October 5, 2016 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
October 5, 2016
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
October 5, 2016
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Brian Adams, Chris Hellman, Linda Morley, Jack Finn, Ann Brooks,
David Whitehill, David Drake, Jeff Jones Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. General Public Comment
None
Chair’s Report
The CPC welcomed Ann, the new representative from the Planning Board, to the Committee.
Brian stated that the Seth Thomas Clock was unveiled the previous week, at Pulaski Park along
Main Street. Work has begun on the second phase of Pulaski Park, and should be complete by spring 2017. A ribbon cutting will be held at the Connecticut River Greenway boathouse and dock
on October 14.
Approval of Minutes
June 21, 2016 –David D. moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by David W, the motion
carried unanimously, with minor corrections.
Review Academy of Music Plans for Historic Curtain Accessibility
Linda moved to accept the plan. Seconded by Jack. Linda noted that the plan is essentially the
same as the previous plan which the CPC found to be inadequate, with an addition of a minor
education component. Sarah stated that she relayed the Committee’s concerns about limited opportunities for accessibility to the Academy. Jack noted that the Academy seems to be being
honest about limitations about accessibility. The motion carried unanimously. Staff will pay all
remaining project invoices.
Review and Approve Council Orders for Historic Northampton Collection
Preservation Small Grants Project Recommendations
David D. moved to approve the Gare project Order as presented by staff. Seconded by Linda, the
motion carried unanimously. David D. moved to approve the Pro Brush project Order as presented by staff. Seconded by
Linda, the motion carried unanimously. Sarah will prepare a cover letter and submit to City
Council. Review and Approve FY2017 Financial Transfers
Brian stated that ten percent of total revenues for the fiscal year must be set aside for open space, historic preservation, and community housing. The Committee reviewed a council order
presented by staff that transfers funds to these accounts, and includes debt payments as well.
Linda noted that the amount available for the fiscal year is greater than the amounts shown in the Council Order. Sarah stated that available funds include surplus funds from prior years.
David D. moved to approve the transfers. Seconded by Linda, the motion carried unanimously. Meetings With Applicants
Wayne Feiden, Director of Planning and Sustainability introduced himself, and stated that the City is working on more concurrent open space acquisitions than ever before.
Burt’s Bog and Turtles and Affordable Housing – Office of Planning & Sustainability Wayne stated that Doug Kohl had been acquiring land for a large development, but was not able
to complete the project before he died. The area is in the middle of a large post-war neighborhood, and includes the City’s only bog, and habitat for rare turtles. It includes frontage on four different streets. The developers concept was initially a large concept with many lots. The
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presence of endangered species would have limited the buildout, but it still could have been a
significant development. The City supports development in the right places, but not in environmentally sensitive areas. The acquisition plan includes 10 development lots along Burts
Pit Road, some of which will be dedicated to affordable housing. The hope is to offer these to habitat for Humanity, if they have the capacity for them. In either case, future prices will be
limited by the same type of formula used by Habitat.
Linda noted that $51,000 is the requested community housing portion, and asked if if there is any possibility that the housing portion could be increased, and the open space portion decreased.
Wayne replied that the breakdown could be altered, and will follow-up with additional
information. David W. asked what percentage of the City is now considered pristine open space. Wayne replied
that approximately 20% of the city is currently protected open space, but that less than this total
is considered pristine. David D. asked how the City can ensure the values of the larger market
rate lots. Wayne stated that a design competition will be held for a few of the lots, and developers
will be required to use one of the selected designs.
David W. asked about the proposed common driveways. Wayne replied that the market rate
owners could potentially be required to develop the driveways, but those details are not finalized.
Jeff stated that he is happy that much of the Burts Pit Road frontage will remain open space.
Wayne added that a bike path connection will also be planned on the area in the future.
David W. asked if the project could still be completed if CPA funding were not provided. Wayne
replied that there are contingency plans, but those are not preferred scenarios.
Conservation Fund – Conservation Commission
Wayne stated that if current projects receive all of the CPA and Local Acquisitions for Natural
Diversity (LAND) grants for which staff have applied, some of the pending acquisitions could be
completed. If some grants are not received and the Conservation Fund is not replenished, some
acquisitions will not be possible.
David D. asked if bonding is allowable for acquisitions. Wayne stated that it is.
Connecticut River Greenway River Access – Office of Planning and Sustainability
Wayne stated that the CPC has been very generous in funding this project, which was one of the
Open Space Plans big priorities. The ramp and dock comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act legally, but the City would like it to be as accessible as possible, as well as complete needed
paving. The Land and Water Conservation Fund for the project is successful, and a local match is
required.
Linda noted that the previous unfunded application for paving from Northampton Community
rowing had a smaller estimate for paving. Wayne replied that their plan was to pave less of the
area.
Wayne stated that fundraising for the paving would be very difficult, and the rowing programs
have conducted recent campaigns for the boathouse. David D. stated that he feels very strongly about dock accessibility and that it is worth the
investment for a quality dock.
Mineral Hills to Barnes Aquifer Acquisition – Conservation Commission
Wayne stated that there is a current subdivision approval for 24 units on the property. The
neighborhood was not in favor of that plan. A smaller alternative with fewer lots would involve less infrastructure, and could be developed easily. The acquisition proposal includes four lots for
Habitat for Humanity, and some CDBG funds have also been received. The CPA request will be reduced if a LAND grant is received.
Broad Brook Connection Acquisition – Conservation Commission Wayne stated that this acquisition will connect the Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Greenway to North
Farms Road. The lot does not meet current zoning, but is grandfathered and could be developed.
Additional opportunities for more connections are possible in the future.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda was Published
The Committee discussed site visits – October 15 and 22 seemed to be the best dates.
Adjourn
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The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM.