BBC Support Letter
Broad Brook Coalition
P.O. Box 60566, Florence, MA 01062
413-585-0405
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Zimmermann, President
David Herships, Vice President
Alan Marvelli, Treasurer
Margaret Russell, Secretary
Brigid Glackin
David Pritchard
David Ruderman
Staunton Williams, Jr
Richard Wynne
February 16,2016
Community Preservation Committee
c/o Office of Planning and Sustainability
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Committee Members,
On behalf of the Broad Brook Coalition, I would like to offer strong support for the
Conservation Commission's request for replenishment of the Conservation Fund.
Over the past several years, the Conservation Fund has proven to be a very effective
instrument for protecting open space in Northampton, including both conservation agricultural
lands. In particular, the Fund permits a rapid response to unanticipated opportunities for the
acquisition and preservation of land which becomes available on a short timeline. Having funds
on hand to pay for small but critical properties, appraisls or conservation/agricultural
restrictions, is an enormous asset when quick action is required and extended fund-raising
efforts are impractiable.
With respect to the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, which Broad Brook Coalition manages
on behalf of the Conservation Commission, the Conservation Fund has been of great
importance for the consolidation of land under our stewardship. For example, it recently
enabled the purchase of two parcels formerly owned by the Gleason family that filled
significant gaps on the western and eastern flanks of the FLCA
There can be no question that the Conservation Fund comprises a vital tool for funding the
permanent protection of environmentally sensitive land in Northampton.
Yours sincerely,
Robert A. Zimmermann
President
Broad Brook Coalition
An organization of volunteers partnering with city government in the stewardship of the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area