areas along nearby Ryan Road are not sewed by public transpor-
tation at all Residents of this area have stated their desires to be
able to use the bus to shop in Florence and to make connections there for
outlying destinations.
Another problem for Florence is that three adjoining, prime parcels
of real estate located on Main Street have deteriorated frame dwellings
that occupy less than 15% of the aggregated land area. This produces
a gap in the business district that mitigates against its aspects as a
commercial area since it may be inferred that the coiwnercial` climate
in Florence is not healthy enough to allow for more productive utili-
zation of this business -zoned land.
Although the Florence business community is represented by the
Florence Civic and Business Association, this group is not officially
linked with the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, In addition it is
acknowledged that Florence businesses have not fully utilized coopera-
tive efforts (shopping nights, promotional improvements) that could in-
crease the vitality of local businesses.
2) Plan Objectives
This portion of the plan is directly related to the preceding dis-
cussion of existing physical and business conditions. For each problem
and opportunity area, objections are stated.
Streetscape:
Parking:
Public Transpor-
tation:
Marketing Efforts:
-5-
. Upgrade Park Street Park at the edge of the district. (City)
. Handicapped Access throughout the district. (City)
. Street Trees of sufficient size installed along the major
thoroughfares. (City)
. Provi of sidewalk benches and trash baskets. (City)
. More crosswalks on Main Street. (City)
. Use of concrete rather than asphalt as a sidewalk
paving material. (City)
. Initiation of a facade improvement program.
. Create a wider sidewalk on the south of Main Street.
Land and Building . Target three parcels on Main Street that are underutilized
Utilization: for major new development.
. Use upper floors of the older commercial buildings for .
offices and housing.
. Where advantageous create new rear entries, especially
from rear parking lots.
. Assist present businesses in major expansion or renova-
tions through development incentives that result from the
CARD process.
P roduce cooperative agreements between private landowners
that will reduce restricted parking.
. Enhance pedestrian access to parking areas.
. Landscape parking areas -as part of the pedestrian improvements.
. Plan parking renovations with new rear access to buildings
in mind.
. Create a sign system that will direct motorists to the
parking lots. (City)
. Initiate a technical study for new bus service to the Ryan
Road Area.
. If the new service is cost - efficient, the City subsidizes it.
. The ,F7,orence Business and Civic Asssociation links up with
the Chamber of Commerce,
. A uniform shopping night is established..
. Promotional events are utilized more-enhance image of Florence
as a unified area.
&EON
0862 '`G2 R2nf
)00g912 :
aouaaolj pasodoa
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(Mktg. efforts
con't)...
-6-
3) Rationale for District Boundaries
The City wishes to have the Florence business district designated as a
CARD because it meets the objective qualifications as an older commercial
district experiencing a loss of commercial activity and because the size of
the district and the present commercial make -up are not vitally competitive
with the Downtown and King Street, CARD areas. No further CARD proposals are .
foreseen, as there are only three major commercial areas within the City.
(Please refer to the mapping herein enclosed for graphic illustration
of the following discussion)
The boundaries of the proposed CARD have been determined by the existing
land -use and zoning conditions in the core of Florence. The whole CARD con-
forms to the entire Neighborhood Business Zone with the exception of three
parcels that are zoned for Special Industry. These parcels are Map 23A -230
and Map 23B -8 and 9. The only parcel excepted from the district Map 23A -63,
contains a City Fire station.
The nature of the enterprises in this Industrially -zoned parcels has
provide the rationale for inclusion in the CARD. Parcel 230 contains a num-
ber of service activities within a subdivided old industrial building, and
Parcels 8 & 9 are the location of Danco, Inc.'s furniture and art showrooms.
4. Land Use and Zoning
A land use map rendered in color on an official zoning map is herein
included. The following table displays the relative amounts of Land devoted
to various uses: Retail
Service
Mixed (commercial -
housing)
Residential
Institutional
. If CARD designation is obtained the City and the business
community agressively market the'opportunities that CARD
offers to attract new enterprises. In advance, the pre-
ferred types and intensities of new commercial activities
are ascertained, so that CARD incentives can produce
specified results.
rtf
26%
24%
— 290 .
100% of total area 31.8 Acres
-7-
Those areas within the proposed CARD which are not now used for com-
mercial purposes will be subjected to special scrutiny should CARD - fin-
anced projects be proposed for them. The three contiguous parcels on Main
Street, numbers 70, 71 and 72, which have residences on them, have been
mentioned as a prime commercial location. A_sid from these, the other
residential parcels are not foreseen to be crucial for conversion into
commercial usage. The City does not encourage the conversion of housing
where opportunities for new or expanded businesses exist on land that is
presently commercial.
5. Plan Strategies
a) Public Improvements and Facilities.
Streetscape:
. After consultation with the Recreation Department,
the Park Street Park was upgraded by rOpairing a
fountain and mass plantings of flowers "(donated in
part by Keyes Florists in Florence) were installed.
In addition, the Beautification Subcommittee of the
Florence CARD Committee is developing plan for a
more extensive renovation of the park.
. During. the coming year of 1981, handicapped ramps
will be installed throughout the CARD by the North -
ampton DPW.
. During F.Y. 1981, street trees of 3 inch -plus caliper
will be installed according to a plan developed by the
Beautification Subcommittee and approved by the DPW.
This is presently foreseen to be done at public expense
. Revenue sharing monies will be utilized during F.Y.80,
to install trash baskets: Installation of up to a
dozen benches will be accomplished during F.Y.1981.
. The Northampton DPW will assist the community by creating
two new crosswalks (with handicapped ramps) on Main Street.
This will occur in 1980.
. In the future, local merchants will insist on replacement
of sidewalks with concrete ones:
. The Office of Planning and Development will continue to
assist Florence on design- related projects, notably on a
proposed facade improvement in the fall of 1980..
. The City will attempt to gain more land on which to widen
the sidewalk on the south side of Main Street. This would
hopefully be initiated by making the dedication of additional
land to the City a requirement for CARD financing for the
three underutilized parcels (previously noted).
Land and Building
Utilization:
Parking:
Public Transportation:
Marketing Efforts:
-8-
Members of the CARD Steering Committee have been in close
contact with the owner of the three parcels on Main Street
in regard to CARD incentives and as to the highest and best
use of the land. This is presently foreseen to be a mixed
retail and office development.
. The new ability of M1.FA to fund housing components of
mixed developmen:'in CARD areas enhances the prospects
for second and third floor utilization.
. The owners, Everybody's Market on Main Street and the
Parsons Block on Maple Street have expressed firm inten-
tions to develop rear access.
. A plan to open up pedestrian movement in the parking areas
on the north side of Main Street has been developed and
has received tentative agreement from the landowners in-
volved. This scheme, which would also reduce the amount
of restricted parking, was developed and promoted by a
member of the Steering Committee. Also landscaping will
comprise a part of these improvements. Ail future devel-
opers that utilize CARD will be'required to landscape their
parking areas.
Once the agreements to implement the above -noted parking
scheme are finalized, signs will be installed in appro-
priate locations along the streets to indicate where
off- street parking is available.
All CARD assisted development will be required to provide
the majority of their parking spaces without restrictions.
This will 1-11,p obviate future demands for off - street public
parking facilities.
. The technical study for the new bus service to Ryan Road
is being developed by LPVRPC. When the results are in,
a decision will be made if, and when, to subsidize it.
. The City is in the process of making an application to
MDPW to fund a 2.6 mile bikeway from the King Street area
to Look Park in Florence. This bikeway will cross through
the northern segment of the Florence CARD. The plans and
engineering specifications are complete.
. A brochure that explains the CARD program in general and
the opportunities presented by the Florence CARD will be
developed immediately after the designation of the District.
This will be a joint project of the Office of Planning and
Development and the Florence CARD Steering Committee. This
will include specific suggestions for locations and types
of new development, expansion and renovation.
Danco, Inc.:
Keyes Florists:
-9-
interest -Bond Financing and the Mortgage Guarantees.
b) Potential Projects
Aside from the potential present in the three parcels on Main Street there
are three projects which hold promise for use of CARD incentives namely the
The owner of Danco, Inc. (Parcels 8 and 9, Map 23B)
wishes to purchase the old factory in which his firm
is a tenant and expand existing retail furniture and
at showrooms as well as inventory space. In addition
a new off - street parking area will be developed to handle
additional. business. Up to ten new jobs are foreseen.
. The owners have indicated a desire to utilize CARD
financing to build two greenhouses on an open portion.
of Parcel 160,. Map 23A, This would more than double
their greenhouse capacities. Plans for the expansion
have been developed,
Everybody's Market: . The proprietors of the market own a substantial three -
story brick building on Main Street. Their plans call
for renovation of their market, including the creation
of a ramped rear entry, and new housing and office units
on the upper floors.
c) Description of the General Character of Redevelopment,
The upgrading of the streetscape and the parking areas will create a new image
for Florence. This will be concrete proof of the determination of the City and the
Florence business community to support new development,. Specific new developments
should respond to the architectural styles, scale and material themes found in the
older buildings in the district. A voluntary facade improvement program when dev-
eloped, will provide direction for new development, Provisions for existing and
new off - street parking have been noted.
In summary, the district should be enhanced by expansion and renovation by
existing businesses, as well as by a major new development on the south side of
Main Street that will provide new goods and services,ardior contain office space,
which will have substantial benefits to the existing businesses.
( '
-1 0-
The overall goal is to revive Florence's former identity as a district in which
to shop and utilize services as opposed to a one -stop shopping location. The
Florence Business and Civic Association is now exploring new marketing tech-
niques such as a hand -out periodical and expanded special events. In addition
they have expressed a willingness to help promote the advantages of the CARD
program and to support the implementation of the various provisions of this plan.
d) Land -use and Design Controls.
At present the existing zoning arrangements are seen to be satisfactory,.
A CARD Design Review Committee for all the Northampton CARDs has been
established. The Design Review Committee will review all proposals for CARD
financing in terms of their design aspects. Comments and recommendations will
be forwarded to the City Council and the Northampton IDFA, Plans for public
improvements will also be reviewed by this committee.
A historical inventory for Northampton, which was funded in part by the
Massachusetts Historical Commission, is underway. Several buildings in the
proposed CARD area may be nominated for the National Register, and if appro-
priate, a historic district proposal for a portion of the CARD area may be
formulated.
e) Business Community Participation.
Key members of the local business community, including officers of the
Florence Business and Civic Association, are represented on the Steering Com-
mittee. With one exception, all Steering Committee meetings were held at the
Florence Savings Bank, in the CARD area. The Public Hearing was held at the
headquarters of the Florence Business and Civic Association, immediately ad-
jacent to the CARD area. The Northampton Chamber of Commerce, through its
director, Paul Walker, provided assistance to the Steering Committee,
As mentioned, the local business community will be involved in developing
and distributing a CARD brochure which will be of assistance to potential users
of the CARD program incentives.
The Office of Planning and Development will contact the members of all
incentives.
tTI
local CARD Steering Committees and the press in regard to new development
-12-
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROVISION
Policy
The policy of the City of Northampton in formulating CARD plans
is to involve to the maximum
feasible extent, citizens, business
people and representatives of local advocacy groups in the planning
and implementation processes.
Requirements for General Communication and. Distribution of
Information
In order to assure maximum community involvement, the_City will
make every effort to provide all concerned parties with background
and procedural information as well as technical data during the
planning process.
General Communication
Public hearings will be held-at such times when formal citizen
response to plans or proposals is required.
Notice of public hearings will be made through legal and /or
display ads in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and by mailing copies of
the notice to all addresses on the Citizen Participation Mailing
List (Appendix A). Such notice will be made at least seven (7) days
prior to the date of the hearing, and at least twice prior to the
hearing. Public hearings shall be conducted by the Mayor or other
City officials as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30, Sections 23B and 23C, as
amended by Chapter 303 of the Acts of 1975 ( "Open Meeting Law ").
-13-
Individuals and representatives of groups are invited to meet
at any reasonable time with net - hers of the staff or the J ayor's
Office to discuss the CARD Flans or elements thereof.
Distribution stribution of information
: documents; reports and application materials required by
state or federal regulations, as well as local internal documents
(nroaress reports by the Advisory Committee, etc.) will be available
for inspection at the City Planning Department. Conies will he :jade
on request for members of the public (standard fees will be charged
as tier Executive Order ;4, dated October 4, 1T78). Notices of the
availability of such documents will be distributed . :to the Citizen.
Partici nation 1. ailing List.
To the e. .tent practicable, information packets and similar
materials will be published and distributed to the Citizen Partici-
pation Mailing List.
The media will be given particular attention in the distribution
of information about the proposed CARD Plans with the expectation
that such information will be conveyed to the public. News conferences,
caress releases, interviews and the like will be utilized when availa-
ble and apnronriate.
The information needs of special groups will be addressed by
including such groups in the Citizen Participation Tailing List.
Established organizations will be asked to distribute information
through their own existing channels.
-14-
Citizen Participation Mailing List
A standard mailing list will be maintained for the distribution
of all documents and notices of general interest which are issued in
the Xing Street Revitalization planning procees. A copy of this list
is appended to this document. To review the current list or to add or
change entries on the list, contact the Northampton Planning Department
at:
Room 11, City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Telephone: 586 -6950, Extension 267
6. LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY .•
The Florence CARD program will be implemented by the Nor..thampton
Office of Planning and Development. Department staff will assist the
CARD Advisory Committees, the Industrial Development Financing Author-
ity, the Mayor's Office and the City Council. In addition, the staff
will assist prospective CARD developers.
Richard Swaluk
Medicine Shoppe
53 Main St.
Florence
Robert Patenaude
Florence Savings Bank
Main St.
