2021-10-20_Sustainable Northampton_PDFS U S T A I N A B L E
N O R T H A M P T O N
Comprehensive Plan (2021)
INCLUDES
Sustainable Northampton Comprehesnive Plan (2008 amended to 2021)
Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan (2017)
Open Space, Recreation and Multi Use Plan (2018)
Climate Resilience & Regeneration Plan (2021)
B
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge that Northampton is built upon and benefited
from the extensive contributions, assistance, and traditional land
stewardship of Indigenous and First Peoples, including the Nipmuc
and Pocumtuc Nations, who have inhabitated this landscape since
time immemorial. Our contintinued prospertity is dependent upon
acknowledging and learning from its rich intertwined history, and we
acknowledge the role of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican
Indians in this work.
Thank you to the hundreds of community members who provided
input at public workshops, meetings and hearings, stakeholder
interviews, and paper and on-line platforms. These contributions
shaped and were critical to the vision, framework, and strategies in
this plan. We also want to acknowledge and thank:
Office of Planning and Sustainability
project management and coordination
Wayne Feiden FAICP, director and project manager; Carolyn Misch
AICP, assistant director, Keith Benoit, Teresa Brockriedge, Sarah
LaValley AICP, James Thompson, Nathan Chung.
City of Northampton support
Mayor David J. Narkewicz; Building Dept (Louis Hasbrouke), Central
Services (Chris Mason and David Pomerantz) Forbes Library (Lisa
Downing); Health Department (Meridith O’Leary and Jenny Meyer);
Lilly Library (Adam Novak); Mayor’s Office (Alan Wolf), Police
Department (Jody Kasper); Public Works (Donna LaScaleia, Maggie
Chen, Doug McDonald and David Veleta); Parks and Recreation
(Ann-Marie Moggio), Senior Services (Marie Westburg),
Arts Council, City Council, Conservation Commission, Disabilities
Commission, Historical Commission, Housing Partnership, Planning
Board, Recreation Commission, Transportaton and Parking Com-
mission, TPC Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee, Tree Commis-
sion, Youth Commission, Zonning Board of Appeals.
Community participants
Broad Brook Coalition Friends of Northampton Trails, Grow Food
Northampton, Smith Vocational Agricultural School, Northampton
Neighbors, Way Finders, ServiceNet, Northampton Survival Center,
Highland Valley Elder Services, Community Legal Aid, Valley Com-
munity Development, The Literacy Project, Pioneer Valley Habitat
for Humanity, Northampton Housing Authority, Mass Fair Housing,
Northampton Community Arts Trust, Center for Human Develop-
ment, Northampton Youth Commission, Northampton High School
Environmental Club, Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce,
UMass Clean Energy Extension, Healthy Hampshire/Collaborative
for Educational Services, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.,
Smith College; UMass School of Earth & Sustainability; Mothers
Out Front and Climate Action Now; Mill River Greenway Initiative;
Climate Action Now; Abundance Farm, Unitarian Society; Leeds
Civic Association, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, National Grid, West-
ern Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness, Pioneer Valley
Transportation Authority; Coca-Cola, Bay State Village Association,
Center for Ecological Technology, Center for the Arts..
Project Funding
City of Northampton, Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Pro-
gram,
Massachusetts Planning Assistance Grant, Massachusetts Depart-
ment of Public Health/Centers for Disease Control, Partners for
Places.
Consultant Teams
Alta Planning and Design, Cecil Group, Linnean Solutions, Kim
Lundgren Associates, Fuss & O’Neill, Watson Active, and, for InDe-
sign layout, Jones Whitsett Architects
Sustainable Northampton Plan first adopted January 2008
Endorsed City Council, Transportation & Parking Commission, Youth
Commission
Pedestrian & Bicycle Compehensive Plan adopted January 2017
Endorsed City Council and Transportation & Parking Commission
Open Space, Recreation, and Multiuse Plan Adopted June 2018
Endorsed or Adoted Agriculture Commission, City Council, Conser-
vation Commission, Historical Commission, Parks and Recreation
Commissions, and Transportation and Parking Commission
Climate Resilience and Regeneration Plan, January 2021
Endorsed City Council, Energy & Sustainability Commission
Sustainable Northampton Plan amended November 18, 2021
Merge all plans together
Deleted overlap
Deleted strategies and actions done
Deleted metrix replaced by other measurements
Prepare document for planned 202 Heritage update)
Prepare document for future overall plan update
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan (amended through 2021)
Adopted and amended by the Northampton Planning Board in accordance with Mass General Law C.41, Section 81D)
Table of Contents
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan 2021
PART 1: Sustainable Northampton
The Approach ..................................................................................................................1
The Vision .......................................................................................................................2
The Guiding Principles ....................................................................................................3
Land Use Map .................................................................................................................4
The Elements, Actions ....................................................................................................6
Land Use and Development ...........................................................................................7
Environment ..................................................................................................................10
Economic Development ................................................................................................12
Arts and Culture ............................................................................................................16
Heritage Resources ......................................................................................................17
Housing .........................................................................................................................18
Infrastructure and Capital Resources ...........................................................................20
Transportation ...............................................................................................................21
Municipal Governance and Financial Stability ..............................................................24
Education ......................................................................................................................25
Social Equity .................................................................................................................27
Potential Regulatory Actions .........................................................................................28
PART 2: Resilience and Regeneration Plan
Executive Summary and Introduction .....................................................................30
Climate Change in Northampton ............................................................................34
Pathways for Action ................................................................................................43
Action Plan: Resilience and Regeneration Strategies ............................................56
A Plan Crafted by Northampton ..............................................................................83
Table of Contents
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan 2021
PART 3: Open Space, Recreation, and Multi-Use Trail Plan
Plan Summary ..............................................................................................................90
Introduction ...................................................................................................................91
Community Setting ........................................................................................................92
Environmental Inventory and Analysis ........................................................................104
Conservation and Recreation Inventory ......................................................................119
Community Vision .......................................................................................................180
Analysis of Needs .......................................................................................................181
Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................183
Seven-Year Action Plan ..............................................................................................187
Public Comments ........................................................................................................197
References ..................................................................................................................198
ADA Self-Evaluation Report ........................................................................................199
PART 4: Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................226
Existing Conditions .....................................................................................................236
Recommendations ......................................................................................................275
PART 1
Sustainable Northampton
1 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNorthampton has developed a vision for its future as well the goals, principles and strate-
gies required to support and implement that vision. Sustainable Northampton, is a comprehensive plan
that seeks to ensure the city can continue to meet its current and ongoing environmental, social and
economic needs without compromising the future for succeeding generations.
The Sustainable Northampton Plan was designed, in part, to fulfill the requirements of Massachusetts
General Law Chapter 41, Section 81 D, for the development of municipal comprehensive or master plans.
The comprehensive plan is designed to provide a basis for decision-making regarding the long-term
physical development of the municipality and requires Planning Board approval. Likewise, one purpose
of the Zoning Act (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A) and zoning adopted by communities is
to encourage the most appropriate use of land, including consideration of the recommendations in the
comprehensive plan.
Finite resources, coupled with a significant desire to better support a diverse and sustainable commu-
nity, require the city to make choices about how best to use its natural, social, economic, and human
resources. City residents and elected officials recognize that these choices are local decisions that
will impact the natural environment, the community, and quality of life. This vision is intended to guide
Northampton’s role locally, regionally, and globally.
Sustainable Northampton commits the city to becoming a model community for sustainable policies
and practices.
The Approach
Downtown is a critical part of Northampton’s identity, sense of place, and economy
2 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe Northampton that its residents and visitors love today is partly a product of con-
fluences of geography, climate and larger New England settlement patterns. But equally important in
shaping our community have been the choices made by its leaders and citizens in years past – con-
scious decisions about when to invest in industry and commerce, where to encourage housing, how to
harness and protect natural resources, how to create jobs, how to develop an educated citizenry, how to
welcome and support diversity, how to provide for artistic and cultural enrichment.
The residents of Northampton have an opportunity to provide shape and values to the way
Northampton will grow and change in the years ahead. We have the option of letting momentum and
inertia shape our future, resting on our laurels and our numerous “Best Of” rankings. We also have the
option of critically examining what works about Northampton and what could be improved, consciously
shaping a future that takes into account the reality of limited resources.
This comprehensive plan, the Sustainable Northampton Plan, represents a decision by its citizens to
choose the second option – to grow and change with a full understanding of this generation’s respon-
sibility to leave behind a community that will not compromise the ability of future generations to meet
their needs. This means learning to be smarter about how we use our resources, creatively thinking
about patterns of consumption and usage.
In crafting a vision that will impact the natural environment and quality of life at many levels, this plan is
driven by concepts of social equity, economic and cultural vitality, and environmental security. Bringing
these concepts alive will require a commitment by Northampton’s citizens to:
Leadership – locally and regionally - in the advancement of sustainable practices that manage
land use for long-term benefits, reduce dependency on nonrenewable fuels, reduce consumption of
resources without offsetting benefits, and improve our impact on the environment.
Inclusiveness, tolerance and civic-mindedness by embracing diversity and encouraging
full participation in community conversations.
Vibrancy as a city that supports the arts, non-profit organizations, higher education and busi-
nesses in an atmosphere that allows growth and prosperity while at the same time conserving
our heritage, natural resources, and history. We will build on and celebrate our uniqueness as a
community and maintain the quality of life.
This vision of sustainability, and these commitments to ourselves and to future generations, will be
achieved by following a set of Guiding Principles and enacting specific strategies and actions.
The Vision
The Paradise
pond landscape
was originally
designed by the
firm of Frederick
Law Olmstead.
Northampton’s
heritage land-
scapes are a
critical part of its
history.
3 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSupport a diverse and integrated
community where all residents have the
opportunity to excel on a social, economic, and
academic level and to lead healthy, independent
and successful lives;
Act as a part of a broader region through
the resources connecting us beyond our munic-
ipal borders, such as watersheds, rivers, roads,
economy, culture, or common goals;
Build resilience and regeneration
to address our climate crisis, while
improving energy efficiency in city build-
ings and programs, reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, and encourage conservation and use
of alternative and renewable energy sources
throughout the community;
Support a wide variety of housing types
that increase rental and homeownership units to
create and preserve a range of affordability and
choice in housing options;
Support artists and the arts, local culture,
history, and education at all levels as vital to a
successful, well-balanced community;
Connect municipal capital improve-
ments directly to the goals of Sustainable
Northampton;
Adopt land use patterns that maintain a
mix of urban and rural areas; concentrate
development in neighborhood, village, and
commercial centers supported by adequate
infrastructure, including public transit; promote
energy efficiency; and protect environmental,
open space, and agricultural resources.
Recognize and foster the unique
history, character and function of each
residential, commercial, mixed use, and open
space neighborhood.
Recognize that a diverse and vibrant
economy is integral to a successful commu-
nity and support business and job development
that contribute to the community and the city’s
long-term sustainability;
Make the city increasingly more
walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented;
Improve citizens’ lives through continuous,
high quality education; and,
Operate the city as a democratic
enterprise that is responsive and responsible
to the fiscal, economic, social, and environmen-
tal interests of its citizens.
