Loading...
MassCentral and New Haven and Northampton Enhancements Acquisition application 3.18.1997EASTHAMPTON, NORTHAMPTON AND WILLIAMSBURG RAIL TRAIL ISTEA ENHANCEMENTS APPLICATION RIGHT -OF -WAY ACQUISITION FOR MANHAN AND NORWOTTUCK RAIL TRAIL EXTENSIONS Submitted by the Northampton Office of Planning and Development on behalf of Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg March 1 S, 1997 City of Northampton, Massachusetts Office of Planning and Development City Hall • 210 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950 FAX (413) 586 -3726 * Conservation Commission * Historical Commission * Housing Partnership * Parking Commission * Planning Board * Zoning Board of Appeals March 26, 1997 Enhancement Program Committee Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 26 Central Street West Springfield, MA 01089 Enhancements Steering Committee Bureau of Transportation Planning and Development 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 -3969 RE: Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg rail trail Enhancements Application Dear Committee Members: Attached is our Enhancement application for funding to continue our efforts to build a seamless rail trail network as an integral part of our intermodal transportation system. This project will allow us to purchase 6.9 miles of rail trail right-of-way in Fiscal Year 1998. With this purchase, we expect to construct the 9.8 mile Norwottuck & Manhan Rail Trail network in 1999. This network will link the existing Northampton Bike Path and the Norwottuck Rail Trail with downtown Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg. It will allow thousands of area residents to travel from their homes to employment and retail centers and allow thousands more to travel on a twenty -mile regional rail trail network. Northampton, Williamsburg and Easthampton are all committed to providing the local match for the project and for maintaining the facilities when it is complete. Residents, businesses, recreational users, commuters, civic groups, government officials in all three communities are supportive of the project and hope it will soon be underway. Please contact Wayne Feiden, Principal Planner, if you have any questions. Sincerely, Pe elopeJKi, Directo r Wayne Feiden, AICP Office of ing and Development Principal Planner ORIGINAL PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Enhancement Program Steering Committee Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 26 Central Street West Springfield, MA 01089 Enhancements Steering Committee Bureau of Transportation Planning and Development Executive Office of Transportation and Construction 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 -3969 RE: Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg rail trails Enhancements Application Dear Steering Committee Members: I would like to lend my strong support for the joint Easthampton - Northampton - Williamsburg enhancements application. This project will create a rail trail network connecting our three communities together and with the DEM Norwottuck Rail Trail. I am very excited about this project. This linkage is especially valuable because it is a joint effort by our three communities to link our respective downtowns. This proj ect will convert an existing, and growing, series of recreation paths into a continuous rail -trail network. The city and our neighboring communities are committed to the project, to meeting our local match, and to maintaining the completed project. I urge your support for this application so that we can complete right -of -way acquisition during FFY 1998 and can construct the trail in 1999. Sincerely, �nj�If \ /n /fI Mayor Mary L. Ford 9 � 9 CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS CITY HALL 210 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 ❑ OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (413) 586 -6950 FAX: (413) 586 -3726 Mary L. fiord Mayor March 26, 1997 Enhancement Program Steering Committee Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 26 Central Street West Springfield, MA 01089 Enhancements Steering Committee Bureau of Transportation Planning and Development Executive Office of Transportation and Construction 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 -3969 RE: Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg rail trails Enhancements Application Dear Steering Committee Members: I would like to lend my strong support for the joint Easthampton - Northampton - Williamsburg enhancements application. This project will create a rail trail network connecting our three communities together and with the DEM Norwottuck Rail Trail. I am very excited about this project. This linkage is especially valuable because it is a joint effort by our three communities to link our respective downtowns. This proj ect will convert an existing, and growing, series of recreation paths into a continuous rail -trail network. The city and our neighboring communities are committed to the project, to meeting our local match, and to maintaining the completed project. I urge your support for this application so that we can complete right -of -way acquisition during FFY 1998 and can construct the trail in 1999. Sincerely, �nj�If \ /n /fI Mayor Mary L. Ford 9 � 9 TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM A. PRESCREENING APPLICATION This sheet is a checklist that an applicant must submit with each project. An applicant can submit this form to the Enhancement Steering Committee in the early stages of project development to assure that a project is eligible and should continue in the process. PROJECT NAME: Norwottuck & Manhan Rail Trails (purchase of Rights �of --Way) PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Northampton, Office of Planning & Development in cooperation with trie Towns o East ampton an Northampton) L Does the project fit the program? A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO HgTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM X Function A rail trail is a functional component Proximity Impact Briefly explain direct relationship to transportation system. (How does the project activity enhance the transportation system.) B. IS THE PROJECT OVER AND ABOVE A TYPICAL PROJECT? X Please explain_ Rail trail is new enhancement to our transportation system. C. WHICH CATEGORY OR CATEGORIES DOES THE PROTECT FULFILL • Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Scenic & Historic Acquisitions Scenic or Historic I-Eghway programs Landscaping & Scenic Beautification Historic preservation Rehabilitation & Operation of Historic Transportation Facilities • Rail Trail Acquisition & DeveIopment Control & Removal of Outdoor Advertising Archaeological Planning & Research Mitigation of pollution due to highway runoff 42 Y � 2. Is the project consistent (or not inconsistent) with federal, state, regional, or local land use and regional transportation plans, goals and policies? yes X no describe the plans Describe the plans used in evaluating consistency. Northampton Open Space & Recreation Plan Pioneer Valley Regional Transportation Plan 3. Is the project financially viable? yes X no Explain why. Project design is currently underway. Proposed enhancement is for purchase of an easement or fee -- interest in rail corridor at fair market price (or below). We are committed to funding this project. 4. Is the project well - defined, well- justified, and ready to go in the year proposed? yes X no Describe evidence supporting this statement. We have already signed contracts for all the design. The purchase.of the trail corridor or easement is the second step towards developing' the rail trail. With our preliminary plans showing exactly where the -rail trail: will be complete and our discussions with the landowners on-- going, we are ready to purchase the right -of -way; 5. For archeology and historic preservation ,projects, is the project in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation? yes X no not applicable If applicable, describe evidence to support this conclusion. This is part of our contract with our consultants. 43 B. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION 1. Project Location and Description: Project Title: Norwottuck & Manhan Rail Trails Right -of -Way Acquisition Project size: 9.8 miles, with 6.9 miles of Right -of --Way Acquisition > = . Project Location: (Include Streets, County and Municipalities) KT-- [ T,f..-l...- n__'I m.......1- A r.__it - - -i-- 17 ---'-' and Williamsburg, Hampshire County A location map should be included as attachment A_ Enhancement Cate o Primary Enhancement Category: _ Rail -Trail Acquisition and Development Please check any other Enhancement Categories that are applicable to the project: x Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities x Scenic and Historic Acquisitions Scenic and Historic Highways Landscaping _ FEstoric Preservation Restoration & Operation of Historic Transportation Facilities x Rail -Trail Acquisition and Development Billboard Control and Development Archaeological Activities Highway Runoff Mitigation 44 Project Type: _ ConstructionAnstallation Design/Engineering