November 16, 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
November 16, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
November 16, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, David Drake, Chris Hellman, Linda Morley, Ann Brooks,
David Whitehill, Jeff Jones , Jack Finn Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. General Public Comment
None
Chair’s Report
Brian stated that it is an honor to serve on an open, inclusive, and supportive government body,
and noted the excellent work being done on the local level.
Approval of Minutes
November 2, 2016 –Linda moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by David W, the motion
carried unanimously.
Financial Review
Sarah stated that the final state match for the fiscal year is $274,594, which is less than the
$300,000 Northampton was estimated to receive. There will be $887,582 available for fiscal year
2017. Linda asked if it is possible to make bond payments from category reserve accounts. Sarah
stated that it would be, but that principal only should be paid to avoid any future concerns about
10% spent or set-aside each year.
Discuss Funding Recommendations for Round 2 2016 CPA Funds The Committee began ‘shopping cart’ discussions, in order of the rankings listed by Committee members.
Burts Bog
To follow-up on a question regarding how much funding could be allocated to affordable housing, Sarah stated that Wayne Feiden indicated that the entire amount requested of the CPA could be affordable housing.
Linda moved to fully fund the project as requested. Seconded by Jack. Linda stated that the project would satisfy the entire affordable housing set-aside, and is also the
highest ranked open space request and a good opportunity.
David W. stated that he would like to retain some funds for the second round, and also has some questions about the affordable housing creation.
Ann noted that the project seems like a good combination of two eligible categories. Jack stated
that it is his highest priority, and identifies both valuable open space and appropriate buildable property. Chris suggested that it is primarily an open space request. Linda replied that the
project seems to take into account the best uses of land involved, and that the City is always
looking for appropriate affordable housing locations.
Jeff stated that he was taken aback by the original developer’s concept for the property, and he
would not want to see anything like that happen; worthwhile projects should be pursued as they
arise.
The motion carried unanimously.
Hampshire County Courthouse
Ann moved to fully fund the project as requested. Seconded by David W.
David D. stated that the building is clearly historically important, but is owned by all of Hampshire County, and the state should be taking a more active funding role.
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November 16, 2016
Linda suggested partial funding at $75,000, noting that showing support for the project is
important, but that it doesn’t seem necessary to fund the full amount, especially given other historic projects being proposed.
David W. noted that 90% of the project being funded by the state, as it will be if the bond bill is received, seems like a good deal.
Jeff stated that it is unlikely that the full amount will be funded by the state, and that some local
commitment is necessary. David D. suggested that the award be contingent on receipt of state funding, and that a limited
timeframe be added. Jack suggested that it be a year to tie to the CPA funding rounds. Ann
added that a September deadline would allow funds to be returned for the fall round if state funding was not provided.
Linda suggested allowing for review of the project scope if state funds are less than anticipated.
David W. stated that he would support funding to show other towns that the COG will be asking
for funds that the project is worthwhile.
Linda stated that she is not convinced that Northampton funding is necessary for success of the
project.
The motion fails unanimously.
Linda moved to fund the project at $75,000, seconded by Chris. The motion fails, 4-4.
Jeff moved to fund the project at $100,000, including the September end date. Seconded by
David W. the motion carries 7-1.
Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Improvements
Chris moved to fully fund the project as requested, seconded by Ann.
David W. stated that the project seems representative of the types of activities that people want
and expect the CPA to fund. Linda added that it is a small CPA investment with a big return.
David W. asked about the labor from the House of Corrections noted in the application. Sarah
stated that the House of Corrections provided the kiosk at North Farms Road, and has indicated
they will be able to reproduce that if the same plans are used.
The motion carried unanimously. CT River Greenway
David D. moved to fund the project at $90,000 as requested, seconded by Ann.
David D. stated that he is very much in favor of an opportunity to provide access to the River for
people with disabilities, and noted that the project was supported by local agencies involved with
recreational access.
Chris stated that he is not convinced that the project couldn’t be implemented differently, but that
he is still in favor of funding. Ann noted that the state grant creates a measure of pressure to
provide the required match.
Jeff stated that partial funding initially seemed like an option, but that the paving is not able to be
delayed. The motion carried unanimously.
51 Main Street Historic Building Study
Brian noted that a short revised application was just provided for consideration. Sarah read from the revision memo, which requests a reduced $14,500 and removes
consideration of reuses for the second floor space.
David D. moved to fund the project at $14,500, seconded by Ann. David D. stated that the building is very interesting. Smith Charities will have many decisions to
make in the future regarding the building, but the study is a necessary first step.
Ann asked if demolition of the structure would be prevented. David D. replied that any exterior changes would need review by the Central Business Architecture Committee.
David W. suggested that Smith Charities should provide at least some funds for the work, and that there are some concerns about the nature of the organization.
Jeff stated that he would definitely like to see the building preserved, but is unsure if the approach
proposed in the application is the best method to do so. Brian noted that it is not really a public building, and that the application revision was submitted
very late without much detail, and the Committee could consider in a future round with
additional information.
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Linda noted that the building has been neglected for some time, and she is encouraged that the
owner is now moving forward with preservation. The motion fails, 4-4.
David W. moved to fund the project at $10,000, seconded by Linda. Ann stated that if the Committee is reserving funds for the spring round she would be in favor of
not funding, but if there will be few funds available she would support the project.
The motion carried, 7-1. Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Connection Acquisition
Jack moved to fully fund the project at $40,000 as requested. Seconded Jeff. Jack noted that stars have aligned to create many land acquisition opportunities at the same time.
David W. stated that he likes the vision to connect protected areas, but this acquisition doesn’t
seem to have a benefit on its own, and he would like to have funds available for future rounds.
Chris stated that he understands opportunities arising, but that he is reluctant to support this
project at this time.
Brian stated that he has confidence in the Conservation Commission and this seems to be a ‘use it
or lose it’ opportunity.
Jack stated that through long-term planning, citizens have been able to review and support the
open space preservation vision.
The motion carries, 6-2.
Mineral Hills Acquisition
Jack moved to fund the project at $265,000 as requested, seconded by Ann.
The Committee discussed funding – the state LAND grants has been applied for but not yet
announced, and the request will be reduced if it is received.
David D. asked what would happen if CPA funds were not provided. Jack replied that the
purchase could still potentially be possible, but would take some time, but that the current owners
could also choose to sell for development.
The Committee agreed to table discussion until the next meeting. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.