Freemole LetterCarolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
proposed development of 36 Hampden Street
1 message
Mariah Freemole <mariahdfree@gmail.com>Thu, Jul 9, 2020 at 4:49 PM
To: cmisch@northamptonma.gov
Mariah Freemole
32 Hampden Street
Northampton, MA 01060
July 9, 2020
Carolyn Misch, Senior Land Use Planner and Permits Manager
Northampton Planning & Sustainability
City Hall
210 Main St., Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Ms. Misch and Members of the Planning Board,
I write you all today, the day of the scheduled hearing regarding the development of 36 Hampden Street, with the appeal to each of you to please deny the permit for said
development. I also write you as a resident at 32 Hampden Street, the property directly abutting the proposed site of development, and, subsequently, as one who directly
experiences the unique characteristics of this land and who is sincerely concerned with the ramifications inherent in its further development.
As expressed by a number of my neighbors, I, too, feel that the special features of this particular property make it untenable for the addition of three two-unit dwellings. My
concerns include:
36 Hampden borders vegetated wetlands
The steep slope behind existing units on the land, contributing to potential issues with water drainage and infiltration
No room for snow removal (I have seen issues with this already when just the existing two units were occupied)
“Overflow” parking on narrow streets
significant alteration to the quality of living on Hampden St.
While I understand the need for finding solutions to make housing more available without the effect of “urban sprawl”, I also think that each proposal considered in the spirit of
“infill and density” needs to be considered distinctly, or, for its own particular conditions. For example, developments in areas where there is not such a delicate ecosystem at risk,
or an outstanding balance of dwelling units and open space, require a different approach than that of the development of an area that already has ample space for parking. My
hope and request to each of you is that you keep this in mind as you make your decision regarding my concerns listed above, and, specifically, the people and land surrounding 36
Hampden Street.
The other day I was outside when one of the members of the Planning Committee was visiting the site. I was pleased to see that this was happening and briefly chatted with this
committee member. My overarching message to him and, now, to each of you, was this: during the last four months of sheltering in place due to the novel Coronavirus, I have
been the fortunate witness to “another world” that so often goes unnoticed during our usual, busy lives. Living alone during this pandemic, I have moments of vivid loneliness
that are regularly assuaged by the ready view from my east-facing bedroom of the wetlands and forests and their myriad inhabitants, including: bald eagles, great blue herons,
black bears (with cubs!), foxes, deer and, at night, the most spectacular and awe-inspiring array of fireflies against the backdrop of tall and protective trees. Should the new six
units be allowed to be built at 36 Hampden Street, it would sit squarely obstructing this very view, not to mention its inevitable, and perhaps long-lasting, alteration of and impact
on the land. This is what is at stake: the peace that comes to a human by way of reconnecting with nature on a daily basis (something so rare in today’s world), as well as the risk
of altering the long-standing and long-loved atmosphere of such neighborhoods as the one in which Hampden Street resides and which characterize Northampton.
For all of the above reasons, I ask that the members of the Planning Board deny this permit to develop on this particular parcel of land.
Thank you for your careful consideration of this sensitive matter and thank you for your service.
Sincerely,
Mariah Freemole