January 20 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
January 20, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
January 20, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, Jack Finn, Julia Chevan, David Drake, David Whitehill,
Chris Hellman, Linda Morley, Toni Hochstadt, Debin Bruce Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Approval of Minutes
January 6, 2016
Debin moved to approve. Seconded by David D., the motion carried unanimously, with one
abstention. Chair’s Report
Brian stated that there was good press coverage of the update to the Community Preservation
Plan.
Public Comment Session on Draft 2016 Community Preservation Plan
Joanne Campbell, Valley CDC stated that she is a supporter of the CPC, and expressed concern
about the percentage of CPA funds spent on affordable housing. Knowing that many affordable
housing projects are large and expensive, and the CPA could choose to allocate more funds for
these types of projects, which would also allow them to be more competitive for other types of
funding. Debin stated that the CPC supports affordable housing, noting that nearly all housing requests
have been awarded funds. Housing requests are generally large, and asked if there are
possibilities for smaller developments. Joanne replied that small projects are challenging to
operate; Valley CDC generally looks at projects that are at least 30 units.
David D. stated that equality over the four eligible funding categories are hoped for over the long
run, and asked how the division is allocated in a case where a project is more than one category.
Sarah replied that the split is generally even if more than one category, and the Committee has
voted specific categories in some cases. Richard Wagner, Northampton Community Arts Trust, stated that the Trust is currently
renovating a space on Hawley Street for a place for creative work. The group had hoped to be able
to purchase Union Station, for which renovations would have been eligible for CPA fund as historic preservation, and asked how to start a discussion regarding use of CPA funds for cultural
infrastructure.
Debin stated that legislative action to change the CPA law would be required. Richard stated that some funds are available at the statewide level, but the great thing about CPA
is that funding is local.
Approve 2016 Community Preservation Plan
Committee members read through the Parks and Recreation Department. David W. noted that the suggestions for recreation needs both references possible metrics, and
notes that metrics are not always accurate. There was consensus that these made sense for
inclusion. The Committee reviewed changed to the administrative section discussed at the January 6
meeting.
David W. moved to approve the 2016 Community Preservation Plan. Seconded by Debin. Linda noted that it was suggested that the CPC should be open to additional affordable housing,
and asked for any thoughts about that. Debin replied that the Committee reacts favorably to nearly all housing applications presented, but that development of affordable housing is difficult. A suggestion for the future may be to allow less structured budgets at the CPA application stage,
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
January 20, 2016
since CPA funds are often some of the first to be committed to a project in early planning stages.
A second CPA application could also be possible. David suggested that it is important to treat all funding categories fairly.
Brian suggested beginning each funding round with an overview of the category spending. Julia noted that some types of outdoor arts, such as a sculpture park, would be allowable under
the CPA.
The motion carried unanimously. Q&A For Applicants
None Review Community Preservation Coalition Dues Invoice
David moved to approve the $4,350 invoice. Seconded by Debin.
Brian noted the large request. David suggested that the dues are an ethical issue; the Coalition
lobbies for additional funds from the states, which Northampton is then able to receive, and it
would not be fair to receive the funds without being a member.
The motion carried unanimously.
Eligibility Forms Submitted for 2016 Funding Round 1
Sarah read the 12 eligibility forms submitted, adding that several small project applications may
also be submitted. Small Project Review Date
The Committee agreed to review Small Projects on February 10, and cancel the February 3
meeting.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
Linda asked about bonding for Pulaski Park.
Sarah stated that a BAN payment may be needed in calendar year 2016, but that should not affect fund availability on the fiscal year.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM