Conservation Area Signage Small Grant.pdf 1
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
COMBINED SMALL GRANT
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION FORM Project Title: Conservation Area Identification Signage Upgrades Project location, including address and parcel number: Conservation and recreational parcels owned by the Northampton Conservation Commission Project Sponsor/Organization: Northampton Conservation Commission and Office of Planning & Sustainability Contact Name: Wayne Feiden, Director of Planning and Sustainability Property Owner, if applicable: City of Northampton c/o its Conservation Commission Mailing Address: 210 Main Street, Room 11, Northampton MA 01060 Daytime phone #: 413-587-1265 Fax #: 413-587-1264 E-mail address: wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
CPA Program Area (check those that apply): X Open Space Historic Preservation Community Housing Recreation Project Purpose (check those that apply) : Preservation X Rehabilitation/Restoration
Applicant’s Signature:
Date Submitted: January 24, 2019 For CPC Use Eligible: _____ Not Eligible: _____ Date: __________ Reviewer: ____________________ Appropriate for Small Grant Process_____ Referred to Traditional Funding Round______
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Total Project Budget (not to exceed $6,000.00): $6,000 CPA Funding Request (not to exceed $3,000.00): $3,000 Funding from other sources: $2,500 labor match, $500 materials match for partner logo materials to be installed in signs List any in-kind donations of labor or materials: The Office of Planning and Sustainability commits to providing $3,000 in-kind match for creation and installation of signage. CPA Request as % of Total Budget: 50% Budget Summary: Please specify how CPA funds will be spent. Itemize all projected expenditures. If budget is based on a quote, please attach it. List any additional funding sources or donations of in-kind service. These funds must be secured at the time of application, as evidenced by a signed commitment letter referencing the content of the application, and including any restriction on the use of funds. Estimated budget: CPA Funds: Local lumber, paint and materials $3000 Matching funds: The Office of Planning and Sustainability commits stafftime to oversee the project, rout and paint the sign letters, create partner logos, and install all signs. We We see a significant cost savings by completing all of this work in-house. 1) Please provide a brief description of the project. Each new acquisition budget includes a line-item for whatever signage is necessary to identify the property, parking areas and trails, and give credit to grant programs (including CPA, thank you!), conservation restriction holders, and other partners,. These signs all adhere to the same standard and design; identify the broad area or greenway, if applicable, the individual area name, and are made of local long-lasting black locust. Partner logos are made of metal, and stay in place for years without fading. We now have five years of acquisition signs that meet these standards, and expect them to last for many years to come. There are several thousand acres of open spaces that were acquired prior to our new sign standards. Some of these have pressure-treated signs that are in poor condition, signs that do not identify the most user-friendly access points, and many more where no signage exists at all. We have been working to play catch-up to replace damaged and
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rotting signs and install new signage where none exists, but do not have the resources to purchase enough materials for all conservation areas. These identification signs are different from the interpretive signage for which CPA funds were recently provided. Interpretive signage will vary by area, and will feature a large interpretive panel that includes some of the most interesting features and history of an area. Those signs will be placed at several carefully selected areas to tell a story and enhance user experience. The identification signs are intended to do just that – let everyone know that an area is permanently protected and available for public access. These signs are often taken for granted, but are still critical. 2) What Community Preservation criteria – both general and program-area specific – does this project meet? General Criteria: The Conservation Area Signage Project meets several of the CPC general evaluation criteria: Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive plan, Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan or is consistent with other city-wide planning efforts that have received broad-based scrutiny and input and can demonstrate wide community support Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments The application is supported by the Conservation and Commission. Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents The project also meets many of the criteria for both Open Space and Recreation: Open Space and Recreation Criteria: Supports passive and recreational opportunities by providing information about areas and encouraging further exploration Serves many residents and visitors Is accessible to all ages and abilities Enhances appreciation of existing conservation areas Contributes to public health by encouraging walking and hiking Maximizes utility of city owned land Promotes a creative use of connecting corridors 3) What community need(s) does this project serve? If the project serves multiple needs and populations, please describe them. If the project serves a population that is currently underserved, please describe.
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The project will help to increase public awareness of some of our most overlooked conservation areas. 4) What specific guarantees will assure the long-term preservation of the project? All properties are already permanently protected, and the signage proposed should help to increase use and stewardship of those areas. The Office of Planning and Sustainability commits to necessary maintenance for the life of the signs. We have good experience with all the new signs installed to-date, and they hold up well in the elements. 5) What community support does the project have? Explain the nature and level of the support. The project is supported by the Conservation Commission, and the Office of Planning and Sustainability. 6) How will the success of this project be measured? Success of the project will be measured by installation of signs. 7) Is ongoing maintenance and upkeep required? If yes, please explain how this will be accomplished. Any maintenance and/or repair of damage will be conducted by Office of Planning and Sustainability staff as-needed. 8) Explain the various steps of the project and when they will be completed We are ready to begin as soon as funding is secure, and hope to have all signs designed and installed in 2019. 9) Provide any additional information you think would be useful in considering your project. Identification signage is a small up-front investment that will have a large return in the future.
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Example of new signage