Agenda and Minutes 2011-10-05
City of Northampton
Community Preservation Committee
210 Main Street, City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Community Preservation Committee
DATE: Wednesday, October 5, 2011
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall)
Contact:
Katharine Baker, Chair, Community Preservation Committee
bakerkg@comcast.net
Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Planner
slavalley@northamptonma.gov
(413) 587-1263
Agenda
7:00 - Public Comment
7:05 - Chair’s Report
7:10 - Minutes
September 21, 2011
o
Meetings with Round 2 2011 Applicants for CPA Funds
7: 15 – Northampton Conservation Commission - Conservation Fund
o
7:25 – Northampton Planning Department – Mineral Hills Bookends
o
7:40 - Northampton Planning Department – CT River Greenway
o
7:55 - Northampton Conservation Commission – Beaver Brook Bridge
o
8:10 – Academy of Music – Renovations
o
8:25 – Northampton Recreation Department – Florence Fields
o
8:40 – Reports from staff
Project Updates
o
Financial Update
o
8:50 - Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
8:55 – Adjourn
Next meeting: October 19
For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website:
http://www.northamptonma.gov/cpc/
Community Preservation Committee Minutes
October 5, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main St.
Members Present: Katharine Baker, Brian Adams, David Drake, Jim Durfer (left 9:50), Joe
DeFazio, Downey Meyer (arrived 7:20), Fran Volkmann (arrived 7:25)
Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Katharine called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Comment
Approximately 50 Florence Fields supporters were counted.
Carol Bertrand, Recreation Commission, voiced support for Florence Fields and stated that it is
important to build asap while construction prices are low.
John Delaney, Cloverdale Street, urged the Committee to invest in youth sports.
Lauren Duncan, Sylvan Lane, noted the psychological and health benefits of sports.
The Northampton Devil Dogs youth soccer team stated that they want fields.
Liz Ryan, Florence, youth coach, stated that fundraisers can be put together to help augment CPA
funds. Parcel C/Ray Ellerbrook Field was beautiful when it was first developed, but has now
been overused.
Chair’s Report
Katharine stated that the Act to Sustain Community Preservation is being discussed in the Senate
Ways and Means Committee.
A 10-year celebration of the CPA was held in Boston, with over 200 attendees.
Minutes – September 21, 2011
David moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Brian. The motion carried
unanimously.
Meetings with Round 2 2011 Applicants for CPA Funds
Northampton Conservation Commission - Conservation Fund
Wayne Feiden, Director of Planning and Development provided an overview of the project,
including examples of matching funds for different projects, and current open space map.
Wayne noted that the Fund balance is currently $100,000, but those funds are all committed and
will be spent by the end of the year. This includes the backlog of CR’s that are required to be
placed on CPA-funded purchases.
Wayne provided examples of different ways that the Commission acquires property.
Jim asked about the local risk for overdevelopment. Wayne noted that recessions don’t hit
everyone equally, and that even a few homes on sensitive parcels remove ecological value. The
Commission has also preserved valuable backland with limited developments along roadways.
The Sustainable Northampton and Open Space Plans outline open space priorities.
Wayne noted that the Fund is scalable, but the bookends project may be lost if not funded.
Northampton Planning Department – Mineral Hills Bookends
Wayne provided an overview of the project; an acquisition in an ecologically important area.
An option has been signed for both properties, and a match will be provided with a state LAND
grant and donations.
The southern bookend is already permitted for development. Its acquisition would allow for
restoration of a stream bed, and discontinuance of a portion of Turkey Hill Road. The northern
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
1
October 5, 2011
bookend could support about ten homes. If some funding does not come through, a limited
development along the frontage is a possibility, but not the most desired option.
Wayne noted that homes have been constructed on large lots elsewhere on Chesterfield Road, and
that scenario here would create potential for destruction of a great deal of habitat. The northern
bookend also includes a parcel in Westhampton. When Northampton no longer has ownership,
this will also have a permanent CR.
Northampton Planning Department – CT River Greenway
Wayne provided an overview. The planned path will tie the planned boathouse/business park
project at the former Lane site to River Run condos and Damon Road.