Florence
Kathleen Sheehan
45 Hastings Heights
Florence
Brian Elliott
300 N. Main St.
Florence
Stephen Jasinski
Everybody's Market
91 Main St.
Florence
Timothy Shea, Jr. (Bird's Store)
96 Maple St.
Florence
Edward Wingfield
49 Country Way
Florence
Betty Galusza-•
200 Bridge Rd.
Florence
Gordon Tibbetts
21 Middle St.
Florence
Frances McNulty
9 Greeley Ave.
Florence
Kathy Keyes
Keyes Florists
Keyes St.
Florence
Florence CARD Steering Coiiunittee
Linda Gougeon
c/o Florence Savings Bank
Florence
George D. Tobin
21 Kimball St.
Florence
Ratti Regehr
Commercial Resource Coordinating Office
20 North Maple St.
Florence
City Councillor
Tim O'Leary
Robert Joyce
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Planning Department
Room 11, City Hall, 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 •
• Conservatkn Commission • Historical Commission •
"'Planning Board 'Zoning Board of Appeals
Publish April 24, 1980
May 1, 1980
/ 7,1 Evidence of Public Hearing
Peter B. Klejna
Senior Planner
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
In accordance with Chapters 40D and 23D, Mass. General Laws, the
City of Northampton will Told a public hearing to discuss the proposal
to designate an area of Florence, Mass. as a Commercial Area Revitalizatio
District (CARD). The purpose of this district is to provide incentives
for the revitalization of the central business area in Florence. The
Hearing will be held at the Florence Business and Civic Association
Building, Park Street, Florence, at 7:30 PM on Wednesday May 7, 1980.
The public is urged to attend. For more information, contact the
Northampton Planning Department at City Hall, 210 Main Street,
Northampton, Mass.,or call 586 -6950, ext. 267.
David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor
rr�r� CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
� ��:�C�N MASSACHUSETTS
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
586 -6950
Secretary Byron Matthews
Executive Office of Communities and Development
100 Cambridge Street 14th Floor
Boston, Ma-
30
a..
Deter Secretary Matthews:
It gives me great pleasure to forward to you the City of Northampton's
application for C.A.R.D. designation for the Florence business district. This
proposal represents work over a four and a half month period by a Steering
Committee of Florence based residents, business people, City Councillors from
the area, representatives from the local bank, civic associations, recreation
and community groups. Rarely in my experience have I seen such a hard- working,
loyal and dedicated committee. They are truly convinced that something impor-
tant can be done to turn around the Florence business area, and have worked
diligently and cooperatively towards this goal.
Many of the people they interviewed in helping to prepare this proposal
have indicated a desire to move quickly to obtain project funding through
revenue bond financing, just as soon as C.A.R.D. designation is achieved. A
plan to expand the Danco Furniture store on Locust Street is just one of the
several large -scale projects that are in the immediate offing. Others include
a plan to acquire the vacant, under - utilized property directly across the street
from the Florence Savings Bank in order to build a commercial complex.
The City Council has-. shared my Administration's enthusiasm for the self -help
efforts already undertaken under this C.A.R.D. Committee's enthusiastic leader-
ship, and has appropriated monies out of federal revenue sharing for improvements
and amenities in public areas. We intend to do more.
I know that several members of your staff have looked at the proposed C.A.R.D.
area, including Art Kimber, Art Pichette and Carol LoBello, and they all seemed to
share our feelings that the Florence area can really move ahead with C.A.R.D.
Many thanks for all your help, too, in the latest effort in Northampton's
economic redeveloianent plan.
-2-
designation. We very much appreciate their assistance in working on this
proposal.
Arthur Kimber, Western Mass. Office - Executive Office of Communities and
Development
Sincerely,
i . S !7 ! •
/ Davi B. Musante, Jr.
d
Mayor
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
CITY HALL
210 MAIN STREET
NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060
(413) 586-6950
Attorney Richard Binder
V.S.H. Realty, Inc.
777 Deedham Street
Canton, MA
02021
• Office of Community Development
Zoning Board of Appeal • Historical Commission
Conservation Commission • Energy Coordinator
Redevelopment Authority • Planning Board
April 24, 1981
Re: Planting Cherry Trees in Front of 53 Main Street, Florence, MA
Dear Attorney Binder:
Pursuant to our telephone conversation of 4/23/81, enclosed please find a
copy of a plan showing the proposed placement of the cherry trees (kwanzan
variety) on Main Street in Florence, and also a plan showing the proposed
placement in front of your property at 53 Main Street.
We are planning on planting two or three trees, depending on how many
are available and what we can afford, in the sidewalk in front of your property
(within the City right-of-way). The trees that we have chosen are a dwarf variety
growing only to about 17 feet in height. This should not interfere with the
signage on your property as the Cumberland Farms sign is located on the front of
the building as well as on top of the roof covering the gas pumps (which is well
above this ha.'ght). There also appears to be plenty of room between the proposed
tree location and the gas pumps so as not to interfere with traffic flow. There
is the chance that,we may have to place the trees just off of the right-of-way,
on your property, so as not to interfere with utility easements. We feel, however,
that there is still adequate space so as not to interfere with the traffic flow
at the gas pumps.
We are going to be doing the planting on Saturday, May 2, 1981 so if you
have any objections or questions please contact me as soon as possible at (413)
586 = 6950 X267. I have also enclosed a form granting the City permission to plant
the trees should we have to place them on your property, for the reasons I've
stated above, which should be endorsed and returned to us.
Yours,
7.14(6i 9
Lawrence B. Smith
Senior Planner
Sidewalk
STRUCTURE
60'
Access
Parking
(Cumberland Farms)
Sidewalk
Granite Curbing
MAIN STREET
15'
0 Access
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON.„ MASS.
FLORENCE BUSINESS AREA
C.A.R. D.
Northampton Planning Department
July 16, 1980
1) Com'nercial Area Revitalization District Description
2) Plan Objectives
3) Rationale for District Boundaries
4) Land Use and Zoning
5) Plan Strategy
6) Local Implementation Agency
7) Evidence of Public Hearing
8) Additional Documentation:
. Resolution of City Council
Certificate of the Recording Officer
Opinion of Legal Counsel
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1 - 4
4 - 6
6
6 - 7
7 - 14
-1-
1) Description: Proposed Florence Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD)
Introduction
The purpose of the proposed Florence, CARD as described herein, is t
strengthen and protect an important business area in the City of Northampton.
In terms of physical size and volume of trade Downtown and King Street
CARD areas are significantly larger than Florence's business district. How-
ever, this district has traditionally been an important source of goods and
services for the greater Florence area, the City as a whole and the hilltowns
to the west of the City. The goals, objectives and strategies outlined in
this plan are intended to be the beginning of a comprehensive and coopera-
tive effort by local, public and private bodies to enhance the public service
infrastructure, enhance existing business activities and attract significant
new commercial enterprises to the Florence business district.
In March, 1980, after the designation of the Downtown and King Street
CARD's, the Mayor's Office and the Office of Planning and Development joined
with a Steering Committee of Florence citizens and business people to develop
strategies to revitalize the Florence business district. After a dozen formal
meetings, * a public hearing and other time invested by the business people and
planning staff the following plan was developed.
a) Area Description.
The business district of Florence has traditionally been the commercial
center for the villages of Florence and Leeds and towns immediately to the
west. Its present form began to develop in the mid- nineteenth century when
a number of manufacturing enterprises were established in Florence. Within
the proposed CARD, a number of important commercial and industrial buildings
from that era still remain. In addition, buildings from the early twentieth
century and the post -war era are present.
-2--
The district is situated along Main Street (Rt.9), and to an extent,
centers on the intersection with Maple Street and North Maple Street. It
is about two miles removed from the Downtown. The district is bounded mostly
by residential neighborhoods and, to a limited extent, by light manufactur-
ing facilities.
b) Marketing Conditions.
The primary market for Florence consists of the villages of Florence and
Lef;ds (Total 1970 population= 6,641). The secondary market includes the balance of
Northampton, Easthampton, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Goshen and Chesterfield.
Several speciality enterprises such as West Clothing and Danco, Inc. have a wide
regional market. Potential exists for capturing more business from residents
of the local hilltowns if, new or expanded goods and services are offered, since
Florence is the only substantial commercial district along Rt. 9 between Northampton
and Pittsfield. A significant portion of 'local trade is generated by employees of
local industries, such as Pro Brush and Hammerplast, Inc.
A 1979 consumer demand survey conducted by the Northampton Office of
Planning and Development revealed that only 1.5% of all respondents from North -
ampton and surrounding towns did most of their shopping in Florence. Since the
Downtown and King Street are so nearby, an overall marketing strategy for Flor-
ence might best aim to satisfy the needs of local residents for neighborhood
goods and services and promote unique speciality shops that would have a far
wider drawing power.
c) Problem Statements.
The proposed CARD area has for a number of years been the victim of
increased customer mobility and the associated development of large, out-
lying shopping areas. Associated with these trends has been the loss of
food markets and variety stores which tended to act as stabilising forces
and promoted multi -stop shopping. There are several highly notable specialty
enterprises Located in the district, e.g., West Clothing, Danco Furniture,
Keyes Florists and the Miss Florence Diner. One specific problem is how
3-
to capitalize on these firms which have regional clientele by inducing
shoppers to utilize the district as a multiple purpose shopping area.
The need for substantial new activities such as new office buildings, a
discount variety store, and perhaps a new or4xpanded food market is an
associated problem.
The streetscape is in poor condition. A recent TOPICS project
facilitated traffic flow through the district but provided few benefits
for pedestrians and reulted in a loss of positive visual image through the
installation of obtrusive traffic signals and the use of asphalt, rather
then concrete, to repair disturbed sidewalks. There is no system of
handicapped ramps, and more crosswalks are needed. The sidewalk spaces
are bare of trees, benches and litter baskets. On the south side of
Main Street the sidewalks are only about three feet wide, if present at
all.
The facades of the buildings are covered by a wide variety of sign -
age, much of it of a mass - produced nature and inappropriate especially
to those buildings which have historic interest. These buildings are by
and large, under - utilized on there second and - third floors and are cap-
able of having new access established in their rear portions.
In terms of overall demand, the number of parking spaces in the
district is adequate. However most parking occurs off- street on private
lots that are restricted to clientele of individual enterprises. A large
area to the rear of the north side of Main Street and to the cost of North
Maple Street is devoted to parking, but the space is fragmented by restricted
parking and fences that force pedestrians to take circuitous routes to get
to there destination. The location of off - street parking is not clear to
the passerby on Main Street. The lack of pedestrian improvements and the
existence of restricted parking makes shopping in Florence unnecessarily
difficult.
-4-
The demand for public transportation in Florence has been growing.
Although existing PVTA service connects Florence with Williamsburg to
the west and the Downtown and Amherst to the east, the extensive sub-
urban areas along nearby Ryan Road are not sewed by public transpor-
tation at all. Residents of this area have stated their desires to be
able to use the bus to shop in Florence and to make connections there for
outlying destinations.
Another problem for Florence is that three adjoining, prime parcels
of real estate lccated on Main. Street have deteriorated frame dwellings
that occupy less than 15% of the aggregated land area. This produces
a gap in the business district that mitigates against its aspects as a
commercial area since it may be inferred that the commercial climate
in Florence is not healthy enough to allow for more productive utili-
zation of this business -zoned land.
Although the Florence business community is represented by the
Florence Civic and Business Association, this group is not officially
linked with the Northampton Chamber of Commerce. In addition it is
acknowledged that Florence businesses have not fully utilized coopera-
tive efforts (shopping nights, promotional improvements) that could in-
crease the vitality of local businesses.
2) Plan Objectives
This portion of the plan is directly related to the preceding dis-
cussion of existing physical and business conditions. For each problem
and opportunity area objections are stated.
Streetscape:
Land and Building
Utilization:
Parking:
Public Transpor-
tation:
Marketing Efforts:
-5-
. Upgrade Park Street Park at the edge of the district. (City)
. Handicapped Access throughout the district. (City)
. Street Trees of sufficient size installed along the major
thoroughfares. (City)
. Provision of sidewalk benches and trash baskets. (City)
. More crosswalks on Main Street. (City)
. Use of concrete rather than asphalt as a sidewalk
paving material. (City)
. Initiation of a facade improvement program.
Create a wider sidewalk on the south of Main Street.
Target three parcels on Main Street that are underutilized
for major new development.
Use upper floors of the older commercial buildings for
offices and housing.
Where advantageous create new rear entries, especially
from rear parking lots.
Assist present businesses in major expansion or renova-
tions through development incentives that result from the
CARD process.
. Produce cooperative agreements between private landowners
that will reduce restricted parking.
. Enhance pedestrian access to parking areas.
. Landscape parking areas =as part of the pedestrian improvements.
. Plan parking renovations with new rear access to buildings.
in mind.
. Create a sign system that will direct motorists to the
parking Zots. (City)
. Initiate a technical study for new bus service to the Ryan
Road Area. •
. If the new service is cost - efficient, the City subsidizes it.
The Florence Business and Civic AsssQciation links up with
the Chamber of Commerce,
. A uniform shopping night'is established..
. Promotional events are utilized more - .enhance image of Florence
as a unified area.
Q
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ter 13
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.PROPOSED BOUNDARY:
Proposed Florence CARD
Scale: 16500
July 17, 1980
NORTH
(Mktg. efforts
con't)...
-6-
If CARD designation is obtained the City and the business
community agressively market the opportunities that CARD
offers to attract new enterprises. In advance, the pre-
ferred types and intensities of new commercial activities
are ascertained, so that CARD incentives can produce
specified results.
3) Rationale for District Boundaries
The City wishes to have the Florence business district designated as a
CARD because it meets the objective qualifications as an older commercial
district experiencing a loss of commercial activity and because the size of
the district and the present commercial make -up are not vitally competitive
with the Downtown and King Street CARD areas. No further CARD proposals are
foreseen, as there are only three major commercial areas within the City.
(Please refer to the mapping herein enclosed for graphic, . illustration
of the following discussion)
The boundaries of the proposed CARD have been determined by the existing
land -use and zoning conditions in the core of Florence. The whole CARD con-
forms to the entire Neighborhood Business Zone with the exception of three
parcels that are zoned for Special Industry. These parcels are Map 23A -230
and Map 23B -8 and 9. The only parcel excepted from the district Map 23A -63,
contains a City Fire station.
The nature of the enterprises in this Industrially -zoned parcels has
provide the rationale for inclusion in the CARD. Parcel 230 contains a num-
ber of service activities within a subdivided old industrial building, and
Parcels 8 & 9 are the location of Danco, Inc.'s furniture and art showrooms.
4. Land Use and Zoning
A land use map rendered in color on an official zoning map is herein
included. The following table displays the relative amounts of - land.devoted
26%
to various uses: Retail
Service 3 9:
Mixed (commercial - -10r.
housing)
Residential 24%
Institutional
100% of total, area = .31.8 Acres
-7-
Those areas within the proposed CARD which are not now used for com-
mercial purposes will be subjected to special scrutiny should CARD - fin-
anced projects be proposed for them. The three contiguous parcels on Main
Street, ,numbers 70, 71 and 72, which have residences on them, have been
mentioned as a prime commercial location. Aside from these, the other
residential parcels are not foreseen to be crucial for conversion into
commercial usage. The City does not encourage the conversion of housing
where opportunities for new or expanded businesses exist on land that is
presently commercial.
5. Plan Strategies
a) Public Improvements and Facilities.
Streetscape:
After consultation with the Recreation Department,
the Park Street Park was upgraded by r a
fountain and mass plantings of flowers ) (donated in
part by Keyes Florists in Florence) were installed.
In addition, the Beautification Subcommittee of the
Florence CARD Committee is developing plan for a
more extensive renovation of the park.
During the coming year of 1981, handicapped ramps
will be installed throughout the CARD by the North-
ampton DPW.
During F.Y. 1981, street trees of 3 inch -plus caliper
will be installed according to a plan developed by the
Beautification Subcommittee and approved by the DPW.
This is presently foreseen to be done at public expense.
. Revenue sharing monies will be utilized during F.Y.80,
to install trash baskets. Installation of up to a
dozen benches will be accomplished during F.Y.1981.
. The Northampton DPW will assist the community by creating
two new crosswalks (with handicapped ramps) on Main Street.
This will occur in 1980.
. In the future, local merchants will insist on replacement
of sidewalks with concrete ones.
. The Office of Planning and Development will continue to
assist Florence on design - related projects, notably on a
proposed facade improvement in the fail of 1980..
. The City will attempt to gain more land on which to widen
the sidewalk on the south side of Main Street. This would
hopefully be initiated by making the dedication of additional
land to the City a requirement for CARD financing for the
three underutilized parcels (previously noted).
Land and Building
Utilization:
Parking:
Public Transportation:
Marketing Efforts:
-8-
. Members of the CARD Steering Committee have been in close
contact with the owner of the three parcels on Main Street
in regard to CARD incentives and as to the highest and best
use of the land. This is presently foreseen to be a mixed
retail and office development.
The new ability of MIFA to fund housing components of
mixed development''in CARD areas enhances the prospects
for second and third floor utilization.
. The owners, Everybody's Market on Main Street and the
Parsons Block on Maple Street have expressed firm inten-
tions to develop rear access.
A plan to open up pedestrian movement in the parking areas
on the north side of Main Street has been developed and
has received tentative agreement from the landowners in-
volved. This scheme, which would also reduce the amount
of restricted parking, was developed and promoted by a:
member of the Steering Committee. Also, landscaping will
comprise a part of these improvements. All future devel-
opers that utilize CARD will be to landscape their
parking areas.
. Once the agreements to implement the above -noted parking
scheme are finalized, signs will be installed in appro-
priate locations along the streets to indicate where
off- street parking is available.
. All CARD assisted development will be required to provide
the majority of their parking spaces without restrictions.
This will help obviate future demands for off - street public
parking facilities.
. The technical study for the new bus service to. Ryan Road
is being developed by LPVRPC. When the results are in,
a decision will be made if, and when, to subsidize it.
. The City is in the process of making an application to
MDPW to fund a 2.6 mile bikeway from the King Street area
to Look Park. in Florence. This bikeway will cross through
the northern segment of the Florence CARD. The plans and •
engineering specifications are complete.
. A brochure that explains the CARD in general and
the opportunities presented by the Florence CARD zuiiZ bo
developed immediately after the designation of the District.
This will be a joint project of the Office of Planning and
Development and the Florence CARD Steering Committee. This
will include specific suggestions for locations and types
of new development, expansion and renovation.
b) Potential Projects
Aside from the potential present in the three parcels on Main Street there
are three projects which hold"promise for use of CARD incentives namely the
interest -Bond Financing and the Mortgage Guarantees.
Danco, Inc.: The owner of Danco, Inc. (Parcels 8 and 9, Map 23B)
wishes to purchase the old factory in which his firm
is a tenant and expand existing retail furniture and
art showrooms as well as inventory space. In addition
a new off- street parking area will be developed to handle
additional business. Up to ten new jobs are foreseen.
Keyes Florists:
nT
Everybody's Market: The proprietors of the market own a substantial three-
story brick building on Main Street. Their plans call
for renovation of their market, including the creation
of a ramped rear entry, and new housing and office units
on the upper floors.
c) Description of the General Character of Redevelopment.
The upgrading of the streetscape and the parking areas will create a new image
for Florence. This will be concrete proof of the determination of the City and the
Florence business community to support new development,. Specific new developments
should respond to the architectural styles, scale and material themes found in the
older buildings in the district. A voluntary facade improvement program when dev-
eloped, will provide direction for new development, Provisions for existing and
new off - street parking have been noted.
In summary, the district should be enhanced by. expansion and renovation 4
existing businesses, as well as by a major new development on the south side of
Main Street that will provide new goods and services,ardior contain office space
which will have substantial benefits to the existing businesses.
. The owners have indicated a desire to utilize CARD
financing to build two greenhouses on an open portion
of Parcel, 160, Map 23A, This would more than double
their greenhouse capacities. Plans for the expansion
have been developed. '.:. >.
The overall goal is to revive Florence's former identity as a district in which
to shop and utilize services as opposed to a one -stop shopping location. The
Florence Business and Civic Association is now exploring new marketing tech-
niques such as a hand -out periodical and expanded special events. In addition
they have expressed a willingness to help promote the advantages of the CARD
program and to support the implementation of the various provisions of this plan.
d) Land -use and Design Controls.
At present the existing zoning arrangements are seen to be satisfactory..
A CARD Design Review Committee for all the Northampton CARDs has been
established. The Design Review Committee will review all proposals for CARD
financing in terms of their design aspects. Comments and recommendations will
be forwarded to the City Council and the Northampton IDEA, Plans for public
improvements will also be reviewed by this committee.
A historical inventory for Northampton, which was funded in part by the
Massachusetts Historical Commission, is underway. Several buildings in the
proposed CARD area may be nominated for the National Register, and if appro-
priate, a historic district proposal for a portion of the CARD area may be
formulated.
e) Business Community Participation.
-10-
Key members of the local business community, including officers of the
Florence Business and Civic Association, are represented on the Steering Com-
mittee. With one exception, all Steering Committee meetings were held at the
Florence Savings Bank, . in the CARD area. The Public Tearing was held at the
headquarters of the Florence Business and Civic Association, immediately ad-
jacent to the CARD area. The Northampton Chamber of Com/.erce, through its
director, Paul Walker, provided assistance to the Steering Committee,
As mentioned, the local business community will be involved in developing
and distributing a CARD brochure which will be of assistance to potential users
of the CARD program incentives.
The Office of Planning and Development will contact the members of all
incentives.
local CARD Steering Committees and the press in regard to new development
Policy
Information
General Communication
-12-
CITIZEN PATTICIPATION PROVISION
The policy of the City of Northampton in formulating CARD plans
is to involve, to the maximum feasible extent, citizens, business
people and representatives of local advocacy groups in the planning
and implementation processes.
Requirements for General Communication and Distribution of
In order to assure maximum community involvement, the City will
make every effort to provide all concerned parties with background
and procedural information as well as technical data during the
planning process.
Public hearings will be held such times when formal citizen
response to plans or proposals is required.
Notice of public hearings will be made through legal and /or
display ads in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and by mailing copies of
the. notice to all addresses on the Citizen Participation Mailing
List (Appendix A). Such notice will be made at least seven (7) days
prior to the date of the hearing, and at least twice prior to the
hearing. Public hearings shall be conducted by the Mayor or other
City officials as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30, Sections 23E and 23C, as
amended by Chapter 303 of the Acts of 1975 ( "Open Meeting Law ").
Individuals and representatives of groups are invited to meet
at any reasonable time with members of the staff or the ] 'ayor's
Office to discuss the CARD F 1 ans or elements thereof.
Distribution of inforn
711 documents, reports and application materials required by
state or federal regulations, as well as local internal documents
(nrOCress re7)orts by the Advisory Comrittee, etc.) will be available
for inspection at the City Planning Depart"nent. Copies will be made
on request for members of the public (standard fees will be charged
as ner Executive Order #n, dated October 4, 1?78). Notices of the
availab of such documents will be distributed .to the Citizen
Participation .:ailing List.
-13-
To the e. _tent practicable, information packets and similar
materials will be published and distributed to the Citizen Partici -
nation Jailing List.
The media will be given particular attention in the distribution
of information about the proposed CARD Plans with the expectation
that such information will be conveyed to the public. News conferences,
press releases, interviews and the like will be utilized when availa-
ble and apnronriate. _
The information needs of special groups will be addressed by
including such groups in the Citizen Participation hailing List.
Established organizations will be asked to distribute information
through their own existing channels.
-14-
Citizen Participation Mailing List
A standard mailing list will be maintained for the distribution
of all documents and notices of general interest which are issued in
the King Street Revitalization planning proceed. A copy of this list
is appended to this document. To review the current Zist or to add or
change entries on the list, contact the Northampton Planning Department
at:
Room 11 City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Telephone: 586 -6950, Extension 267
6. LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION AGENCY
The Florence CARD program wiZZ be implemented by the Northampton
Office of Planning and Development. Department staff will assist the
CARD Advisory Committees, the Industrial Development Financing Author-
ity, the Mayor's Office and the City Council. In addition, the staff
will assist prospective CARD developers.
2. I'.embers of Planning anning Board
3. Department of Public Works
4. Daily Hampshire Gazette
5. V=P Radio, 15 Hampton Avenue
6. Building insnector
7. Northampton Housing Authority
APf E_'DI`:
C=TI F.ARTICII ATIO; I AILING LIST
1. Members of City Council 23. Citizens Advisory Committee
- Chamber of Commerce
• Paul \talker, Executive Director
Stanley F. Oso\•.ski, President
g,
Downtown Business Association
Donna Wolf, :resident
Tree House
Main Street
10. Advisory Committee
11. Hampshire Community Action Commission
441 Pleasant Street
12.. Normal witty, Chairman, Parking Com.
215 I"ai n Street
13. Mayor David B. I
14. Marcia B. Goldstein, Assistant to the Mayor
15. Hispanic Center
16. Richard Gormely, Board of Health Office
17. V,alter Murphy, Redevelopment Authority
18. Hampshire County Planning Department
19. Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission
24. Mayor's Committee on the
Handicapped
25. Pioneer Valley Transit
Authority - Ron Tober
31 Elm Street
Springfield
20. Executive Office of Communities and Development - Edward Mangini
21. Western Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs - Arthur Kimber
22. University Center for Economic Development — Gerald W. Hayes
Richard Swaluk
Medicine Shoppe
53 Main St.
Florence
Robert Patenaude
Florence Savings Bank
Main St.
Florence
Kathleen Sh'eehan
45 Hastings Heights
Florence
Brian Elliott
300 N. Main St.
Florence
Stephen Jasinski
Everybody's Market
91 Main St.
Florence
Timothy Shea, Jr. (Bird's Store)
96 Maple St.
Florence
Edward Wingfield
49 Country Way
Florence
Betty Galusza•
200 Bridge Rd.
Florence
Gordon Tibbetts
21 Middle St.
Florence
Frances McNulty
9 Greeley Ave.
Florence
Kathy Keyes
Keyes Florists
Keyes St.
Florence
Florence CARD Steering Committee
Linda Gougeon
c/o Florence Savings Bank
„, Florence
George D. Tobin
21 Kimball St.
Florence
Patti Regehr
Co,runercia1 Resource Coordinating Office
20 North Maple St.
Florence
City Councillor
Tim O'Leary
Robert Joyce
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Planning Department
Room 11, City Hall, 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 •
• Conservation Commission ' Historical Commission
• Planning Board *Zoning Board of Appeals
7 ) Evidence of Public Hearing
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
In accordance with Chapters 40D and 23D, Mass. General Laws, the
City of Northampton will 1 a public hearing to discuss the proposal
to designate an area of Florence, Mass. as a Commercial Area Revitalizatio
District (CARD). The purpose of this district is to provide incentives
for the revitalization of the central business area in Florence. The
Hearing will be held at the Florence Business and Civic Association
Building, Park Street, Florence, at 7:30 PM on Wednesday May 7, 1980.
The public is urged to attend. For more information, contact the
Northampton Planning Department at City Hall, 210 Main Street,
Northampton, Mass.,or call 586 -6950, ext. 267.
Publish April 24, 1980
May 1, 1980
Peter B. Klejna
Senior Planner
i
.'r
F Irenc '4 ?' 1
rainy i•ao•�
AT'
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
In accordance with Chapters 40D and 23D,
Mass. General Laws, the City of Northampton
will held a public hearing to discuss the proposal
to designate an area of F.Lorence, Mass as a
.Commercial Area Revitalization District
(CARD) The purpose of this district is to
provide incentives for the revitalization of the
central business area in Florence. The hearing
will be held at the Florence Business and Civic
Association Building. Park Street, Florence. at
7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 7, 1980. The public
is urged to attend. For more information contact
the Northampton Planning Department at City
Hall. 210 Main Street, Northampton, Mass. or
call 586.6950. ext. 267.
Peter B Klejna.
Senior Planner
It -April 2! :May
City planners will go ahead with designing a
proposed commercial revitalization district for
the center of Florence after the idea was sup -
":ported by about 30 people at a public hearing
• last night.
:Establishing the district will allow developers
to:_obtain low-cost financing and tax incentives
on major projects, undertaken within the area.
Planners hope to submit the final proposal to the
City Council by the end of June. 'If approved by
the .codicil, the project would go on to state
agencies for final approval.
-Meanwhile, a proposal to amend the district ,
• which has been designated along : King Street
also received support at the hearing. An effort
will now be made to include the property oc-
cupied by the Cahillane Auto.Body and Recon-
ditioning Center at 32 Damon Road in the dis-
trict.
Stephen Cahillane, vice= president and
treasurer of Cahillane Motors Inc., is seeking a
foreign car franchise for the Damon Road
property. The franchise. if secured, would re-
quire new construction and would employ
between 10 and 15 people, Cahillane said.
Cahillane said : that the financing incentives
available under the; revitalization district .
pogram would be "vital" to acquiring the
franchise.
'Cahillane declined to name the franchise he is
t'
n
h
G
a
n backed
Evidence of Public Hearing
seeking.
Peter Klejna, a city: planner, estimated that
the amended King Street district proposal would
be submitted to the City Council for approval
May 15.
Projects suggested for the proposed Florence
district include ,.. showroom expansions and the
establishment of - furniture :manufacturing
operations at Danco 'Inc., -269 Locust St.
Daniel Haugaard, the owner of Danco, wants
to buy the building he rents on Locust Street.
And Haugaard said he would be unable ,to go
through with the project unless he can obtain
financing using the revitalization district incen-
tives.
A real estate agent, John Skibiski, also said he
has a more than $200,000 project ready for three
parcels of land he owns on Math Street, adjacent
to Yesterday's restaurant. Skibiski would not
elaborate on the project.
As part of the process of obtaining a revitaliza-
tion district designation, planners must develop.
a public improvements program. Florence
merchants suggested better street cleaning and
snowplowing, a new bus stop, trees,
wastebaskets, new curbs, ramps for the han-
dicapped, more public parking, and storefront,'':
improvements be - considered under that
r
47 edy eouncii
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
NASSACHUSETTS
•••■•■■• •■•••
,TuLY 27, 1980
R7SC,LUTT0N
2. That implementation of the proposed CARD Flan
will serve to avert and reverse the decay Of
the area covered by the plan and will help deter
the movement of commercial enterprises into pre-
viously non-commercial areas; and
UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF COUNCILLOR ROBERT JOYCE
FC22' Approval of Florence Business Area Card Plan
11 in accordance with Chapters 40D and 23D, Massachusetts
Genero.7. L,?s, the Corrr2onwealth of Massachusetts acting by and
througl the Secretarz, of Con7.7, and Development may approve
Commerc Area revitalization Districts Plans (herein referred
to as (.7.4RD Plans and
-Z=, such a;Trova 7 is a T,recondition for the use of various
state fi incentives fcr commercial development that wolild
be in the public interest of the citizens of Northampton; and
WHEREAS, the development of the Florence alsiness Area CARD, the
boundaries cf which are described on page 6 , would forward the
camunitij deveZopment obcjectives of the city and would result in
physical development c.f said District and the creation of employ-
ment coportunities of a character consistent with that contemplat-
ed by the above cited statutes:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the Florence Business Area (herein referred
to as the CARD) Commercial Area Revitalization
District described above is a predominantly
commercial geographic area;
3. That the Florence Business Area CARD Plan is here-
by approved and that said Plan shall be submitted
to the Secretaries of Communities and Development
for approval.
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT B
MODEL CERTIFICATE OF RECORDING OFFICER
(To Accompany.Resolution of Municipal Officers)
The undersigned hereby certifies, as follows:
1. That she is the duly qualified and acting City Clerk of the
City of Northampton, herein called the "Municipality" and the keeper
of the records of the Municipality, including the journal of proceedings
of the City Council, herein called the "Governing Body ".
2. That the attached resolution is a true and correct copy of the reso-
lution as finally adopted at a meeting of the Governing Body held on the
17th day of July , 19 BO, and duly recorded in
her office.
3. That said meeting was duly convened and held in all respects in
accordance with law; that to the extent required by law due and proper
notice of such meeting was given; that a legal quorum was present through -
out the meeting, and a legally sufficient number of members of the Govern-
ing Body voted in the proper manner and for the adoption of said resolution;
and that all other requirements and proceedings under law incident to the
proper adoption or passage of said resolution, have been fulfilled, carried
out and otherwise observed;
4. That if an impression of the seal has been affixed below, it consti-
tutes the official seal of the Municipality and this certificate is hereby
executed under such official seal. If no seal has been affixed below, the
Municipality does not have and is not legally required to have an official
seal;
5. That the undersigned is duly authorized to execute this certificate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 25th
day of July , 19 80
(Seal)
City Clerk
(Title of Attesting Officer)
na
(signature of R cording Officer)
Maureen Ryan -Wise, Esq.
City Solicitor
Harry Jekanowski, Jr., Esq.
Assistant City Solicitor
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Legal Depareent
586 -6950
To: Peter Klejna, Planning Department
From: Legal Department, Assistant City Solicitor
Re: City of Florence Business Area CARD
Date: July 25, 1980
EXHIBIT C
It is the opinion of this office that the Florence Downtwon Business Area CARD
Plan complies with state and local statutes and regulations.
HJ:mlm
Edward J. 'KN. Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
The Honorable David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor, City of Northampton
City Hall
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Dear Mayor Musante:
August 14, 1980
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of
416 Communities and Development
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street Room 1404 Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727.7765
We have received your request for approval of the Northampton Florence
Street Commercial Area Revitalization District Plan.
We note that the City Council on July 17, 1980 approved the above
mentioned plan as demarcating a Commercial Area Revitalization District.
We further find, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40D as amended:
(1) The plan boundaries describe a predominately commercial
geographic area;
(2) The plan's purpose shall be to prevent or avert and reverse
the decay of the area covered by the plan;
(3) The plan will serve to avoid or correct the deterioration
of an older commercial center resulting from the movement
of commercial enterprises to previously non - commercial
areas;
(4) The plan describes the area and sets forth the development
or redevelopment including public improvements proposed to
carry out the purpose of the plan.
oe
We note that a public hearing was duly advertised and held on May 7, 1980.
We find that this hearing and advertisement afforded ample opportunity for public
comment.
We further note that the Planning and Development Department will be the
overseeing Agency for implementation of the CARD Plan.
An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer
-2-
The Honorable David B. Musante, Jr. (cont.)
No housing component will be allowed until the governing body has amended
the vote to include the necessary finding as prescribed by statute.
Therefore, we hereby approve the Northampton Florence Street Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan.
BJM /kp
Sincerely,
Byron J atth
Secre dry
Exec five Office of Communities
and Development
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Planning Department
Room 11, City Hall, 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 534 0344
• Conservation Commission • Historical Commission
• Planning Board *Zoning Board of Appeals
FLORENCE DOWNTOWN CARD STEERING COMMITTEE
Date: April 15, 1980
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Time: 4:00 PM Place: Florence Savings Bank
Main Street
Florence, Mass.
Peter B. Klejna, Senior Planner
AGENDA:
• Recap on progress made to date by the Committee
• Wider Public Involvement in Planning for Downtown Florence
• More project and overall ideas for the District
• Discussion on Financing Process- Need for con •' e information
' Other Business
"51 I he4\
(c • r
)f tOheiffi
r4)12trzi
tr
CARD Meeting Florence Savings Bank
Meeting called to order by George Tobin 4 p.m.
In attendance:
Robert Patenaude
Dan Haugaard
Katherine Keyes
John Cahillane
Brian Elliott
George Tobin
Linda Gougeon
The following'proposals were discussed: "
Dan Haugaard
Meeting adjourned: 5 :35 p.m.
Peter Schwartz
Steve Jasinski
Vicki Davis
Ed Wingfield
Richard Swaluk
Fran McNulty
Peter Klejna
April 3, 1980
; 8
Boundaries for the proposed CARD district were discussed. Interest was shown
to include properties of Danco and Medical Building which are located just
outside the district on Locust Street. Each city can get a limited number
of districts meaning we must develop CARD plan soon to present.to legislature.
Peter Klejna reviewed the meaning of CARD and some of its advantages such as
Tax free interest profits for investors, municipal bond interest rates for
borrowers and job training potential. He also explained how a CARD is reviewed
every 18 months and if no activity could be cancelled. The program could include
sidewalks, parking, etc..
Dr. Peter Schwartz - Old KK building on Locust Street and adjacent vacant lot.
Dr. Kenny and Dr. Schwartz would be interested in expanding
the building and look for other physicians to move into the
facility. They would like to obtain the lot for future
consideration. Perhaps another pharmacy would benefit the
area and be needed with more doctors coming in. A plan was
requested from the Drs. to be submitted within 60 days.
- Would like to make needed improvements to rear of Danco
building for warehousing and parking plus install a rear
entrance to building. Might design and assemble furniture
and wants to enlarge the retail area.
Kathy Keyes - Interested in enlarging garden center with new solar green
houses. Erect new office and work rooms. All solar projects.
Need to pave driveway and create more parking area.
Steve Jasinski - Would like to remodel building. Historical. Work to upper
floors which are now vacant. Funding under this issue would
not include residential development, only commercial projects.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
FLORENCE CARD STEERING COMMITTEE
AGENDA
j 1
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Planning Department
Rm. 102, Municipal Office Bldg. • 212 Main St
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 584 -0344
•Conservation Commission•Historical Commission•Pianning Board•Zoning Board of Appeals
•Community Development Program•Housing Rehabilitation Program
•Capital Improvement Program Committee
424-
A Peter B. Klejna, Senior Planner
1
Date: April 3, 1980 Time: 4:00 PM Place: Florence Savings Bank
Florence
Discussion :.Brainstorming on "Dream Proposals" for Downtown
Florence
' Timetable to accomplish work elements for CARD
ratification
* District Boundaries
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City news
Goals mulled for Florence
revitalization district 1,, S �
Members of the steering committee for the Florence
Commercial Area Revitalization District continued yester-
day to discuss development goals for the village.
The committee, which has been meeting at the Florence
1 Savings Bank, hopes to submit d final
by the opos t h e Ci l
Connell next month. If approved
agencies, developers would be able to secure low -cost
financing for projects within the district.
Overall development goals must be established as part of
the district.
Off- street parking is one of the merchants' biggest
concerns. Other improvements they would like to see includ-
ed in the district are ramps for the, crosswalks, trees and
tenches along the street, and . gardens in the park at the
ge center.
Florence plan bac
City planners will go ahead with designing a
proposed commercial revitalization district for
the center of Florence after the idea was sup -
ported by about 30 people at a public hearing
last night.
Establishing the district will allow developers
to obtain low -cost financing and tax incentives
on major projects undertaken within the area.
Planners hope to submit the final proposal to the
City Council by the end of June. If approved by
the council, the project would go on to state
agencies for final approval.
Meanwhile, a proposal to amend the district
which has been designated along King Street'
also received support at the hearing. An effort
will now be made to include the property oc-
cupied by the Cahillane • Auto Body and Recon-
ditioning Center at 32 Damon Road in the dis-
trict.
Stephen Cahillane, vice- president and
■treasurer of Cahillane Motors Inc., is seeking a
foreign car franchise for the Damon Road
property. The franchise, if secured, would re-
quire new construction and would employ
between 10 and 15 people, Cahillane said.
Cahillane said that the financing incentives
available under the revitalization district
pogram would be "vital" to acquiring the
franchise.
Cahillane declined to name the franchise he is
5
seeking.
Peter Klejna, a city plannei;, estimated that
the amended King Street district proposal would
be submitted to the City Council for approval
May 15. .
' Projects suggested for the proposed Florence
district include showroom expansions and the
establishment of furniture manufacturing
operations at Danco Inc., 269 Locust St.
Daniel Haugaard, the owner of Danco, wants
to buy the building he rents on Locust Street.
And Haugaard said he would be unable to go
through with the project unless he can obtain
financing using the revitalization district incen-
tives.
A real estate agent, John Skibiski, also said he
has a more than $200,000 project ready for three
parcels of land he owns on Main Street, adjacent
to Yesterday's restaurant. Skibiski would not
elaborate on the project.
As part of the process of obtaining a revitaliza-
tion district designation, planners must develop
a public improvements program. Florence
merchants suggested better street cleaning and
snowplowing, a new bus stop, trees,
wastebaskets, new curbs, ramps for the han-
dicapped, more public parking, and storefront
improvements be considered ' under that
program.
GEORGE D. TOBIN, left, and the city's senior
planner, Peter B. Klejna, study plans aimed at mak-
ing the center of Florence the city's third state-
designated revitalization district.
