Agenda and Minutes 2012-04-04
City of Northampton
Community Preservation Committee
210 Main Street, City Hall
Northampton, MA 01060
Community Preservation Committee
DATE: Wednesday, April 4, 2012
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall)
Contact:
Katharine Baker, Chair, Community Preservation Committee
bakerkg@comcast.net
Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Planner
slavalley@northamptonma.gov
(413) 587-1263
Agenda
7:00 - General Public Comment
7:05 - Minutes - March 21, 2012
7:05 - Meeting with Round 1 2012 Applicant for CPA Funds - Hampshire County
Courthouse Renovation – Hampshire Council of Governments
7:30 – Public Comment Session on Round 1 2012 CPA Applications
Hampshire County Courthouse Renovation – Hampshire Council of Governments
o
Conservation Fund - Northampton Conservation Commission
o
Broad Brook Gap Acquisition – Northampton Conservation Commission
o
CT River Greenway – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
o
Beaver Brook Bridge Restoration – Northampton Office of Planning &
o
Development
Main Street Streetscape Parks – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
o
Financial Review/Update
Begin Funding Recommendations (if time allows)
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
Adjourn
For additional information please refer to the Community Preservation Committee website:
http://www.northamptonma.gov/cpc/
Next Meeting: April 18, 2012
Community Preservation Committee Minutes
April 4, 2012
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Downey Meyer, Bill Breitbart, Joe DeFazio, David Drake, Brian Adams,
Dave Rothstein, Marlene Morin
Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Downey called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Minutes – March 21, 2012
Dave moved to approve the minutes with minor typo corrections, seconded by Brian. The motion
carried unanimously.
Meeting with Round 1 2012 Applicant for CPA Funds - Hampshire County
Courthouse Renovation – Hampshire Council of Governments
Todd Ford, COG Executive Director, provided an overview of the project and the organization.
A grant was received from the Grousbeck Foundation, which was dedicated to advancing work on
the building. Architects and engineers were hired to study the building, and provide a cost
estimate. Funds are being requested from all Hampshire County municipalities, since the
Citizens of Hampshire County are the owners of the building.
The COG is looking into other grants as well as speaking with delegates about funding, and a
private fundraising drive is planned.
Todd provided an overview of problems with the building; a sinkhole under the stairs, mortar
replacement, and windows requiring replacement. The COG sees the building as both a
prominent historic building in Northampton and an important downtown open space.
Questions from the Committee:
Brian noted that energy efficiency is an important priority, but this is not reflected in the work
plan. Todd stated that it is most important to fix the structurally unsound parts of the
building. Energy efficiency would save significant funds, but Todd noted that the
Commonwealth pays energy bills since the modern court facility is attached.
Bill noted that the first phase is 1.2 million, much more than the Northampton request, and asked
for an update on other funding sources. Todd replied that some towns have declined funding
requests, but Goshen and Southampton were supportive. A fundraising expert will also be
hired.
Dave asked if there is a minimum am0unt that is needed before work can begin. Todd replied
that most grants cannot be received without committed matching funds, and any CPC funds
awarded could be spent within the 3-year contract term.
Dave asked about possibilities for public access. Todd stated that the front doors must remain
locked due to the connection with the courthouse, but can be open after hours, including for
Arts Night Out. The law library in the basement is also open to the public.
Bill asked about funds remaining from prior grants. Todd replied that $135,000 remains from
the Grousbeck award, and the state historic funds were expended to hire architects and
engineers.
Brian asked if there is any way to work the Commonwealth regarding funds for energy related
improvements. Todd answered that energy efficiency is a priority of the COG, but is not as
important for the Commonwealth within the building as other projects.
Public Comment Session on Round 1 2012 CPA Applications
Hampshire County Courthouse Renovation – Hampshire Council of Governments
No public comment.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
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April 4, 2012
Conservation Fund - Northampton Conservation Commission
Broad Brook Gap Acquisition – Northampton Conservation Commission
Bob Zimmermann, North Farms Road, Broad Brook Coalition President, spoke in favor of the
Conservation Fund and the Broad Brook Gap. The Broad Brook project will provide an
opportunity to add nearly 100 acres and ½ mile of Broad Brook frontage to the FLCA. The
area provides habitat for plants and animals, and is an opportunity that is not likely to repeat
itself. BBC endorses the project.
The Conservation Fund is an important instrument for timely acquisition, and is also supported
by BBC.
The Committee discussed plans for maintenance and upkeep if the land is acquired.
Dave Herships, Warburton Way, expressed support for both the Conservation Fund and Broad
Brook Gap, noting that FLCA is a regionally important conservation area that people enjoy
year round, and the Gap will be an excellent addition.
Yvonne Boucher, Jackson Street, expressed support for the Broad Brook Gap.
CT River Greenway – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
Beaver Brook Bridge Restoration – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
Main Street Streetscape Parks – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
John Gaustad, Ward Avenue, stated that bikeways are a wonderful asset to the City that make it
an attractive place to visit and live, and urged continued support for trail projects.
James Lowenthal, Crescent Street, MassBike, expressed support for all three projects, noting that
paths are important and are popular benefits to the community. The #1 reason that people do
not ride is fear of traffic, but this is not an issue on trails. The bridge project will kill 2 birds
with one stone, as it is protection of a historic asset and a recreation resource. The Main
Street park project will create open space, which ios critical since Northampton does not have
a town green, and will also address safety.
Hilary Cosawet, stated that she recently moved to Northampton, partly due to trail resources, and
supports trail access along the Connecticut River. Hilary added that the park project will
reduce the highway feel of downtown and should also be supported.
