November 2, 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
October 19, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
November 2, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, Chris Hellman, Linda Morley, Jack Finn, Ann Brooks,
Julia Chevan , Jeff Jones (7:28)
Staff Present: John Frey
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM.
General Public Comment
None
Approval of Minutes
October 19, 2016 –Linda moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Chris, the motion carried
unanimously. Public Comment Session on CPA Applications
Historic Building Study - Smith Charities
Lydia Szych, President of Smith Charities read multiple letters of support (support letters
viewable on Northampton CPA website).
Hampshire County Courthouse Restoration – HCOG
Todd Ford, Fern Street, HCOG Executive Director read multiple letters of support (support letters
viewable on Northampton CPA website).
Eileen Stewart, Williamsburg Town Councilor spoke favorably of the project noting the Courthouse is very central to the community and CPA support crucial to access of state funds.
Joe Kearns, HCOG Councillor of Middlefield, MA spoke favorably of the project.
CT River Greenway – Northampton OPS
Dorrie Brooks, Federal Street, President of Northampton Community Rowing spoke favorably of
the project noting members of general public are actively using park as are over 120 club
members. Other non-profits doing fundraisers and events at the site. All Out Adventures will begin using the facilities next year. The site is not currently ADA compliant. Need paving for ADA
compliance and long-term viability.
MJ Adams, Norwood Avenue spoke favorably of the project noting her daughters have used the facilities.
Chuck McCullagh, Easthampton, Board Member of Northampton Community Rowing expressed
his support of the project, especially for full accessibility. Laurie Sanders, Westhampton spoke favorably of the project noting the park sits along a very
important stretch geologically, culturally, and ecologically speaking. It is a terrific location
especially since Northampton has a long border with the river but few access points.
Beaver Brook & Broad Brook Conservation Area – BBC & LCA
Peter Flinkon, Haydenville Road spoke favorably of the project noting it is the most visible
conservation site in Northampton. The site is very accessible and easy to use. It will make a beautiful gateway into the city from west if supported.
David Pritchard, Haydenville spoke favorably of the project noting its extensive use of volunteer
work. BBC and LCA have an excellent track record of completing projects.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2
October 19, 2016
Broad Brook to Beaver Brook Acquisition – Northampton Conservation Commission
Laurie Sanders, Westhampton spoke favorably of the project noting it is not the best piece, but very important link providing access and habitat protection.
Bob Zimmerman, North Farms Road spoke favorably of the project noting it is unique because it is a major pathway for animal movement. He also stated BBC supports and will contribute to
acquisition. He would like to see a parking lot for 5-6 cars and no hunting pemitted.
Bogs and Turtles and Affordable Housing – Northampton OPS
Megan McDonough, Executive Director for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity spoke favorably of the project noting she appreciates the city’s ability to balance conservation along with providing
affordable housing. Home ownership is a valuable resource to the community.
Laurie Sanders, Westhampton spoke favorably of the project noting it is one of richest and most
interesting sites in Northampton. This is the original Burt’s pit area. The peat bog is unique
feature in Northampton as most others are gone. It includes a number of species rare to
Northampton and the Commonwealth. Historical past owners include Seager, Bottom, and
Northampton State Hospital. Also, it is already being used as a recreational area.
MJ Adams, 60 Norwood Avenue spoke favorably of the project noting she is proud that
Northampton has taken leadership role in encouraging affordable housing and human habitat.
Mineral Hills Acquisition – Northampton Conservation Commission
Megan McDonough, Executive Director for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity spoke favorably
of the project noting it includes an adjacent parcel for affordable housing.
Laurie Sanders, Westhampton spoke favorably of the project noting the altered landscape here is
very interesting. The area includes a number of native american artifacts.
Conservation Fund 11 – Northampton Conservation Commission None
Financial Review
John Frey presented the FY2017 CPA budget. Approximately $912,000 is available for the two
funding rounds. Unfortunately, this number is not certain until the state announces matching
fund amounts in mid-November.
Begin Funding Recommendations for Round 2 2016 CPA Funds
The committee agreed to a short check-in of each project. The general feeling was that all the projects are high quality and appear worthy of support. Any outstanding reservations or questions
are highlighted below. Full discussion will begin at the next meeting at which time hopefully these
questions have been answered and the state match number has been announced.
Historic Building Study - Smith Charities
Julia Chevan stated she is struggling with public/private use and needs compelling argument to
justify. Linda Morley noted this is just a study and does not see a pathway to final funding. Jeff Jones is concerned with lack of public access to second floor.
Hampshire County Courthouse Restoration – HCOG
The majority questioned if Northampton’s contribution is truly the missing link to securing the
state funding. It was suggested possibly conditioning the CPA contribution on getting state funding.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 3
October 19, 2016
CT River Greenway – Northampton OPS
Chris Hellman stated he would like to know exactly what needs to be done to make accessible. Ann Brooks suggested match money should a condition of funding.
Beaver Brook & Broad Brook Cons Area – BBC & LCA
Jeff Jones noted we cannot fund all land, so need to prioritize.
Broad Brook to Beaver Brook Acquisition – Northampton Conservation Commission Jack Finn questioned the development potential for this parcel. Universally it was stated this
project appears to be the lowest priority.
Bogs and Turtles and Affordable Housing – Northampton OPS
Jack Finn noted this project is the highest priority according to Conservation Commission. Brian
Adams questioned the category allocation wondering if it is 50/50 or could be flexible.
Mineral Hills Acquisition - Northampton Conservation Commission
Jack Finn noted it is unusual for all these applications at once, but uncertain if opportunities will
come again. Brian Adams wondered if deferment is possible.
Conservation Fund 11 – Northampton Conservation Commission
None
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda was Published
None
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM.