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Agenda and Minutes 2008-12-03 City of Northampton Community Preservation Committee 210 Main Street, City Hall Northampton, MA 01060 Community Preservation Committee Agenda DATE: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall) Contact: Jack Hornor, Chair, Community Preservation Committee Jack@JackHornor.com Fran Volkmann, Vice Chair, Community Preservation Committee Franv@comcast.net Bruce Young, Community Preservation Planner byoung@northamptonma.gov (413) 587-1263 Agenda Public Comment ? Acceptance of 11/19 minutes ? Chair's Report ? ? Review of Round Three Applications (Funding Recommendations) ? Other Business For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website: http://www.northamptonma.gov/gsuniverse/httpRoot/comm/ 1 MINUTES Community Preservation Committee Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main St. Members Present: Jack Hornor, George Kohout, Tom Parent, Fran Volkmann, Don Bianchi, John Andrulis, and Lilly Lombard. Staff Present: Bruce Young, Community Preservation Planner John Frey, Community Preservation Planner Jack Hornor opened the public meeting at 7:05pm. 1. PUBLIC COMMENT ?? Adele Franks, Nonotuck Land Fund provided further information regarding the BPW support of the Marblebrook land acquisition. The BPW strongly endorses the Nonotuck Land Fund plan for the Marblebrook property. The BPW concurs that watershed land should have limited public access. Finally, the BPW has agreed to hold the conservation restriction and provide stewardship for no cost. Therefore, NLF will lower their request for funding to $118,000. ?? Steve Ferrari, past director of Nonotuck Land Fund commented regarding the issue of access. He supports public access and understands the desire for unlimited access, however, the owners against unlimited access and access requires stewardship. No mechanism in place for unlimited access and therefore limited access provides critical protection. Finally, this is a very important piece of real estate and the price is good. ?? David Drake, Locust St., CAC member and former member of Historical Commission voiced strong support for the Ruggles Center project. This was the first house subject to the demolition delay ordinance. The project fits in all criteria of the CPA Plan. ?? Paulette Kuzdeba, Senior Planner DPW confirmed the BPW support of the Marblebrook project. The BPW states this is an important piece of land to protect. Finally, stewardship is covered free of charge under water treatment protection. ?? Kimball Hodge stated his support of the Ruggles Center project. He spoke of his time living in the Sojourner Truth house. Group of students asked to come visit to the home. The students were very interested and it was a great honor. The Ruggles Center would be even greater. 2 ?? Lisa Baskin, Leeds stated her strong support of David Ruggles Center. History here is extensive. It is our responsibility to use past to teach the future generations. ?? Tris Metcalf, architect for Ruggles Center. Stated this grant is not contingent on the work proposed in the rear of the property. Also, the suggestion for providing pre-development costs only is not viable. The pre-development costs are negligible. The project needs purchase cost support. ?? Linda Ziegenbein stated the importance of this center demonstrates the population of freeborn blacks fighting slavery. Nonotuck Street at that time was multi-racial. It is of national importance. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ?? Jack Hornor presented the minutes of November 5, 2008 meeting for discussion. Jack Hornor stated NLF has asked for changes. ?? John Frey reported the requested changes were not substantive. ?? Lilly Lombard stated while not significant, we should support NLF nuanced changes. Lilly Lombard motioned for the changes, Don Bianchi seconded. ?? John Andrulis requested to also correct spelling of “principle” in Adele Franks amended comments. ?? Bruce Young stated the minutes have already been accepted; therefore this version would be marked “revised”. ?? All voted in favor of the motion. ?? Jack Hornor presented the minutes of November 19, 2008 for approval. ?? Don Bianchi and Fran Volkmann both asked for minor changes. ?? Lilly Lombard motioned for approval, Don Bianchi seconded, and all voted in favor. 3. CHAIR’S REPORT ?? John Frey presented the cost estimates for CPC signage. Aluminum signs would cost $53 each for 18” x 24”, while plasticore would cost $25 each. Larger aluminum signs would cost $99 each for 24” x 36”, while plasticore would cost $46 each. ?? Jack Hornor stated John Frey received a quote of $600 inclusive for CPC logo design. ?? Lilly Lombard stated the CPC should use the City of Northampton logo. Tom Parent and Don Bianchi agreed. Consensus is to use the City of Northampton logo. ?? Jack Hornor asked for consensus regarding the purchase of the signs at the quoted costs. ?? John Andrulis motioned for approval of the sign purchase, Tom Parent seconded, and all voted in favor. 