Loading...
Agenda and Minutes 2008-06-11 Community Preservation Committee Agenda DATE: Wednesday, June 11, 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 ?? Approval of minutes for 05/21/2008 and 05/31/2008 ?? Fiscal update ?? Chair’s report ?? Public comment period- The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) invites the ?? general public to comment on the second round Community Preservation Act funding proposals. CPC Discussion of second round 2008 CPA project proposals ?? 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, June 11, 2008 Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Hall, 212 Main St., Council Chambers Members Present: Fran Volkmann, Mason Maronn, George Kohout, John Andrulis, Tom Parent, and Craig Della Penna (at 8:44pm). Staff Present: Bruce Young, Community Preservation Planner John Frey, Community Preservation Planner Fran Volkmann opened the meeting at 7:03pm. She explained the public comment procedures. She also stated the Academy of Music and Venture’s Field have both withdrawn their applications for Round 2. The Academy of Music will return for Round 3 with designs. The Planning Department has received a conservation restriction on the Venture’s Field property free of charge. Upon motion by John Andrulis, seconded by Tom Parent, all agreed to delay the minutes’ approval and Chair’s report for the end of the meeting. 1. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT None 2. FISCAL UPDATE Bruce Young stated the current balance available for Round 2 funding would be ~$400,000. The exact figure depends on how soon Round 1 applicants claim their grant funding. Thus far only funds for Turkey Hill, Sheldon Field, and Housing First have been released. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ROUND 2 APPLICATIONS CITY CLERKS RECORDS ?? none FITZGERALD LAKE OPEN SPACE ?? Norma Roche of 42 Laurel Park and member of the Broad Brook Coalition spoke in support of the Sullivan property purchase. She commends the Planning Department for their expertise in executing this difficult land purchase. She also stated the purchase will 2 help protect directly the Broad Brook and its surrounding area. ?? Dave Herships, 22 Warburton Way spoke in support of the Sullivan property purchase. It would be a great additional asset to this wildlife area. ?? Downey Meyer, 516 N. Farms Rd. and member of the Conservation Commission spoke in support of this project. It is important for wildlife and recreation opportunities. FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER ?? Chris Kennedy of 4 Bratton Ct spoke in favor of the project. He stated this is a true asset for Florence and he encouraged CPC approval, as it will help spread CPC dollars throughout the city. This project will greatly improve the usage of the building, however he stated the organizers still must address the issue of public access with set hours. He stated this project does not interfere with other future Florence projects including the Ruggles’ project. He also stated the CPC would need to make hard decisions in distinguishing between maintenance and repairs; he suggested referencing the IRS definitions for guidance. More specifically, he gave expert opinion of the budget line items… Expert Preservation Consultant - $100 per hour could be reduced, as there are many excellent consultants in the area. Scanning Personnel – this is a relatively easy process and therefore $25 seems high. Labor Personnel – this could likely be a volunteer task. Computer Systems – the majority of computer usage would be spent on the core mission and very little on day-to-day tasks (accounting, etc). Scanner – this is an excellent system and he encouraged the purchase. Digital Camera – this camera is overkill for the stated duty, a much less expensive camera could be purchased. Matting & Framing – this figure may be understated. Archival Support – again this figure is likely too low, also he suggests using Universal Products in Holyoke as a better local source. Shelving & Display Cases – buy recycled instead of new to save money. Construction Repairs – scope of repairs is hard to define. Miscellaneous – estimate is woefully too low. ?? Marianne LaBarge, City Councilor spoke in support of the project. $40,000 for this public benefit is not a lot of money. The CPC needs to look at the value of what this building provides to the community. The civic center is an excellent neighbor providing meeting space to many groups. ?? Ray Labarge, City Councilor spoke in support of the project. He himself would be donating items to the project and presented a few to the CPC to see. The cost of this project is a bargain. ?? Steve Strimer, 53 Clark Ave #15 likewise is in favor of the project and has many items to donate. He suggested all work could be accomplished through volunteer labor. This would help get the museum rolling immediately, instead of funding piecemeal. He stated the Ruggles project would have no original artifacts; it is more of a research center. He agreed with the figures Chris Kennedy presented. ?? Loretta Gougeon, 15 W. Center St. presented many letters of