Northampton State Hospital (village hill) history circa 1975 by students authors unknownA- Zrt
During the year 1973 it became known that the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts was seeking to divest itself of some 500 acres
of the Northampton State Hospital. In the course of the year
officials of the city of Northampton expressed interest in ac-
quiring the surplus land for public use. A number of city
agencies proposed specific plans for use of the land.
Mayor Sean Dunphy deferred consideration of these plans
until after the arrival of Northampton's new city planner in
the summer. The planner, York) Phillips, was faced with a mas-.
sive task in establishing a professional planning office literally.,,
from scratch, and many concerns were much more immediate than
considering plans for the surplus land.
In the fall of 1,973 Mr. Phillips talked with a group of
college students about simultaneously performing a service for
the community and furthering their own education by working on
the state hospital land project. The five students J
Hampshire College and''Smith College were enrolled in a land use
problems course at Hampshire which required involvement of
students in community land use issues. The invitation from
planner Phillips was a remarkable opportunity and the students
gratefully accepted. The committee of students was placed under
the supervision of assistant planner Richard Allardice. Both
Mr. Allardice and Mr. Phillips spent long hours working with
the students and were very patient and helpful.
The committee of would-be planners began by acquainting
page 2
themselves with the governmental structure of Northampton,
reviewing the submitted proposals of the various agencies and
in'becoming familiar with the land.
The committee branched. out in several ,directions. Sarah
Meeker and Rick Davis from Hampshire made extensive surveys of
physical and living features of the surplus land, John O'Malley,
also from Hampshire, concerned himself primarily with putting.
the surplus land in the context of the rest of Northampton and
studying the interaction of the two. Erik Axelson (Hampshire)
was concerned with the ecology of the site and also with devel-
oping specific proposals for the land, 4t* Susan Oates from
Smith, in addition to her extensive economic, historical and
cultural research, served as liason with the planner's office,
for the committee of students,
The committee also met with several of the interested
agencies, including the Recreation Commission, the Conservation
Commission, and the steward of the state hospital, The committee
communicated with the Public., Works Department, the Schools Com-
mittee, and agricultural groups. All of the contaczea partiies
were cooperative and most helpful,
By December. 1973 the committee completed a preliminary
report which was orally presented to a meeting of interested
representatives of city agencies. The following written report
incorporates the comments of the meeting's participants and
amplifies the committee's data and recommendations.
{
page 3 '
,The Northampton State Hospital surplus property is an
approximately 500 acre tract which is bordered by the Mill River
on"the north and the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary on the south.
Two roads cross it, Burts Pit Road and Grove Street. Other
man made features on the land consist of power lines, trails,
buildings, tombstones, old cement foundations and fences. For
the most part the land remains in its natural state, untouched
except by farmers.
The contours of the -tract are accentuated by a long and
narrow drumlin which stretches through approximately the center
of the land. The drumlin, which was probably left in the wake
of the last glacier 1C`000 years ago, is relatively flat on top
and is 300 feet above sea level. The y.ad drops off quite qucikly
down to the Mill River floodplain, continually-re-emphasizing the
basic shape of the drumlin. To the south the contours are less
exaggerated and the land slopes gently down to 150 feet above
sea level.
The importance of contours and slope lie in their direct re-
lationship,to surface runoff and erosion. If a piece of land on
a slope is leveled or paved~,;the possibility of erosion and flooding
is much greater. On the surplus land there is a good amount of
slope, which suggests that no development,(buildings and parking
lots) should take place.
The clma.te, according to agricultural ,yearbooks, is moist
and cool. Snowfall rgnges from 9 to 47 inches per year. The
snow, which melts, drains and runs off, in the spring, leaves the
ground very wet and threatens erosion. ~Y climate and its effects
page
are directly related to the contours, soil, vegetation and
wildlife. Taking into conside.ration.the potentially heavy s-ow-
fall and numerous poorly drained soils on the Northampton State
Hcospital surplus land, the climate indicates that, with the
exception of fairly level areas with well drained soils, the
tract should not be devloped.
The surplus land is composed of 12 different types of soil:
Gloucester, Ridgebury, Hinckley, Merrimac, Podunk, Sudbury,
Rumney, Woodbridge, Paxton, Hartland, Belgrade, and Raynham.
Detailed soil descriptions are shown in the soil key and models.
Generally speaking, however, the soil types share a gravelly,
loamy sand surface and a subsoil of either hardpan or layers of
sand.and gravel. Some of the soils are conducive to farming and
some to wetland.wildlife sites, but, again., almost none invite
development.
The seasonal high water table on the tract varies from
moderately deep to quite shallow, depending on the exact location
and season. The Mill River flows roughly north-south into the
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. On the tract itself is the Rocky
Hill basin, which was until recently a pond. A very small stream
connects the basin to the Arcadia marsh, and, if wet, the basin
would drain directly into the marsh. The soil type in the basin
has a very slight limitation towards wetland wildlife, and the
direct link with Arcadia suggests that reconverting Rocky Hill
basin into,a wetland wildlife area might be a positive factor
for Arcadia and.for the surplus land. The benefit.ifor the
surplus property would lie in having; a wetland wildlife site,
which would attract different vegetation and wildlife, and help
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to produce a more diverse habitat overall.
The vegetation on the land is fairly diverse. Along the
Mill River are s. mixture of maple, hemlock, white birch and
beech trees. Along the southern end of the land grow maple and
birch trees and much scrub brush. On the southern half of the
drumlin is a red pine forest. Large portions orf the center of the
property are areas which have been tilled or used as pasture
land. On the tract are also two fields which were abandoned
approximately 20 j6ears ago. Vegetation in, itself does not
dictate a function. As it exists now, it is varied and provides
for a number of different habitats, which is a factor worth
preserving for optimum use of the land.
The surplus land is not the home of many animals. Most of
the wildlife is in the form of birds, squirrels, and stray dogs.
he apparent M1pauci tyof wildlife suggests that more and different
environments might be created toattract more and different .-a. ima!-ts .
Historical and Cultural Background
Many aspects of the state hospital surplus property
have value only.in the human mind. The landscape P,haracter or
the way people perceive the.land is one area of assessment of
the value of the land.
This particular piece of property has much value in terms
of its landscape character. The lznd has much diversity, including
the winding river, floodplain, rolling inclines, meadows, forested
page
areas, farmed land, a drumlin, and potential wetland areas.'
The combination of all these types of landscape a very har-
monious; rural environment. The dominant feature of the land is
the drumlin, which offers a beautiful and dramatic view. The
undeveloped .s!~.-t•e of the land can be seen as t;.e major factor
fot the impressipn of natural beauty perceived on the property.
Among the socio-cultural interests of the Northampton
State Hospital surplus property - the elements that have value
due to our intellectual curiosity, psychological makeup and
personal sense of what is good for society - one outstanding
feature is the value of -the land as a potential.educational
resource. The land's variety of vegetation and wildlife pos-
sibilities lend themselves to the community for study, either
through informally organized use by the Northampton schools,
the 5-college community)or through the creation of nature trails
as an educational resource for the entire community. In
addition, some of the acreage lends itself to farming and could
be included in the agricultural-educational program of the
school. system. This value is increased by the location of
this potential undeveloped resource near the more densely
populated section of the city.
Until 1867 the approximately 500 acres of surplus land
was forested. In 1867 the state hospital purchased the land and
used it for agriculture, as a part of the patient therapy
program. This program 'is no longer in effect, although some
of the land continues to be farmed under lease by local farmers.
page 7
One historical highlight of the property is the location of
two graves of Civil War veterans who were patients at the
hospital.
The property has value in terms of spiritual usefulness.
One of the highly held.pastimes of urban life is the opportunity
to get away and commune with nature. This leads to the consider-
ation of this land as a resoursge with social-welfare potential.
The recreational possibilities, including both passive and active
recreation activities, have increased value at the present when.
transportation to recreation areas is restricted by the avail-
ability of fuel. Public use alternatives such as garden plots
for the citizenry also add value to the property in terms of
sociA welfare. Passive recreation uses (trails, etc.) would be
an asset not only to the citizens of Northampton) but would also
be therapeutically beneficial to the patients of the state hos-
pital. The beauty of
asset in a city which
areas in the Central
area in an.undevloped
preserve the cultural
natural state.
this land in its undeveloped state is an
already is striving to reclaim blighted
3usiness District. Preservation of this
state for future generation S5 acts to
value of appreciation for land in its
Economic Considerations
The surplus land is currently held by the.Department of
Public Health of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hence the
page 8
city receives no tax income from the property. If the land was
sold to a private individual~or_ firm the tax base of the city
would be expanded. Tax benefits accrued by the city would
depend upon the use of the land. The character of the land in-
dicates limitations on development capabilities. Northampton's
Comprehensive Plan Summary) rendered by Metcalf and Eddy Associates
indicates two land use alternatives for the city. One is a major
growth plan which indicates suburban residential. development
for the area. The second alternative is a controlled growth
plan which for.sees more rural residential development. The city's
recent land use decisions as well as economic and population trends)
tend to make controlled growth more likely.
The surplus land could be transferred from the Commonwealth
tip.?
to the city'at no chargeea -''increase the capital holdings of
the city.without diminishing its tax base. Should the.land be
transferred to city ownership )a net increase in cost would result
from additional maintenance.
The analysis in terms of cost benefits for municipal economic
gain in the disposal of this property by the state hoppital
must take into consideration the opportunity costs, or the costs
of benefits foregone in choosing whether//to acquire this
property.
'page 9
417
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contacted through research have expressed a fondness for this
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land in terms of vistas and passive recreation uses.
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} Various city agencies have been contacted in the attempt
to develop a design proposal for the property. Their inputs
have been incorporated in a design which will be dubmitted by the
Planning Department to the ,~,~ommonwealth HealthyCommisslon5r 1which has expressed its interest in nondevelopment public uses.
Public Inputs
Attitudes and public opinion regarding the atatus of
the surplus land have not been formally measured,-This could be
done through a survey, ar at a public hearing. Many people1
page 10
Design Criteria
Several general design criteria guided the committee in
the deliberations which produced our proposals. Perhaps the
foremost of these is the idea that nature and the land - its
features and interaction - are the best determinants of land
use. This view.is most eloquently expressed. by Ian McHarg,
America's leading landscape architect.
The ecological view (McHarg writes) requires that
we look upon the ikorld, listen and learn. The place,
creatures and men were, have been, are now and in
the process of becoming. We and they are here now,
co-tenants of the phenomenal world, united in its
origins and destiny.
we wish to find discrete aspects of natural processes
that carry their own values and prohibitions:.: it-is
these that should provide the pattern, not only of
metropolitan open space, but also the positive pattern
of development.
Later on we shall see that there are consistencies
in land morphology, soils, stream patterns, plant
association:, wildlife habitats, and even land use,
and that these can well be examined through the concept
of the physiograph.ic region... It is enough for the
moment to insist that nature performs work for man -
in many cases this is best done in a natural.condition -
further that certain areas are intrinsically suitable
for certain uses while others are less so. We can begin
with this simple proposition.'
We.believe, with McHarg, that nature tells us what it is
best suited to d.o. We have only to get to know the land, to
interpret it, to determine the land use options open to us.
Then only the limits of.our imaginations and our culture stand
in the way.of creating a harmoniaus and ful,2111i_ng environment.
Another major criterion of the committee might be called
the conservation bias. This is simply our observation that
land which is developed is a resource depleted. Once a piece
page 7.1
of land is developed the future options for that land are fore-
closed.
However, if we withstand the demand to quickly devlop,a
piece of lid s{~gw it remains a resource to be tapped in the fu-
ture. We may stil=l_ develop it in the future, but we will have
many more options open to us at that time.
This concept is illustrated by considering a river valley.
In its natural state the swift water is ideal for canoeing.
With a demand for electrical power there is pressure to dam up
the river to generate electricity. But if the river is dammed
and a resevoir fills the valley no one will ever be able to
canoe on that stretch of river. However, if the dam is not built
I
immediately, people can continue to canoe, and. there is no reason
why the darn might not be built in the future if the demand is
great enough. The conservation bias,seeks to avoid any irrevocable
commitment of the land unless it is absolutely necessary.
Our recommendations for the surplus property generally fol-
low-from our general Criteria. The whole theme of our proposals
is of cautious lowkey development in response to perceived needs.
These needs are to be persistently reevaluated. We believe the
state hospital surplus property is a major resource of the city
and that as it is nurtured and enhanced through the years it will
come:to be even more precious.
For each of our major proposals we have tried to evaluate
the impact of that proposal's implementation on the land and the
community at large. Generally we have condidered impacts in
two time frames: immediately, that of implementation; and long
term, that of use in the future.
PROPOSED LAND USES
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page 12
Proposed Development and Impacts
. The" need for active recreation facilities in Northampton
is readily apparent. To help alleviate this need the Northamp-
ton Recreation Commission proposes the development of a multiple
purpose recreation complex on part of the surplus land presently
leased from the Commonwealth.
The present physical features of the 15 acres in question
do not preclude such development. The slope ranges from 4 9
overall. The predominant Woodbridge soil series has moderate
building capacity and high surface runoff.
As planned, the development will involves some grading of the
site into terraced fields and courts. Erosion may result unless
grading is carefully executed..
Another serious impact of the recreation. facility will re-
sult in its use. It appears that most of the access to the site
will be by automobile from all parts of Northampton. This will
increase traffic on Burts Pit Road, the only auto access to the
site. Burts Pit Road also bisects the surplus land as a whole,
therefore, what happens on the road is important to the land.
Before proceeding with development the Recreation Commission
II :
should estimate,the traffic flows generated by various activities.
If the flow is too great and negatively affects the rest of the
land the most traffic intensive facilities might be located else-
where.
Parking for the volumes of cars will also be important. We
page 1.3
recommend off road parking for the recreation complex across
Burts Pit Road in a former barnyard and pasture area. Lots should
allow for maximum water percolation and grass overspill areas
should be designated and a crosswalk to the complex marked. The
Recreation Commission also might explore use of the barns or
adjacent buildings for administration of the complex.
Pedestrian traffic from other parts of the surplus land should
be guided around wildlife refuges.
We believe that affirmative action by the Recreation Com-
mission in di.scoizraging automobile traffic by users of the facil-
ities is desirable.
Each year the amount of undeveloped land has diminished..
Not only is this bad news for human beings, but it is especially
disastrous.for animals. That is why keeping the surplus land
largely undeveloped is so important.
We propose the creation of a specific wildlife sanctuary
in the northern corner of the surplus property. The focal point
for this refuge.might be. the present north basin, the site of a
filled pond. The poor drainage of the prevalent Rumney series
soil suggests the creation of a wetland environment. A wetland
refuge will redress the balance somewhat, replacing dredged and
filled estuary land.in the area, and will promote a diversification
of wildlife and habitats.
A wetland in this sector will not appreciably harm the
existing environment. A gradual alteration in this particular
habitat will take place, with new animals replacing the ones
that seek other environments. Vbgetationin the area suggested for
wetland is consistent with the new environment.
page, 14-
The success of any wildlife aanctua.r. y depends on its not
being excessively disturbed by man. The north basin is fairly
remote from contemplated activities on -the rest of -the land.
However, e.are must be given to mimizin.g encreachment from the
proposed footbridge (see below). Traffic from the footbridge
to the athletic fields and other areas Fought to be routed south
of the refuge along existing trails.
The effect of a wetland in this area on water behavior ought
to be scrutinized. Specific considerations should be given
to the water table and water flow in the Mill River.
Provisions for observation areas for human visitors should
be developed by the land's administrators-to mimimize human
impact on the refuge. The refuge's value for education is ap-
parent, and should be utilized.
Another site for a possible wildlife refuge is the land im-
mediately surrounding Rocky Hill basin. At one time in the past
a dam at Rcoky Hill Road created a pond. Now the creek flows
through the overgrown outline of the pond.
The major significance of this area is t~-,at Rocky Hill
Creek flows into the ~ rcadia Wildlife Sanctuary of the Massachu-
setts Audubon Society. Therefore, what happens above Arcadia is
very important to the environment of the sanctuary.
A number of options are available for the Rocky Hill Creek
area. The.preference of Arcadia's administrators should be ,
the overriding criterion.
One is,to dam the creek up for a pond, which could be stocked
with fish. This may have an affect on the creek's flow of water
page 15
and of sediments and nutrients.
Another option would be to create a wetland area. This, too,
may affect the stream 's flow, and in addition may be a breeding
place for mosquitoes. Another alternative might be to leave the
creek untouched:and declare the area a sanctuary in which human
encroachment would be regulted.
No.matter which option is accepted, the Rocky Hill basim must
be considered as it relates to Arcadia. In view of this, the Con-
servation Commission might explore acquiring easements or actual
rights of way along Rocky Hill Creek betten the surplus land and
Arcadia. This would link -the. two sanctuaries and protect the in-
tegrity of,the valley and Arcadia.
One of the problems associated with the surplus land is -t
of access to the site. At present, the major access would be
along Prince Street and Burts Pit Road or via Glement Street.
The present situation is one where several mile of auto traffic
is necessary to reach the site from populated areas of Northampton.
We propose the construction of a footbridge over the Mill
River as one means of encouraging pedestrian access to the site
and discouraging unnecessary automobile traffic. We feel there
is a need to link the residential area of Northampton between the
Riverside Drive area'and Smith College with the proposed park.
The case for a footbridge is self evident. People would
be able to,use the park and not have to use automobiles.
There.are any mumber of possible locations for such a bridge
along the more -than 6,800 feet of the Mill River embracing the
surplus land. However, the committee recommends one site - at
page 16
the bend of the river between Federal and Vernon Streets - for
a number of important reasons.
First, a bridge a this location would link the few acres of
the surplus property across the river with the rest of the land.
Second, since the city would control the land on both sides
of the river problems of rights-of-way for the bridge would
not be encountered. This is not the case with other sites.
Third, the,physical features at this location are favorable.
Some parts of this area are free of substantial vegetation, so
that no extensive clearing operations would be necessary. The
slope is not extreme, and the width of the river at this point,
approximately 60 feet, is not excessive. In addition, the west
bank is served by a path giving access to the other parts of the
surplus land, .
We can discern no negative impact on the'land of a properly
constructed footbrigge. There is, however., a possible impact
of such a bridge in the future. This relates to volume and
channeling of pedestrian traffic from the bridge.
Excessive numbers of people spewing onto the land from the
bridge could seriously damage the amenity of the surplus land.
Specifically, traffic form the bridge must not be allowed to
overrun the proposed northern basin wildlife sanctuary.
Another traffic impact may be felt at the opposite side of
the river in the Federal Street area. In deference to the residents
of t,is area the committee recommends that a survey be taken to
determine whether these resi.ddnts will accept and use a bridge
here. We also recommend that responsible agencies of the city
explain the bridge's need and use to the residnets to avoid any
misunderatanding,
l
page 17
+~-t'h ~.e• V :Il l11~~- U ~ ei~~ ~.W.w r.7"Q~;..~ ~ s•rt~~ i',r rlyr 'g h.. .rexb ...l -,t ~.\.~J+'Y~ralov+K3.ng
as.~,,.mu.ch...cS;i:.:.the .,.~Q.tnm~~n~.,.t}~a,,,~as, :T?o,s.~,.i~b.l,e., ,i:.n,~~~;-1~.~~< p:3:an~ming.,,<.,arrd" ~ b~rzi~l•d~ng
Perhaps students of the high school or vocation
school would undertake designing the bridge as a project, with
professional supervision. The city might also utilize the skills
of some of ;fits citizens in constructing the bridge. (Not only
would a bridge across the Mill River be built, but bridges among
the people would be builv-, too. u For the rest of the surplus land Ithe committee recommends a
low level incremental development in response to the needs of,the
community. The state hospital land is a resource to be cherished
by the people of Northampton. One of the reasons the committee
opposes any large scale permanent development is that once an area
is developed in such a way it is irrevocably altered. However,
if development i.s carefully considered, and not just the product
of mometary demand, the land is available in the future, options
are open. ,
Since.the following actions are in the nature of preserving
this resource the committee recommends that they be carried out
by the Northampton Conservation Commission unless otherwise noted.
Much of the cleared land on t~e tract is presently fanned`,
by the state hoppi_tal) or by lease to neighboring farmers. The
committee believes that agriculture is a vital and fast dis-
appearing aspect of American life.
In the years since WW II farms have been abandoned or over-
run by developers at an alarming rate. Many reasons.,ane._respon-
si_ble for this condition, and we cannot expect to turn the tide
page 18
by isolated actions here in Hampshire County. But we do believe
it is dangerous to allow the farming hinterland of cities, lake
Northampton) to wither away) and have the cities dependent on food
grown hundreds or thousands of miles away.
,.f
Some specific actions may help tos`amelior_ate the plight of
agriculture in Northampton. One is to allow the Smith Vocational
School, which trains young farmers, the use of approximately 20
acres which they requested last year. This would be in the north-
wesl;~corner of the land, beyond the proposed recreation complex.
The committee believes that training future farmers is very
important to the welfare of the community. We propose the Smith
School use the land for cultivation under a renewable lease-as
a part of the conservation commission's mandate to protect open
space.
Another major agriculture resource area is the floodplain
area between Burts Pit Road and the Mill River. At present corn
and other crops are grown on this enriched soil. We propose a x
number of options to utilize this as an agricultural area.
One would be to lease the land to neighboring farmers.