4. REVIEW OF ROUND THREE APPLICATIONS (FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS) 3 PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION ?? Fran Volkmann proposed the CPC adopt shopping cart approach to project approvals. She suggested the CPC vote on provisional recommendations but not make final approval until all projects were discussed. ?? Tom Parent worried it will take longer with this approach. ?? General consensus is to utilize this approach. ?? Lilly Lombard asked for a reminder of total dollars available. ?? Jack Hornor stated the current figure available is $1,112,991. The total requested this round is $1,059,611 (including adjustment for Marblebrook). Approvals totaling $740,000 would leave the CPC with an equal amount in Round 1, 2009. ?? Jack Hornor again explained the ranking tiers. ?? Bruce Young stated Craig Della Penna did not vote on the Ruggles Center in his ranking profile. DAR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Fran Volkmann made a provisional motion to recommend full funding, Tom Parent seconded. ?? Lilly Lombard stated a further reason for recommendation is that the storm windows reduce ecological footprint. ?? Fran Volkmann stated the DAR would be willing to do a HPR if the CPC paid for it. ?? Jack Hornor stated he is in favor of approving now. ?? George Kohout stated he is not comfortable just doubling request in order to receive the HPR. ?? Fran Volkmann suggested talking to them further. The HPR could be done later. ?? George Kohout stated his understanding is the CPC is granting them a waiver of preservation guarantee at this time. ?? Jack Hornor stated the CPC should term it the same way as with First Churches. The CPC requests a preservation guarantee later. ?? Bruce Young stated the CPC did vote that at this low level of funding full Historic Preservation Restrictions not needed. However, this would be the cheapest way to get an HPR. ?? Jack Hornor stated preservation guarantees are acceptable to CPC and applicant. ?? All in voted in favor of the provisional motion (7-0). FITZGERALD LAKE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Don Bianchi made a provisional motion to recommend full funding, John Andrulis seconded. ?? All in voted in favor of the provisional motion (7-0). 4 VALLEY CDC PREDEVELOPMENT FUND ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Jack Hornor stated VCDC would return in subsequent years to build fund up to $100,000. ?? George Kohout stated funding in the past two rounds shows 60% to historical preservation, 20% community housing, and 20% open space acquisition. ?? Tom Parent asked if this fund would be for Northampton only. Jack Hornor confirmed it would be for Northampton only. ?? George Kohout confirmed VCDC would not come to CPC for spending approval. VCDC would spend as they see fit. ?? Jack Hornor stated VCDC would provide an annual report but no, the CPC would not approve expenditures. ?? Lilly Lombard suggested starting the fund modestly, like a trial run. From that we could judge for future expansion into other areas. ?? George Kohout asked to condition the funding specifically to Northampton. ?? Don Bianchi stated he expects project fees to help build the fund. ?? Jack Hornor agreed it would be a rolling fund. ?? Bruce Young stated the CPA allows for money to be used elsewhere outside the community. ?? John Andrulis stated he is uneasy about giving money for uncontrollable uses. He will vote against. ?? Lilly Lombard respected that position, but stated she will try this fund. ?? Upon provisional motion by George Kohout, seconded by Tom Parent, all but John Andrulis voted in favor (6-1). RECREATION COMMISSION FEASIBILITY STUDY ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Don Bianchi stated the CPC needed to start funding recreation projects. ?? Lilly Lombard stated $40,000 exceeds the CPC cap of $25,000 for studies. ?? Fran Volkmann stated the bid was for up to $40,000 and the final figure may be less. ?? Lilly Lombard stated the applicant must frontload public input. Funding this study will narrow options and therefore public solicitation is needed first. She queried if the CPC should condition the recommendation. ?? Tom Parent stated pre-disclosure could raise price of buying property. ?? Don Bianchi stated it is possible to reconcile both by initial open process to identify needs but not specific properties. ?? Upon provisional motion by Tom Parent, seconded by Fran Volkmann, all voted in favor (7-0). VALLEY CDC KING STREET SRO COMMUNITY HOUSING ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Don Bianchi noted that DHCD states application process requires further funding committed before applying. Funding this project in May could be too late. ?? Jack Hornor states for Maple Street the CPC offered $25,000 to help the project move forward. 5 ?? Don Bianchi suggested conditions including limiting cash exposure to $50,000 initially for pre-development, up to $40,000 for property acquisition, and $135,000 only when DHCD funding is committed. ?? Jack Hornor questioned why $40,000 not at the end. ?? Don Bianchi stated VCDC might actually acquire the property before DHCD funding. They would need it for acquisition. ?? Jack Hornor suggested conditioning to get that money back if they need to sell it. ?? Don Bianchi confirmed pre-development money no, but acquisition money yes. ?? George Kohout asked if this conditioning hobbles them. ?? Don Bianchi stated no it does not. We would commit money but not disburse. DHCD understands that procedure. ?? George Kohout stated there is an existing VCDC SRO in Florence already. This project adds actual new stock. He is more in favor of this project. ?? Jack Hornor stated Joanne Campbell wrote a letter describing how much it costs to develop affordable community housing. He would forward this letter to City Council. ?? Tom Parent confirmed the State puts so many requirements on the projects that it does cost that much to develop. ?? George Kohout stated this shows why Augies, etcetera are hard to find any more. ?? Don Bianchi stated it is