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CHAMPAGNE is opened by George D. Tobin, left,
and Mayor David B. Musante Jr. to celebrate the
designation of a commercial area revitalization dis-
trict in Florence. (Photo by Nathan Gorenstein)
Florence CARD celebrated
FLORENCE — They broke out the champagne in Florence
yesterday when the news arrived that the state had approved
a commercial area revitalization district (CARD) for the'
village's downtown.
The action by the state made Florence center the third
revitalization district in the city. It is the first "with projects
ready to move," Mayor David B. Musante Jr. said.
A furniture store, supermarket and florist all plan to take
advantage of the low -cost financing for expansion and �`
renovation offered as a result of the CARD designation.
George D. Tobin, the retired Florence paving contractor
who twice ran unsuccessfully for mayor is the chairman of
the CARD steering committee.
'Tobin opened three bottles of champagne with Musante at
a small celebration yesterday at the Florence Savings Bank.
Tobin called the district "the tool Florence truly needs to
C
revitailze itself."
Tobin credited city planner Peter B. Klejna with
assistance that enabled the steering committee to drew up •
the proposal accepted by the state Executive Office of Com-
munities and Development.
Dan Haugaard, president of Danco, the furniture store at
269 Locust St., said he plans to purchase the building he
currently rents, renovate the structure, expand his business
and improve parking.
Robert and Katherine Keyes of Keyes Flower Shop, 29
Keyes St., plan to add 30,000 square feet of space to their ex-
isting greenhouses, and erect an additional building for a
garden center.
Charles E. Jasinski, the manager of Everybody's Super•
market at 91 Main St., plan to renovate the store and the up-
per three stories of the 19th- century building.
While the city has had the downtown area and a portion of
King Street designated as revitalization districts, no .
developers or businessmen have yet taken advantage of the
financing in those areas.
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Revitalization e
ceive , state
' e ' y NEAL WEINBERG fencing and do landscaping. Final
•
Union Bureau Chief plans for the interior are not corn=
NORTHAMPTON _ `The . city's ''plete, but Haugaard said there could
third Commercial Area Revitalize- be some rental space `available: ` He
tion District '(CARD) was approved said he hopes to get under way in - a
Wednesday and three entrepreneurs month.
are ready to go with an estimated 81 " :'•.Steve Jasinski, owner of Every
million worth of renovation and eon body's Market on Main -Street,.plans
struction .. in ;, downtown . to renovate the historic three-story
Florence. building and to use the upper two
'Byron 'Matthews, secretary of :the floors. currently vacant, for commer
state.Executive "Office of Cornmum cia3 space.
ties and Development (EODC), ='OK'd Jasinski said the building was con
the Florence CARD `Wednesday and structed in 1871 and was originally a? 1
city officials quickly set up a sham .- stagecoach stop. He added that the i
E .;cpagne :celebration at the Florence
renovation work °could: not :be.done
Savings Bank wi thout the CARD . financing, -which
George 'Tobin, ' who headed '. the makes it possible for developers to
4-CARD steering committee told Abe , , obtain low- interest financing through .
group of about :'10 :persons= that th the issuance of tax-exempt bonds.
'f, CARD "' 'Robert and Kathy Keyes",-of Keyes
CARD is the tool Florence needs to _
truuly ;revitalize _`itself.' And l
three Forists, plan to construct a solar gar
7�usinessmen backed that up with con : ;den- .center: and . asmumber' , green
Crete plans houses adjacent to their current fac
0 Dan Haugaard, who currently :ity.'She said preliminary plans ; hav e 1
°leases space for his Danco'`:furniture' .'already been drawn up for the solar . I
store, said the CARD financing will heated :garden - center .'and - 30,000
allow him to invest between $400,000 square feet of.greenhouses ,.
,, - and $500 ' ;C 000 to buy the building from The three projects would represent
alduwood Enterprises :Inc .,and to the first actual work. ,Pe rformed
'renovate it. under' the CARD plan. The. city; has a'
--Haugaard, who=also owns a restau- ' - CARD district on upper ,Street°,
, 4rant: and store on Green Street, said ' and in the downtown area, but as yet .>
'3 he plans to renovate the interior of . no developers h moved ahead in
r t eve j the building, improve parking, install . ; ; those areas.
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CARD ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Core Florence
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Florence Civic And Business Assn.
A. meeting of the Florence Merchants and the Florence C.A.R.D.
Steering Committee was held at 7 :45 A.M. July 7 at the Civic
Center. Many topics were discussed or resolved and the following
are strongly recommended;
That all of our merchants take more pride in the outside
appearance of their properties and re- establish the practice
of sweeping their front walks and picking up the trash daily.
Our community has been neglected to the point that a program of
policing our streets (our responsibility) has been established
on a temporary basis by the Honor Court members.
We will soon be the recipients of some benches that were
declared surplus at the State Hospital. Gordon Tibbetts has had
these benches brought to the City Yard where volunteers will
paint them before they are set out by the committee.
The flower tubs are an attractive and expensive amenity made
possible by the Chamber of Commerce and other volunteers. Please
be sure that they are well taken care of by weeding and watering
on a regular schedule.
Our cherry trees are doing well and will soon be a real eye
catcher. They also need some care. It will only take a few
minutes of your time to weed around them and water them. Please
protect them_ from vandalism. An attractive community will be
rewarded by drawing customers from outside our immediate area.
We will be looking for volunteers to paint the hydrants in
our district when the summer heat is behind us. The city will
furnish the paint but does not have the man -power to handle this.
chore. The hydrants, must be scraped and wire brushed before
painting. We will ask for a.' volunteer committee in September.
This is pleasant work and we will all benefit.
In the Fall, Florence will be presented with two attractive
signs designating the community center. These will .be.placed at
Trinity Park and Kolodzinski Park. These signs were designed
by our city planner and will be constructed by Smith School.
The Florence Civic annual picnic will be held. Monday, July 12.
Let's all turn out for it.
We have been very fortunate in Florence to have had many
faithful volunteers to handle such things as putting up Christmas
decorations, maintain our civic center and more. We should all
share in this work because we all benefit either directly or
indirectly. Let's start somivolunteer committees to take care of
our parks plant flowers and generally beautify Florence. Let's
not always depend on the other guy.
When regular meetings again resume in September, please
attend, participate and bring a friend. We can build Florence
up to the position it held years ago with your help.
Have a good summer.
The Florence merchants and C.A.R.D. committee.
EXECUTIVE
OFFICE OF
COMMUNITIES
DEVELOPMENT
Michael S. Dukakis, Govemor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
JWY /plb
cc: MIFA
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1404
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
(617) 727 -7765
October 31, 1986
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Florence Street
Commercial Area Revitalization District
(CARD) Plan
Dear unnell:
This office has considered your request (letter dated October 16, 1986)
regarding a renewal of the Florence Street Commercial Area Revitalization
District Plan.
Based upon our review of the documentation submitted with your request,
it appears that the city is making an effort to implement the proposals set .
forth in the CARD Plan, and we hereby approve a renewal of your Commercial
Area Revitalization District Plan for 2 years, beginning on September 28, 1986.
This CARD Plan renewal will expire on September 27, 1988. It should be
noted that any subsequent renewal of this Florence Street CARD Plan
will be dependent on two things:
1. receipt of convincing documentation from the city citing
specific progress in revitalization of this. CARD from
September 28, 1986 to a point in early September, 1988; and
2. a determination by EOCD, after a site visit, that the area still
meets criteria necessary for it to qualify as a Commercial Area
Revitalization District (CARD).
erely,
John W. ng
CARD Coo inator
RECEIVED NOV 5 1986
City of Northampton, Massachusetts
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall • 210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950
• Community and Economic Development
• Conservation • Historic Preservation
• Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals
John W. Young
CARD Co- ordinator
Executive Office of Communities
and Development
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02201
RE: Northampton, Massachusetts
Florence Street CARD Plan - Renewal
a Florence Savings Bank
2 story addition plus new drive -in
walk up banking facility.-
October 16, 1986
$2,000,000
Dear John Young,
We herewith submit a request for the renewal of the Florence CARD plan
referenced in your letter of September 25, 1986. We are pleased to submit
the information below in support of this request.
1. The original rationale for designating this district still applies. The
Plan's original Objectives include: strengthening the public service infra-
structure; enhancing existing business activities; and attracting significant
new commercial activity to the business district. The Florence CARD committee
has been working for five years on an overall design scheme for public improve-
ments aimed at encouraging and reinforcing private investment and commercial
activity. It is anticipated that construction of these improvements will
commence within the next year.
2. The Florence CARD continues to meet the basic criteria for a CARD. It
is an older, commercial center serving as a town center for Florence and a
commercial destination for outlying, smaller communities. The need for road-
way and sidewalk improvements, and the creation of an attractive, functional
streetscape, remains. The private reinvestments which have recently begun are
in anticipation of the undertaking and completion of public improvements to
sustain, support and expand such development.
3. There has been no use of IRB financing in the Florence CARD to date.
The Northampton Industrial Development Financing Authority remains available
to respond to any requests.
4. Revitalization efforts underway in the CARD undertaken through direct
private efforts include the following projects which have'been hastened by the
expectation of concurrent public improvements in Florence:
b. Cooper's Corner - retail expansion
c. Renovation of upper- floors -of Parsons Block
for office space; construction of new rear
parking area.
d. Construction of new retail /business office 400,000
space on site of "Yesterday's" bar.
e. Renovation of upper floors of Everybody's 410,000
Market (15,000 sq. ft.).
f. Renovation to accomodate new office for 25,000
Murphy Real Estate.
5. The Community has followed through on its commitment to the CARD in the
following ways:
a. Public Improvements
The City allocated $31,000 of CDBG funds for the design of public
improvements in the CARD. The City has received PWED grant to apply
toward construction of these improvments. The total project cost is
estimated at $711,000 with a local match of $175,307.
The City, through the Northampton Housing Authority, constructed
52 elderly and handicapped housing units on Maple Street. The location
of this housing in the CARD is viewed as a boost to the business climate
and an encouragement of new business investment.
The Valley Health Plan, a non - profit, non -tax paying entity, constructed
a Health Center on Main Street. This Center brings hundreds of people into
the CARD and it is expected that new business investment will be reinforced
by this public tax exempt project.
b. The Downtown Florence Development Task Force (formerly known as the
Florence CARD Committee) was reconstituted in July 1984 and has met to
guide the planning of improvements. The Design Consultant worked with
the Task Force. The Florence Business and Civic Association is kept
informed of activities in the CARD district.
This designated CARD continues to be a crucial factor in the vitality
of Florence Center and the City of Northampton as a whole.
GB /jad
-// 62'ig
ene Bunnell, Direc or
Office of Planning and Development
300,000
100,000
EXECUTIVE
OnhIcE OF
COMMUYITIES &
DEVELOPMEM'
Michael S. Dukakis, Govemor
Amy S. Anthony, Secretary
Mr. Gene Bunnell, Director
Office of Planning and Development
City Hall - 210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Re: Northampton, Massachusetts - Florence Street
Commercial Area Revitalization District (CARD)
Plan - Renewal
Dear Mr. Bun - ell:
September 25, 1986
A check of our records indicates that the two (2) year renewal of the CARD
plan will expire on September 28, 1986.
If the community wants to request renewal of the CARD, it must, through
its governing body or implementing agency, submit in writing a request for
such renewal and provide us with the following information.
1. The community should indicate whether or not the (a) Original Rationale
for designating the CARD and (b) Plan Objectives as set forth in the
original CARD still apply. If there are obvious changes or differences
in the "Rationale for Designating the CARD" or in Plan Objectives and
and specifications as set forth in the CARD plan, . these differences or
changes should be spelled out.
2. Does the existing CARD still meet the basic criteria for a CARD?
i.e. Is the CARD an older established center which is still experiencing
commercial disinvestment?
3. The community must detail the specific project uses of
.development incentives within the CARD since the CARD plan
was approved,or since the last report submitted to EOCD
on activity in the CARD.
4. Other revitalization efforts in the CARD undertaken through
direct private efforts during this renewal period should be
specified in this section.
100 -- Cambridge- Street - -- - -
Boston, Massachusetts 02202
r
September 24, 1986
Page 2
5. Specific information should be provided as to how the community has
followed through on its commitment to the CARD as set forth in the CARD
plan. This report should include not only the public improvements that
the community has provided within the CARD, but also the strategy employed
by the community to keep the business community informed of the CARD
incentives and to involve them in the revitalization of the CARD.
Renewal of this CARD plan will be contingent upon receipt of the above information
and a determination by this office as to .whether the criteria necessary
for renewal of this CARD have been met by the community.
Following our review of documentation submitted, we will advise you as to
whether or not your CARD plan has been renewed.
If you should have any question, please contact me at 617/727 -3197.
kah
Sincerely,
John W. young
CARD Codrdinu or
// j✓
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
586 -6950
David B. Musante, Jr. February 22, 1980
Mayor
Secretary Byron J. Matthews
Executive Office of Communities and Development
100 Cambridge Street
Boston, Ma.
Dear Secretary Matthews:
I am pleased to forward to you Northampton's applications for the
designation of two C.A.R.D. Districts: the Green Street Business Area C.A.R.D.
and the Downtown Business Area C.A.R.D. In previous discussions with you and
with Edmund Mangini of your staff, you have been well aware of our desire to
prove ahead with efforts to encourage revitalization of our business areas. We
feel strongly that C.A.R.D. designation for the Downtown and Green Street areas,
as well as the upper King Street area (for which the application is already on
file in your office), will provide a vitally needed tool to assist us in our
economic goals for the City.
We also intend to begin to prepare a C.A.R.D. Application for the Downtown
Business Area of the Florence section of Northampton, which will be presented
to you within the next few months.
