PermitApplication_City of NorthamptonPermit Application
Today's Date: 09/26/2017
Owner
Applicant
City of Northampton
Michael O'Brien
210 Main Street
70 Acrebrook Drive
Northampton, MA 01060
Florence, MA 01062
413-210-8823
leaguelegendsinc@gmail.com
City of Northampton department: N
Work Location Information
How many lots involved in the project: 1
Map / Block / Lots of all lots in project: 29 / 104 / 001
Deed Book of all lots in project: Ryan Road Elementary School
Project work address: 498 RYAN RD
City/State/Zip: Florence 01062
Zoning District: EU
Application for following Permit Types
❑Planning Bd. Special Permit w/ Site Plan
❑Planning Bd. Special Permit w/ MAJOR Site Plan
❑Administrative Site Plan Review
❑Planning Bd. Major Site Plan or 40R Approval
(No Special Permit)
❑Subdivision Preliminary
❑Subdivision Definitive IF NO Preliminary
❑Zoning Board Special Permit
❑Appeal of Building Commissioner -Zoning
❑Variance
❑Historic District Determination of Non -
Applicability
❑Historic District (Elm St) Determination of
Appropriateness
❑West Street Architecture
❑Wetlands Notice of Intent, Abbreviated NOI or
ANRAD, IF state wetlands
❑Wetlands Request for Determination OR Resource
Delineation
❑Wetlands Certificate of Compliance request
❑Planning Bd. Special Permit w/ Site Plan for flag lots
®Planning Bd. Site Plan (NO Special Permit)
❑Approval Not Required Plans
❑Subdivision Definitive IF Preliminary approved
❑Subdivision Definitive Amendment
❑Zoning Board Finding
❑Comprehensive Permit
❑Demolition (Demolition Delay)
❑Central Business Architecture
❑Wetlands Notice of Intent IF ONLY local wetlands
❑Wetlands Amendment
❑Wetlands extension
210 Main St., Rm. 11, City Hall, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1262
Fee Information
Planning Bd. Site Plan (NO Special Permit) - $325 $ 325
Total fee amount: $ 325.00
Existing Use
Elementary School, Playground, Ballfields
Planned Use
A memorial basketball court has already been built on this site. Lights are being added to make it the
first and only public recreational space available for use after dark in Northampton. This has been
approved by the school committee and city counsel. Currently the ordinance 350-12.2 is being applied to
this project. This ordinance was not written with outdoor recreation in mind as several criteria don't
allow for adequate levels of light to be used.
This project is similar in concept to the recreational facilities at Maines Field and NHS Football Stadium
that both have outdoor lighting. This project should be approached in same mindset. Achieving
satisfying light levels for safe play while cutting down on light trespass and being as efficient as
possible.
The basketball court will be used for adult basketball leagues, youth clinics as well be the only public
recreational space designed for use after dark. The space will provide revenue for the community as it
can be rented out by the recreation department for group outings or athletic functions. The space can
host other functions requiring a level well lit space. Long term, it is our goal to build a public outdoor
skating rink in this space. Another unique feature this city does not have and one that will have
maximized use and impact if it is done correctly with proper lighting.
Measures to be considerate of neighbors have already been taken with the exact location of the court on
the property being away from abutting properties. The lights will be set on a timer to go out at 930pm.
The lights can be put on sensors to be at very low settings when the court is not in use. This also cuts
down on electrical costs and improves efficiency. We believe we can do THIS project with cut off
fixtures and honoring the 90 degree fixture angle. However this is at the expense of efficiency.
This location already has outdoor lighting for its parking lots and security. Ryan Road school already
has light poles that are much taller than the ones needed for this project and the existing lights are on all
night.
We are requesting that the maximums listed in the ordinance be waived that hinder the ability to
properly light this venue.
Pole height 16'
3 footcandles
light temp 3000k (not currently in ordinance)
It is still our goal to reduce light trespass and be as efficient as possible with this project. However
working from the needs of the project opposed to an ordinance not really written for this application will
210 Main St., Rm. 11, City Hall, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1262
result in a better outcome for everyone.
"Additionally it is worth mentioning that this project is fully financed by the all volunteer Northampton
based non profit League Legends, Inc. This facility will be maintained by this organization. We would
like to continue to do projects like this for the community but the limitations in place by this ordinance
makes that more difficult.
Detailed Project Information
Finding Description: n/a
Special Permit Description: 1. No Light trespass
2. Set back 300 feet from the road out of eye line
3. Lights already exist at this location
4. Lights out at 930
5. Lights only used when people will be using the space, high efficiency LED lights will be used
6. Open Space Plan OS -1 Objectives
Obj ectives:
1. Determine carrying capacity of facilities
and match it with population growth and
demographics.
2. Maximize use of recreational space with affordable
and quality programs for youth.
3. Make capital improvements and enhance
maintenance of recreation facilities.
4. Provide open space and recreation opportunities
for individuals of all ages, socioeconomic
levels, and physical abilities
now and for future generations.
7. Zoning requirements met looking for a waiver on the Lighting ordinance
Onsite Traffic Description: n/a
Offsite Traffic Description: n/a
Site Plan Description: #12
We are requesting that the maximums listed in the ordinance be waived that hinder the ability to
properly light this venue.
Pole height 16'
3 footcandles
light temp 3000k (not currently in ordinance)
Files Uploaded:
Supporting Information:
Comprehensive (40b):
Drainage Information:
Traffic Information:
Plan Sheets:
210 Main St., Rm. 11, City Hall, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1262
Wetlands Information:
Approval Not Required:
Autocad:
Tiff or PDF:
Historic Information:
By typing my name in the signature box, I certify that all the information above is accurate to the best of my
knowledge, I am the property owner or have permission from the property owner to apply for this permit. I also
grant permission to the City of Northampton to inspect the proposed work
Signature: Michael O'Brien Date Signed: 09/26/2017
210 Main St., Rm. 11, City Hall, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1262