an issue of quality. ?? George Kohout stated funding includes VCDC operational costs for management of the project. ?? Upon provisional motion by Lilly Lombard, seconded by Don Bianchi, all voted in favor (7-0). VALLEY CDC FORECLOSURE RESCUE FUND ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Jack Hornor stated this proposal is different in that it focuses on people, not the units. The Coalition found differing views on its legitimacy. They are just opinions, not regulations. It is legal to approve. ?? John Andrulis stated he is hesitant to approve. This project doesn’t go to help the poorest. ?? Fran Volkmann stated she agreed. She wants to support SROs over this project. SROs would be a greater loss and are our most pressing need. ?? Don Bianchi also thinks both SROs are absolutely essential. The project he is most willing to see go is the pre-development funds. This project is as important as it gets to essence of community preservation. Foreclosure numbers are unprecedented. It is a mis- perception that it is the buyer’s fault. They are victims of bad loans. Also, some tenants are affected. This crisis is putting stress on rental costs and decimating neighborhoods. Two conditions he proposes include requiring 6 of 10 to be for below 80% AMI. Also, any funds recaptured by VCDC placed in restricted fund. ?? Lilly Lombard stated her ambivalence to the issue is because of her ignorance concerning the issue. ?? George Kohout stated the CPC could fund at lesser amount to test it. Innovative way to help housing crisis. ?? Jack Hornor stated he is not prepared to fund at all. If the CPC makes cuts, he would place this over Maple St. 6 ?? Lilly Lombard asked when federal rescue money would be available. ?? Don Bianchi stated it is uncertain. Many proposals are out there. Aggressive action is likely, but coming slowly. ?? Upon provisional motion by Don Bianchi, seconded by Lilly Lombard, all but John Andrulis voted in favor (6-1). VALLEY CDC MAPLE STREET SRO COMMUNITY HOUSING ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Fran Volkmann stated both SRO projects are of highest priority for Housing Partnership. Maple Street SRO is up and going but in dire need of repair. Loss is possible if not funded. ?? Fran Volkmann made a provisional motion to recommend full funding, John Andrulis seconded. ?? Don Bianchi stated VCDC placed this project the highest. ?? Tom Parent agreed with Jack Hornor, Maple Street contains eleven units already in place. It is a tough decision but we need to cut something. ?? Jack Hornor stated it is a disservice to city to leave little CPC funding for next year. ?? Don Bianchi acknowledged VCDC might come back for expedited funding on this project if we deny. ?? Jack Hornor stated this project is not just to repair, but also to pay off mortgage. Could CPC fund repairs only to save money? ?? Fran Volkmann stated the CPC could forward fund the project ?? Jack Hornor stated he could agree with forward funding. ?? Lilly Lombard stated the CPC could only work with current info. These are high quality projects. The locations are tremendous. ?? Don Bianchi recommended conditioning stagger disbursements including just $25,000 now for pre-development costs. ?? All in voted in favor of the provisional motion except Jack Hornor and Tom Parent (5-2). NONOTUCK LAND FUND OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Fran Volkmann made a provisional motion to recommend full funding, Lilly Lombard seconded. ?? George Kohout stated land in question is not as prone to development as other parts of city. It would be very costly to develop. Though family and NLF doing right thing it is not a priority to him. Not at top of list. ?? Lilly Lombard stated the issue of development could change quickly. This property does not have frontage but adjoining property does. If a developer owned the property already we’d have more desire to prevent development. This project costs only $700 per acre to permanently protect. It changes the model of purchasing outright. Public access is a matter of weighing benefits; is it worth insisting versus losing land? Monitored access is a fair compromise. ?? George Kohout stated he respectfully disagrees regarding limiting access. ?? Don Bianchi stated they have addressed issue of access and the compromise is reasonable. He suggested conditioning funds pending acceptable forest stewardship plan. 7 ?? All in voted in favor of the provisional motion except George Kohout (6-1). DAVID RUGGLES CENTER HISTORIC PRESERVATION ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Fran Volkmann made a provisional motion to recommend full funding, Lilly Lombard seconded. ?? Jack Hornor stated he was struck most by the degree and depth of public support. Very unique letters of support. Public comment as well. This project is a valuable public commodity. ?? Don Bianchi stated he is not ambivalent about supporting. He fully agrees with project’s value. As real estate deal though, is it in jeopardy? He needs input from others. ?? Fran Volkmann stated she could not imagine not supporting this critical piece of history. She suggests including a condition to get money back if project fails. ?? Tom Parent agreed there is a risk, but the museum is truly worth it. ?? Bruce Young stated there is an issue regarding the preservation restriction. He is not sure Mass Historic would sign off given the amount of rehab already done to the building. He suggests perhaps doing a common law preservation restriction. The project provides historical context but the structure itself does not. ?? Lilly Lombard stated the property needs permanent protection; it is not a temporary project. ?? Bruce Young stated if the building is not significant then let’s not limit their options with this restriction. The CPC could use a local restriction. ?? All in voted in favor of the provisional motion (7-0). CONSERVATION COMMISSION CONSERVATION FUND ?? Fran Volkmann presented the Recommendation for Funding template for discussion. ?? Lilly Lombard stated she likes Fran Volkmann’s suggestion of lowering the funding level in order to test the program. ?? Tom Parent questioned what is typically needed for soft costs. ?? Bruce Young stated the costs are highly individualized and can vary greatly. ?? George Kohout stated $10,000 would not do much. ?? Tom Parent stated he is more comfortable funding soft costs; hard costs should be requested through the expedited system. ?? Jack Hornor stated the funding level seems insignificant. ?? Upon provisional motion by Lilly Lombard to fund project at $10,000, seconded by Tom Parent, all but Jack Hornor and George Kohout voted in favor (5-2). FINAL APPROVAL ?? Fran Volkmann stated these are all outstanding projects. She questioned why to save money at this point. Let’s go for these now. ?? Don Bianchi agreed with Fran Volkmann. $900,000 for ten very good projects is an excellent deal. Plus, it still leaves $500,000 for next round. ?? George Kohout stated he is very concerned about tough years ahead. 8 ?? Tom Parent agreed there is nowhere we want to take funds off. This is as good as we could do. ?? Jack Hornor stated that Maple Street SROs are more important than King Street. King Street is not at present a drain on VCDC like Maple Street. He would take away King Street from the recommendations to save funding for next round. ?? Bruce Young stated there is a State grant available to NLF. The Planning Department is willing to assist with the application procedure. He suggested perhaps conditioning NLF to apply for that grant. ?? Adele Franks stated she has no idea what outcome could be. ?? Bruce Young stated he understands this, but it would not hurt to try to get the grant. ?? Joanne Montgomery stated this is an imposition to the NLF. ?? Downey Meyer stated the Sawmill project did exactly this. It is no jeopardy to NLF. ?? General consensus is NLF would pursue the grant but CPC would not condition it. ?? Lilly Lombard suggested parity in funding for the two development fund projects, perhaps splitting the $35,000 committed. ?? Don Bianchi suggested simply reducing the VCDC Development Fund to $10,000 to match the Conservation Committee Development Fund. ?? Upon motion by Don Bianchi, seconded by Tom Parent (including reduction of VCDC Development Fund recommendation to $10,000), all voted in favor of recommending all projects as provisionally approved (7-0) (see attached recommendations for details). 5. OTHER BUSINESS ?? None Meeting adjourned at 10:25 pm. Respectfully submitted on December 15, 2008, John Frey, Community Preservation Planner 9 ATTACHMENTS (FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS)- DAR HISTORIC PRESERVATION Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the Daughters of the American Revolution Betty Allen Chapter is a well- known service organization in the community. WHEREAS, the design of the storm windows preserve the historic facade of the building and reduces the ecological footprint. WHEREAS, the funding contributes to the preservation of a historically significant building. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 7-0 to recommend $2761.00 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 2761.00 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the DAR Betty Allen Chapter for the installation of custom interior storm windows and the restoration of a flag pole. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $2761.00 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 10 FITZGERALD LAKE OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the Broad Brook Coalition is a community organization with a long history of acting in the public interest to preserve open space, recreational opportunities and natural habitats. WHEREAS, the project preserves critical habitat areas and is essential to the health of native flora and fauna. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 7-0 to recommend $12,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 12,000 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the Broad Brook Coalition for the removal of invasive species located in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $12,000 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 11 VALLEY CDC PREDEVELOPMENT FUND Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the fund allows the applicant to expedite land acquisition projects. WHEREAS, the funds will contribute to the creation, preservation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing in the City of Northampton. WHEREAS, the Valley Community Development Corporation has an excellent record of preserving and creating sustainable housing projects. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 6-1 to recommend $10,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 10,000 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the Valley Community Development Corporation’s Predevelopment Fund. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $10,000 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 12 VALLEY CDC KING STREET SRO COMMUNITY HOUSING Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the project creates eight new units of very-low income single-room occupancy housing and 1,200 square feet of commercial space. WHEREAS, there has been a significant decline in single-room housing in Northampton over the last several decades. WHEREAS, single room occupancy housing adds to the social and economic diversity of the City of Northampton. WHEREAS, the Valley Community Development Corporation has an excellent record of preserving and creating sustainable housing projects. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 7-0 to recommend $225,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 225,000 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the Valley Community Development Corporation for the creation of eight new “enhanced” single room occupancy units on King Street. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $225,000 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 13 VALLEY CDC FORECLOSURE RESCUE FUND Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, housing foreclosures are increasing in the City of Northampton. WHEREAS, the project contributes to the maintenance of economic diversity in the City and region. WHEREAS, the project protects affordable rental housing units that otherwise would not be available. WHEREAS, the Valley Community Development Corporation has a long history of success in helping low-income households purchase and maintain their homes. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 6-1 to recommend $86,250 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 86,250 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to Valley Community Development Corporation for a pilot program to prevent foreclosures in the City of Northampton. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $86,250 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 14 VALLEY CDC MAPLE STREET SRO COMMUNITY HOUSING Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the project preserves eleven units of very-low income affordable housing. WHEREAS, there has been a significant decline in single-room occupancy housing in Northampton over the past several decades. WHEREAS, the Housing Partnership has identified the creation and preservation of single room occupancy units as their highest priority. WHEREAS, the Valley Community Development Corporation has an excellent record of preserving and creating sustainable housing projects. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 5-2 to recommend $250,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 250,000 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the Valley Community Development Corporation for the preservation of eleven single-room occupancy units on Maple Street. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $250,000 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 15 NONOTUCK LAND FUND OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the project preserves open space and watershed land. WHEREAS, the project protects natural habitats and species diversity. WHEREAS, the projects meets open space goals in the Community Preservation Plan and the Sustainable Northampton Plan. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 6-1 to recommend $118,600 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 118,600 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the Nonotuck Land Fund for the purchase of a Conservation Restriction on 168 acres of open space. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $118,600 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 16 DAVID RUGGLES CENTER HISTORIC PRESERVATION Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the project contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s historic character. WHEREAS, the project provides a broad public benefit to the citizens of Northampton and the region. WHEREAS, the project preserves a historical structure in a geographical area that is historically and culturally significant. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 7-0 to recommend $150,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 150,000 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the David Ruggles Center for Early Florence History and Underground Railroad Studies for the purchase of the museum and education center. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $150,000 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 17 CONSERVATION COMMISSION CONSERVATION FUND Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation Committee. BE IT ORDERED WHEREAS, the Conservation Commission has been effective in preserving key open space parcels in the City of Northampton. WHEREAS, the funding would allow the Conservation Commission to act quickly on high priority, time sensitive open space acquisition and preservation projects. WHEREAS, the fund would support the general criteria for open space acquisition in the Community Preservation Plan and the Sustainable Northampton Plan. WHEREAS, on December 3, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted 5-2 to recommend $10,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this project. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, $ That 10,000 be appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the Conservation Fund for high priority, time sensitive open space acquisition and preservation projects. And, that the grantee meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the Mayor, and City Council. Specifically, $10,000 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-359930). 18