Planning/Study X Acquisitions Other Pro ect Descri tion: Provide a concise statement that summarizes the project. More expansive text should be included in the forma! proposal. Project is the purchase of 6.9 miles of right-of-way for a planned rail - -trail network. Final design for the rail trails will be complete by the end of 1997 and we expect to build the trails in 1999, after right -of -way acquisition is complete. Benefits: Briefly state how the project supports the eligible enhancement category and fulfills the goals of both ISTEA and the needs of the Commonwealth. This summary should be complemented by additional text. This project will allow us to acquire all the remaining rail - trail right- of- way.necessary to link Easthampton, Northampton, and Williamsburg together with the existing Northampton Rail - trail and the DEM Norwottuck Rail Trail. 45 2 3 Project Construction/Im cementation Schedule Basic Design Complete by December 1997 acquisition Begin Construction/Implementation Right- of- way4to begin January 1998 and be completed y DecemSer 1998. Estimate completion date of project Construction to be completedby December 1999. Financial Data Please refer to Section ILE for information concerning funding calculations Federal dollars requested (80 %) State dollars requested (20 %) Total Enhancement Request Applicant match (10% minimum) Total Project cost Project cost breakdown Planning and design Land acquisition Utility Relocation Construction/Implementation 4. Background Information $ 588,000 $ 147,000 S 735,000 $ 73,500 (in -kind and project contingency) $ 808,500 $ complete $ 735,000 $ $ 73,500_ -in -kind services and project contingency) Applicant (Group, Agency, etc.) Name and Address. Office of Planning & Development City Hall, 210 Main Street. Northampton, MA 01060 Contact person/Title Wayne Feiden, AICP, Principal Planner Telephone number Fax Number (413) 586 -3728 _ 46- Who will own and maintain the completed project? the Towns of Easthampton, and Williamsburg and the City of Northampton. Is a maintenancelendowment agreement in place for the project? No If so, please attach. Each town will be responsible for maintenance of the project within their municipal boundaries. S. Regional Data To be completed by the RPA. Priority number of the project Total number of projects submitted Total number of projects received % of total budget request that the project represents 47 a. Wetlands Will bordering vegetated wetlands, salt marsh or tidelands be dredged, filled, removed or altered by the project? No Yes Will any work take place in a water body (pond, lake, canal, ` river, ocean)? No 1 Yes Will any woric take place within 100 feet of a wetland or water body? f No t Yes Will any work take place within a 100 year floodplain? No Qf Yes Will drainage patterns be altered as a result of this project? `71r . ± N i Yes Is any portion of the site subject to a Wetlands Restriction Order _pursuant to G.L. c. 131, s 40A or c. 130, s 105? No f Yes b. Is the project within estimated habitat which is indicated on the most recent Estimated Habitat Map of State - Listed Rare Wetlands Wildlife published by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program? No Yes If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, review by the local Conservation Commission is required to complete this application. Has the local Conservation Commission reviewed this project? No f Yes Has the Conservation Commission issued a Determination of Applicability or Order of Conditions for this project? ENo t Yes If yes, include a copy with application Water Quality Does the project involve stormwater management? No t Yes Wdl the project change drainage patterns or increase paved or impervious surfaces? t No es Does the project involve dredging? 6D f Yes If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection may be necessary. c_ Historic and Archaeological Resources Will the project affect a designated Scenic Road or land adjacent to a Scenic Road? f No ± Yes A:%10N0V1NH.PJ'r 50 14 f. FA Will the project involve work on or near a historic property or impact any cultural historic or archaeological resource? f No Yes Section 4(f) Lands Does the project include work within a publicly owned park- No Yes or recreation area? Hazardous Materials Sites Has the project site previously been used for use, generation, transportation, storage, release, or disposal of potentially hazardous materials? " ' No AXLS Is the project site listed or adjacent to a site listed on the most current List of Confirmed Disposal Sites and Locations to be