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Northampton CPA Decision Guidelines.pdfNorthampton CPA Decision Guidelines 1 Decision Guidelines for Northampton CPA Projects This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive, but is intended to guide applicants and the Committee in factors that may be considered in evaluating projects for possible recommendation General Criteria for all Projects Serves more than one CPA program area Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents is consistent with city-wide planning efforts that have received broad-based scrutiny and input Demonstrates wide community support Serves a significant number of residents Saves resources that would otherwise be threatened Serves under-served populations Places high value on sustainable, ecologically responsible, energy-conserving structures, locations, and materials; demonstrates that the project minimizes the ecological footprint Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal departments, relevant Boards and Commissions, and City residents Leverages additional public and/or private funds, or demonstrates that other funding sources are not readily available or sufficient Demonstrates a high benefit/cost value Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget Advances a public purpose and provides public benefit Open Space Permanently protects important, unique or threatened plants, animals, habitat or corridors, including areas that are of significance for biodiversity Preserve Northampton’s rural and agricultural character, scenic views and community character defining views Provides opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education Provide connections with existing non-motorized multi-use trails or potential trail linkages Preserve valuable surface water resources, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, buffer zones, vernal pools and riparian zones Protects aquifer recharge areas and drinking water quality and quantity Provides climate change mitigation opportunities such as flood control/storage and nature- based design, restoration of disturbed areas, carbon sequestration, and preservation of resilient landscapes Preserves large strategic tracts of undeveloped land and parcels adjacent to existing permanently protected open space Provides open space opportunities in urban neighborhoods and near environmental justice populations Protects farmland and rich agricultural soils or restores former farmland that that has been allowed to lie fallow Northampton CPA Decision Guidelines 2 ADD SUPPORT BY OTHER GROUPS Recreation Supports multiple active and passive recreation uses Expand the range of recreational opportunities available to Northampton residents of all ages Enhances the appreciation of the natural world and its conservation Contributes to the positive health status of citizens Benefits conservation and recreation initiatives Maximizes the utility of land already owned by the City Promotes the creative use of former railway, waterways and other corridors, including connecting corridors, to create safe and healthful non-motorized transportation and exercise opportunities Restores or rehabilitates existing facilities or lands to serve their intended purpose. Incorporates environmentally friendly design and long-term maintenance Housing Creates or preserve community housing – both rental and home ownership, with a focus that matches community needs for households Promotes and encourages use by diverse populations Provides housing that is harmonious in design and scale with the surrounding community Intermingle affordable and market rate housing Ensures long-term affordability of 30 years or more Promotes the use of existing buildings or construction on previously-developed or City-owned sites Gives priority to Northampton residents and employees, consistent with fair housing. Provides the City credit for units under M.G.L. Chapter 40B Provides housing that incorporates supportive services for those in need of services, including the homeless and persons with disabilities. Is LEED or Energy Star certified, complies with energy stretch code, and has a very low HERS rating, and is fossil fuel free, or meets City energy and sustainability performance standards for affordable housing projects with significant city funding Enhances nonprofit capacity for providing housing and related services Provides mixed-use development opportunities Provides housing in locations that promote walking, biking, and use of public transportation, and discourage single-occupancy vehicle trips Provides housing for households with incomes below 80% of area median, and based on community need give special consideration for funding to projects which restrict at least some units to even lower income households including households with incomes below 50% or 30% of area median. Is accessible to people with disabilities or is visitable for people with disabilities Historic Northampton CPA Decision Guidelines 3 Protects, preserves, enhances, restores and/or rehabilitate a properties, feature or resource of historical significance Owners have ability to maintain the historic resource over the long term. Includes granting of a permanent historic preservation restriction or other preservation guarantee Is architecturally significant Has been maintained in an historically appropriate manner, and there are plans and capabilities for continued maintenance into the future Is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or within a National Register Historic District or a Local Historic District or has been determined significant by the Historical Commission Work proposed is consistent with historic nature of the building or site proposed work covers essential and important features of the property Consistent with findings and recommendations of an historic structures report Related to public service or community oriented activities Public will have access to the building or landscape Furthers recommendations of an historic structures report