Project Application
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
I: Project Information
Project Title: Rocky Hill Open Space ‘Connector’ Acquisition
Project Summary: The Conservation Commission requests funds for the purchase of
an open space parcel to add that will serve as the connector between Arcadia and
the Oxbow to the East, and the State Hospital open space to the northwest. Located
on Sylvester Road, this 48-acre parcel serves as both an important ecological
connection; with certified vernal pools and habitat, and connection for a future multi-
use trail, connecting Route 66 and points north and west with the Manhan Rail Trail.
It is currently on the market, and if not purchased by the City, will be developed into
several residential lots, and these opportunities lost.
Estimated start date: June, 2014 Estimated completion date: June, 2015
CPA Program Area (check all that apply):
Open Space storic Preservation
unity Housing Recreation
II: Applicant/Developer Information
Contact Person and or/primary applicant: Wayne Feiden
Property Owner (if applicable): Carol Hughes
Organization (if applicable): Northampton Conservation Commission and Office of
Planning and Sustainability
Mailing Address: 210 Main Street, Room 11
Daytime phone #: 413-587-1265 Fax #: 413-587-1264
E-mail address: wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
III: Budget Summary
Total budget for project: $525,000
CPA funding request: $200,000
CPA request as percentage of total budget: 35%
Applicant’s Signature:
Date Submitted: February 3, 2014_______________________
Open Space Acquisition 1
Narrative:
Project Location:Rocky Hill and Easthampton Road, Parcel IDs 37-049
The Conservation Commission is seeking CPA funds to purchase 48 acres with frontage
on both Route 66 and Route 10. This area sits on the diver between, and serves as an
ecological connection between the Meadows, the State Hospital open space, and the
Parsons Brook areas. It also contains an important opportunity for a new connection
for trail access between Route 66 and Route 10 and the Manhan Rail Trail. The parcel
includes several potential vernal pools, and is designated as priority habitat for rare and
endangered species. The purchase price, while higher on a per-acre cost than many
recent acquisitions, is based on a very recent appraisal. It includes an inholding of
Tennessee Gas Pipeline property, and an associated easement for access.
While the parcel is zoned Business Park (BP), it could not be developed as a stand-
alone business park project. Wetlands and steep slopes would make residential
development a more likely scenario. It is actively listed on the market, and trail and
habitat connection opportunities will be lost if it is not acquired by the City.
The project meets several Community Preservation general criteria:
The project is proposed as both open space and recreation.
Part of Northampton’s character is the amount and diverse types of open space
and recreation opportunities available throughout the City. This acquisition will
create a new opportunity for public access to an area where it is currently
limited.
The Open Space Plan contained recommendations to preserve the area
immediately adjacent to the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as to provide an
ecological and human connection in the Southern portion of the City. The Plan
noted that these areas while ‘seemingly disparate…are connected ecologically
and can be netter connected along waterways (for wildlife) and high points (for
human trails.)
The project will also address several of ‘the most pressing open space and
recreation needs’ identified in the Open Space Plan. These are:
Open Space Acquisition 2
Passive recreation opportunities throughout the city
Linkage and augmentation of open space parcels, to provide for passive
recreation and wildlife movement between large natural habitat areas.
Protection of vistas and “viewsheds.”
Acquisition for permanent protection of a range of critical and natural plant and
animal habitats, including:
Wetlands
Rare or endangered species habitat
Riparian lands along the Connecticut, Mill, and Manhan Rivers and other
rivers and major streams
Preservation of open space parcels that help define Northampton’s character,
including parcels at the “entrances” to the city and parcels that limit the
expansion of development into previously rural areas.
Protection of farmland, forestland, and the rural character of outlying areas.
Encouraging or requiring that development is sensitive to ecological resources,
vistas, and open space.
Protection of key parcels in the last remaining large undeveloped areas of town –
Broad Brook and Beaver Brook Watersheds, Marble Brook Watershed, Saw Mill
Hills, Mineral Hills, and the Meadows
The parcel is at-risk of development if it is not permanently protected. As the
economy and housing market recovers, the City is seeing more development in
outlying areas, on parcels for which constraints had been too costly in recent
years. Several recent single family homes have been constructed on hilltops with
very long driveways, and others have been permitted or are currently underway.
While these provide excellent views for homeowners, they also fragment wildlife
habitat, disturb viewsheds, and reduce opportunities for trail connections. This
parcel is likely to see this type of development, with as many as three house lots,
if not protected.
The application is presented by the Conservation Commission and Office of
Planning and Sustainability. This acquisition is the Commission’s top open space
priority at this point. Additional support letters will be provided as they are
received.
The total project cost is $565,000. Of this, $200,000 is being requested from
the CPA. The remainder will be funded from a combination of the state Local
Acquisition for Natural Diversity program, smaller foundation grants and private
contributions.
Open Space Acquisition 3
The project is still in the early stages of development, but we are confident that
we will be able to progress to a 2015 closing.
This project will make direct progress towards connecting the Ice Pond Trail Sour
with the Manhan Rail Trail at Route 10.
The Project also meets several of the Open Space and Recreation Evaluation
Criteria:
The area contains several potential vernal pools and wetlands, priority and
estimated habitat of rare and endangered species, and a connection between
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and protected land adjacent to the former State
Hospital.
The parcel is being proposed not only for protection of habitat, but also for a
multi-use trail connection on upland portions. Northampton’s long-term vision
for trail development includes connecting Route 66 and western portions of the
City with the Manhan Rail Trail and downtown. This area will provide an
opportunity for a key linkage.
This parcel provides a contiguous connection between Arcadia and the State
Hospital protected open space.
Community Need/Protections/Project Feasibility and Success
Open Space Acquisition 4
The project will protect sensitive ecological resources, land for passive recreation, and
invaluable historic landscapes. All of these resources are identified as priorities in the
Open Space and Recreation Plan.
A permanent conservation restriction will be placed on the property once acquired.
There is no cost associated with this; MassAudubon will hold the CR at no charge due
to the area’s proximity to Arcadia.
The project will require minimal maintenance by City staff, including inspection of signs.
Any trail development or more intensive maintenance will be done by volunteers.
Project Budget:
PROJECTED COSTS
Land Acquisition Cost $525,000
Soft Costs: Survey, baseline, title search, legal, etc $ 25,000
Permanent Land Stewardship Fund $ 10,000
Staff time: project management and oversight $ 5,000
TOTAL EXPENSES $565,000
SOURCES
LAND Grant $346,500
Northampton CPA request (acquisition and soft costs) $200,000
Donated staff time $ 5,000
Fundraising and Other Grants $ 13,500
TOTAL SOURCES $565,000
Project Timeline:
Soft Costs, grantwriting and fundraising: Fall 2013 to Spring 2014
Closing: Summer 2014
ATTACHMENTS:
Support Letters to be provided as received
Maps
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