Another would be to lease part of the land to residnets of
Northampton for personal gardentAg. Programs like this are in
successful operation in. many places throughout the United States.
With the increasing cost of food such a program should find wide
acceptance. We urge a pilot program be tried this spring.
The committee recommends that development of the rest of the
surplus land proceed slowly in response to perceived needs of the
community.. Quite apart from financial limitaions such a policy)
is sensible.
page 19'
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There- presently exists- a network of roads and trails= which
could be opened to the public with a minimum of supervision. This
would Dermit walking, animal watching and pi.cnicing in the summer,
and snixsshoeing and skiing in the winter.
. We propose the following general timetable of incremental
development of the surplus land:
I~~,'MEDIATE
1) Open trails and erect directional signs
2)pr.ovide for parking area off Burts Pit Road between
the state Hospital. and the drumlin
(J)i egin evaluation and/or renovation of buildings for
possible use
NEAR FUTURE
1) Construct footbridge
2) Establish picnic groves
3) establish wildlife refuges
4) Establish administrative HQ and hire workers
5) Develop gardens
6) Develop focal points and entrances
7) Establish new trails -to link areas
8) Develop linkage with the state hospital
MORE DISTANT FUTURE
1) Riding stables and trails
2) other permanent structures
3) Educational centers
4) Further parking
page 20 u
External Impacts
One cannot consider the surplus land in. a vacuum. Devel-
opmentj beyond the boundaries of thk land have a very real
impact on the land. Some of the most significant external impacts
have to do with future housing -pat-terns, schools, road improvements,
and the possible closing of the state hospital. Nearly all of
these specific considerations are related to the quality for
i
growth in and around Norjttamptono
Northampton's present planning document, the Master Plan
drafted by Metcalf and Eddy in 1971) sees two alternatives facing
Northampton. One is the spectre of uncontrolled growtho-off e
sprawl. The othe.r,xwhitkxYanx ,option is one of controlled growth.
The Master Plan assumes that the city can dictate and shape much
of the development by decisions, laws,and the like. The policy
of the city at present appears to favor fhe controlled growth
plan.
Under the controlled growth plan the area west of the surplus
land would be developed as low density res.1.dential property. This
would place some additional burden on -the surplus property, in fj
increased traffic on Burts Pit Road),and on increased visitors to
the land. We can expect that a selling point for housing near the
surplus land will be its` pr. oximi.ty.
The need for schools in.Northampton is partly related to future
growth. even without substantial growth, Northampton is in
need of,modp`rn classroom space. The Master Plan suggests two pos-
sible school sites on the surplus property, one on Burts Pit Road
and another on Chapel Street. Each of these alternatives would
page 21
have an appreciable impact on the surplus land, primarilk in
the form of increased traffic volumes.;,_ ocation of the schools
near the vast` educationalresources of~ the° surplus property "
\~wuld be a plus for the students.
There-is talk of "improving" some of the'roads near the
surplus land. In our research we have found that road improve-
ments seldom relievescongestion, and that improvements are
senb.~ only for correcting safety hazards. Probably the
prime candidate,for improvement would be the sharp ,irve
around the drumlin on Burts Pit Road. The committee emphatically
opposes tampering with the genral line of this section of the
raad or cutting into the drumlin. The intense scale and series
of vistas created by the curve and hill here is worthy of
preservation. In addition, it causes motorists to slow down
„ driving,across the property.
Some consideration of the prospects of any kind of growth,
le-t---a-l-ane uncontrolled or controlled growth, is called for.
The committee seriously doubts that with the present economic and
energy climate of the United States and this area as it is that
any substantial growth will occur in Northampton. The shortage
of mortgage money, constructive policy from Washington) and energy
all are.-constraints on growth. We believe that the energy shortage,
which will persist for decades, will tend to alter basic patterns
of life in the United States and Northampton. These alterations
tend to make some of the assumptions dff,tthe Netcllf and Eddy report.
obsolete, and suggest the need for a new planning document and
assumptions in the future.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ...•.oo.o0 1
II. Land Inventory 3
III. Historical and Cultural Background .o....... .5
IV. Economic Considerations 7
V. Public Inputs 8
VI.- Design Criteria •....o...0 10
VII. Proposed Development and Impacts 12
VIII. External Impacts 20
MAPS AND TABLES
1. Vegetation map ..•..o«,,. following page 3
2. Soil Series map o following page 4
and chart
3-
30 Proposed land uses map following page 11
i