CRRP-FNTTo: Mr. Chris Mason
From: George Kohout, President
Friends of Northampton Trails
Date: November 25, 2019
Re: Northampton Climate and Resiliency Plan
I am writing on behalf of the Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT) with comments on the draft climate plan (NCRRP). Our Board of Directors and approximately 250 members are very appreciative
of the time, energy and creativity applied to this plan by volunteer residents and city staff. The stated goal of making Northampton carbon-neutral by 2050 is wonderful … but of course
the devil is in the details of this NCRRP.
Our comments are focused primarily on the Transportation and Human Experience sections of the plan. Please consider incorporating these suggestions into the appropriate sections
There is a lack of specific metrics for many of the activities and projected outcomes detailed in the plan. The City developed a similar planning report in 2006 titled Sustainable Northampton
that incorporated metrics for long-term & short-term goals. A review of this plan by the committee could inform the development of relevant metrics aligned to each category in the NCCRP.
Adding metrics to the Summary Tables (pages 11-17) might be appropriate.
In the Transportation section (page 77) more emphasis could be placed on promoting alternative transportation options beyond the Valley Bikes (which are great!). There should be a greater
incentive to build separated bike lanes on our connector streets, collaborations with businesses to develop employee incentives that reward alternatives single occupancy vehicle commutes
and creative strategies, starting with city employees, to limit car-centric commutes to work.
The incorporation of a Climate-smart curriculum into the K-12 system is a great concept. An added component of the curriculum could be focused on alternative transportation systems and
awareness e.g. using public transportation (PVTA) and bicycle safety guidelines. These discussions and hands-on activities would legitimize the options of alternative transportation
at an early age.
Thank you for drafting this NRCCP and incorporating input from Northampton residents in this review and other stages of the process.