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Beaver Brook Bridge CPA Application COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET I: Project Information Project Title: Beaver Brook Bridge Restoration Project Summary: Restoration of the Norwottuck/Mass Central Rail Trail arch bridge over Beaver Brook. The bridge was constructed in the early 1900’s, and has not been maintained since the 1970’s. It is in need of repair and rehabilitation to maintain its integrity and ensure that it is safe for pedestrians and bicycles and ensure that this historic structure remains for future generations. Estimated start date: September 2012 Estimated completion date: September 2013 CPA Program Area (check all that apply): � Open Space x Historic Preservation � Community Housing x Recreation II: Applicant/Developer Information Contact Person and or/primary applicant: Wayne Feiden Property Owner (if applicable): City of Northampton Organization (if applicable): Northampton Office of Planning and Development In cooperation with the Northampton Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee Mailing Address: 210 Main Street, Room 11 Daytime phone #: 413-587-1265 Fax #: 413-587-1264 E-mail address & Website: wfeiden@northamptonma.gov www.northamptonma.gov/opd III: Budget Summary Total budget for project: $116,000 CPA funding request: $104,000 CPA request as percentage of total budget: 89% Applicant’s Signature: Date Submitted: February 8, 2012 1 Narrative: Funds are being sought to restore and rehabilitate the arch bridge that carries the Norwottuck/Mass Central Rail Trail over Beaver Brook. A 2006 bridge inspection report (attached) recommended several repairs to the bridge, including significant mortar replacement and repointing, wingwall stabilization, seepage correction, and bank stabilization. The report indicates that the bridge is structurally sound, but these retroactive repairs are necessary to maintain that stability, and prevent the need for even more costly rebuilding or ultimate demolition. Tropical Storm Irene, as well as other widespread and localized flooding over the past few years have underscored the need for rehabilitation of historic infrastructure. This rehabilitation work will help ensure that the arch bridge can be used for pedestrian and bicycle travel, while maintaining its historic character. CPA funds contributed to the purchase of the bridge and ROW. Project location Please see attached locus map for exact location. What Community Preservation criteria – both general and program-area specific – does this project meet? The project meets several general CPC criteria: Serves more than one CPA program area Serves both recreation and historic preservation. Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents Northampton is renowned for its multi-use trails. The path over the arch bridge is simple cinder trail, and already sees a great deal of use from joggers, dog-walkers, and bicyclists. Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive plan and/or the Northampton Open Space and Recreation Plan 2005-2010, Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan 2011-2017 or is consistent with other city-wide planning efforts that have received broad-based scrutiny and input and can demonstrate wide community support Development of multi-use paths for public access is one if the main goals of the Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan (the bridge is on the cover). The north section of the Norwottuck/Mass Central trail is a simple cinder trailand addresses the need to expand Northampton’s trail network to the north and provide additional access. The bridge is critical in providing both the current access to the cinder trail, and to future trap rock gravel access, as the trail is developed into the hilltowns. Saves resources that would otherwise be threatened 2 Without this needed rehabilitation, the bridge will become increasingly at risk. Tropical Storm Irene caused devastation to historic bridges in Massachusetts and Vermont (possibly including the state Norwottuck Rail Trail across the Connecticut River, which is still being evaluated at this point). Fatal damage, caused by a catastrophic event or by slow decay, is inevitable at some point if the repairs are not completed. Rehabilitation costs rise dramatically as damage and deferred maintenance take their toll on bridge structures. Beaver Brook flooding, ice expansion, and past damage to the top of the structure from tree roots have already damaged the bridge, and will continue to worsen each year if not addressed. Places high value on sustainable, ecologically responsible, energy-conserving structures, locations, and materials; demonstrates that the project minimizes the ecological footprint Reuse of an existing bridge to provide safe alternative travel is an excellent example of this criteria. Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments The project is proposed by the Office of Planning and Development, and has the support of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee. Additional support letters will be provided as they are received. Leverages additional public and/or private funds, or demonstrates that other funding sources are not readily available or sufficient Rehabilitation for pedestrian bridges is not readily available, as demonstrated by the Leeds Hotel Bridge CPA application. OPD commits to donation of all the staff time needed to oversee the project. While dedicated repair funds are not available, The Planning Department has sought funding and donations as opportunities arise for other projects and work relating to the bridge. In 2010, shortly after the City took ownership of the bridge, Smith ‐ Vocational removed trees on the bridge that were damaging the structure, at an inkind value of approximately $10,000 (based on the cost of having this work privately done and related project management expenses). We will continue this level of effort and are going to cut down additional trees and woody material that are threatening the structure. We have also identified funds to plant grass to stabilize the soil near the bridge. The City has also applied for a Recreational Trails Program grant to upgrade the surface of the trail to the Williamsburg line to traprock gravel, and repair rutting and erosion. Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget The project can be completed within one year of funding. The project also meets the historic preservation criteria and recreation criteria: 3 Protect, preserve, enhance, restore and/or rehabilitate properties, features or resources of historical significance The project will rehabilitate the historic bridge in a manner consistent with its historic character, including appropriate mortar and stonework. Include a focus on the historical function of a property or site The bridge was constructed as a train crossing, and its use as part of a trail corridor is consistent with this function. Demonstrate eligibility for a local, State or National Historic Register listing, and support of the local Historic Commission The Commission expressed initial support for the project in the summer, and will be formally presented the application in September. Provide assurance of the ability to maintain the historic resource over the long term. The bridge was extremely well built and originally capable of withstanding heavy trains. Simple on-going maintenance, which the City can commit to, is sufficient to maintain the bridge once this initial extensive rehabilitation is made. The problems stem from the fact that from the 1960s, when freight declined, and especially from the 1970s, when the railroad was no longer used, until 2010, there was absolutely no maintenance on the structure. Last summer the city, immediately upon taking ownership of the structure, with Smith Vocational School assistance, removed all of the trees that were growing on and through the bridge. Making up for fifty years of neglect, however, requires a significant investment. Once completed, on-going maintenance will be adequate for many years to come. Include the granting of a permanent historic preservation restriction or other preservation guarantee The bridge is already permanently protected as open space by virtue of Article 97 of the Amendments to the State Constitution. The city is in the process of negotiating a conservation restriction (probably with the Kestrel Land Trust or possibly with Leeds Civic) which will guarantee permanent protection of the property AND the bridge. Support multiple active and passive recreation uses The bridge serves multiple uses, including bicycling, walking, jogging, horseback riding. Serve a significant number of residents Although not yet finished with its final surface, the trail already sees considerable use. The bridge’s integral role in the trail to Williamsburg provides connections to Look Park and the downtown area. 4 Expand the range of recreational opportunities available to Northampton residents of all ages The bridge is a critical part of the extension of the rail trail that will eventually go to Haydenville (probably to the extension of River Road once it enters Haydenville) and eventually all the way to Albany as part of the MassCentral branch of the Bay State Greenway. Enhance the appreciation of the natural world and its conservation The bridge provides excellent views of Beaver Brook and the Mill River, to which direct access is somewhat limited. Contribute to the positive health status of its citizens The bridge and the trail system to which it is part encourages healthy living and increases the rate of walking, jogging, and bicycling of Northampton residents. Benefit conservation and recreation initiatives The bridge, although part of the Norwottuck/Mass Central Rail Trail is also a key element in the Mill River Greenway and provides key access to residents using the rail trail and those accessing the river. Maximize the utility of land already owned by Northampton (e.g. school property) The property is already owned by Northampton, through its Conservation Commission, but access to some of the Mill River Greenway is threatened if the bridge is no longer safe to cross Promote the creative use of former railway, waterways and other corridors, including connecting corridors, to create safe and healthful non-motorized transportation and exercise opportunities What specific guarantees will assure the long-term preservation of the project? The city has committed to maintaining the bridge if the 50 year backlog of capital investment is completed. We have already done the first step, cutting all trees on the bridge, and will inspect yearly and do on-going work as part of our work plan. What community support does the project have? Explain the nature and level of the support. City Council voted to acquire the property by eminent domain because it is so critical to the rail trail’s future. (The City later acquired all interests in the property in friendly agreements with both Massachusetts Electric and the Roman Catholic Bishop.) The citizen Conservation Commission, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, and Transportation and Parking Commission, as well as Leeds Civic and its citizen members, have fought for the entire rail trail project, including the bridge. Preservation of the bridge was part of the City’s open space, recreation, and multiuse trail plan, which was discussed in great detail at over a dozen 5 public meetings and three formal public hearings last year, with huge community support. How will the success of this project be measured? The success of the project will be indicated by a historically appropriate rehabilitation of the bridge. Is ongoing maintenance and upkeep required? If yes, please explain how this will be accomplished. The city will inspect the bridge annually and perform on-going maintenance as necessary. The most critical part of the maintenance, which was neglected for 50 years, is preventing woody vegetation from growing through the bridge. This will be done yearly. Project Budget: A subcontractor will be selected to complete work on the project, with oversight and project management by OPD staff. There are unfortunately no good sources of grants or other funds for this work. OPD Oversight, securing $8,000 donated necessary permits Cash match $4,000 donated Bridge Rehabilitation $104,000 CPA funds Specialist Total Cost: $116,000 Project Timeline: Consultant selection can be started as soon as CPA funds are awarded, and repairs to the bridge begun as soon as a contract is signed. Feasibility: List and explain all further actions or steps that will be required for completion of the project, such as environmental assessments, zoning or other permits and approvals, agreement on terms of any required conservation, affordability or historic preservation agreements, subordination agreements, and any known or potential barriers or impediments to project implementation. The project is below MEPA and zoning thresholds. The only permit it will require is a wetlands permit, which will be easy to obtain since the footprint of the bridge is not changing, and the only requirement is to ensure construction methods do not impact the resource area. The only other approval is the Conservation Restriction, which is already in the works and will be complete within the 2012 calendar year. Design 6 itself will be done by an engineer qualified in historic preservation, possibly with peer review from Mass Historic. Attachments: Bridge Inspection Report Photos Map Letters of Support will be provided as received 7 EAST CENTER ST