Bill asked if there any challenges to acquisition. Wayne noted that Lane has yet to be purchased,
although a letter of support is in-hand, and public access through the Drozdal property must be
secured. Most of the challenges occur farther north along the railroad, which is not proposed as a
part of the CPA application.
Jim asked about access to the area. Wayne stated that the Damon Road reconstruction will
include bike lanes, and that access to the area from downtown on existing trails is also possible.
Katharine asked about the possibility of partial funding. Wayne stated that the application as
presented is not really scalable.
Fran asked if there is an opportunity cost if not funded now. Wayne replied that the cost will go
up much faster than inflation.
Northampton Conservation Commission – Beaver Brook Bridge
Wayne provided an overview of the project. The bridge itself is in good shape, but the mortar is
failing both under the high water mark and from above where it has been compromised by tree
growth. It has not been maintained since at least the 1970’s.
Jim asked about potential alternate funding sources. Wayne stated that there is no more stimulus
funding available, and that current bridge programs only apply to bridges currently in the
transportation network.
David noted that the bridge could become a liability if not repaired. Downey stated that
construction of a new bridge could be made very difficult by environmental permitting.
Academy of Music – Renovations
Tom Douglas provided an overview of the project, including photographs of the interior
deterioration in the theater.
Tom stated that the seat replacement is an eligible cost under CPA because it will include both
code compliance and the replacement of deteriorated materials.
David asked about the possibility of roof repairs. Debra J’Anthony, Executive Director, replied
that Northampton Central Services, which owns the building, indicated that could not continue to
be repaired.
Andrew Crystal, President of the Board of Directors, presented a financial overview, noting that
the long-term debt has all been repaid. The Theater currently operates in the black, but does not
turn a large enough profit to fund rehabilitation. Donations and ticket revenue have increased
since the Academy became a live performance venue. 40% of the Academy’s income comes from
donations, which is below the national average for this type of business, and is hoped to increase.
Andrew noted that $10,000 was allocated to maintenance costs in the past year.
Debra provided an overview of the programs and features offered at the Academy.
Katharine asked about a plan for the time the repairs are being made, since the theater will not be
usable. Debra indicated that repairs will be conducted during the summer slow swason.
David asked about community support. Debra stated that supporters will attend the October 19
comment session, and added that visitors to the Academy also visit other local businesses.
Northampton Recreation Department – Florence Fields
Ann-Marie Moggio, Recreation Director provided an overview of the project, a buildout of the
recreation area as shown in the master plan.
Ann-Marie noted that recreation users in Northampton pay an estimated $200,000 in user fees.
The DPW estimates it will cost $75,000 to maintain the fields, and this will need to be paid
through fundraising or fee increases.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
2
October 5, 2011
Tom Parent, Recreation Commission, added that there are many ideas for fundraising to pay for
maintenance, but that efforts won’t begin in full until the fields are built.
Ann-Marie noted that if the PARC grant is received, the request will decrease by the grant
amount, and the amount already allocated by the CPC, to $1.5 million.
The Committee discussed the budget. Joe noted that he would like to know more about the basis
for the buildout estimate.
Fran noted that funding the full cost of the project would eliminate the possibility of leveraging
funds from any other sources.
The Committee asked about a timeline, Ann-Marie replied that if fully funded, construction of the
fields will be complete in 2012, with additional work occurring through 2014.
The Committee noted that bonding would be required to fund the full project, and Sarah provided
a recap of how bonding had proceeded for the Bean/Allard and Forbes projects.
The Committee requested an updated cost estimate.
Reports from staff
Sarah stated that an updated financial report to include the final state match would be available
for the October 19 meeting.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
Katharine stated that she contacted the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, and that there
are no legal concerns about the CPC hosting a forum for the candidates running for at-large
CPC seats.
Sarah noted that the City Clerk also indicated there are no legal problems. Sarah suggested that
there may be an appearance of impropriety in holding a forum, especially since a CPC
member is running.
The Committee discussed possible issues and complications in holding a forum, and possible
options for venue and format. The Committee agreed that candidates should have an
opportunity to present themselves to voters.
Fran moved that the CPC provide voters an opportunity to meet the CPC candidates. Seconded by
David. The motion failed, with three in favor, three opposed, and one abstention.
David suggested that candidates attend the CPA ballot forum.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
3
October 5, 2011