Debin Bruce, Columbus Avenue, expressed support for the three bike related projects. The
Greenway will provide new connections, and the bridge is critical because it will no longer be
available if not maintained, and the park project will address the 7 most dangerous area in
th
the state for pedestrians.
Gail Gaustad, Ward Avenue, spoke in favor of the bike projects, noting that she returned to
Northampton to retire because it is so easy to walk and bike to places.
Sam Kinlan, Hadley, spoke in favor of the bike projects.
Mike Sullivan, Fort Street, echoed support voiced so far, noting that he also moved to
Northampton because of trails, and they are an important resource for children.
Brett Constantine, Bliss Street, stated that Northampton is a forerunner for trails, and new
projects are needed to maintain this forward thinking.
Richard Green, River Road, supported the Beaver Brook Bridge project.
Sue Carbin, Mulberry Street, Leeds Civic Association, expressed her support for the Beaver Brook
Bridge, a beautiful historic resource.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
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April 4, 2012
Deb Jacobs, Grove Avenue, stated that she supports the Beaver Brook Bridge project; it is a great
neighborhood feature.
Financial Review/Update
Staff and Committee members reviewed the available funds and considered effects of potential
bonding. There is approximately $600,000 available at this round, minus the affordable
housing 10% set-aside for the fiscal year, and $1.1 million that will be available at Round 2 if
no awards are made this round.
Begin Funding Recommendations
Downey suggested that the CPC discuss each project preliminarily, going around the room so that
each member can provide input. Committee members can use impressions so far and
consider other comments made in advance of the next meeting, filling out the ranking sheet
provided by staff so that projects can be discussed in order of priority during the finalizing of
recommendations April 18.
Hampshire County Courthouse Renovation – Hampshire Council of Governments
Joe stated that the courthouse is in the heart of downtown, and precedent already exists for
bonding of historic projects. It is in rough shape, and should be fully supported.
Brian expressed disappointment in lack of energy efficiency in planning, but would support some
level of funding.
Bill stated that he is concerned about future plans for maintenance, as well as funding sources for
the rest of the project. Would support some funding to get the project started but better
planning should be encouraged.
Marlene stated that she is in favor of funding with conditions, noting that the lawn is a
community asset with an important history.
Dave noted that historic funding levels are high as compared to other categories, but also that
Northampton may be under more obligation that other communities to fund the project. The
CPC should consider how the resource will be protected in the future.
Jim stated that he is not supportive. Northampton is not a member of the COG, and the state is
also under some obligation for maintenance and repair.=, since the Citizens of Hampshire
County do not seem to be a legal entity.
The Committee asked Sarah to investigate agreements for maintenance and repair between the
COG and the state.
Downey noted that the state has allowed other resource to deteriorate beyond the point of repair,
such as the state hospital. Sarah added that even if the state were under some obligation, they
would likely not pursue improvements to historic standards.
Conservation Fund - Northampton Conservation Commission
Jim expressed support.
Dave noted that it pays big dividends, but is also a frequently reviewed application.
Marlene suggested it be funded partially.
Bill agreed, adding that the amount can be determined through the context of the round.
Joe agreed with these statements.
Downey stated that the Conservation Commission would likely put a project in hand ahead in
priority of the fund, but added that the fund is now $0, so options are gone.
Dave asked if more expedited applications would be filed for applications if the fund were empty.
Downey replied that many acquisitions would not be pursued.
Broad Brook Gap Acquisition – Northampton Conservation Commission
Brian stated that if not acquired the opportunity will be gone, and he fully supports.
Marlene stated that it is a beautiful piece of property, but that other projects seem to benefit more
people.
Bill noted that it is the highest cost project, and FLCA is a wonderful resource.
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April 4, 2012
Dave stated that it is a great parcel with habitat value and other assets, but public access and not
knowing if the limited project development will be needed are concerns. Has reservations
about bonding, since it both limits future committees and commits taxpayers in future years.
Brian noted that state funding is contingent on a local match, and that preservation for creatures
besides humans should be recongnized.
Downey stated that the beaver pond is spectacular, and development would have ecological
impacts and prohibit public use. The award could be conditioned to require access from
Coles Meadow Road if important to the CPC.
CT River Greenway – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
Marlene asked if the land is at-risk for development. Sarah replied that it is not, the project is for
planning and development of the trail.
Joe suggested it is not a high priority and can return in subsequent rounds.
The Committee discussed ties to the Damon Road project. Sarah noted that this is moving
forward, but will be several years before work begins.
Beaver Brook Bridge Restoration – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
Dave said he is 100% in favor. Jim and Joe echoed this, as did Bill.
Marlene suggested it is nearly an emergency situation.
Brian stated he voted against funding last time and has felt badly ever since, and will be in favor
this round.
Downey added that if it becomes damaged beyond repair, it will be prohibitively expensive to
replace.
Main Street Streetscape Parks – Northampton Office of Planning & Development
Joe stated that he likes the project and the idea
Brian said it is not his highest priority, but he likes the project.
Jim suggested that it is the responsibility of the City to address safety concerns.
Marlene suggested that open space may be more in line with the intent of the CPA than recreation
fields. The project is creative and addresses the needs of lots of people, but is not an
emergency.
Dave stated that he is troubled by the project, noting that it has lots of beneficial aspects, but
don’t see how it fits in with the CPA. It also has no public buy-in and is very undefined. If
Pulaski Park can’t be maintained, how could this be maintained?
Bill stated that he would love to see the project happen. Use of the City is centered around the
downtown. While safety is a side benefit, the project also stands alone as greenspace.
However, the overall Main Street plan could be more fully developed.
Other Business Not Foreseen When Agenda Was Published
None
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20PM
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April 4, 2012