I am extremely grateful for the pranpt attention and interest you have
shown in assisting us in our community development programs, and look forward
to working together in a continually productive way:
David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor
P.S. Thank you, also, for letting us know
of pending legislation before the Massachusetts General Court regarding
possible C.A.R.D. financing for parking facilities. I have notified our
area Legislators of my strong support for that bill and, also, for the
other proposed community development bills you noted.
DBM :md
pc: Arthur Kimber
Sincerely,
hetiv\ig
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
GREEN STREET 3USINESS AREA
C.A.P .D.
The Northampton Planning Department
February 20, 1980
0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
1. Card Description 1 -2
3. Rationale for District Boundaries 2 -
3. Statement of Plan Objectives 3 - s
4. Plan Strategy `}
5. Citizen Participation Provision 5 -7
. Local Implementation Tgency 7
7. Evidence of Public Hearing 8 -10
S. Resolution of Local Governing Body 11
9. Certificate of Recording Officer 12
10. Opinion of Legal Counsel 13
1. CARD DESCRIPTION
The proposed Green Street CARD area is located in the south-
west corner of the downtown area. It is a highly developed area,
with about 70 percent building coverage. The structures are one
to three stories high, housing stores and offices, and on some
floors, residences. The commercial buildings front on the southern
side of Green Street and, around the corner front on West Street
(Rt. 66). Green Street is narrow and contains metered parking
spaces.
A two -block separation of Green Street from the main commercial
and governmental district (Downtown CARD area) lends a sense of
distinction to the area. The Smith College campus adjoins two sides
of the proposed district, provides customers, but with the nearby
residential areas, limits outward growth of this business area..
The unique historic character of the area and its relative accessi-
bility to the downtown make Green Street attractive to many users.
However, the parking and circulation systems have proven insufficient
to meet the needs of automobile users. Chronic commercial tenant
turn -over is another major problem.
For more information on the Downtown Business Area, see the
CARD proposal of February 20, 1980. For marketing information,
please refer to the King Street Marketing Study developed in 1979.
This is available at the Northampton Planning Department.
Since mid -1978, the Green and West Street Merchants Association
and City- sponsored Green Street Steering Committee have worked to
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improve commercial conditions of Green and West Streets. Significant
accomplishments of these groups include a comprehensive planning
study, complete street reconstruction with sidewalk improvements to
be implemented in mid -1980. These improvements will be funded with
City, State, Smith College and private monies. They will include
burial of overhead utilities, new street lighting, wider roadbed,
new curbing, sidewalks, trees and benches. Solving the tough parking
situation will be the next order of business for the City, the mer-
chants and others, notably the College and Forbes Library.
The CARD program is foreseen as offering help to present and
potential commercial interests. In fact, two developments in the
offing would be greatly facilitated by CARD designation, and potential
new CARD legislation could be of critical importance in establishing
more parking for the congested area.
2. R ATIONALE FOR DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
The proposed district would include seven contiguous parcels
now zoned as Neighborhood Business. Another parcel, owned by Smith
College for a parking lot and situated on Belmont Avenue is now
zoned Urban Residential C. This parcel has been included in the
proposed district to allow site for a more intensive parking facility.
When necessary, a zoning change to Neighborhood Business will be
initiated. The boundaries of the district reflect the limited size
of the present commercial area, and a desire to protect the established
residential and institutional uses immediately adjacent to the area.
2
The total area of the proposed district is about 52,000 square feet
or 1.2 acres. Please refer to the enclosed map.
Any plans to enlarge parking facilities at the expense of
residential occupation would be closely scrutinized in light of the
City's commitment to preserve and expand the housing stock of the
community.
3. STATEMENT OF PLAN OBJECTIVES
• To allow financing of new development that would enhance the
present commercial fabric of the area. New businesses would
probably rehabilitate existing buildings rather than clear
and build anew. Any proposed CARD- financed project will be
closely examined if it should propose demolition of existing
structures or displace existing housing units without compen-
sation being made elsewhere.'
• Hopefully, to provide a means of financing a more intensive
parking facility on the two adjacent parcels now used for the
purpose.
• To follow through on the redevelopment accomplishments already
achieved by the Green and West Street Merchants Association
and the City. Positive momentum generated by streetscape
improvements should be capitalized on by providing investment
incentives through CARD.
• Linkage with the downtown is enhanced by curb cuts and estab-
lishment of a unified downtown and Green Street information
centers.
4. PLAN STRATEGY
system with strong design theme and kiosk -type information
• Implement street reconstruction and merchant - financed side-
walk improvements - summer, 1980.
• The Green and West Street merchants work with the Downtown
merchants and the City to upgrade public transit and estab-
lish a common streetscape directory system for the entire
downtown area.
• The CARD Advisory Committee will review all CARD financing
proposals for the Green Street CARD area. Criteria will
include: facade enhancement, retention, whenever possible,
of housing within the district and maintenance of the charac-
ter of the surrounding land uses, institutional and residen-
tial.
• The Green Street Advisory Committee works to achieve a
solution to the parking shortage in the area.
4
5. CITIZEN PARTICIPJTION PROVISION
Policy
The policy of the City of Northampton in formulating CARD plans
is to involve, to the maximum feasible extent, citizens, business
people and representatives of local advocacy groups in the planning
and implementation processes.
Requirements for General Communication and Distribution of
Information
In order to assure maximum community involvement, the City will
make every effort to provide all concerned parties with background
and procedural information as well as technical data during the
planning process.
General Communication
Public hearings will be held at such times when formal citizen
response to plans or proposals is required.
Notice of public hearings will be made through legal and /or
display ads in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and by mailing copies of
the notice to all addresses on the Citizen Participation Mailing
List (Appendix A). Such notice will be made at least seven (7) days
prior to the date of the hearing, and at least twice prior to the
hearing. Public hearings shall be conducted by the Mayor or other
City officials as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30, Sections 233 and 23C, as
amended by Chapter 303 of the Acts of 1975 ( "Open Meeting Law ").
Individuals and representatives of groups are invited to meet
at a.ny reasonable time with rner hers of the staff or the P'ayor's
Office to discuss the CAP.O Flans or elements thereof.
Distribution of Information
,.11 documents, reports and application materials required by
state or federal regulations, as well as local internal documents
(oroaress reports by the Advisory Comtittee, etc.) will be available
for inspection at the City Planning Department. Copies will be made
on request for members of the public (standard fees will be charged
as per Executive Order r4, dated October 4, 1978). Notices of the
availability of such documents will be distributed to the Citizen
Participation Mailing List.
To the e::tent practicable, information packets and similar
materials will be published and distributed to the Citizen Partici-
pation Mailing List.
The media will be given particular attention in the distribution
of information about the proposed CARD Plans with the expectation
that such information will be conveyed to the public. News conferences,
press releases, interviews and the like will be utilized when availa-
ble and appropriate.
The information needs of special groups will be addressed by
including such groups in the Citizen Participation Trailing List.
Established organizations will be asked to distribute information
through their own existing channels.
-6-
Citizen Participation ':ailin;7 List
standard mailing list will he maintained for the distribution
of all documents and notices of caeneral interest which are issued in
the King Street Revitalization planning process. A copy of this
list is appended to this document. To review the current list or to
add or change entries on the list, contact the Northampton Planning
Department at:
6. L.00 L AC:! CY
Room 102, r :unicipal Office Building
212 .Maim Street
°:ortharnnton,' I:assachusetts • 01060
Telephone: 5F36 -6050, Extension 267
The various Northampton CARD ^rograrns will be implemented by
the Northampton Planning :department. Department staff will assist
the CARD Advisory Committees, the Industrial Development Financing
Authority, the Mayor's Office and the City Council.
1. Members of City Council
2. renhers of Planning Board
3. Department of Public \:orks
4. Daily Hampshire Gazette
5. \'°. , :P Radio, 15 Hampton Avenue
6. Building Inspector
7. Northampton Housing Authority
APPE :DID: A
CITI7E:Z I:AILING LIST
2. Chamber of Commerce
Paul Walker, Executive Director
Stanley F. Osowski, President
9. Downtown Business Association
Donna Wolf, President
Tree House
Main Street
10. Advisory Committee
11. Hampshire Community Action Commission
441 Pleasant Street.
12. Normal Witty, Chairman, Parking Corn.
2.15 rain Street
25. Pioneer Valley
13. Mayor David B. Musante
14. Marcia B. Goldstein, Assistant to the Mayor
15. Hispanic Center
16. Richard Gormely, Board of Health Office
17. ?.alter Murphy, Redevelopment Authority
18. Hampshire County Planning Department
19. Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission -
20. Executive Office of Communities and Development -
23. Citizens Advisory Committee
24. Mayor's Committee on the
Handicapped
Transit
Authority - Ron Tober
31 Elm Street
Springfield
Edward Mangini
21. Western Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs - Arthur Kimber
22. University Center for Economic Development - Gerald W. Hayes
City at Northampton, Mar-- ,huaetts
Planning Department
Tire. 102, Municipal Ottior Bldg. • 212 Main St.
,Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) S84 -0344
•eonaervption Cr'mmi►Iion•Wi,torkal Commiaoion•Punninp Boord•Zoninp ppord o1 Apparb
•Commorilt} D•olopmenl Propram•Motiiinp R►haDlllutton Pro it+rn
•Capital Imprvvomoni Pro.pram Committee
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Downtown and Green Ptreet CARD Proposals
Evidence of Public Hearing. Part 7
Date: January 29, 1980 Time 7:30 PM Place: City Council Chambers
Municipal Office Bldg.
Peter B. Klejna, Senior Planner
This hearing will be helc in order to acquaint the public with
proposals to create Commercial Area Revitalization Districts ( C1RDs)
in the downtown area and on Greer Street. Comments and suggestions
for these proposals will be welcomed at the hearing and immediately
thereafter. Please contact Peter E. Klejna in the Planning Department
if there are any questions prior to the hearing.
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Part 7
Evidence of
Public Hearing.
page 9
0
Evidence of Public Heari,
Cam ISM.
I
City iews:
Revitalization proposal OK'd
Proposals asking the state to designate downtown and
Green Street as revitalization districts were approved
yesterday by a steering committee composed of local
businessmen.
The districts, if approved, would allow publicly un-
derwritten financing advantages for large developers.
The requests are scheduled to go to the City Council next
week. If they receive the expected endorsement there, they
will be sent to the state for .consideration.
Meanwhile, the state Office of Communities and
Development, which must rule on the applications, is
withholding its ruling on a similar proposal for King Street
from Hooker Avenue to Damon Road.
Action on that proposal was delayed for a number of
reasons. Initially, state officials were unsatisfied with the
city's planning. 'Then a marketing study was delayed,
holding up the final application. And, most importantly,
state officials are concerned about the area's distance from
downtown.
The legislation establishing the revitalization district
program was aimed at aiding downtown areas,
Once the Main and Green street proposals reach the state,
quick action is expected on all three applications, according
to Marcia Goldstein, the mayor's administrative assistant,
who has been monitoring the work.
-1 0 —
Part 7
auacit
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
FEBRUARY 21, 19$0
f
UPON THE RECON OF MAYOR DAVID MUSANTE, JR.
RESOLUTION
For Approval of Green Street CARD Plan
WHEREAS, in accordance with Chapters 4CD and 23D, Massachusetts
General Laws, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acting by and
through the Secretary of Communities and Development may approve
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts Plans (herein referred
to as CARD Plans); and
WHEREAS, such approval is a precondition for the use of various
state financial incentives for commercial development that would
be in the public interest of the citizens of Northampton; and
WHEREAS, the development of the Green Street CARD, the boundaries
of which are cicribed on page 2 , would forward the community
development objectives of the city and would result in physical
development of said District and the creation of employment
opportunities of a character consistent with that contemplated
by the above cited statutes:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the Green Street (herein referred to as the
CARD) Commercial Area Revitalization District
described above is a predominantly commercial
geographic area;
2. That implementation of the proposed CARD Plan
will serve to avert and reverse the decay of
the area covered by the plan and will help deter
the movement of commercial enterprises into pre—
viously non — commercial areas; and
3. That the Green Street CARD Plan is hereby approved
and that said Plan shall be submitted to the sec—
retaries of Communities and Development for approval.
In City Council, February 21, 1980
Rules suspended, passed two readings and enrolled
Attest: Adeline Murray, City Clerk
Approved: David B. Musante, Jr. Mayor
A true copy
a dflill-4,;//sZIA)741tpeTh City Clerk
page 11
n
B
r'E. , . _ i _=E OF r7..; ,. ;»L%j 'X OT r 1 CGR
(To ric.fo: »anima sc l ut .,on of knicipal Officers)
The - 1e2 ibe"r 1J y CCC- rti.f -es, as follows.
2. That she is the duly qualified and acting City Clem, of the
City of Northampton, herein called the "!Municipality" and the keeper
of the records of the Ahunicpality, including the journal of proceedings
of the City CounciZ, therein called the "Governing Body".
2. That the attached resolution is a true and correct copy of the reso-
lution as finally adopted at a meeting of the Governing Body held on the
21st day of February , 19 80, and duly recorded in
her office;
3. That said meeting was duly convened and held in all respects in
accordance with law that to the extent required by Zaw due and proper
notice of such meeting was g : ven; that a legal quorum was present through-
out the meeting, and a legally sufficient number of members of the Govern-
ing Body voted in the proper manner and for the adoption of said resolution;
and that all other requirements and proceedings under law incident to the
proper adoption or passage of said resolution, have been fulfilled, carried
out and otherwise observed;
4. That if an ihipression of the seal has been affixed below, it consti-
tutes the official seal of the Municipality and this certificate is hereby
executed under such official seal. If no seal has been affixed below, the
Mv_nicipality does not have and is not legally required to have an official
seal;
5. That the undersigned is duly authorized to execute this certificate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 22nd
day of February , 29 80 .