Investigated? Teo y Yes Endangered Species Does the project occur in an area where these are federally listed endangered or threatened species or critical habitat? - No y Yes Have the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program made a determination in this regard? t o Yes Coastal Zone Is the project within the Massachusetts Coastal Zone? t Yes If so, is the project consistent with the Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Plan (MCZM)? f No :L Yes Has CZM made a determination of concurrence? t No f Yes w;%mNOVENRRff 51 ENHANCEMENT PROJECT EASTHAMPTON, NORTHAMPTON AND WILLIAMSBURG ACQUISITION OF RAIL TRAIL RIGHTS -OF -WAY Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg are cooperating in a joint effort to build a 9.8 -mile rail trail network linking our three communities together and with the DEM Norwottuck Rail Trail. Our consultants have almost completed the 25% design stage for this project and will complete all surveying, plans, specifications and estimates by the end of 1997. This project will allow us to purchase the remaining 6.9 miles of rights -of -way necessary for this rail trail network in FY 1998. We expect to build the rail trail network in 1999. Transportation Enhancements Steering Committee has already determined that the project is eligible for enhancements funding (March 13, 1997 letter from Daniel Beagan, Director, BTP &D to PVPC). The entire rail trail network that this project makes possible will extend from Ferry Street in Easthampton through downtown Northampton, linking to the Norwottuck Rail Trail and the Northampton Bike Path, and extending into downtown Williamsburg. With this project, we will complete our purchases of all the rights -of -way necessary for the project. We will purchase rights -of -way in two areas (see also Right -of -Way Status table): 1. 3.4 miles from Ferry Street in Easthampton to New South Street in downtown Northampton (see Manhan Rail Trail Locus Map); and 2. 3.5 miles from Arch Street in Northampton to Kellogg Road, Williamsburg and from the Mill River in Williamsburg to Williamsburg Center (see Norwottuck and Williamsburg Rail Trail Locus Map). In addition to these 6.9 miles, through a combination of city parking lots, walkways and parks, highway rights -of -way, and secure funding, we already own or will own by the end of 1997 an additional 2.9 miles of rights -of -way. This will allow us to construct our 9.8 mile rail trail network in 1999. The existing 2.4 Northampton Bike Path will be part of the rail trail network. With the new rail trail, we will have a 12.6 -mile rail trail network linking our three communities. This network will link with the existing 11 mile Norwottuck Rail Trail in Northampton and the planned 7 mile Manhan Rail Trail extension in Easthampton. The project will consist of appraisal, purchase and closing on 6.9 miles of rail trail necessary to complete a rail trail network linking Easthampton, Northampton and Williamsburg together and with the DEM Norwottuck Rail Trail. We will undertake all steps necessary to secure a Massachusetts Highway Department Right -of -Way certificate. By the end of Summer, 1997, our consultants will complete recordable casement/right-of-way plans and 75% design plans showing the exact rail trail alignment. This project consists entirely of resolving the right-of-way issues for our planned rail trail network. Most of the right -of -way is owned by the Massachusetts Electric Company; which is willing to sell rights -of -way for a rail trail. We are working with Mass. Electric on our design and right -of -way plans and expect to agree on an exact alignment by the end of this summer. There is a small section of right -of -way in Williamsburg Center owned by Williamsburg businesses. Most of these businesses have already indicated their willingness to sell or bargain sell the right -of -way. We are also working with these businesses on our plans and also expect agreement on exact alignment by the end of this summer. The remaining right-of-way is owned by the city or is part of the highway layout. All parties have already agreed to allow the rail trail in these areas. Project Significance This project is critical to regional and statewide efforts to transform rail trails and bike paths from isolated recreation paths into networks that are an integrated part of our intermodal transportation system. The project will link five urban centers, the existing Norwottuck and Northampton Rail Trails and a two proposed rail trails (Easthampton's Manhan and Connecticut River Walk link). It will also provide