public comment 210/8/2020 City of Northampton Mail - Re: Oct 8 Hearing - 36 Hampden St.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=fec0f72d97&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1679914437431922866%7Cmsg-f%3A168001862248151…1/1
Sarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
Re: Oct 8 Hearing - 36 Hampden St.
1 message
Ruth von Goeler <ruthvongoeler@gmail.com>Thu, Oct 8, 2020 at 4:56 PM
To: slavalley@northamptonma.gov
Cc: Claudia Chierichini <claudia.chierichini@gmail.com>, Chris Nolan <cnolan1951@gmail.com>, Mariah Freemole
<mariahdfree@gmail.com>, Iain Stewart <griain@verizon.net>, Michele Spring-Moore <springbyker@yahoo.com>, Kate
Arata <katearata9@gmail.com>, Molly Reynolds <mollyrey7@gmail.com>
Dear Ms. Lavalley & the Conservation Committee:
My name is Ruth von Goeler and I live at 24 Hampden St and would like to add to the concerns of my neighbors
regarding the development at 36 Hampden St.
My concern is that this project with proposed new paved parking and a new paved driveway and 3 new housing units, will
result in increased water runoff, increased pollution, and will impact the fragile wildlife ecosystem just beyond. I assume
that the plans were drawn in accordance with regulations around 100 year flood plains and buffer zones, and would like
to ask whether these delineations take into consideration the rapidly changing nature of this boundary. In the 15 years
that we have lived here, we have seen increased water levels in the area just east of this property including full flooding in
the past few years. A combination of increased beaver activity and climate change have led to both a greater area being
flooded and more frequent flooding. As you know these wetlands provide a critical role in slowing down and filtering
runoff water. Has there been an assessment on how these delineations have changed just in the last decade?
My observations are also that there appear to be several vernal pools in this area, home to many frogs, turtles and
snakes that frequent my garden. A neighbor on Reed gets an annual visit from a mother snapping turtle who lays eggs in
their yard. Will these pools be adequately protected from newly increased runoff (with possible contaminants), snow
plowing, lack of greenway, etc? I'd be happy to document water levels after rain and snow events if that would be helpful.
Many thanks for your help in protecting the natural resources of our area.
Respectfully,
Ruth von Goeler
On Wed, Oct 7, 2020 at 1:20 PM Molly Reynolds <mollyrey7@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Ms. Lavalley and the Conservation Committee,
This is a brief note to let you know that most, if not all, of the abutting and near neighbors of the proposed development
at 36 Hampden St. have strong concerns about the negative impact that this would have on the wildlife that we enjoy
so much. Our family moved here in 2014 (4 Reed St., which is one house away from the proposed development), in
good part, because of the adjacent wooded area and we have enjoyed many observations of creatures, large and
small.
This property is too small and will create crowding and traffic issues for this quiet neighborhood.
We are hopeful that you will protect the environment from this negative impact.
Sincerely,
Molly Reynolds
10/8/2020 City of Northampton Mail - 36 Hampden St. Development
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=fec0f72d97&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1680014587235977471%7Cmsg-f%3A16800145872359…1/1
Sarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
36 Hampden St. Development
1 message
Christine <cnolan1951@gmail.com>Thu, Oct 8, 2020 at 3:52 PM
To: Sarah LaValley <slavalley@northamptonma.gov>
Cc: Christine Nolan <cnolan1951@gmail.com>
Oct.8, 2020
Dear Ms. LaValley and members of the Conservation Commission,
I am a close neighbor to the proposed development at 36 Hampden St.
I would like to echo the concerns expressed by other close neighbors to this project. You, according to the statement on
the website, are charged to be “the conscience of the city” regarding the protection of its natural resources; and that your
work is to "protect and enhance plant and wildlife habitat."
The small and sensitive property to be developed indeed provides a plant and wildlife habitat that is diminished by the
development plan. All of this building (digging, paving, covering up) that borders the wetland will undoubtedly
have a detrimental effect on the natural conditions that currently exist. I realize it is privately owned property, but the lack
of reverence for nature in the pursuit of financial gain is disheartening. Until the city changed zoning laws seven months
ago, this project would not have been allowed. With scant frontage, the cars that will take up residence along with the
dwelling units will be piled into an awkward and narrow area. This very peaceful patch of nature will be permanently
marred. Please protect the gateway to an important wildlife habitat.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Nolan
30 Hampden St.