ATTEST
(Seal)
A -(testing Offic
City Clerk
(Title of Attesti
ng ufficer)
page 12
Maureen Ryan -Wise, Esq.
City Solicitor
Harry Jekanowski, Jr., Esq.
Assistant City Solicitor
HJ : mlm
dexf;kt);
Har y ekanowski,Jr.
As tstant City Solicitor
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Legal Department
586 -6950
To: Peter Klejna, Planning Department
From: Law Department
Re: Green Street Business Area CARD Plan
DATE: February 22, 19$0
It is the opinion of this office that the Green Street Business
Area CARD Plan complies with state and local statutes and regula—
tions.
0
1' u
CITY F OF ]ORTHAMPTON MAYOR'S OE ICE
15'
XAc ,, 0�'
'k tii' •
MEMORANDUM
TO MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David B. Musante, Jr., Mayor
RE: CARD Proposal for Downtown and Green Street
As you know, the Planning Department has been working closely with the
Mayor's Office over the past few weeks to prepare an application for designation
of the Downtown and of Green Street as CARD districts (Commercial Area Revitalization
Districts). The CARD designation, granted by Secretary Byron Matthews of the
Executive Office of Communities and Development, will enable commercial establishments
located in these areas to be eligible for industrial revenue bond financing under the
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Authority.
The CARD legislation was passed by the Massachusetts General Court in 1978, It
is intended to provide an incentive to private businesses in a community to undertake
projects of a substantial nature that will serve to revitalize older conuuercial dis-
tricts and stimulate the ecornony of these areas. Many of these projects throughout
the state have been undertaken with the cooperation of the local cities and towns,
adding city amenities as well as economic vitality to the packages proposed.
A CARD steering committee, comprised. of private Northampton_ citizens as well as
City Councillors Ames, Budgar, Craig and Mazza,.met at a Public Hearing on January 29,
1980, and at steering committee meetings on January 30 and February 14, 1980, to
determine what should be included in the Downtown and Green Street CARD proposals.
Projects listed are merely suggested areas where CARD could be used. They are in no
way binding upon the City, the property owners, or potential owners. At the meeting
on February 14, the Steering Committee voted unanimously (with one abstention) to
approve the two proposals, prepared by the Planning Department, and to suhait them to
the City Council on February 21, 1980., for final approval.
We have been promised by Edmund Mangini of the Executive Office of Communities and
Development and by Secretary Matthews that our proposals will be given immediate
attention upon their receipt in Boston. In addition, they will give consideration at that
time to the Upper King Street CARD proposal, submitted earlier this year and prepared
under the direction of Mayor Chapman.
We have already established a Florence CARD Steering Committee to be chaired by
George Tobin. Councillors O'Leary and Joyce have agreed to represent the Council. Its
first meeting is scheduled for March 3, 1980, at 4:00 P.M.
I hope you will support the enclosed resolution which will enable the City to seek
CARD approval. If you have any questions before the Council meeting, please call
Marcia Goldstein in my office. Thank you-
City news:
State official visiting city
to tour revitalization areas
City officials today were to show a state official areas of
the city earmarked as possible commercial revitalization )
districts.
The tour is part of the process of applying to the state for
the areas to be designated as "commercial area
revitalization districts." a procedure which allows
developers to request low -cost financing for projects they
wish to undertake within the boundaries of .the districts.
The city is applying to obtain the designation for three dis-
tricts: upper King Street. doer King Street and downtown
Northampton. including Green Street.
Edmund I. Mangini. a r.epresenta0ve from the Office of
Communities and Development, was to be shown tV
revitalization projects which 'already have been drN
including the Thornes' Market group of shops on Main5,
' and The Corner.' a collection of stores on Green Fio' a/
He also was to be shown areas which had been ' P 4fs)
need of rejuvenation. including the former Bay
roundhouse off Old South Street, the train station
Avenue. and•the former post office — which re( ,
purchased by two businessmen — on Pleasant
The final proposal for the districts will go bef s Council Feb. 21. If approved, the applications io .s
will be sent to the Office of Cominuntties and D
and the city expects a decision within 10 days'.'
done.
otio
O
eels ex
Appro expected p
for three. districts
The approval of revitalization district's for
King Street, downtown and Green Street is ex-
pected from state officials soon, Mayor David B. j
Musante Jr. said today.
Musante made his comments after speaking i
' with Byron Matthews, state secretary of the ex- A
ecutive office of communities and development, •
who must rule on the requests.
The districts will provide financing advan-
designated ated areas, but they large o not require the use
of any public money.
The stumbling block has been the proposal for
the King Street district, which covers an area
from Hooker Avenue to Damon Road. That dis-
trict several times fell short of meeting the
state's criteria.
It :has been reworked and presenting it along f
with the other two proposals is said to hav s
rtict•ease'd its chances for approval.`
3/YM
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City news: (
Downtown projects
to be aided by
`CARD' designation
The approval by state officials of plans to establish a
"Commercial Area Revitalization District," or CARD, in
downtown Northampton was expected today, according to
Mayor David B. Musante Jr.
He said officials from the state Office of Communities and
Developments have indicated the district will be approved
The designation of such a district will allow developers tb
apply for low -cost financing on a number. of project q,
including major renovations at the Hotel Northampton o
King Street and the former U.S Post Office on Pleasant
Street.
A CARD district for King' Street already has been
approved. Another is in' the works for Florence, although the
plan has not'been submitted. A plan to establish a CARD
trict along Green Street has been tabled, according to the
mayor's assistant, Marcia Goldstein.
State officials met with Musante at City Hall late toda'
an.:d then with Florence businessmen at the Fiore*
Savings Bank.. _ .
City news:
Downtown projects
to be aided by
`CARD' designation
The approval by state officials of plans to establish a
"Commercial Area Revitalization District," or CARD, in
downtown Northampton was expected today, according to
Mayor David B. Musante Jr.
He said officials from the state Office of Communities and
Developments have indicated the district will be approved.
The designation of such a district will allow developers to
apply for low -cost financing on a number of projects,
including major renovations at the Hotel Northampton on •
King Street and the former U.S Post Office on Pleasant
Street.
A CARD district for King Street already has been
approved. Another is in the works for Florence, although the
plan has not been submitted. A plan to establish a CARD dis-
trict along Green Street has been tabled, according to the
mayor's assistant, Marcia Goldstein:
State officials met with Musante at City Hall late today
an:d then with Florence businessmen at the Florence
Savings Bank.
3M0
On the road
' The city's Board of Public Works this week began to rebuild and widen Green Street. The project involves repav-
ing the concrete sidewalks on both sides of the street, replacing the granite curbing and installing wheelchair
ramps. New streetlamps — a gift from Smith College — will also be installed. The construction is expected to be
completed in. 60 days.
Sidewalk cleanup and renovations
involve city and business people
While the mayor and the Greater
Northampton Chamber of Commerce are
putting pressure on downtown merchants
to clean up in front of their stores,
preparations have been made for the se-
cond phase of the city's sidewalk replace-
ment project.
Mayor David B. Musante Jr. raised the
issue of dirty sidewalks in a letter to Paul
J. Walker, the executive director of the
chamber of commerce. ,Musante asked
Walker to speak to the merchants about
"the deplorable lack of cleanliness of their
sidewalks...," adding "I have received
many complaints....since taking office."
Walker said he did not disagree, and
added that he has sent letters to all of the
downtown shop- owners. "There has been
some improvement," he said. However,
the chamber of commerce official said
that keeping downtown sidewalks clean is
"just a constant battle."
In his letter, Musante said the worst
Problem was along the northerly side of
�6
ifty /tc)
Main <Street, where some broken and',
patched sidewalks soon will be replaced.
The merchants have been invited 'to a
July 29 briefing on the sidewalk ,replace-
ment project. That session will be in the
Municipal Offices building behind City
Hall at 7:30 p.m.
The construction work is to be done this
fall and next spring.
The sidewalks will be replaced on the
northerly side of Main Street froni'State to.
Market streets; on the southerly side from
the F.W. Woolworth Co. store to Hawley
Street; and on the easterly side of Plea-
sant Street from Main to Pearl streets.
The project will cost about $248,000. Of
that, the city will pay $130,000, the state
$73,000 and city's merchants about $48,000.
The merchants who have stores on Main
Street will have to pay betterment
assessments.
Also, the council has appropriated $4,0,00
for litter baskets for use downtown, along
Green Street and in downtown Flgrence.
7/1174-b
r
i l
CITY of NORTHAMPTON OFFICE of PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: CARD Steering Committee Members
FROM: Gene Bunnell, Office of Planning and Development
SUBJECT: Proposed Revision of Downtown CARD District Boundaries
DATE: January 29, 1981
FILE: 1012
The Office of Planning and Development has been approached by
David Clark of 471 Bridge Road, Florence, who plans to undertake a
mixed commercial /residential project on the north side of Maple
Avenue, involving a mixture of renovations and new construction.
This project would essentially be a continuation of the attractive
renovation that he has already completed (the renovated buildings
face onto the Old South Street municipal parking area). Mr. Clark
is requesting that the boundaries of the downtown CARD district be
amended to include his development so as to allow him to finance
his project with industrial revenue bonds. The southerly boundary
of the Downtown CARD District currently ends at the railroad right -
of -way, but I believe that the extension of the district boundaries
proposed is a logical one and would be in the interest of the City
to endorse.
The argument for extending the southerly boundary of the CARD'
district is strengthened by the fact that the inclusion of downtown
parking areas within the CARD district qualifies the City to apply
for State financing for the construction and upgrading of parking
facilities.
To qualify the City for State monies for developing parking in
the area of the Roundhouse, I am also proposing that the CARD dis-
trict boundaries be extended south beyond the railway right -of -way
to include land presently owned by Massachusetts Electric Company
and up to the boundary of the elderly housing development. Again,
expansion of the CARD boundaries in this area will allow us to
proceed with an application for State monies to upgrade this area
for parking, with landscaping and improved pedestrian access to
Crafts Avenue and Pulaski Park.
If you have any comments or objections to the proposed boundary
change, please get in touch with me by letter or by phone.
The proposed revision will be discussed at the planning 3oard's
meeting on February 12 at 7:30 PI'. A legal notice will be placed in
the Gazette notifying people of this public hearing.
cc: Marcia Goldstein
Walter T"!urphy
artitamptvn Redevelopment Authority
City Hall
• Northampton, Mass. 01060 • (413) 586 -1045
Marcia Goldstein
,Administrative Assistant to the Mayor
City Hall
Northampton, Mass. 01060
NORTHAMPTON CARD SEMINAR.
stein:
Northampton Industrial Park
September 24,. 1980
Monday, October 6, 1980 at 10:30 a.m. Robert Patenaude, President of
Florence Savings Bank, will host a "shirt sleeve", hard working two hour
seminar. on Commercial Area Revitalization District application preparation,
in short, C.A:R.D.
With interest being generated in three districts, Downtown, Upper King
Street, and Florence, we think it appropriate if persons most affected,
prospective developers, bankers, attorneys, and city officials had the
opportunity to attend a genuine work session on this CARD program.
Robert E. Patterson, Executive Director of Massachusetts Industrial
Finance Agency (M.I. F.A.) and Susan Taymor - Luria, coordinator of commercial
center revitalization efforts, will head up the instruction program.
'Questions and answers, including those based entirely on local situa-
tions, will be the focal point. Maximum attention will be given to the
change in law allowing mixed use housing and commercial rehabilitation
applications.'
We plan to get underway promptly at 10:30 a.m. followed by a noon hour
dutch -treat buffet ($5.00 per person) organized by George Tobin, Chairman
of the Florence district organization. This will be Green Streets Restaur-
ant,
Green & West Streets. No afternoon session .is ` anticipated. Attendance '
will be limited to forty persons.
We trust all lending institutions will want to be represented, therefore
you are urged to make reservations promptly via Aleta DeLisle, Northampton
Redevelopment Authority, who will correlate arrangements. Phone Aleta at
586 -6950 ext. 288.
If you have questions that you would like addressed at the seminar please
forward them to Ms: DeLisle who will see that they get the proper persons.
It r is a privilege to work with all of you on"this program. It
is an opportunity' we have long awaited.
Robert E. Patterson
Executive Director
MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRIAL FINANCE A
131 State Street, Suite 600
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 723 -4242
!T.
New Law Adds Residential•Uses To
Commercial Area Revitalization Districts
CA a
August 8, 1980
The 1980 Housing Bill recently signed by Governor King has changed the
law governing the Commercial Area Revitalization District •( "CARD ").
program. Housing, previously ineligible for tax- exempt:CARD financing,
may now be included in mixed commercial /residential buildings.
The new law states that commercial revitalization projects may include
housing if the following conditions are met:
1. The project must involve the rehabilitation of one or more existing
structures.
2. The structures must be located in a Commercial Area 'Revitalization District
established by local government (and approved by the Secretary of
Communities and Development pursuant to the "CARD" regulations issued
by Secretary Byron Matthews).
3. Each building to contain housing must be a mixed use building (i.e.
must also contain some commercial space).
4. Before any mixed commercial /residential building can be approved for
tax - exempt financing, the governing body of the municipality must hold
a public hearing and approve the project for a "sub - standard, decadent or
blighted open area" designation (as defined in M.G.L. c. 121A. Except
for this definition, no other sections of c. 121A apply.)
S. The law requires that MIFA (as a central clearinghouse for these new
mixed use projects) issue the bonds, and therefore, mixed used projects
should receive their "official action vote from MIFA= '{rather than from
an IDFA) before any commitment for the project is undertaken.
As in any new program, particularly those involved in housing. policies
and details are sure to evolve and change over time. There are a number of
legal issues which MIFA has asked its counsel to look into, and which must
be decided in order to get this new program going.
Susan Taymor -Luria will be coordinating the program for MIFA. She and
other members of the MIFA staff. will be pleased to answer questions, and
also would like to hear of any possible CARD mixed use rehabilitation
projects which could benefit from this new program.
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Proposed Development at 57 King Street
DATE: December 3, 1980
FILE:
CITY of NORTHAMPTON OFFICE of PLANNING and DEVELOPMENT
TO: Mayor David B. Musante, Jr., and Northampton City Council, Paul
Bixby, President
FROM: Mazie Cox, Chairman, CARD Design Review Committee
At its meeting of December 1, 1980, the CARD Design Review
Committee reviewed plans submitted by Charles Lyons pertaining to a
proposed office development project to be undertaken at 57 King
Street, within the Downtown Commercial Area Revitalization District.
The project, which will cost an estimated $480,000, will be the
first project to be financed in the downtown CARD District utilizing
Industrial Revenue Bond financing through the Massachusetts Indus-
trial Finance Authority.
It was the conclusion of the Design Review Committee that this
project will make a positive contribution to the downtown area, and
that its design is appropriate and conducive to the immediate area.
The project will utilize a somewhat ordinary and rundown downtown
property in an imaginative way - the rehabilitation of the existing
one -story structure and the construction of a two -story addition in
front. Among the positive features of the project, the Committee
notes that:
1. The project will bring the frontage of 57 King Street
closer to the street, in line with properties on either
side (the Registry of Deeds, Friendly's, the Northampton
Co- operative Bank).
2. The materials to be used for the new two -story building
fronting onto King Street will complement and blend with
the materials of the adjacent Registry building.
3. The project will add much needed new office space to the
downtown, while at the same time, providing ample on -site
parking.
4. The plans submitted to the Design Review Committee show the
construction of an attractively landscaped area in front of
the building to separate the front parking area from the
Memo: Pr" )osed Development at
57 Street
sidewalk. Within this area the plans show the proposed
planting of at least two trees of substantial size. The
committee regards this promised tree planting as an ex-
tremely important design amenity that should be adhered to.
The plans submitted for review indicate that this project will
make a positive contribution to the vitality and attractiveness of
the downtown area and we therefore give the project our whole-
hearted approval as it has been proposed.
�zD ERING COMMIT` E
Alfred - Griggs, Chairman
Coca Cola,'Inc.
366 King St. f d6 t %
Felix Borawski
119 Prospect Ave.
Richard Covell
Northampton Institution for Savings
109 Main St.
Jack FitzGerald
133 S. Main St., Florence
John Gare
E.J. Gare & Son
112 Main St.
Robert Glass
68 Lyman Rd. ‘
Patrick Goggins
666 N. Farms Rd.
Barry Goldberg
Midway Electric Supply,
135 King St.
Daniel Haugaard
Danco. Inc.'
22 Green St.
Doris Knight
69 Acrebrook Dr., Florence
Richard Wall
Northampton Institution for Savings
109 Main St.
Shanley Wilde
Kollmorgen Corporation
347 King St.
Inc. .-p� � - ;g4
Everett Ladd
Northampton National Bank
130 Main St.. ljq '1 ,26
Gordon Murphy
76 N. Elm St cf 5
Stanley Osowski
Nonotuck Savings Bank
175 Main St.
James Tobey
Northampton Co- Operative
67 King .St.
3"ry- 1h
Bank
cff
1
David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor
Ms. Donna Wolf
The Treehouse
241 Main Street
Northampton, Ma.
Dear Ms. Wolf:
DBM:md
I am grateful for your participation.
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Orr ICE OF THE MAYOR
586 -6950 •
January 21, 1980
I am pleased to hear of your willingness to serve as a member of the CARD
Steering Committee. As you probably know, I consider the establishment of a
downtown CARD and Green Street CARD a high priority for my administration, and
we have already assigned the Planning Department Staff to work on this with the
goal of having something ready by February 15, 1980.
In addition, I have asked my Administrative Assistant, Marcia Goldstein > to
meet with State Senator John Olver and Secretary Byron Mathews of the Massachusetts
Office of Communities and Development on January 23, 1980, to discuss downtown
CARD priorities. As you can see, we are moving right along.
We have scheduled a public hearing on downtown and Green Street CARDS for
January 29, 1980, at 7:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. The following day,
January 30, 1980, the CARD Steering Committee will meet at 4:00 p.m. in the
Hearing Room, 2nd floor, City Hall.
Sincerely,
AeJt9Lit
David B. Musante, Jr.
Mayor
City of Northampton, Massacnusetts
Planning Department
fim. 102, Municipal Office Bldg. • 212 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 584 -0344
+Conservation Commisalon•Hlatoricai Commission•PlannIr Board•Zoning Board of Appeals
+ Community Development Program•Housing Rehabilitation Program
-*Capital Improvement Program Committee
Downtown and Green Street CARD Proposals
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Peter B. Klejna, Senior Planner
Date: January 29, 1980 Time 7:30 PM Place: City Council Chambers
Municipal Office Bldg.
This hearing will be held in order to acquaint the public with
proposals to create Commercial Area Revitalization Districts ( CARDs)
in the downtown area and on Green Street. Comments and suggestions
for these proposals will be welcomed at the hearing and immediately
thereafter. Please contact Peter B. Klejna in the Planning Department
if there are any questions prior to the hearing.
•
By NEAL WEINBERG
Union Bureau Chief
)RTHAMPTON — State officials
ounced Thursday that the city's
ication for Commercial Area Re-
ization District status for down-
r has been approved, but the
32) plan for Green Street has not.
thur Kimber, regional adminis-
r for the state Executive Office
7,ommunities and Development,
le the formal announcement at a
Is conference at City Hall.
'tier later visited the Florence
ntown area, where another
iD district is being proposed.
tie CARD designation serves as an
!ntive to commercial developers
naking available tax exempt rev-
e bond financing, mortgage insur-
e for rehabilitation of existing
ldings and tax 'credits through the
an Job Incentive Program.
ccording to Mayor David B. Mu-
te Jr., the CARD incentives could
-^-
'•
be used at the Roundhouse behind
City Hall, the former post office
building on Pleasant Street, the for-
mer Armory on King Street, the old
railroad station and the Hotel
Northampton.
'Umber, filling in for EOCD Secre-
tary Byron Matthews who was ill,
said that revenue bond financing
through the MassachusettsIndustrial
Finance Agency is "still very viable"
in spite of current economic
conditions. "
He said the Green Street applica-
tion- did not meet the qualifications
• and will be kept on file. He said
he had no details on why the applica-
tion was not accepted.
The downtovyn CARD becomes the
second such designation in .the city,
joining .the upper King Street CARD,
which was recently approved in an-
ticipation of the downtown applica-
tion. The two districts meet to form
one area encompassing the downtown
area and parts of King Street all the
State officials have approved
-a "Commercial Area Revitaliza-
tion District" for, downtown
Northampton and have delayed
action on a similar proposal for'
Green Street.
The special designation allow-
ing developers to apply for
• lower-cost financing has already
been approved for a section of
King.Street. An application for a
similar district in Florence is
being prepared.
• Representatives of the state
Executive. Office of Com-
I munities and Development
made the official announcennnt
3 '2.1 8
city s eiv w D ha st:it cornm
Kimber said the application should
endeavors would .take place should
the application be granted.
c,,,Lvkie- ki,nr4
DoLiantown gets revitalization status—,
Mayor David B. Musante Jr.
said that redevelopment pro-
jects which are now eligible for
the special financing include the
roundhouse behind City Hall, the
Hotel Northampton on King
Street, and the former U. S. Post
• Office building on Pleasant
munities and development, said
it is questionable whether Green,
Street meets the criteria for the
t
special designation.
However, Pichette said the
i 1
-winner, a loser in Northampton CARD game
way to. Damon Road. The downtown
CARD is the 51st approved
statewide.
At a later meeting at the Florence
Savings Bank, Kimber and EOCD
staffer Arthur Pichette heard preli-
mary plans for a Florence CARD.
ICimber said there is a precedent for a
secondary downtown area within one
Dan Haugaard, who leases space
on Locust 'Street for his Danco Inc.
furniture showroom, said he is in-
terested in buying the building for a
combination of retail, wholesale and
possible assembling of furniture. ,
_ City planner Peter Klejna noted
that there are older industrial build-f
ings, commercial buildings with the
potential for housing on upper stories
and sites with a low density of land
use in the Florence center area. The
CARD designation could spur devel-
opment in all of those areas.
- • - •- • • "
Street.
Arthur Pichette, a staff
member in the office of com-1
_application s not been denied.
yesterday at City Hall. __ It will be cons ered aga n later
Edward J. King, Governor
Byron J. Matthews, Secretary
Executive.) Office of
Commucli ties and Development
Office of the Secretary
100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02202 (617) 727 - 7765
The Honorable Harry S. Chapman, Jr.
Mayor - City of Northampton
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Cornrnonwealih of Massachusetts
April 13, 1979
- 0170.
Dear Mayor Chapman:
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you, other
local officials and the business community for the generous hospitality
shown during my visit to Northampton last Thursday, April 5,.1979. My
Assistant Secretary Jack Bradshaw and the Western Massachusetts staff
found the visit to be an informative and educational experience. .
After reviewing Northampton's application for its King Street Corrnercial
Area Revitalization District (CARD) Plan, we have concluded that the area is
potentially eligible for designation as a CARD. However, we cannot approve
the CARD plan itself until the City has accomplished some genuine planning for
the area's redevelopment.
The Legislature intended that the incentives it was making available
through the CARD Program would be used in older, well defined commercial areas
(1) which were threatened by decay, (2) which were the focus of a serious
planning effort, and (3) to whose revitalization the local community was
clearly committed. It was envisaged that such areas would primarily be the
downtowns of major urban centers, but might also include neighborhood retail
centers and other commercial districts whose revitalization would complement
(rather than compete with) efforts to rejuvenate the downtown itself. By
contrast, the emergence of post -war highway business strips has been widely
recognized as a major cause of the con ercial decline within older central
business districts which the CARD program was intended to help reverse. For
these reasons, we were at first highly skeptical of the eligibility of a
highway business strip such as King Street under the CARD Program.
The City, in making its case for approval of the King Street CARD, has
argued that the situation is unique in several crucial respects:
( 1
The I- ionorable Harry S. Chef :.t, to
- 2 - April 13, 1979
- That the area, as required by statute, is in some sense an
older, existing commercial area which is experiencing decay;
- That the area is relatively close to the City's downtown
proper;
- That revitalization of the downtown has largely been completed,
and that King Street represents the logical next choice of an
area for a concerted revitalization effort;
- That for several reasons (the flood control area, the extent
of historic landmark designations), the downtown itself, offers
few, if any, sites for new commercial development or for major
expansions of existing facilities;
- That the King Street area contains either services which
(1) would normally be downtown (major grocery stores) but given
the land shortages in Northampton's CBD, have no realistic
prospect for being relocated there, or (2) are clearly non-
competitive with the downtown.
Having personally visited the. King Street area, I have been convinced
that the City's case has merit. I was also impressed by the enthusiasm f
of the public officials, and business leaders with whom I met during my
visit, and the evident seriousness of their interest in seeing the King Street
area physically upgraded and bolstered economically.
The King Street CARD application submitted to us is not so much a plan,
as it is a declaration of an intent to begin some planning -- to review the
area's zoning, to carry out some Urban Systems improvements, to form a
business advisory group. A more substantive planning study might include:
- specific zoning and sewage proposals;
- the specific improvements proposed by the Urban Systems design
study when completed;
- some consideration of urban design treatment of the area on a
unified basis that goes beyond bare -bones regulation (street -
scaping, reduction of curb cuts, etc.);
- feasibility analysis of special development opportunities that
might transform and strengthen parts of the strip. (e.g., What
is the marketability of the agricultural marketing center concept
that is alluded to in the application? What acreage would be
required? What are the potential sites ?);
1 Honorable 1h 1.1y S. Ch;ajmui
some consideration of whether or not non- commercial development
of some portion of the strip should be encouraged. Conversely,
what are the prime sites for more intensive commercial use?
How will the revitalization relate to the neighboring industrial
development ?; and
- the possibilities of the use of the concrete plant property.
These types of elements should be integrated into a coherent strategy
for revitalizing the area. The specific items listed above are merely
meant to be suggestive; the work program for such a planning effort should
reflect the City's own sense of the priority concerns and the major
development opportunities. I have also instructed my staff in both Boston
and Springfield to assist you in organizing and carrying out a planning
study along these lines. Consultation is also available through
Jerry Hayes at• the Center for Urban Economic Development at the University
of Massachusetts in Amherst.
In sum, we will give strong consideration to approving a CARD Plan.
for King Street, once the City, consultation with_ the business community,
and other concerned citizens, has thought through the specifics of what
it realistically hopes to achieve in the way of revitalization oh - King Street
and has detailed a strategy that holds some genuine promise of
these intentions into practical results. This type of planning is essential
if the types of private market incentives available through the CARD Program
are to contribute to the sound redevelopment of the overall area.
It is our sincere hope that this planning effort will be viewed not as
a bureaucratic requirement imposed from without, but, instead as a meaningful
and essential step in getting progress underway -- a step which the City would
take even if there were not the promise of State incentives down the road.
Let me affirm my willingness to assist you personally in any way that I can
as you move forward in developing a substantive revitalization proposal for
King Street.
Art Kimber, Director of the Western Massachusetts Office will be calling
you on Tuesday, April 17th to begin the process of working together.
o B
BJM/}Qnc
cc: Arthur F. Kimber, Director, Springfield DCA
Robert E. Patterson, Director, MIFA
3 ._ April 13, 1979
Sincerely,
4
no J. MATTHEWS
S CRETARY