additional opportunities for future expansion to the west and north. Quality of Proposed Project This project will provide one of the highest quality rail trails in the Commonwealth. It will link urban centers with dramatic river crossings, rural and scenic areas. It will provide access to housing, jobs and shopping. It will provide easy opportunities to cross over roads and rivers. It will also allow the opportunity for a relatively inexpensive rail trail, considering the amount of roads and rivers that exist in any urban area. Multiple Categories /Sponsors As testimony to the regional support and approach to our transportation system, this project is sponsored jointly by three municipalities. As we are currently doing for the design phase of this project, Northampton will serve as project manager, working closely with the legislative bodes and rail trail/bike path committees in all three communities. In addition to acquisition of a rail trail corridor, this project will also provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and preserve a scenic and historical route. Because most of the route can be traveled today by pedestrians and mountain bicycles, this project will immediately open up new transportation routes well before construction begins. The route includes two dramatic historical arch bridges and two dramatic historical river crossing. Implements goals of regional and statewide plans This project is consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan, the Massachusetts Statewide Bicycle Plan, and the Pioneer Valley Region Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. It will link our three communities together, connect to the DEM Norwottuck Rail Trail, and provide opportunities to connect to planned rail trails to New Haven Connecticut and the Connecticut River Walk. Community Support There is strong community support for this project in all three communities. Raising the local matches for the design phase and land acquisition phases of this project has been easy, and each communities has a rail trail/bike path committee with a cross - section of community. Accessibility The rail trail corridor goes through the urban center of all three communities and has a grade of less than five percent. These conditions make it easy to provide an accessible trail. In addition, granite abutments exist at every stream crossing and the corridor is elevated above surrounding wetlands, making it easy to avoid wetland impacts. Project need- One Time Opportunity This project has been proceeding in stages to avoid a premature commitment of state and federal funds. Our communities have been planning for this rail trail network for over a decade. We have already obtained design funds and begun the final design, which will be complete by the end of 1997. We already obtained funds for downtown Northampton rights -of -way acquisition last year and will complete this acquisition by February 1998. We are ready to proceed on acquisition of the remaining rights-of-way, which we expect to complete by the end of 1998. We hope to build the entire rail trail network in 1999. The landowner is willing to sell rights-of-way and the community strongly supports the project and is committed to providing our local match. We are concerned that these conditions might change if the project does not move forward. Degree to which project will enhance surface transportation system The project goes through the urban heart of our three communities. The vast majority of the population in all three communities lives within a five minute bicycle ride of the proposed rail trail, providing unique opportunities for both recreation and transportation. With access so close to so many homes, non - motorized modes of transportation will become far more convenient. In addition, with so many users able to access a rail trail near their homes there will be a smaller percentage of recreational users who must drive to a trail head parking lot to use the trail. This project will convert area rail trails from isolated recreation paths into a rail trail network that is an integral part of our surface transportation system. Bridge Road to Arch Street Norwottuck TRAIL SECTION TRAIL COMMUNITY LANDOWNER(S) DISTANCE COST TO BUY Ferry St. to Northampton line Manhan Easthampton Mass. Electric 1.0 miles $100,000 Easthampton line to New South St. Manhan Northampton Mass. Electric 2.4 miles $240,000 Arch Street to Williamsburg line Norwottuck Northampton Mass. Electric 1.5 miles $150,000 Northampton line to Kellogg Road Williamsburg Williamsburg Mass. Electric 