LICENSE-Agriculture-Mineral Hills GreenwayLICENSE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE OF THE MINERAL HILLS CONSERVATION AREA
WHEREAS, The Conservation Commission of the City of Northampton, acting through its
staff, the Office of Planning and Sustainability and with authority of City Council, wishes
to maintain the soil fertility of the land under its custody, keep the land open for recreational use,
encourage wildlife habitat, preserve open spaces and vistas and promote sustainable agriculture.
NOW THEREFORE the Commission grants this LICENSE to Henry M. Parsons, Mayval
Farm (without right of assignment or substitution) to allow the licensee to practice farming in a
manner congruent with proper use of the City of Northampton Conservation Land.
1. The premises are that portion of the Mineral Hills Conservation Area, in the City of
Northampton, located along the westerly side of Sylvester Road, bordering parcels 28-15, 28-
68 and 28-69. The agricultural portion of the Mineral Hills Conservation Area consists of
seven acres, more or less, and is shown on the attached plan.
2. The LICENSE shall commence immediately and terminate December 31, 2017. The
Licensee shall plant a cover crop prior to the termination of the lease and any year
when no other crop is planted.
3. In lieu of a yearly license fee (valued at approximately $250/year) the Licensee shall
perform the following work. The Commission shall terminate this agreement if the
Licensee fails to perform in accordance with this agreement.
2013: Brushog all of the area historically in agriculture, up to the tree row to the north
and the drainage ditch and parking lot to the south.
2014: Dredge the drainage ditch on the southerly side of the hayfield.
2015: Brushog all of the area described above.
2016: Dredge the drainage ditch on the southerly side IF needed.
2017: Brushog all of the area described above.
4. The Licensee shall use the premises only for the purposes of farming and may irrigate,
cultivate, plant, and otherwise farm for that purpose only.
5. The Licensee will erect no permanent structures and will not store farming equipment on the
premises. The Licensee will not damage the property.
6. The public shall have access to the premises, except as necessary to prevent damage to
crops and farm equipment.
7. The Licensee agrees to forever release and hold harmless the City of Northampton, their
officers, employees, and agents, from any actions, claims, damages, and liabilities
whatsoever, for any damages or liability resulting from property damage or personal injury
which the Licensee, his agents or employees may sustain on the property during the life of
this License and from any liability which may be alleged by a third party which arise out of
or on account of the Licensee's activities on the property. The Licensee agrees to indemnify
the City of Northampton for any loss or damage incurred by the City of Northampton of the
agreement or any activity under it.
Signed on this / {Jl dll.y of ~ '2013