support to the CPC. She also included a newsletter of current activities. She stated the Northampton Historic 3 th Commission has placed their project on the June 30 schedule for discussion. She hopes that will not hurt the CPC decision. She stated that computer sharing would not be practical and too difficult to coordinate. There are important benefits in the long run to the museum having an online presence and therefore the computer system is crucial. There will be no duplication of artifacts, only original materials. This is a true non-profit, grassroots effort; there will be no personal benefit. The museum would prefer to utilize recycled shelving, etc but cost estimates are difficult. Finally, the museum plans to be open on request. ?? Kathy Silva spoke in favor of the project. She stated many local groups utilize the space provided by the civic center on a daily bases. GROVE STREET FIRE ALARM ?? none HISTORIC NORTHAMPTON MUSEUM ?? Martha Hopp, 14 Stearns Ct. and member of Historic Northampton spoke in support of the project. She is delighted to see the CPC interest on history. It provides a great balance to the land purchases. This is very important to Historic Northampton and the money will be well spent. ?? Ed McCoulgan, 115 Fairway Village spoke in support of the project. The archive is very personal and important to him. Historic Northampton has been positive for education, tourism and regional history. They are willing execute work in a triage manner, but the funding and work must start now. ?? George Snook, 70 Bancroft Rd. and board member of Historic Northampton spoke in favor of the project. He added that Northampton has been very active at the national level in the history of this country, for example two presidents were educated here, Coolidge and Pierce. ?? Carl Reichel, board member of Historic Northampton spoke in support of the project. This will help the city and help Historic Northampton toward building a sustainable endowment. JACKSON STREET BIKE TRAIL ?? none LOOK PARK FOUNTAIN ?? none PARADISE POND COMMUNITY HOUSING ?? Dave Herships, 22 Warburton Way spoke in opposition to this funding request. He supports affordable housing but this is a bad precedent to set as others would come to the CPC in order to close budget shortfalls. Also, he suggests there are better ways to spend housing dollars. SAW MILL HILLS OPEN SPACE ?? Marianne LaBarge, City Council spoke in support of the project. The parcel is a very important linkage for the broader wildlife and recreation plans. She suggested it is very 4 important for the two building lots to remain affordable housing. ?? Dave Herships, 22 Warburton Way presented a letter of support from the Nonotuck Land Fund. He thanked the committee for supporting open space initiatives. ?? Downey Meyer, 516 N. Farms Rd. and member of the Conservation Commission spoke in support of this project. It is important for wildlife and recreation opportunities. It is very desirable to have quality hiking available within the city limits. SUMMER STREET OPEN SPACE ?? Linda Mollis spoke in support of the project. 4. CPC PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF ROUND 2 PROJECTS CITY CLERKS RECORDS ?? Tom Parent questioned exactly how much they need this year for the project. ?? Bruce Young stated the need $16,000 now, with the rest next year. ?? Tom Parent stated the project should be tier 2 for him since the exact funding amounts require discussion. ?? George Kohout agreed but stated the project could be prioritized in the rank. ?? Fran Volkmann stated this remains tier 1 for her as the committee is saying yes to the full amount, but just funding over time. ?? Mason Maronn agreed with tier 1 ranking. ?? John Andrulis placed this project in tier 1. ?? Tom Parent agreed with Fran Volkmann’s argument. FITZGERALD LAKE OPEN SPACE ?? George Kohout stated the total budget is $36,000 with Broad Brook Coalition picking up $5,000 in soft costs. This is good a project, as the funds would be returning to the city via the general fund. ?? Mason Maronn put this project in tier 2, as he believes the property already has conservation protections. He is not concerned about losing the protections. ?? John Andrulis put this project in tier 1, as the benefits are vast to all public, wildlife, and Broad Brook drainage. Also, since the money returns to the city it is doubly good. ?? George Kohout placed this project high on his list. He sees Mason Maronn’s point but is still concerned with possible development. He does not want to miss this opportunity. ?? Tom Parent did not place at the top but near there. He is worried only about the lack of CPC funds overall. ?? Bruce Young stated it would be difficult to say if the property would be available in the future. The Planning Department has an option to purchase until October 2008. ?? Fran Volkmann dittoed Tom Parent. She ranked this project below Saw Mill Hills. FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER ?? Mason Maronn ranked this project in tier 1 ?? Tom Parent ranked it in pier 2 because he is confused about the true amount of funding needed. He wasn’t in favor initially but then realized the genuine grassroots effort behind 5 this project. This would be a great group to have supporting the CPC. He suggested the CPC discuss the exact figure and the nature of the maintenance versus preservation. ?? John Andrulis place this project in tier 2. It is a worthwhile project but needs discussion regarding the budget. He suggested partial funding in effort to get the grantee to conserve funds. ?? George Kohout agreed with Tom Parent and John Andrulis. He was impressed by the broader community support shown tonight. ?? Fran Volkmann moved the project from tier 3 to 2 given the progress of the applicant tonight. However, they still need to solve the public access. Also, she questioned if the building itself is historically significant. Also, she wonders about the quality of the artifacts. She is moved by the public sentiment though and would like to fund the project. ?? Bruce Young stated the restoration funding is legitimate, but he does question the support items, which are not currently allowed. It needs to be deemed significant by the Historic Commission in order to proceed. ?? George Kohout suggested the project be tabled pending Historic Commission response. This project is not crucially time sensitive. ?? Craig Della Penna stated he would like the CPC to help them. He suggested they re- submit for next round. He recognized the value of a community group submitting a grant application. GROVE STREET FIRE ALARM ?? Tom Parent stated with CPC should fully fund and placed the project in tier 1. ?? John Andrulis put in tier 1. This is a small amount for such an essential project. ?? Mason Maronn agreed with John Andrulis. ?? George Kohout agreed but questioned setting a precedent of helping non-profits close gaps in operational budgets. ?? Craig Della Penna stated he is in favor of the project and is not concerned since the CPC would be helping a worthy non-profit versus a private entity. ?? Tom Parent agreed with George Kohout but stated safety concerns make this project especially crucial. The CPC is capable of distinguishing on a case-by-case basis. ?? Fran Volkmann put the project in tier 1. She commended these organizations for doing such a good job with limited funds. This is a helpful project and not routine maintenance. HISTORIC NORTHAMPTON MUSEUM ?? Fran Volkmann questioned why the CPC should support given that Historic Northampton has refused to give a historic preservation restriction. ?? George Kohout stated historic preservation guidelines make it difficult for Historic Northampton to rent out the building as needed. ?? Bruce Young stated Historic Northampton wants to be able to sell the property if a better opportunity presents itself. The historic preservation restriction is not necessary if the remain open to the public. ?? Tom Parent questioned if the CPC could put a lien on the property if sold in order to recoup funding. ?? Bruce Young stated this is a possible course of action for the CPC when granting funds. ?? Craig Della Penna stated it is just the principle, they are not actively looking to sell the 6 property. ?? Fran Volkmann stated when the CPC funds affordable housing and open space they receive restrictions, why not in this case. ?? George Kohout stated they are on the historic registry, which already limits them appropriately. ?? Bruce Young disagreed regarding money spent on the interior. The historic registry may not regulate that. Not a problem for the exterior though. ?? Mason Maronn stated if they have a significant endowment they might not truly need CPC money. ?? George Kohout responded that this project would allow them to bring their building up to museum quality. This does speak to the historic preservation of a community asset. ?? Fran Volkmann stated the CPC is about historic preservation. She would support that specific work, but needs that assurance. If the property is sold then the support is of no use and the investment would be lost. ?? Craig Della Penna stated it is very unlikely Historic Northampton would sell the property, but they seem to be hedging in order to show the CPC does not support historic preservation. Must the CPC have a historic preservation restriction? ?? Bruce Young stated it is not required but the CPC might find it necessary. The CPA states only that there must be a public benefit. The CPC must decide. ?? Fran Volkmann stated the CPC must send word back to Historic Northampton seeking assurance of preservation. Let them respond appropriately. JACKSON STREET BIKE TRAIL ?? Tom Parent stated this is a sensible project but it seems expensive. ?? John Andrulis stated it is expensive but includes land taking. It is something the trail needs. Placed in tier 1. ?? Craig Della Penna also placed the project in tier 1. it is expensive because of the arcane route needed. ?? Mason Maronn placed it in tier 2 because of the difficulties in execution. There are too many remaining uncertainties to place in tier 1. ?? George Kohout placed it in tier 1 because of the public and safety benefit. He commended the Planning Department for their execution abilities. ?? Fran Volkmann placed the project in tier 3. She believed citizens are using the route without improvement and therefore money should be spent elsewhere. ?? Craig Della Penna disagreed stating traffic will increase by multiples if the route is improved. ?? George Kohout stated people use the route now but it is unsafe. Also, this is a good balance to earmark some dollars for recreation. LOOK PARK FOUNTAIN ?? Craig Della Penna stated he is concerned with this project because it appears to be a historic remembrance piece, not preservation. ?? Mason Maronn placed this project between tier 2 and 3. He questioned if the current fountain could be fixed. ?? George Kohout placed the project firmly in tier 3, as the project lacks public benefit. 7 Also, the CPC cannot afford the project. The money is better given to Forbes Library or similar. ?? John Andrulis stated this seems like a large expense. Also, Look Park does not have a good record of preserving its infrastructure. Placed in tier 3. ?? Tom Parent placed the project between tier 2 and 3. He would love to see it fixed and believed it would be beneficial to the CPC. ?? Fran Volkmann placed it in tier 3. It is a huge amount and does not seem like preservation. It is not a useful fountain since its separated from the park by traffic. PARADISE POND COMMUNITY HOUSING ?? Tom Parent stated he has a problem with this project. He understands they made a mistake but questioned their stated lack of options. This is not what the CPC funds are for. ?? John Andrulis stated he agonized over this project because it will affect the residents. He is not sure where to place the project in the ranking. ?? Mason Maronn placed in tier 3. He stated the CPC could not pay for others mistakes. ?? Craig Della Penna recognized it is a small amount of money but not good for the CPC to clean up others mistakes. They could find other options. ?? George Kohout placed in tier 2 and suggested partial funding. Paradise Pond is a wonderful project, but doesn’t want to set precedent of filling budget gaps for non- profits. ?? John Andrulis questioned if this is considered support. ?? Bruce Young stated there is no given definition of support therefore it does not matter and is permissible. ?? Tom Parent stated he would want guarantee they will get funding in the future from HUD. ?? Fran Volkmann agreed with George Kohout, HAP is a great organization and positive contributor to the community. She does not want to jeopardize the occupants and therefore placed in tier 1 with some contingencies. SAW MILL HILLS OPEN SPACE ?? Tom Parent questioned how much was needed to fully fund the project. ?? Bruce Young stated the budget is $385,000 but $120-150,000 could be returned if the two building lots were sold for market value. The purchase option could be extended if the CPC wanted to forward fund the project. ?? George Kohout stated there is never enough affordable housing, but there are new options all time. This may not be the best location for the affordable housing and therefore the CPC save that money. ?? Craig Della Penna suggested that Habitat for Humanity would need to wait many years before building the lots anyhow. However, the CPC could put size restrictions on the property in order to make the lots moderately affordable. ?? John Andrulis sees no reason to support, as potential development is restricted there anyhow. ?? Bruce Young disagreed and stated the parcel actually blocks a potential development of 27 units further up the hillside. 8 ?? George Kohout also is concerned of the danger of build out of the surrounding lots. ?? Fran Volkmann put the project in tier 2. She wants to find a way to support the open space allotment, but the affordable housing support should go elsewhere. SUMMER STREET OPEN SPACE ?? Tom Parent suggested funding partially but concerned it sets a precedent. He suggested making them find other sources of assistance. ?? John Andrulis put in tier 2 also. Ranked ahead of Paradise Pond though. ?? Craig Della Penna concurred with Tom Parent regarding partial funding. He also questioned if the tenants would need to leave during renovation. ?? Mason Maronn placed the project in tier 2. It is a good program but not ready to fund all. ?? George Kohout stated the CPC could not afford all, but should fund some. ?? Fran Volkmann would like to see the project funded. She suggested discussing budget cuts. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ?? Fran Volkmann provided one correction to the May 21, 2008 minutes. On page 4 the date of the Valley CDC meeting should be June 18, not June 10. ?? Upon motion by Tom Parent, seconded by Mason Maronn, all voted in favor of the amended minutes for May 21, 2008. ?? Approval of the May 31, 2008 minutes was tabled to the June 18, 2008 meeting. 6. CHAIR’S REPORT ?? Fran Volkmann presented the schedule of meeting dates prepared by Jack Hornor and Bruce Young for the remainder of 2008. It includes twice monthly meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Meeting adjourned at 10:22pm. Respectfully submitted on June 12, 2008, John Frey, Community Preservation Planner 9