1.5 miles $150,000 Williamsburg Center Williamsburg Williamsburg Private 0.5 miles $ 50,000 EASTHAMPTON SUBTOTAL Manhan Easthampton 1.0 miles $100,000 NORTHAMPTON SUBTOTAL Manhan & Norwottuck Northampton 3.9 miles $390,000 WILLIAMSBURG Williamsburg Williamsburg 2.0 miles $200,000 Bridge Road to Arch Street Norwottuck Northampton Northampton (Look Park) 0.9 miles $ 0 New South St. to Boston & Manhan & Northampton Northampton 1.4 miles $ 0 Maine RR and to State St, Norwottuck parking lots & 1997 closing Route 9 right -of -way Williamsburg Williamsburg Mass. DPW and 0.6 miles $ 0 Williamburg PRO TF,C'T 1,TNKAGES PURCHASE PRICE TRAIL SECTION TRAIL COMMUNITY DISTANCE Southampton line Manhan Easthampton 9.6 miles to Ferry Street (new trail) $ 3,000 $ 7,900 Boston & Maine Norwottuck Northampton, 11 ± miles RR to (existing) Hadley, WILLIAMSBURG Belchertown $14,000 Amherst, 1 $231,400 1 $ 4,006 $17,400 Belchertown $ 0 sFTATTIP11 rncT F.RTTMATF COMMUNITY PURCHASE PRICE APPRAISAL & CLOSING CONTINGENCY TOTAL CASH COST LOCAL IN -KIND MATCH LOCAL CASH MATCH EASTHAMPTON $100,000 $ 9,000 $ 7,900 $116,900 $ 3,000 $ 7,900 NORTHAMPTON $390,000 $221000 $20,200 $432,200 $21,000 $20,200 WILLIAMSBURG $200,000 $14,000 1 $17,400 1 $231,400 1 $ 4,006 $17,400 M.TATT.F,TI C ORT SNARE With the completion of this project, the last remaining phase of our rail trail network is construction. Our current construction estimate is five million dollars. We will have much more detailed estimates by the end of 1997 when our plans, specifications and estimates are complete. (C: 4WFftleslWPfrlesWailtrailsl]998 ENHANCEMENT GRANT March 27, 1997) FEDERAL SHARE STATE SHARE TOTAL LOCAL CASH LOCAL TOTAL (80 %) (20 %) ENHANCEMENT MATCH IN -KIND ROW purchase $588,000 $147,000 $735,000 $ 0 $ 0 $735,000 Appraisal & Closing Coordinate project, $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 17,000 $ 17,000 negotiate ROW Project financing, $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 11,000 $ 11,000 administrative costs Project contingencies $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 45,500 $ 0 $ 45,500 TOTAL $588, ©00; $141,000 $_735,000 $ 45;600 $.28,000 $808;5 00 With the completion of this project, the last remaining phase of our rail trail network is construction. Our current construction estimate is five million dollars. We will have much more detailed estimates by the end of 1997 when our plans, specifications and estimates are complete. (C: 4WFftleslWPfrlesWailtrailsl]998 ENHANCEMENT GRANT March 27, 1997) °: r of • � i.t� ,'� ; ,, '`1�f;ti f ` [vl /�1"� Fes, Jb ° ►_ \' - - . ' ��l•° 4 `� �. ry yip . f ��'I S t, , {II'a,�f,! ~� xN itrfir ii� Y;G��' � Sgt{ t A�" 1 %'+ i,� ":� a�•' .�' " rv+c:, - -'q t�IT,r - rr,6,rlr Y4 +Fi l' "r :! ZZ now Yr ��v�•�a"`. -. 9�� Kam, �_ ,... ��� : 7�= n,'3 ; +� }. pry '�,l N -. s � � \� � �,�� _ � s � '�` �w �• +rte' � - y�,�4,�. ,�a��"r� � + -!ya.� Ia,��c� �µ, f�� I.�Ir.! A � /R ��!�y.�r �jyryy,y� �,��� J����Y. ��_.}�'ttN�•�� F'��iJr, v � �"1✓i" ,( :�;•'�. `�.,• �..• may ..r ,� �+ ' ,95r. • .:.+ii:rr_'a.;• r � lS +JT P� y- ��i � •. � � TEL Y 1 ff_r� "�'•'VI �.t- - •��""4r7 � �'}�d�" ,,.k a4. , ..lam_ ::• Win° � ��-' �' s` 1k�• Fs�Y!�RttK t nIrk- P4% .•G'3 Mt� tr .L ' � K ti t, , {II'a,�f,! ~� xN itrfir ii� Y;G��' � Sgt{ t A�" 1 %'+ i,� ":� a�•' .�' " rv+c:, - -'q t�IT,r - rr,6,rlr Y4 +Fi l' "r :! ZZ now Yr ��v�•�a"`. -. 9�� Kam, �_ ,... ��� : 7�= n,'3 ; +� }. pry '�,l N -. s � � \� � �,�� _ � s � '�` �w �• +rte' � - y�,�4,�. ,�a��"r� � + -!ya.� Ia,��c� �µ, f�� I.�Ir.! A � /R ��!�y.�r �jyryy,y� �,��� J����Y. ��_.}�'ttN�•�� F'��iJr, v � �"1✓i" ,( :�;•'�. `�.,• �..• may ..r ,� �+ ' ,95r. • .:.+ii:rr_'a.;• r � lS +JT P� y- ��i � •. � � TEL Y 1 ff_r� "�'•'VI �.t- - •��""4r7 � �'}�d�" ,,.k a4. , ..lam_ ::• Win° � ��-' �' s` 1k�• Fs�Y!�RttK t nIrk- P4% & i: 1�t PY ItAN Ar to op & i: 1�t PY ItAN Ar Ar yyyy kAN "• 3 •I r it iO fe .4? L x e t j h 'rP P a Atq • A �,jd �ja k�j.f; �5 � i'� g �Pi�r'IE�� 1��4(�•� 1 � ��i +i� (aE },. r � y � E i �P 5 •_ � .�' t� !�yJ. � ti �: tr'' ➢ �� a }} '1 , Ps, L ira' �'k !iii a 1 '!�� P: " k N A Sw lo P�47 r• s: • 'Yr'n �r4�xi; .3 � �'.4fe. = A 'aa •,e i - '!!E(�AI tai .. r ,ta - ` ' ii�:?�r•� ad .:,���++aja{g�9` �, 0 \1� r�rir pp�� ;1� 4P `A �'•, s a 5 , �, � � : �` � '� + �; � fir, � •, 5, 1 t. l ! c >r = A 'aa •,e i - '!!E(�AI tai .. r ,ta - ` ' ii�:?�r•� ad .:,���++aja{g�9` �, 0 \1� r�rir pp�� ;1� 4P `A �'•, s a 5 , �, � � : �` � '� + �; � fir, � •, 5, t. l ! c C 4` a Y '1 3' yyt *1�y 1.Y 1'�f . -'� �.,r.�1e •: ' 'ai' ,� »f c +.a.rarl- 40� IV ., I`� 1�R L + i' lid �r i -(•7 _ 0%1 t • .- �� ;'t �' ` € •.�1 t � �• 1 �SI �- - � y�.�1 .lr.f •,= 1� +, e�. . \S, #'='4 ka' , -. . s� � M �:w'• '°• .-t ,�d t { ;.� , Iy� r � � -•�r, .- �y534i� ''� 5 •.� ,�.1 � w Trr'r�'kr •" �ya, -''Y ,ti Y. wY`Y.: ► -�'". :i ►Y` '"7A}�K ♦.. ny P �. # 5� 11 y1 �[. +x * ; �alt� lire r 5 y t� .: sr•� *� "'e�+ r -. r'- 7 �eR ,� j - � b � � 'rr.t�'F �:. r'1i L 4 • w,.n ' a _ " ,� - . ,* ` ' � a. t• le 11 l■ nil flu•.,t I -`� t �f do A t SIN wk I UP INV Ile R�"Me +�"�,a"�r,�.- ��`4+^. vas •t�� '. �,�r�� ,,,,,,� �;�r , ate}.'- Y �i '��'. �' � ��_�'� v',� „tgP•Ar e� tiY i� J weft � i P. 5 P % y -1 .%w T4E Vlanunanfuealt4 Vf 'Masser 'c4usetts TOWN OF WILLIAMSBURG TOWN OFFICES 141 Main Street Haydenv!He, MA xmgw= 268 -8400 Telephone and FAX March 4, 1997 Mr. Wayne Feiden Principal Planner Office of Planning and Development 210 Main Street City Hall Northampton, MA 01060 Dear Wayne, P.O, Box 7m 447 Giarrastx�t��lx Haydenville, MA 01039 --0447 The Williamsburg Board of Selectmen at its March 3 meeting unanimously voted to authorize the City of Northampton, acting as its agent: to apply for a property acquisition grant for the jointly planned bike path. The Board views this as another important step in moving ahead in the process of bringing a desirable public utility into our town. Although we had a discussion on Friday regarding our calling McDonough & Scully for a timetable involving delivery of the engineering plan, I would ask that you share with us your current thinking of the scheduling for the entire bikepath process. Given the complexitites of the Town Meeting procedure, among other things, we could certainly use your guidance on the steps that need to be taken over the next year to bring this project to fruition. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely, Frederick K. Goodhue, Chairman Board of Selectmen cc: Eileen Stewart �rtv 21� March 26, 1997 TOWN OF EASTHAMPTON Mayor Michael A. Tautznik 43 Main Street, Easthampton, MA 01027 413 -529 -1470 Fax 413 -529 -1488 Enhancements Review Committee Pioneer 'Valley Planning Commission 26 Central Street West Springfield, MA 01089 Dear Review Committee: As Chief Executive Officer of the Town of Easthampton, I am writing to support the joint enhancements application, presented by Easthampton and the City of Northampton. The acquisition of land or an easement from the Massachusetts Electric Company is a critical final step before the construction of the Manhan Rail Trail. The Manhan Rail Trail, an important regional facility that will link other trails such as the Connecticut Riverwalk, the Northampton Bike Trail, and the Norwottuck Rail Trail, will provide opportunities for improved transportation, better air quality, recreation and economic development. The successful development of this trail will also be beneficial in Easthampton's efforts to revitalize our downtown business district. Please support this final pre - construction piece. In this way, the Manhan Rail Trail will soon be in use. inc el , I 1�- Michael A. Ta t, Mayor MAT:kc I 0, S City of Northampton, Massachusetts Office of Planning and Development City Hall • 210 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 • (413) 586 -6950 FAX (413) 586 -3726 • Conservation Commission • Historical Commission • Housing Partnership • Parking Commission • Planning Board • Zoning Board of Appeals March 27, 1997 Enhancement Program Steering Committee Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 26 Central Street West Springfield, MA 01089 Enhancements Steering Committee Bureau of Transportation; Planning and Development Executive Office of Transportation and Construction 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 021 f 6 -3969 Dear Steering Committee Members: The Northampton Planning Board strongly supports the joint Easthampton-Northampton- Williamsburg enhancements application to purchase the rail trail corridor for the Norwottuck and Manhan Rail Trails. This project is desperately needed to create a useable non- motorized transportation network. We recommended this project when we drafted our 1994 Open Space and Recreation Plan and our 1995 Downtown Plan. The Planning Board has also supported the rail trail planning process through our representative on the Northampton Rail Trail Committee. We are pleased to be working on this joint effort with our neighboring communities and to be a part of a regional effort to develop rail trails and rail trail linkages. Sincerely,- - 04tao'- � ak Andrew Crystal, Chair Northampton Planning Board ORIGINAL PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER