CPC Support Letter_BBC-2016-09-20 September 20. 2016
Community Preservation Committee
c/o Office of Planning and Sustainability
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Committee Members,
Broad Brook Coalition (BBC) strongly supports the Conservation Commission's request for funds to purchase a 20-acre parcel (ID 007-02) that lies between the Beaver Brook/Broad Brook
Greenway and North Farms Road.
The parcel in question is heavily wooded and represents a valuable resource for wildlife. Moreover, it links the 100-acre Beaver Brook/Broad Brook area to a point on North Farms Road
that is in close proximty to the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area (FLCA). This section of North Farms Road serves as a conduit for the movement of wildlife, including deer, moose,
bears, bobcats and numerous small animals, between the FLCA and conservation land to the west. In addition, acquisition of this parcel would allow the opening of a hiking trail from
North Farms Road to the upland portion of the Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Greenway.
As an indication of its support, BBC has already pledged a significant financial contribution for this purchase. However, it is the position of the BBC Board of Directors that no hunting
be allowed on the parcel. The Board also believes that it would be desirable to establish a small off-road parking area at the North Farms Road entrance to avoid traffic problems.
It is clearly in the interest of the City and of its residents--both human and animal--to proceed with the purchase of this valuable and strategically located property.
Yours sincerely,
Robert A. Zimmermann
President
Broad Brook Coalition