The Guiding Principles
Community connectivity is part of building social resilience
4 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanLand Use Map
The Land Use Map is proposed to provide
the City with a basis for making consistent
decisions on capital investments and land use
into the future. The Land Use Map is adopted
with this document. The Map may be amended
over time to ensure consistency and to provide
a measurement of success in the completion of
Sustainable Northampton.
The Land Use Map is not a prescriptive
regulatory document such as the Zoning Map,
which requires conformance for land use and
development. The Land Use Map provides broad
guidance for making decisions on all city actions:
programs, land use decisions, regulations, and
capital expenditures. Zoning Map amendments
may be anticipated as one method of imple-
menting the Land Use Map and this Plan. The
Future Land Use Map must be flexible, but with
consistent use it will result in an accumulation of
decisions that support the City goals.
The Land Use Map shows
• Concentration of traditional development
in the historically denser areas of
Downtown, Florence and Leeds;
• Low-density development in the
watersheds. This plan will allow transfer of
development rIghts into the higher density
areas;
• Expansion of land for commercial/
economic development;
• Areas for continued preservation of
agriculture and related uses.
5 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe following are descriptions of the areas
shown on the Land Use Map.
Agriculture and Historically Compatible
Uses This is primarily highly productive agri-
culture land within the floodplain of Connecticut
River and includes rich wildlife and flora resources
and historical commercial and residential uses.
In this area, expansion of existing buildings
and uses is encouraged, acquisition of land in
floodplain forests and within the 10 year floodplain
is prioritized, but generally new non-agricultural
development is discouraged.
Conservation Development and
Sending Zone These are outlying areas that
generally have moderate to severe environ-
mental limitations, including water supply areas,
large intact forest ecosystems, rich wildlife and
flora resources, and critical scenic resources.
In these areas, conservation of land is priori-
tized. Many areas are appropriate for context
sensitive development and open space residen-
tial development designed to be compatible
with conservation purposes.
Traditional Neighborhood and Receiving
Zone These are currently the most developed
areas with planned expansion of developable
area to accommodate expected demand for
new growth. These areas can accommodate
the vast majority of new smart growth residen-
tial development, but only with design standards
to ensure that new development does not
degrade the quality of existing neighborhoods
and mitigates traffic.
Mixed-Use Commercial Center These are
the current and proposed commercial areas. In
all of these areas housing is strongly encour-
aged, but only above the first floor. Mixed uses
within the district and often within buildings, is
strongly encouraged.
Business, Industrial, Institutional, and
Live-Work These are the areas that include
traditional mill buildings along the Mill River
and other business and industrial areas which
are appropriate for mixed use. Residential use
should be allowed only as part of live-work and
artists space, where the primary use is
business but business owners and workers
may live on the premises.
Business and Industrial These are the tradi-
tional industrial/research/business park sites that
should be preserved for business and industrial
uses not compatible with residential uses.
Land Use Areas
6 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe following section includes the Goals, Objectives and
Actions proposed to accomplish this Vision:
• Land Use and Development Environment
• Economic Development
• Arts and Culture
• Heritage Resources
• Housing
• Infrastructure and Capital Resources
• Transportation
• Municipal Governance and Financial Stability
• Education
• Social Equity
Each element includes the following sections:
Goals
The goals are based on the result of the public input
process and form the foundation of the plan;
Objectives
More specific ideals by which each goal will be achieved;
Strategies and Actions
Steps that are to be taken, with the responsible party
identified.
Part 2, 3 and 4 provide the details of our Climate Resilience and
Regeneration, Open Space, Recreation, and Multi Use Trails, and
Pedestrian and Bicycle planning.
The Elements, Actions & Measures of Success
7 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal LU-1: Direct changes and improvements
in accordance with the Land Use Map
Objectives
1. Use the downtown and more densely
developed areas to build high and medium
density housing (12 to 65 units/acre; see Density
Study prepared by the Office of Planning and
Development for illustrations).
2. Encourage mixed-use development in both
residential and commercial areas such as
Florence center, Village of Leeds, Bay State,
Hospital Hill.
3. Encourage infill development of vacant and
underutilized land in and around downtown and
in existing denser developed areas.
4. Match the pace of new housing develop-
ment with the growth in capacities of public
infrastructure, public safety, public health, and
school services.
5. Locate housing within walking distances along
safe paths, or with bicycle access, to and from
neighborhood commercial areas, parks and
recreation, schools, and public transportation.
Strategies & Actions
Compare the City land use policies against the
Open Space and Recreation Plan recommen-
dations to identify priority open space areas and
resources that should be preserved.
Provide an option for mediation in site plan
reviews to address neighborhood concerns.
Land Use & Development
8 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal LU-2: Create and preserve high quality,
built environments in the downtown and village
centers
Objectives
1. Add parks, greenspace and appropriate
agriculture on city-owned land or on larger infill
development parcels where possible.
2. Identify the major gateways into downtown
and outline necessary improvements.
3. Encourage the preservation of historically or
architecturally significant buildings.
4. Encourage well-designed and desired
development to occur in downtown and other
more densely developed locations or in targeted
growth zones.
5. Define and support a critical mass of retail,
cultural, and office space.
6. Reinforce downtown as a regional city
center with its continuation as a vibrant mix of
commercial, civic and cultural uses.
7. Ensure the downtown and village centers are
universally accessible.
Strategies & Actions
Add regular funding to the capital budget for
more public benches, cigarette disposal recepta-
cles, trash cans, restrooms, and garden spaces
downtown and in village centers, consistent with
adopted streetscape plans.
Ask for the participation of the local merchants
and neighborhood residents in maintaining
these facilities.
Define an area standard and criteria for required
green/open space within the highest density
commercial and village centers.
Draft and adopt design criteria for roads, sig-
nage and landscape that will enhance gateways
to downtown and village centers and create a
welcoming entry into each section of the City.
Develop a public signage and wayfinding
program that increases visibility of public road
signs, and ensures that private signs conform
to downtown and village aesthetics and design
criteria.
Continue to increase the amount of public open
space for community gardens, (where the soils
and microclimate are appropriate for gardening) to
eliminate waiting list for community garden plots.
Continue to improve streetscape design stan-
dards for street trees and streetscape.
Review accessibility on all public streets and
continue program to upgrade and convert to
universally accessible public space.
Goal LU-3: Maintain a distinction between
rural areas, residential neighborhoods, and
urban areas
Objectives
1. Housing projects that are built in rural areas
should be cluster development types, leaving
more open land, with designs that allow for a
variety of housing options.
2. Preserve the character of rural areas through
preservation of large undeveloped tracts, vistas,
and farmland.
3. Ensure a wide variety of living options to allow
market-based choices.
4. Implement ideas for maximizing density on
small lots.
5. Preserve a diversity of housing types
that define the historic development of the
neighborhood.
6. Create Northampton neighborhoods, that
provide pedestrian scales, connections to goods
and services, and connections to multiple modes
of travel.
7. Ensure that zoning and land use regulations
encourage mixed-use, multi-family development
projects that are in keeping with high quality
design and character.
9 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan8. Ensure that expansion of commercial
parcels into residential areas coincides with
road infrastructure improvements and improve
neighborhood character.
Strategies & Actions
Where cluster ordinance does not provide the
optimum designs, adopt revised cluster regulations.
Evaluate appropriate reuse of large institutional
properties and consider redevelopment for
mixed-use centers
Encourage development of neighborhood
organizations and support their participation in
the planning of their areas.
Establish public policies that prioritize maintain-
ing public infrastructure in neighborhoods mixed
with affordable housing.
Determine and extend public infrastructure
improvements; water, roads, and sewer, to
encourage the appropriate types of housing.
Goal LU-4: Preserve and encourage
agricultural uses in
Objectives
1. Maintain the primarily open and agricultural
nat ure of the Meadows as it exists, with no new
residential lots and no significant increase in
residential density.
2. Continue to allow flooding of the Meadows for
restoration of the soils for farming, and preserve
the floodplain storage capacity of the Meadows.
3. Support the economic viability of farming
within the City, through allocation of resources
and infrastructure investments.
Strategies & Actions
Monitor the trends of farmland utilization and
production.
Work with Agriculture Commission to identify
additional parcels of land for agriculture protec-
tion and agri-businesses.
Street Trees
Street trees should be planted at 20’ to 35’ depending
on location. Trees planted along travel ways can reduce
vehicle emissions by removing sulphur dioxide and
reducing particulates by up to 75%. A single full-grown
(beech) tree can provide equivalent cooling as five
room air conditioners and will supply enough oxygen
for ten people.
10Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanEnvironment
Goal EEC-1: Protect valuable and sensitive
ecological resources (land, air, water, habitat,
plants and animals)
Objectives
1. Prioritize and preserve quality wetlands by
encouraging dev elopment in densely populated
areas and in clusters.
2. Protect and conserve water supplies (drinking,
surface, groundwater, recharge areas, aquifers)
and continue to enforce groundwater protection
regulations.
3. Conserve wetlands with programs to ensure
no net loss of total wetlands (existing area of
approximately 3,000 acres).
4. Preserve floodplains for flood storage and,
where appropriate, habitat values.
5. Preserve existing forests, floodplains, wetlands,
and agricultural soils of high ecological value.
6. Protect rare and endangered plants and
animals and important wildlife rridors.
7. Improve the quality and appearance of the
public water supply.
8. Recognize that the protection of environmen-
tal resources will improve the quality of life and
the value of property in the City.
9. Minimize the loss of tree canopy throughout the
City and increase tree canopy in urbanized areas to
maintain a higher quality environment in all areas.
Goal EEC-2: Minimize the impacts of
infrastructure systems on environmental
resources
Objectives
1. Implement regulations that include measures
for soil erosion and sediment control.
2. Encourage and enforce low impact develop-
ment designs.
3. Develop an inventory of roadways and
facilities in environmentally sensitive areas and
reduce the use of sand, salts or other de-icing
chemicals for their maintenance.
4. When in use, store road salt and de-icing
chemicals in safe and environmentally sound
locations and structures to prevent accidental
pollution/contamination.
5. Include ‘low impact’ and National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
drainage improvements concurrently with any
pavement management program or project.
6. Reuse brownfield sites.
7. Conserving the supply of potable water
for actual or anticipated shortages and when
deemed necessary for health, welfare or safety.
8. Ensure City programs for improvement are
equally distributed throughout all neighborhoods,
consistent with need and cost.
9. Reduce use of toxic substances being
released in the environment, including pesti-
cides, herbicides, high VOC paints, and other
listed toxic materials.
Goal EEC-3: Safeguard and improve the quality
of the City’s surface waters to ensure use for safe
public swimming, recreational fishing activities,
boating, and drinking
Objectives
1. Ensure landside land alterations do not
adversely impact surface waters.
2. Ensure waterfront property owners comply
with regulations and upgrade environmental
control equipment.
See Part 2: Climate Resilience & Regeneration Plan, the City’s climate action plan, for all
climate related environmental issues and Part 3: Open Space, Recreation, and Multi-Use
Plan for all open space related environmental issues
11Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan3. Ensure safe, high quality, recreational waters
are available to all residents.
4. Protect quality of backup drinking water
supply located in City reservoir.
Strategies & Actions
Create a volunteer water-quality monitoring
group under the auspices of the Conservation
Commission to monitor long-term trends of water
quality changes in areas not monitored by the
Department of Public Works
Pursue a long-term plan to improve the health of
Northampton’s rivers, streams, brooks, wetlands
and open water bodies by taking actions that
address water quality.
Goal EEC-4: Reduce light pollution
Objectives
1. Control the impact of light pollution in all new
development projects.
2. Provide adequate but low impact lighting in
business zones, the downtown and village centers.
Strategies & Actions
Enforce the Dark Sky Ordinance. Update the
language to be responsive to changes in lighting
technology and Dark Sky guiding principles
Goal EEC-5: Develop strategies to protect the
City from the impacts of natural hazards.
Objectives
1. Site new development outside of high hazard
natural areas, such as floodways.
2. Reduce the public costs of infrastructure
maintenance in high hazard areas.
3. Consistently apply strategies to all neighbor-
hoods and areas.
4. Encourage passive survivability standards
of new structures to increase survival of natural
disasters for all public and private buildings.
12Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanEconomic Development
Goal ED-1: Ensure vibrant and distinctive
downtown, commercial, and village centers
Objectives
1. Encourage business and job growth in urban
and commercial/industrial center.
2. Improve physical access to commercial
centers.
3. Provide adequate transportation and parking
options to enable successful visits to these centers.
4. Preserve/enhance the public services and
amenities that draw people downtown and
ensure that they are safe, pedestrian friendly,
and welcoming to the diversity of Northampton
residents.
Strategies & Actions
Support infill development in downtown and
commercial/industrial zones:
• Provide regulations and financial
incentives that would encourage
conversion of public and private surface
parking lots to mixed development with
parking structures,
• Allow taller structures [>five stories];
• Encourage or require shared parking.
Monitor and seek solutions to social problems
affecting business environment in downtown,
particularly panhandling and drug use.
Provide road and transit improvements to
support business development in areas identified
for commercial and mixed- use growth. See
Transportation Section for details.
Develop a mechanism to support downtown
management, marketing, and maintenance
such as a Business Improvement District and
develop revenue sources for marketing.
Reinvigorate the retail sector:
• Monitor retail sales trends, occupancy,
and turnover rates
• Create and monitor affordable
commercial space
• Develop a marketing strategy to reposi-
tion downtown as a retail hub and grow
market share
Encourage placement of State regional facilities,
such as courts and State offices, in the City
especially downtown.
Pursue the development of a year-round public
market for agricultural, arts, crafts, and locally
made products.
Goal ED-2: Provide long-term economic
sustainability, security, and opportunity
Objectives
1. Preserve and expand the commercial and
industrial land inventory and the commercial/
industrial tax base.
2. Encourage and support sustainable business
development and practices.
3. Encourage a versatile, diverse, and sustain-
able business and employment base.
4. Encourage business development for job
creation and retention, and living wages that
support the cost of living in the City.
Strategies & Actions
Reinvigorate the manufacturing base – both
traditional (plastics, machining) and higher
13Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plantechnology. Determine what regional and
statewide resources can be used to support
manufacturing and provide information to
manufacturers. Actively seek state funds for
workplace, language, and skills training in the
workplace.
Develop key existing and emerging industry sectors
with growth potential that build on Northampton’s
strengths including: publishing, software, medical/
science/bio technology, higher education, advanced
technology manufacturing, creative economy, green
businesses, and tourism/retail.
Use the Capital Improvement program to build
public infrastructure needed to support business
development in areas targeted for business
growth (broadband, sewer, water, drainage,
transit, roadway, and parking).
Re-establish the Business Outreach and Retention
Program to visit businesses in each sector on a
regular basis.
Support institutional and non-profit businesses
that are major employers, provide livable wages,
provide important public benefit, and act as a
catalyst for secondary economic activity (e.g.,
education, health care, Fairgrounds, and cultural
organizations).
Responsible Agencies: Mayor’s Office of Economic
Development, Schools, Institutions, Chamber of
Commerce, Office of Planning and Development
Create business and educational collaborations
and support innovation and technology transfer
and commercialization to grow local businesses
and to retain creativity, entrepreneurship, and
educated workforce from colleges and vocational
schools in the region.
Responsible Agencies: Mayor’s Office of
Economic Development, Schools, Local
Institutions, Chamber of Commerce
Create collaborations with colleges to market
Northampton as an attractive place to locate
alumni businesses and to develop long-term
strategies for shared economic benefits.
Support business development and business
practices that enhance the sustainability of the
community including, but not limited to, agri-
culture green business, energy efficiency, and
climate protection.
Focus on business development that supports
job creation, job opportunities, and higher than
average wages for all Northampton residents.
Focus on retaining and growing existing busi-
nesses and jobs. Develop a marketing campaign
to attract compatible and desirable businesses
and increase visibility for Northampton in
regional and national markets, highlight quality of
life assets as a competitive advantage.
Seek opportunities to ensure that commercial
and industrial property in the City remains
affordable to a diverse range of businesses.
Research and provide model sustainable business
practices as a resource for the business community.
Support entrepreneurship with business and
financial assistance and targeted financial
incentives where appropriate.
Encourage and support locally owned and
operated businesses and “buy local” campaigns.
Provide entrepreneurial training and start-up
business assistance, especially for low-income
and limited English speaking residents.
Address ESL, literacy, adult basic education, and
social equity needs of the workforce, especially
14Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planimmigrant workers, and provide programs in
community and workplace locations.
Support workforce development and training that
is responsive to industry and worker trends and
needs.
Responsible Agencies: Mayor’s Office of
Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce,
School Department, Institutions, Regional
Employment Board
Support job creation, job training and career
ladder opportunities for youth, unemployed,
under-employed, under-educated and limited
English speakers.
Develop key parcels to create a range of avail-
able sites and projects (e.g., Northampton State
Hospital, Rt. 10 Business Park, King Street).
Support cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield
sites and underutilized commercial/ industrial
buildings including, Wire Works, Magnat, Cutlery,
Pro Corp., Hill & Dale Mall, and Three County
Fairground.
Prevent loss of commercial/industrial land from
rezoning to residential use. Exclude residential
uses, in industrial districts to prevent conflicting
land uses and to maximize industrial inventory,
but task the Rezoning Committee to consider
exclusions and special circumstances.
Goal ED-3: Support a thriving cultural and
creative economy
Support joint marketing campaigns between
cultural, retail, and hospitality sectors.
Create a comprehensive database of businesses
and organizations in the Northampton creative
economy to determine the local asset base
and monitor status. Develop linkages between
related enterprises.
Goal ED-4: Provide a positive business
environment
Objectives
1. Invest in infrastructure to support desired
business development in areas targeted for
business growth (e.g., broadband technology,
sewer, water, drainage, roadway, parking, and
transit).
2. Maintain an appropriate level of environmental
and community protection while balancing the
impacts of regulation on businesses and major
employers and the economic health of the
community.
3. Provide a streamlined and transparent
permitting process.
4. Support a strong partnership with the
Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Village
business associations and other regional groups
to brand Northampton as a positive business
environment.
5. Create a competitive business environment
in the City to enable business investment to
occur for all levels of businesses, from start-up to
corporation.
6. Foster communication and understanding
between businesses, government, and residential
uses; and recognize business as an integral part
of a sustainable community.
7. Provide leadership for local and regional
economic development collaborations.
Strategies & Actions
Continue and expand regional economic devel-
opment collaborations to leverage strengths and
effectiveness locally and regionally; i.e. Pioneer
15Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanValley Connect, Plan for Progress, Economic
Development Partners, Chamber of Commerce,
surrounding communities.
Objectives
1. Increase the availability of affordable studio,
live-work, performance, and rehearsal space to
retain artists, cultural organizations, and busi-
nesses in Northampton.
2. Develop cross connections between various
sectors within the creative economy, such as
artists, designers, museums, and new technolo-
gies, to strengthen the overall vitality.
3. Facilitate greater communication and collab-
oration among cultural organizations, artists, the
business community, non-profit organizations
and City government.
Strategies & Actions
Preserve and develop affordable arts and
performance venues in the City by:
• Creating an inventory of present spaces,
evaluating their long-term viability.
• Surveying local artists to determine
demand and ability to pay for spaces.
• Identifying possible venues, promote
as part of downtown redevelopment
projects, and seek possible funding
sources.Support and provide incentives
to create affordable live/work and
studio space.
Link creative businesses to business and
financial assistance programs.
Support joint marketing campaigns between
cultural, retail, and hospitality sectors.
Create a comprehensive database of businesses
and organizations in the Northampton creative
economy to determine the local asset base
and monitor status. Develop linkages between
related enterprises.
Goal ED-4: Provide a positive business
environment
Objectives
1. Invest in infrastructure to support desired busi-
ness development in areas targeted for business
growth (e.g., broadband technology, sewer, water,
drainage, roadway, parking, and transit).
2. Maintain an appropriate level of environmental
and community protection while balancing the
impacts of regulation on businesses and major
employers and the economic health of the
community.
3. Provide a streamlined and transparent
permitting process.
4. Support a strong partnership with the
Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Village
business associations and other regional groups
to brand Northampton as a positive business
environment.
5. Create a competitive business environment in
the City to enable business investment to occur for
all levels of businesses, from start-up to corporation.
6. Foster communication and understanding
between businesses, government, and residential
uses; and recognize business as an integral part of
a sustainable community.
7. Provide leadership for local and regional
economic development collaborations.
Strategies & Actions
Continue and expand regional economic devel-
opment collaborations to leverage strengths and
effectiveness locally and regionally; i.e. Pioneer
Valley Connect, Plan for Progress, Economic
Development Partners, Chamber of Commerce,
surrounding communities.
16Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanArts and Culture
Goal AC-1: Provide quality arts and cultural
resources as a vital part of the community
Objectives
1. Develop greater coordination between munic-
ipal, business, and cultural entities on all matters
related to arts, culture, and the creative economy
to strengthen the overall vitality of the community.
2. Maintain and increase public and private sup-
port for the arts, and cultural organizations and
facilities including the Arts Council, the Academy
of Music and the Center for the Arts.
3. Build on partnerships with Smith College, and
other non-profit organizations, to increase arts and
cultural opportunities, resources and collaboration.
4. Expand the presence of public art in desired
locations.
5. Maintain and increase arts instruction/enrich-
ment to be valued as an integral part of every
child’s education in the public school system.
6. Assist city arts organizations in an effort to
establish a collaborative system for addressing
issues related to the expansion of local cultural
venues and activities.
Strategies & Actions
Preserve and enhance arts education program-
ming in public schools.
Expand existing community arts calendar
and create a comprehensive website and box
office in coordination with arts, municipal, and
tourism entities.
Goal AC-2: Support artists in the community
Objectives
1. Provide affordable living, office, presentation,
performance, and rehearsal space for artists and
cultural organizations in the City.
2. Create an expanded base of business and
other community financial support for artists,
cultural organizations, and cultural resources.
3. Support artists and/or arts organizations
that advocate for the arts community and/or
provide information and services to the arts
community.
4. Encourage the involvement of the cultural
community in City planning and decision-mak-
ing related to quality design, public art, and
policies affecting the cultural community.
Strategies & Actions
Support and provide incentives for the private devel-
opment of affordable live-work and studio space.
Identify possible arts venues and seek to provide
incentives for private development of venues as
part of downtown redevelopment projects.
Seek revenue sources for facilities, operating,
and marketing to promote long-term sustainabil-
ity of cultural organizations.
Improve zoning to support artist live/work space
as an allowable home occupation.
Improve communication between non-profit
cultural organizations and the business commu-
nity related to fund-raising efforts.
Investigate and pursue options for coordi-
nating, funding and maintaining public and
performance art.
City-owned How-
ard Tower Clock in
the First Churches
and Art bench
coordinated by the
arts council..
17Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanHeritage Resources
Goal HR-1: Protect and preserve the City’s
heritage resources
Objectives
1. Identify, document and evaluate the heritage
resources.
2. Educate and inform decision makers and the
community about heritage resources.
3. Protect the heritage resources from degrada-
tion or destruction by public or private actions or
inactions.
4. Adopt and act on preservation programs that:
• Employ a sound basis in field survey and
archival research,
• Provide economic and technical
assistance to the extent feasible,
• Are coordinated with other community
policies and ordinances, and
• Operate with sound and explicit
standards, guidelines, criteria, and
administrative procedures.
Strategies & Actions
Conduct field and archival surveys to locate,
document, and evaluate unrecorded heritage
resources, as well as to update information on
resources identified in past studies or surveys.
Increase the level of public participation in heritage
resource identification and preservation, including
involvement with local schools and colleges.
Inform the community about heritage resources
with displays, markers, publications, and public
presentations undertaken cooperatively with con-
cerned community organizations and the media.
Provide training opportunities for City officials,
boards, and staff to increase awareness of
heritage resources and preservation programs.
Promote and encourage the protection and
preservation of significant heritage resources by
listing eligible properties on the National Register
of Historic Places.
Encourage private landowners to establish
historic preservation restrictions and open space/
conservation easements by working with the
city, local non-profit land trusts, or state/national
entities authorized to hold easements for the
purpose of heritage resource preservation.
Provide information to decision makers and the
community on loans, grants, tax advantages, and
other financial incentives that may be available
from federal, state, non-profit, and private
sources to property owners for the restoration or
rehabilitation of heritage resources in private or
public ownership.
Acquire significant heritage resources, when feasi-
ble, to be incorporated into the City’s public areas
or park system for purposes of resource protection
as well as public education and enjoyment.
Protect the City’s historic and architecturally
significant neighborhoods and areas by main-
taining current local historic and design review
districts, design guidelines, and administrative
procedures, as well as establishing additional
such districts as appropriate.
Protect the City’s heritage resources from degra-
dation or destruction by public or private actions
or inactions by maintaining the City’s demolition
delay ordinance and by working with affected
property owners to identify, within the mandated
timeframe, feasible and appropriate alternatives
to demolition.
18Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanHousing
Goal H-1: Create new housing
Objectives
1. Provide developers with options that allow
them to build at higher densities in return for
creating more affordable housing units.
2. Adopt regulations to increase the number
of projects involving mixed-income housing
that result in housing affordable to all ranges of
income, especially in the downtown area.
3. Look beyond traditional marketplace models
to create affordable housing options.
4. Utilize green and sustainable design funding
opportunities for affordable housing.
5. Create incentives for private housing
developers to act on housing program goals.
6. Create new home ownership opportunities
for households with incomes below 120% of the
area median income Area Median Income [AMI].
7. Create rental housing options especially
for households with income at or below 60%
of AMI.
9. Expand the range of options for detached
housing, such as cottage housing development
to increase density in designated locations.
10. Assess the demand for, and availability of,
housing for all sectors of the City’s population
and respond with appropriate strategies,
including:
• Housing that meets the needs of special
populations, particularly the disabled
• Housing that meets of the needs of
elderly residents who are not eligible for
public housing
Strategies & Actions
Advance options to increase production of
affordable housing, including zoning incentives
(e.g. TDR, inclusionary zoning) and gap funding.
Develop a list of innovative funding mechanisms
to keep the costs of housing affordable, and
provide it to all housing developers.
Create rental units affordable especially to
households with incomes at or below 60% of AMI.
Create ownership units affordable to households
with incomes between 80% and 120% of AMI.
Create ownership units affordable to households
with incomes at or below 80% of AMI.
Research existing zoning and identify suitable
locations for development of new Single Room
Occupancy (SRO) units.
Increase numbers of SRO units, especially
enhanced SROs.
Make city funding available for the “local match”
funding needed by affordable housing developers.
Lobby at state level to increase funding for green
development in housing production programs.
Develop a community education program to
promote these goals.
Work with financial institutions to offer financing
incentives to enable an increased use of
sustainable technology by city residents and
businesses, such as green mortgages.
Work with Valley CDC to continue to support
first-time homebuyer programs and post-purchase
education.
Determine if there are any regulatory changes
that would facilitate the development of
NOTE: See also the City’s Housing Needs Assessment and Unlocking Opportunity, the
City’s impediment to housing analysis
19Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planaffordable live-work space to attract and retain
artists (and start-up businesses) in the City.
Goal H-2: Preserve and sustain existing
affordable housing
Objectives
1. Preserve existing rental housing stock to
facilitate availability and price stability.
2. Create a climate of support, within all depart-
ments of City government, for landlords who
are participating, or who could participate, in a
partnership to preserve “market-rate affordable”
units as rental units.
3. Identify the present affordable housing at risk
(e.g. “expiring use” and rentals that might be con-
verted to condominiums) and work with property
owners and others to identify and secure funding
sources to preserve the units as affordable.
4. Sustain and improve existing SRO units.
5. Develop ways to sustain and build the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
6. Sustain and expand housing rehabilitation
programs.
Strategies & Actions
Define a city policy, and appropriate actions, and
identify a representative to work with owners/
managers of existing units to preserve affordability
Responsible Agencies: Office of Planning and
Development, Mayor’s Office, Housing Partnership
Target housing rehabilitation programs to
coincide with neighborhood revitalization efforts
Responsible Agencies: Office of Planning and
Development, Planning Board
Research and identify a new administrator for
housing rehabilitation programs
Responsible Agencies: Office of Planning and
Development Office, Housing Partnership
Goal H-3: Work to end homelessness
Objectives
1. Increase focus on prevention to decrease the
numbers of those becoming homeless
2. Increase the supply of affordable, supportive
housing to quickly re-house those who do
become homeless
3. Broaden the community dialogue, beyond the
social services community, regarding root causes
of homelessness and possible solutions
4. Articulate services currently available for food
and shelter, identify service gaps, fill those gaps
Strategies & Actions
Work with the Greater Northampton Chamber
of Commerce, and the Regional Employment
Boards to address economic development and
poverty issues.
20Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanInfrastructure and Capital Resources
Goal IC-1: Ensure the capital improvement
program is coordinated with Sustainable
Northampton plan goals and objectives
Objectives
1. Continue the five-year strategic plan for
capital improvements.
2. Align the yearly review process for the capital
program with other City plans.
3. Establish capital and infrastructure improve-
ment programs that match with planned develop-
ment areas.
4. Extend or provide infrastructure improvement
projects to support development projects that
meet City goals.
5. Coordinate the annual review with an analysis
of cost effectiveness.
6. Ensure that the capital improvement plan is
developed and implemented in a consistent and
transparent fashion to meet the most pressing
needs across the City.
7. Maintain and increase general fund allocation
to support planned future capital projects from
2.1% yearly to 5% yearly.
Strategies & Actions
Develop capital improvements requests to
identify and prioritize sustainability improve-
ments that support this plan and economic
development.
Goal IC-2: Program and utilize public
buildings for maximum efficiency and
availability
Objectives
1. Establish a collaborative administration of city
buildings and facilities to maximize utilization
of space, improve operational efficiencies, and
ensure a transparent process for public use of
public facilities.
Goal IC-3: Upgrade the City’s aging
stormwater management system
Objectives
1. Develop and implement a plan to repair and
replace aging infrastructure throughout the City.
2. Include ‘low impact’ and National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System drainage improve-
ments concurrently with any pavement manage-
ment program or project.
3. Invest in stormwater management
improvements.
4. Ensure investments in stormwater are distrib-
uted by comparable infrastructure needs.
Jobs-Housing Balance
Choices for job and housing locations are closely
linked to the resulting impact on the transportation
system for journeys to work. Ideally, if the right hous-
ing and jobs choices are available, and people can
choose to both live and work in one area, congestion
could be relieved and the community would achieve a
jobs-housing balance. Other benefits would accrue to
household budgets from reduced travel costs.
21Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTransportation
Goal T-1: Ensure the safe and efficient
transportation of goods and people by motor
vehicles, bicycle, foot, and any other means
Objectives
1. Maintain an efficient transportation system.
2. Maintain a transportation system that reduces
air pollution and minimizes congestion.
3. Ensure that environmental impacts are
considered and adverse effects are minimized on
all transportation projects.
4. Reduce use of single occupancy vehicles.
5. Ensure that safety is a primary goal in trans-
portation improvements, systems, and opera-
tions, both to reduce crashes and to ensure that
both vehicular and non-vehicular modes of traffic
are safe and attractive to all users on all roads.
6. Participate in regional efforts to improve
utilization of intelligent transportation systems.
7. Ensure that the needs of transit services,
bicycle, pedestrian, and wheelchairs are consid-
ered and addressed in the design, construction,
and management of every project affecting the
transportation system. See also OS-4
The following considerations enhance pedes-
trian safety to encourage walkability, and
should be included in all intersection studies
and designs:
• Intersection improvements should
ensure the safety of pedestrians and
cyclists and should be carefully weighed
against any loss of green space and
tree canopy, any increase in stormwater
runoff, and any detrimental impacts on
neighborhoods.
• When designing for truck movements
(such as specified by MassHighway),
avoid excessively wide intersections
through the use of appropriate.
• Include an analysis of the suitability
of roundabouts and mini-roundabouts
during the preliminary engineering
analysis for all intersections being
considered for significant reconstruction,
realignment, signalization, and four-way
stops. Roundabouts are the favored
intersection treatment for safety,
efficiency, and environmental reasons,
when appropriate.
• Ensure that all new and existing traffic
signals incorporate audible pedestrian
signals. Create a prioritized list of
existing traffic signals where pedestrian
signals are desired. Installation of
pedestrian signals shall be made as
funding becomes available. delays for
both drivers and pedestrians.
Examine all unsafe intersections, areas of exces-
sive speeds, and areas where neighborhoods
See Part 4: Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan
22Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planperceive a loss of quality of life to consider
possible traffic calming efforts.
Add wheelchair ramps and pavement markings
necessary to make all sidewalks accessible for
people with mobility disabilities.
Educate the public and enforce requirements to
ensure the safety of sidewalks, including existing
requirements that affect property owners abutting
sidewalks. Some of these requirements include:
clearing snow from sidewalks after a storm,
with a priority on sidewalks in commercial areas
and along arterial and collector streets (Section
19-19, Northampton Code of Ordinances); and
controlling brush from growing over sidewalks or
blocking visibility at intersections.
When funds become available, prepare a
sign inventory and implement a plan to bring
signage and crosswalks into conformance with
the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD). Signage related to marked crosswalks
is the first priority.
Goal T-2: Improve circulation system to
accommodate development and encourage
bicycle and pedestrian transit
Objectives
1. Ensure that all new privately built streets
include sidewalks, consistent with the
Northampton Subdivision Regulations. When
feasible and practical, concrete sidewalks on two
sides of a street are most desirable.
2. Calm traffic to preserve pedestrian safety and
encourage pedestrian activity in neighborhoods
and villages.
3. Ensure that economic development goals are
considered and balanced with other City goals
in all transportation objectives, decisions, and
improvements
5. Upgrade transportation and public utilities to
facilitate expansion of the commercial/industrial
site inventory in identified growth areas
6. Ensure pedestrian, bicycle, non-motorized
travel, and transit are addressed in every
development project.
Avoid creating cul-de-sacs and dead ends when
possible and instead create a network of streets.
Dead end streets, while desirable to some
residents, add significantly to the delivery of
city services and increases traffic flows to other
local streets. Design streets to avoid creating
new high-speed short cuts through residential
neighborhoods.
Incorporate reasonable steps to reduce peak-
hour single-occupancy vehicle trips for new
projects. Transportation demand management
(TDM) techniques will be tailored to suit individ-
ual project needs, user needs, and the overall
feasibility of the project while addressing City
TDM goals. This may include:
• Capital improvements (e.g., sidewalks,
bicycle lanes, non-motorized trails
and connections, bus stops, car pool
parking);
• Incentives for low-impact transportation
(e.g., transit, car pooling, cycling, and
walking) along with reduced incentives
for single-occupancy vehicles (e.g.,
below-cost employee parking);
• Policies to redistribute traffic impacts
(e.g., set employee hours to avoid peak
hour commutes);
• Support for private, shared vehicle
services.
23Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal T-3: Improve and expand public transit
Objectives
1. Leverage regional collaborations to increase
funding for provision of public transit services,
including shuttles where appropriate.
2. Consider transportation associations that
include memberships of local businesses and
government to support public transit.
3. Develop Transit Oriented Development
guidelines with incentives.
4. Encourage increased use of transit options.
5. Provide reasonable options for public transit
based on need, cost, and funding.
6. Develop a public transit plan in cooperation
with the PVTA and PVPC to expand and
enhance the transit system to the level that it is
economically viable and supported by ridership.
Strategies & Actions
Develop plan for snow and ice removal at major
bus stops in the city.
Ensure higher visibility and better information
about public transit routes and stops thru the use
of bus stop signs, transfer signs and transit maps.
Ensure that bus schedules and maps posted at
bus stops are accessible to disabled riders.
Continue to work with Pioneer Valley Transit
Authority and Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission to consider a centralized public
transit or multi-modal facility in Northampton.
Promote the use of special event shuttles to
connect parking on the edge of downtown with
downtown special events when appropriate.
24Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMunicipal Governance & Financial Stability
Goal MG-1: Diversify revenue streams to
support municipal operations
Objectives
1. Match land use changes and improvements
with diversified revenue potential.
2. Lead regional and statewide effort to increase
authority for municipalities to develop and imple-
ment non-property tax local revenue sources.
3. Develop revenue streams in an equitable and
consistent manner for all populations in the City.
4.Encourage Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)
from tax-exempt uses.
Strategies & Action
Identify properties and blocks that are appropri-
ate for redevelopment to improve the tax base.
Goal MG-2: Minimize the adverse municipal
fiscal impacts of development
Objectives
1. Include considerations for the overall envi-
ronmental impact of the project in determining
whether it is “paying its fair share towards public
infrastructure.”
2. Recognize and provide incentives for the
benefits of development projects that support
social and economic goals.
Goal MG-3: Maximize use and return
on targeted tax incentives and other state
programs to support the City’s economic goals
Objectives
1. Consider state programs for District Increment
Financing (DIF), Tax Increment Financing (TIF),
40R/40S, and Expedited Permitting, as a means
to encourage appropriate development through
tax incentives and reimbursement programs.
Strategies & Action
Review and consider new or additional
application of DIF, c. 40R/40S. TIF and similar
programs aimed at improving local projects and
City tax roles.
25Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanEducation
Goal E-1: Promote and support high achieve-
ment by each student in a safe, healthy secure
environment and enable each student to become
a critical thinker and socially responsible citizen
in a global society
Objectives
1. Provide safe, secure, clean and accessible
school facilities.
2. Improve student assessment scores for all
students.
3. Ensure high quality staff, and continuance of
curriculum revision and review for Pre-K through
12th grade.
4. Ensure equal access to education to all
Northampton Public School (NPS) students and
levels of excellence within each school in the NPS.
5. Create a school system that is respectful and
welcoming of the diverse members of the commu-
nity and integrating them into the school culture.
Goal E-2: Educate students in an integrated
program in the art and science of agriculture
and other technical careers, and provide
experiential learning opportunities that will
enable students to function proficiently
Objectives
1. Use the programs to educate students on the
environmental and land use implications of the
particular career field.
2. Model an attitude of personal, professional,
and institutional excellence.
3. Continually develop curricula that nurture
students’ self-esteem and inspire them to strive
to reach their full potential.
4. Foster an understanding of the value of edu-
cation so that students become lifelong learners.
5. Respect the diversity of our multi-cultural
society by recognizing and affirming the inherent
worth and dignity of all people.
6. Encourage non-traditional career path choices
by actively working to eliminate racial, cultural,
and gender biases.
Goal E-3: Ensure quality education and
academic achievement for all segments of the
community
Objectives
1. Provide public education in local and commu-
nity issues.
2. Support public education, from Pre-K through
12th grade.
3. Encourage continuum of education and adult
education as integral to the community education
system and support life long learning opportu-
nities; e.g., GED, Adult Basic Education, ESOL,
and other advancement programs.
4. Encourage educational programs that gener-
ate a sense of citizenship.
5. Work on local, state, and federal level to
advocate for early education for all.
26Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal E-3: In partnership with parents,
guardians and the Northampton community
promote and support high achievement by each
student in a safe, healthy secure environment.
Objectives
1. Provide global, regional, and local
perspectives.
2. Maintain excellence in all schools.
3. Continue to work in partnership with busi-
nesses and community organizations, such
as the Northampton Educational Fund, the
Northampton Chamber of Commerce, and the
Volunteers in Northampton Schools to meet the
di verse educational needs of children.
Goal E-4: Promote the local library system
Objectives
1. Create a welcoming, responsive, and satisfy-
ing experience for library users.
2. The needs and interests of the community
will guide the development and improvement of
library services.
3. The community’s awareness of library services
and resources will be strengthened.
27Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSocial Equity
Goal SE-1: Invest in all segments of the
community to retain a population with a diverse
demographic and income levels
Objectives
1. Ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
2. Improve housing affordability to retain a
diversity of residents.
3. Reach out to marginalized populations to
ensure all feel welcome in the City.
4. Ensure civic and physical accessibility for all.
5. Ensure safe, equitable workplaces and housing
for all workers, including undocumented residents.
6. Promote an environment of tolerance, diver-
sity, and fairness in public schools so all children
and families feel valued.
Strategies & Actions
Increase active involvement of community
policing and resources at densely developed
housing complexes, downtown, and Florence
and encourage collaboration between community
police and community/tenant organizations
to increase empowerment and reduce crime
including drug dealing.
Create an environment of tolerance, diversity, and
fairness in public schools so all children and fami-
lies feel welcome, and continue to provide anti-rac-
ism/anti-discrimination education and anti-violence
prevention training for school staff and students, in
partnership with community groups.
(P) Assist property maintenance at public and
private low-income housing properties.
Develop and include leadership from groups
supporting social/cultural diversity.
Develop an on-going relationship between
municipal government/leadership and the
immigrant community, e.g. visits by Mayor and
other municipal leaders and staff to classrooms
and informal community outreach sessions.
Partner with community groups to assist with
voter outreach and community participation to
encourage greater involvement in the public
conversation and the formal public hearing and
decision-making process.
Goal SE-2: Ensure high quality and affordable
health care for all children
Objectives
1. Work with School department and providers
to raise the excellence of all care provided to
children, infants and toddlers.
2. Work on local, state, and federal level to
advocate for health care for all.
Goal SE-3: Ensure high quality and affordable
housing and care for the elderly
Objectives
1. Site elderly housing in mixed use projects that
match this plan’s land use goals.
2. Encourage participation in health maintenance
programs that may reduce the costs of health
care for the participating individuals.
3. Work with Commonwealth and providers to
raise the excellence of all care provided to elders.
Goal SE-4: Ensure environmental justice in all
Northampton neighborhoods
Objectives
1. Ensure equal and adequate protection from
environmental and health hazards.
2. Provide prompt and appropriate mitigation of
environmental hazards to improve land values.
3. Ensure equal access to the public deci-
sion-making process.
Strategies & Actions
Identify polluted and high quality environmental
sites in each neighborhood and proceed to
create a balance where public funding and
programs can be implemented.
28Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPotential Regulatory Actions
There is no particular order or priority to the list.
A. Consider form-based codes, point based
smart growth project evaluation system, and
new and revised design guidelines and per-
formance standards to improve development
reviews and the quality of projects.
B. Revise Transfer of Development Rights
zoning to add incentives and design standards:
• Consistency with Sustainable
Northampton Land Use Plan;
• Mandate design standards for
any increased density under this
provision;
• Include dimensional changes to
frontage, lot size, open space;
C. Adopt impact regulations and performance
standards to limit housing development in the
City’s rural and low development areas
D. Modify zoning to better encourage mixed-use
development and include incentives to encour-
age businesses of similar types to group into
“character districts” along King Street. Change
design and dimensional criteria in the zoning reg-
ulations to encourage conversion of commercial
strips at the eastern edge of downtown to look
more like the central business district and place
a highway/auto-oriented commercial overlay and
a separate traditional design overlay, as appro-
priate, on sections of King Street.
E. Create incentives in the site plan approval
process for negotiations between neighbors and
developers for projects in residential neighbor-
hoods, especially for projects that only effect
immediate neighborhood.
F. Implement form-based code for dense
residential uses, at least in urban core areas,
with the potential to later expand to other uses
and areas:
• Use as minimum design standards/
form-based coding for any increased
density or decrease frontage;
• Encourage single family homes in
Urban Residential zoning districts
by significantly reducing minimum
frontage/lot width, for projects
meeting form-based coding;
• Require same standards for
townhouses and multifamily housing
above single-family home density.
G. Simplify Site Plan and Special Permit criteria
as appropriate, using smart growth point based
system to approve appropriate special permits
and site plan approvals, making permitting more
predicable, reducing permit review time, and
allowing some reviews to be moved to staff level
reviews. Create design standards and change
criteria from fitting in with neighborhood to more
concrete compliance with design standards.
H. Streamline permits by moving limited Site
Plan permits to planning office administrative
reviews for permits where the rules can be
clearly spelled out, including common driveway
permits, side lot access, and expanded parking
for lots that meet all zoning requirements, and
other areas as appropriate.
I. Integrate energy efficiency and conservation
into local land use planning.
J. Consider options for live/work space in
industrial buildings and, for preserving large
complexes and multistory buildings, allowing a
percentage of floor areas for residential uses,
K. Consider design guidelines or other land use
standards to maximize solar access (availability
of sunlight to provide solar space heating,
electricity and hot water).
PART 2
Resilience & Regeneration Plan
30Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanExecutive Summary & Introduction
The city’s commitment to reduce its
carbon footprint will come from changes
in city operations inside and outside
the city (e.g., its purchasing power and
management of city watershed lands),
our community’s energy footprint, and
community-wide direct carbon emissions
(scopes 1 and 2). In addition, we will
reduce community consumption that
results in carbon emissions elsewhere in
the world (scope 3).
What do we mean by Resilience and Regeneration?
Resilience: Increasing the capacity of our city to bet-
ter anticipate, adapt, and thrive in a changing climate
no matter what kinds of acute shocks and chronic
stresses we experience. Climate adaptation is part of
the city’s resilience effort.
Regeneration: Reducing our city’s contribution to
climate change, while renewing the health of natural
and human systems damaged by climate change,
and growing the vitality of people, the economy, and
ecosystems for the future. Climate mitigation is part of
the city’s regeneration effort.
The Plan: A Commitment
In 2018, Mayor Narkewicz committed the City of
Northampton to becoming a net carbon neutral city
by 2050. City Council endorsed this goal in 2018.
We commit to a city that will thrive, even with cli-
mate change. We will take the following actions:
• Become a net carbon neutral city by 2050.
• Ensure that city government buildings and
operations are net carbon neutral by 2030.
• Ensure that community carbon emissions,
building on Smith College’s commitment to be
net carbon neutral by 2030, will be 50% lower
by 2030 and 75% lower by 2040.
• Incorporate climate resilience and regeneration
into all future city plans and capital improve-
ment planning.
• Incorporate equity, is a cross cutting need, into
every climate action.
• Address energy sources, building energy,
transportation, land use, food systems, waste
systems, trees and forests, carbon sequestra-
tion, and waste; recognizing that the first steps
in carbon neutralization are conservation and
reducing demands (e.g., energy, transport,
materials).
• Commit that our top priority needs to be the
high impact practices that are most effective at
achieving these commitments.
• Become a more resilient city to address the
climate change that is coming. This will range
from physical features (e.g., stormwater and
storms), to social investments to supporting our
communities on the frontline of climate change.
• Develop a biennial resilience & regeneration
action plan that includes an annual and long
term carbon budget.
• Ensure coordinated response across all of city
government.
31Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe Plan: A Road-map
This plan is both a commitment and a road-map. It signifies our dedication to mitigating climate change
and the actions we need to build an increasingly resilient and regenerative future. It is a plan for simulta-
neously reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, building our capacity to adapt to stresses, and improv-
ing our healthy ecosystems, inclusive communities, and ensuring all Northampton residents can thrive.
Our goals and actions are ambitious, necessary, and achievable. This plan outlines the path to that
goal—transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and
creating systems for consuming fewer resources while enhancing our quality of life.
We commit to:
Creating and updating specific action plans
needed to move forward.
Bringing climate resilience and regeneration into
the conversation on every significant city action
(regulatory, investment, legislative, budgetary).
We are already feeling the effects of climate
change, globally and locally. More frequent higher
temperatures, storm intensity, drought risk, and
flooding, will increasingly take a toll on our infra-
structure, ecosystems, agriculture, and health.
Those impacts are not equally felt. The greatest
effects are on communities at the frontline of
climate change (e.g., the homeless, populations
of color, low income residents, farmers, those
in low lying areas). All of the systems we rely
on—whether those are wastewater systems,
food systems, or social service systems—must
effectively adapt to these new stresses.
Our vision is to reduce our impact of climate
change on the environment and on our
communities. We need to renew the health of
ecosystems and communities that have been
and will be compromised by climate change. In
all our work, we must create stronger, healthier,
and more equitable systems.
Every action we take has the capacity to achieve
multiple community benefits. Consequently,
In 2018, Mayor Narkewicz committed the City of Northampton to being
carbon neutral by 2050. This plan is the next step.
How does this fit into other plans?
The Resilience and Regeneration Plan builds on
a legacy of city sustainability and resilience planning.
The framework here will contribute to future planning
and other amendments to the Sustainable Northampton
Comprehensive Plan.
All city plans must advance resilience and regeneration
around a wide variety of stresses and shocks (e.g.,
economic and housing), not just the climate change.
This plan defines a recommended approach.
Except for its role as one of the Zoning Special Permit
criteria, it has no legal teeth. The power comes from
building a consensus vision.
32Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanFIGURE 1. Northampton
Climate Resilience and
Regeneration Framework.
In developing strategies
that will help us reach
our regeneration and
resilience goals, we also
look for opportunities to
increase economic and
cultural vitality, equity, and
regional collaboration.
Northampton Resilience and Regeneration Framework
we’ve worked to identify research and experience
based strategies, and ways to expand the impact
of these strategies. This will not only help meet
Northampton’s resilience and regeneration goals,
but it will also encourage regional collaboration,
greater economic and cultural vitality, and greater
equity through opportunities and resources here
in Northampton.
We acknowledge our limits as a small city and that
our regeneration and mitigation efforts amount to
nothing absent concerted and stepped up state,
federal, and international actions. Northampton
needs to move forward as aggressively as we
can, as we collectively work towards limiting
global climate warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius
above pre-industrial levels (the accepted target
used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, 2018, and others). If the state and
federal government provide more tools, we should
be working towards 2030 climate neutrality.
With our limited tools and financial
resources, we must:
• Focus on high impact practices, the most
impactful resilience and regeneration
actions.
• Focus on the practices that provide
us with the highest resilience and
regneration Return on Investment (ROI).
33Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanBuilding on Past Success
Northampton is committed to being one of the
most sustainable communities in the nation.
We are proud to have been the first city to
receive a 5-STAR rating under the former STAR
Communities Rating System for sustainable com-
munities and the highest Commonwealth Capital
score under the former Massachusetts Smart
Growth scoring. We are now a LEED for Cities
and Communities certified community and use that
system to track and improve upon our progress.
We created a vision for a sustainable community in
our 2008 Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive
Plan. Since then we have up-zoned our core
commercial, residential, and industrial/office districts
to encourage walkable and bikable development
patterns; adopted the energy stretch code; invested
in solar PV capacity; hired an energy coordinator;
ramped up energy efficiency in municipal buildings;
doubled the amount of our protected conservation
land; restored natural systems and revitalized
new open spaces; designed resilient stormwater
systems with natural systems; invested in public
art; implemented the ValleyBike regional bike share
program; improved bicycle and pedestrian accom-
modations and complete streets; planted over 1,000
shade trees; and invested millions in social equity,
to name but a few of the many efforts.
Our dedication to track and reduce city-wide green-
house gas emissions supports our commitment
to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and
Energy—and now our pledge to be carbon neutral
by 2050. This commitment can be seen throughout
Northampton’s governing bodies including the City
Council and Planning Department (see Appendix
for a list of City Council resolutions on environmen-
tal issues). These investments in the past, present,
and earmarked for the future demonstrate how
we’ve been both forward-looking and forward-mov-
ing in reaching those goals. Nevertheless, there
is much more to do. The Northampton Climate
Resilience and Regeneration Plan intends to build
on that momentum, integrating actions already
underway, and laying out next steps for legislation,
decision-making, implementation, and tracking
progress over both the short- and long-term.
Summary of Resilience & Regeneration
Strategies Reaching carbon neutrality by 2050
is a challenge and an opportunity for Northampton.
It will require action at individual, city, and regional
scales. We have identified a set of strategies,
ranging from policies, regulatory changes, and
capital improvement projects, to new programs and
advocacy that will move us towards a more resilient
and regenerative Northampton.
Reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 is a challenge and an
opportunity for Northampton. It will require action at
individual, city, and regional scales.
How are the strategies organized?
Northampton is tracking its progress using the new
US Green Building Council (USGBC) rating system
LEED for Cities and Communities. This replaced the
former STAR Communities program. The Resilience
and Regeneration strategies are broken down by the
categories defined in the rating system to help us track
how our actions help us make progress.
Time-frame Notations
Short-term = less than 1 year
Mid-term = one to 3 years
Long-term = over 3 years
Cost Notations
$ = Capital cost (<$1M)
= Planning/policy/program
implementation (<$25k)
$$ = Capital cost ($1-5M)
= Planning/policy
program implementation
($25-250k)
$$$ = Capital cost (>$5M)
= Planning/policy/pro-
gram implementation
(>$250k)
34Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanWhy is the Climate Changing?
The fossil fuels we use for generating electricity,
heating our homes and workplaces, growing the
food we eat, and fueling our cars, as well as trash
breaking down in landfills release greenhouse
gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Naturally
occurring greenhouse gases are important for
regulating the Earth’s temperature and keeping it
warm enough for life on this planet.
Since the industrial revolution, however, human
activity such as burning fossil fuels, converting
our forests to farms and human development,
and producing waste has caused much larger
quantities of greenhouse gases (particularly
carbon dioxide and methane) to be released into
the atmosphere than is sustainable. The amount
of carbon dioxide has increased 100 times
faster in the last 60 years than previous natural
increases! This large increase in greenhouse
gases is causing global temperatures to rise and
is disrupting our climate patterns, causing more
extreme weather events.
Climate Change in Northampton
FIGURE 3. This image depicts the greenhouse gas effect
that changing our climate. While greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere are important for trapping heat from
the sun (image [A]), too much greenhouse gas changes
Earth’s climate (image [B]). (Image credit: Will Elder,
National Park Service)
[A]
[B]
The Mill River at West
Street. Strategies in
this plan include main-
taining healthy natural
water systems, and
reducing flood risk.
Image credit: Holly
Jacobson
35Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanFIGURE 4. Change in the annual mean surface temperature of the earth from 1880 to 2016 (top) and change in the carbon dioxide
concentrations in the atmosphere from 1958 to 2017 (bottom).
(Image credit: Martin Armstrong, Statista) See: www.statista.com/chart/8471/co2-levels-and-global-warming
Changes in Global Surface Temperatures
and CO2 in the Atmosphere
36Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanA Changing Climate
& Future Projections
Climate Change in Northampton
As a result of climate change, Northampton is
experiencing increasing mean temperatures and
more intense storms. These changes are taking a
toll on our infrastructure, ecosystems, and health,
including more frequent flood events, wear
and tear on our roads, spread of new invasive
species, disruptions to farming, and increasing
vector-borne disease. Even if we can achieve
significant reductions in greenhouse gas emis-
sions globally, even if we can become net carbon
neutral, feedback loops will continue and we will
see and experience the intensifying impact of
these changes within the next thirty years and
even more so by the end of the century.
Changes in Temperature
Annual temperatures in the Northeast have been
warming 0.5°F per decade on average since 1970,
with winter temperatures increasing even faster
at 1.3°F per decade (Massachusetts EOEEA/
Department of Energy Resources (EEA). (2017).
Resilient MA: Climate Change Clearinghouse
for the Commonwealth. Retrieved from http://
resilientma.org/.) In Western Massachusetts,
specifically, average annual temperatures have
increased 1.9°F since 1970 (Climate Central.
(2019). “US Warming by State.” Retrieved from
www.climatecentral.org/gallery/maps/us-warming-
by-state, using Springfield, MA data).
Based on downscaled climate projections,
average temperatures for the Connecticut
River Basin are expected to increase 3–6°F
by 2050 and 4–11°F by the end of the
century (Downscaled climate projections by
the Northeast Climate Science Center at
Increasing Temperatures Increasing Precipitation Increasing Extremes
1. Heat-related illness
2. More incidence of
vector-borne disease
3. Impacts on agriculture
4. Changes in habitats
and species populations
5. Reduced water quality
1. Flooding from rivers
and overwhelmed
stormwater systems
2. Increased erosion
3. Damage to roads
and property
4. Reduced water quality
1. Power outages
2. Damage to property and
infrastructure
3. Higher need for shelters
and emergency services
for events like heat
waves, polar vortices,
Nor’easters, etc.
FIGURE 5. Key
indicators of
climate change in
Northampton (solid
boxes) and some
of the potential im-
pacts we are likely
to see from those
changes (dashed
boxes). (Icon credit:
André Luiz and Ba-
boon designs from
the Noun Project)
37
Maximum Summer Temperatures for Northampton, MA
Temperature (°F)105
100
95
90
85
80
75
1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100
FIGURE 6. Summer temperatures (average maximum daily temperatures for June – August) have been increasing over the past several decades.
They are expected to continue to increase through the end of the century. The current average maximum temperature in the summer (around 83°F),
may increase to nearly 95°F by 2100. The red line shows business-as-usual if we continue to emit greenhouse gases globally at the same rate. The
blue line shows temperature change projections with significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Historical simulations (1980-2005) and projections (2006-2099) in seasonal averages of maximum daily temperature from a 29-member, high resolu-
tion (4 km) statistically downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) ensemble mean lower (RCP 4.5 W - thick blue line) and higher
(RCP 8.5 - thick red line) representative concentration pathway (RCP) emission scenarios. Red and blue lines for the period 1980-2005 are identical.
The light blue (light red) shading represent the highest and lowest values from the 29 different model RCP 4.5 (RCP 8.5) simulations for each year.
Graph from Elizabeth Burakowski and Cameron Wake, Earth System Research Center/EOS, U. of New Hampshire.
UMass-Amherst. Accessed from Massachusetts
Climate Change Projections, Massachusetts
EOEEA/Department of Energy Resources, 2017.
With these changes in temperature we will see
more days with extreme heat and fewer days
below freezing. From 1970–2000, the Connecticut
River Basin had an average of roughly 6 days
with maximum temperatures of 90°F each year,
a number which is expected to increase to 16–42
days by 2050. Likewise, by 2050 the Connecticut
River Basin is likely to have 19–37 fewer days
where temperatures dip below 32°F each year.
Along with potential impacts to the city’s agriculture,
air quality, and the health of our water supplies,
these temperature increases are already showing
effects on our ecosystems by degrading the health
and longevity of tree species that are accustomed
to colder climates, contributing to pest outbreaks,
and facilitating the spread of invasive species.
Insects, including tick species that carry Lyme
38Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMinimum Winter Temperatures for Northampton, MA
Temperature (°F)40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100
FIGURE 7. Winter temperatures (average minimum daily temperatures for December - February) have been increasing over the past several
decades, and are expected to continue to increase through the end of the century. The average winter minimum temperature (approximately 18°F)
may increase to nearly 28°F by 2100. The red line shows a “business-as-usual” case if we continue to emit greenhouse gases globally at the same
rate. The blue line shows temperature change projections with significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Historical simulations (1980-2005) and future projections (2006-2099) in seasonal averages of minimum daily temperature from a 29-member, high
resolution (4 km) statistically downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) ensemble mean lower (RCP 4.5 W - thick blue line) and
higher (RCP 8.5 - thick red line) representative concentration pathway (RCP) emission scenarios. Red and blue lines for the period 1980-2005 are
identical. The light blue (light red) shading represent the highest and lowest values from the 29 different model RCP 4.5 (RCP 8.5) simulations for
each year. Graph from Elizabeth Burakowski and Cameron Wake, Earth System Research Center/EOS, U. of New Hampshire.
disease, are less likely to die off in the winter with
higher winter temperatures, leading to higher breed-
ing rates. Northampton has seen increasing rates of
Lyme disease cases and increases in mosquito and
other vector-borne disease.
With increasing average temperatures, Northampton
will see more extended heat waves, which produce
more challenges than the occasional hotter day.
Extreme heat, humidity, and sustained heat waves
cause heat-related illness, particularly for people with
compromised immune systems, asthma, or without
access to air conditioning. We recognize and need
to address how climate change disproportionately
affects some community members (frontline commu-
nities) more than others (climate justice).
39Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanChanges in Precipitation
Average annual rainfall has increased by
nearly ten percent in the Northeast since 1970
(Massachusetts Climate Change Clearinghouse.
(2017). “Changes in Precipitation,” from http://
resilientma.org/changes/changes-in-precipita-
tion#fn_1). The intensity of downpours has also
increased significantly. Between 1958 and 2010,
the Northeast experienced a 70% increase in the
precipitation that fell in “very heavy events,” the
heaviest 1% of all daily events (Horton, R., Yohe,
G., Easterling, W., Kates, R., Ruth, M., Sussman,
E., Whelchel, A., Wolfe, D., & Lipschultz, F.
(2014) Ch. 16: Northeast. “Climate Change
Impacts in the United States.” The Third National
Climate Assessment. J. M. Melillo, Terese
Richmond, and G. W. Yohe, Eds. U.S. Global
Change Research Program, 16-1-nn).
With these major storms, Northampton faces
three types of flood risk: 1) Riverine flooding
from the Connecticut River, Mill River, Manhan
River, Parsons Brook, and unnamed streams;
2) Localized flooding when infiltration and the
stormwater system reaches maximum capacity;
and 3) Downtown flooding if floodwaters over-top
the levee or if the levee or Hockanum Road pump
station fail. Much of the easterly portion of the city
is within the floodplain of the Connecticut River.
The flood control system, which was built in the
FIGURE 8. Historic annual mean flow for the Mill River (USGS Site 1171500)
Annual Mean Flow for the Mill River (USGS Site 1171500)Mean Flow (cfs)180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
40Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAnnual Peak Flows for the Mill River (USGS Site 1171500)
1940s after two major floods in the 1930s damaged
much of the city, affords the downtown protection
from major floods. The system was designed, how-
ever, to protect against a maximum predicted flood
level in the 1940s, with additional freeboard of two
to five feet along the earthen levees and concrete
walls. Although this is a conservative design, it
may not be sufficient for the higher intensity storms
expected with climate change.
More frequent high-intensity rain events will
surpass the capacity of the city’s aging culvert
and stormwater systems, causing more localized
flooding. Without updated infrastructure design
standards and new strategies for infiltrating and
storing water, flooding is likely to increasingly
impact roads, buildings, and communities.
The flood control systems for the Connecticut
and Mill Rivers were designed and constructed
by the US Army Corps of Engineers to protect the
city from flooding. Areas within the city that would
flood without the levee structures are considered
to be a levee-protected zone according to FEMA.
FEMA is currently updating their floodplain map-
ping, a process that currently includes the City’s
obtaining engineering certification of the levee
system. This FEMA map modernization and city
certification is anticipated to be complete in 2025.Peak Flow (cfs)8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
FIGURE 9. Historic annual peak flow for the Mill River (USGS Site 1171500)
41Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAnnual Average Precipitation for Northampton, MA
Precipitation (in)85
79
73
67
61
55
49
43
37
31
25
1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100
FIGURE 10. Average annual precipitation has been increasing over the past several decades, and is expected to continue to increase through the end
of the century. The red line shows a “business-as-usual” case if we continue to emit greenhouse gases globally at the same rate. The blue line shows
projections for the change in annual precipitation with significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Historical simulations (1980-2005) and future projections (2006-2099) in annual averages of total precipitation from a 29-member, high resolution (4
km) statistically downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) ensemble mean lower (RCP 4.5 W - thick blue line) and higher (RCP 8.5
- thick red line) representative concentration pathway (RCP) emission scenarios. Red and blue lines for the period 1980-2005 are identical. The light
blue (light red) shading represent the highest and lowest values from the 29 different model RCP 4.5 (RCP 8.5) simulations for each year. Graph from
Elizabeth Burakowski and Cameron Wake, Earth System Research Center/EOS, University of New Hampshire.
Variability and Extremes
Climate change will bring average higher tempera-
tures and more precipitation. That shift, however,
will not result in steady weather patterns. In the
Northeast we expect greater variability and more
extreme weather. This may include longer periods
of drought, more severe hurricanes, heavier
snowstorms, or polar vortices.
Despite our city’s robust water supply, longer
periods of dry weather may impact the quantity
and quality of that supply. In 2016, Massachusetts
issued a drought declaration in which the
Connecticut River Region reached “warning”
status. Although Northampton had implemented
water restrictions in years past, this level of
drought demonstrates the need for further
water use conservations as we continue to see
the effects of climate change. In particular, the
vast majority of Northampton’s farmland is not
irrigated, making the city’s agriculture especially
vulnerable to drought.
42Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe City must increase the resiliency of the
city’s systems to address extreme storm events
that can bring power outages, interruptions in
transportation, heavier reliance on homeless
and emergency shelters, and business and
service closures.
Equity Disparities & Frontline
Communities
Some of our residents, generally those with the
least resources, will be disproportionately hit
by climate change (frontline or climate justice
communities).
Some individuals can drive away and stay in a
hotel when a major storm is threatened. Some can
afford to purchase air conditioning or swim in a pool
when it is hot. Some can afford higher water rates.
Some can purchase more robust housing.
Some cannot. The frontline communities for
climate change tend to be the communities who
are already facing chronic stress. They are often
low income, populations of color, homeless,
under employed, those with disabilities, and
many other existing situations that add to the
day-to-day challenge.
For example:
• The 1% of the population that is
experiencing homelessness and others
under the most severe chronic stress
• The 15% of the population below the
poverty line
• The 40% of the population that is
housing-burdened and under chronic
stress
• Populations of color who may be
suffering from structural racism
• Elderly and health compromised
residents
• Persons with disabilities
During periods of acute stress (extreme storm
events, natural and human-made disasters, and
pandemics) 100% of the population is at much
greater risk from climate change.
Community members and staff discussed the potential impacts from climate hazards
(e.g., rising temperatures, increased precipitation, floods, droughts, and more intense
storms) at several workshops. See the Community Resilience Building Workshop
Summary of Findings (2018, amended 2020)
43Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPathways for Action
Carbon Neutrality Goals
The City of Northampton is committed to net carbon neutrality by 2050, city buildings and operations to net
carbon neutrality by 2030, and community carbon emissions to a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 75% reduc-
tion by 2040. This commitment is aided by Smith College’s commitment to be net carbon neutral by 2030.
The city and its commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential partners need to ensure greenhouse
gas emissions are reduced to as close to zero as possible and any remaining emissions are covered by
offsets or sequestration, while incorporating climate resilience and regeneration into all future city plans
and capital improvement planning. Addressing energy sources, building energy, transportation, land
use, food systems, waste systems, trees and forests, carbon sequestration, and consumption, while
acknowledging that the most effective carbon neutralization strategy is always conservation and reducing
demands (e.g., energy, transport, materials).
Guiding Principles
Our guiding principles shape all of our planning. A resilient and regenerative community requires investments
in projects and programs and adjusting the way we plan, develop policies, and implement those policies. We
must consider the potential for Resilience and Regeneration outcomes in every investment we make.
We cannot be a resilient and regenerative city without being an equitable city. Equity, along with
resilience and regeneration, is our third guiding principle for planning and implementation. We must
recognize and reconcile injustice, ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities, and have
an inclusive planning and decision-making process.
Likewise, Economic and Cultural Vitality is integral to making Northampton strong, healthy, and vibrant.
We must support local businesses, jobs and skill-training, and nurture a creative economy.
Northampton is one city nested within our region and state. We must accelerate adoption of resilience
and regeneration practices by working collectively across the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, and even
at broader scales. Thus, we seek Regional Collaboration as a guiding principle to exchange insight
and plan collectively with other communities, particularly in addressing global climate change.
Northampton
coordinates
ValleyBike share
for the Pioneer
Valley, as part
of its strategy
for low carbon
transportation.
Image credit:
Planning and
Sustainability
44Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGreenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
We inventoried the major sources of
Northampton’s Greenhouse Gas emissions.
To allow comparisons with our peer cities, the
GHG inventory followed the Global Protocol for
Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(GPC), an international accounting protocol. The
following chart shows the inventory, by sector.
Emissions totaled approximately 329,140
MTCO2e in 2016. That is the same amount of
emissions that roughly 70,000 gasoline-powered
cars release in one year. Commercial and resi-
dential buildings account for 70% of community
GHG emissions. Transportation accounts for 26%.
Waste and wastewater treatment account for 4%.
Figure 12, below, shows more detailed informa-
tion about where our community greenhouse
gas emissions are coming from. The 52% of
emissions labeled “commercial and multi-family
buildings” includes emissions from all commercial
and institutional properties in Northampton, includ-
ing municipal facilities, multi-family housing, Smith
College, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. The
energy we use in private homes makes up 18% of MTCO2e250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Buildings Transportation Waste & Wastewater
FIGURE 11. Northampton’s 2016 community GHG emissions by sector. Commercial and residential buildings account for 70% of the GHG
emissions in Northampton.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
We focus primarily on Scope 1 and 2 emissions,
but some of our actions will address Scope 3.
Scope 1 Direct Emissions (e.g., fuel combus-
tion on-site, vehicle emissions, gas line leaks,
within the city), with related offsets
Scope 2 Indirect Emissions from off-site
production of city electricity use
Scope 3 Other Indirect Emissions beyond
control, such as the global footprint of products
consumed in the city
Northampton 2016 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector
45Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCommercial and multifamily buildings (52%)
On-road transport (26%)
Residential buildings (18%)
Water and wastewater treatment (3%)
Solid waste disposal (1%)
* Greenhouse gases from livestock, incineration
and open burning are negligible
52%
26% 18% 3 % 1 %
FIGURE 12. Northampton’s community greenhouse gas
emissions by sub-sector. Commercial buildings, which
include all commercial and institutional facilities, account
for 52% of the community’s emissions.
our community emissions. Data related to energy
use and emissions from industrial buildings and
processes and from agriculture, specifically, was
unavailable and therefore is not included in this
analysis. The assessment indicates, however, that
building energy use presents a significant oppor-
tunity for targeting emissions reductions.
Another area of opportunity for targeting emis-
sions reductions is in “on-road transport,” which
makes up 26% of our community’s emissions.
These emissions include both gas and die-
sel-powered vehicles used for commercial and
personal use. Meanwhile, “water and wastewater
treatment and discharge” accounts for 3% of our
total emissions, and includes emissions from
electricity use and other emissions at the water
and wastewater treatment plants and throughout
the entire system. While “solid waste disposal”
emissions are low at 1% this is an important and
common area to address as the actions we take
to reduce the amount of material sent to the a
sanitary landfill or incinerator can have other
benefits, e.g., reducing our material consumption
and the energy use associated with the produc-
tion, packaging, and transportation of products.
Though solid waste appears to only account for 1%
of all GHG emissions in these figures, in reality, the
carbon footprint from this sector is much larger. This
disparity is due to the GHG emissions produced
What is MTCO2e?
MTCO2e is an abbreviation for “metric tons
of carbon dioxide equivalent.” GHG inven-
tories look at several types of greenhouse
gases, each of which has a different capac-
ity for trapping heat. Because humans
produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) than
any other GHG, emissions of GHGs are
counted based on how each GHGs heat
trapping capacity compares to that of CO2.
This is called the CO2 equivalent (CO2e). At
a community scale, GHGs are measured in
metric tons of CO2e (MTCO2e).
Northampton 2016 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sub-Sector
46Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planthrough the production, packaging, and shipping of
products that eventually become solid waste within
the Northampton community. Though Northampton
does not include these emissions within its inven-
tory as they are accounted for by the communities
generating and transporting these products, it is
important to understand how our communities’ con-
sumption and waste practices ultimately contribute
to a global network of large-scale emitters.
Burning fossil fuels is the main source of green-
house gas emissions globally. In Northampton,
emissions from fossil fuels account for 87% of
Northampton’s total inventory. Figure 13 provides
total emissions by fuel source and use. Natural
gas used in heating buildings and water is the
primary source of emissions from stationary
sources. Mobile soure emissions from gasoline
are nearly double that of diesel fuel.
Though natural gas is often reported to have a
lower carbon footprint than oil and coal, when gas
leakage is included natural gas is still an extremely
high emitter of GHG emissions relative to renew-
able energy sources. Investments in natural gas
supplies and distribution are not compatible with
the city’s net zero carbon goal. New investments
in natural gas create additional stranded assets in
the long-term. Northampton will continue to use
existing natural gas pipelines while transitioning
away from a dependency on oil and coal to
renewable energy sources.
Moving Forward
Greenhouse gas emissions are a primary indica-
tor for a more sustainable and resilient future. To
ensure we are constantly moving toward our goal
of carbon neutrality, it will be essential for the
city to develop a streamlined process to collect
energy use and emissions data for ongoing
tracking and reporting purposes. There is also a
strong need to improve the quality and availabil-
ity of the data based on shifts in priorities and
market transformations. For example, through
Community Choice Aggregation, Northampton
will gain access to some electric utility data that
previously was challenging to come by. It will be
critical to have a system in place for identifying
what our current and future data needs might
be and ensuring that we are equipped to store,
manage, and utilize that data to tell the story of
our path to carbon neutrality.
Northampton 2016 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Fuel Type
Sector
Greenhouse Gases Emissions (MTCO2e)
TotalStationary Energy Mobile Energy
#2 Fuel Oil Natural Gas Electricity Gasoline Diesel
Buildings 13,620 128,770 58,070 --200,460
On-road transportation ---56,740 29,060 85,800
Water --500 --500
Wastewater --680 --680
Total 13,620 128,770 59,250 56,740 29,060 287,440
Mobile versus stationary sources
Mobile sources refers to the energy
used for transport activities like driving
a car.
Stationary sources refers to the
electricity, oil, and natural gas used
in our buildings, including homes,
schools, and offices.
FIGURE 13.
Northampton’s
greenhouse
gas emissions
(MTCO2e) by
fuel source and
sector.
47Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanOur Path to a Carbon-Neutral & Regenerative City
Regeneration Pathways
The Carbon Neutral Pathway Analysis quantifies
the impact of a the pathways that have the potential
to yield the greatest reductions and for which data
was readily available. The city needs a comprehen-
sive approach to reducing emissions that prioritizes
conservation and efficiency, electification of energy
use, transportation mode shifts, and changes in
land use. We recognize that many of the strategies
within these pathways may result in higher short-
term costs. We must protect, however, the many
members of our community would be dispropor-
tionately burdened by these cost increases. Equity
is a primary lens for this plan and needs to be part
of all implementation efforts.
The Carbon Neutral Pathway Analysis assessed
the reduction potential of the first six of the
following pathways, although the vehicle emis-
sions standards pathway is at the federal and
state levels. These pathways, and the others
not analyzed, should be pursued simultaneously
and presented in no particular order. They
tackle the sectors that make up the majority
of Northampton’s GHG emissions - buildings,
transportation, and electricity generation.
All of the pathways are reflected in the strategies
in Section Four.
PATHWAY 1
Reduce Energy Demand- Efficiency
and Conservation
Reducing energy use, from buildings, trans-
portation, consumption, and all other energy
users is always the most effective way to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Within the city’s footprint, increasing building
energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, at
the same time, retain more money within the
city. This requires a variety of actions, including
a much stronger energy stretch code, zoning
incentives, public investment in city buildings,
energy benchmarking and disclosure, planting
of street trees to reduce heat island effects,
and right-sizing new construction to avoid
over-building.
Regulations can range from incentives, technical
assistance, energy performance standards for
new buildings to a benchmarking and disclosure
requirements for existing buildings meeting
certain thresholds, to assess and disclose their
energy use and other performance indicators.
The latter action creates market incentives to
improve building performance (typically achiev-
ing between 2-11% energy reductions annually).
(US Environmental Protection Agency (2012)
“Benchmarking and Energy Savings.”
The city is leading by example, currently exam-
ining HVAC systems in city buildings with a plan
for the city to achieve its city operations carbon
neutral target by 2030.
Reducing consumption and moving to a zero
waste framework, where waste generation is
dramatically reduced becomes a resource instead
of a waste (e.g., composting of materials) has a
relatively small effect on local greenhouse gas
emissions (Scope 1 and 2 emissions). Those
steps, however, have a dramatic effect on the long
footprint that Northampton has on the entire world
(Scope 3 emissions) because GHG emissions to
make and ship products to Northampton can be
reduced. These actions will take place both within
the city and, through its management of public
land and purchasing power, outside of the city.
PATHWAY 2
Electricity from Renewable / Low-
Carbon Sources
This pathway calls for transforming
Northampton’s electricity supply as a climate
change mitigation mechanism. To achieve
zero carbon electricity, all fossil fuel generation
sources must be replaced by renewables, with
any remaining generation “neutralized” with
48Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plancarbon offsets or carbon credits. Northampton
has advanced this pathway by encouraging
private and municipal solar (including relevant
zoning, three commercial scale and many
smaller scale solar PV installations, and
past participation in MassCEC’s Solarize
Mass Program). Per capita solar capacity
through this program grew eight times faster
in Northampton than the statewide average.
Because conservation and energy demand
reduction are usually more cost-effective than
switching to renewables, Northampton is
actively pursued both strategies. Efficient dis-
tributed energy and distributed energy storage
(batteries or other storage mechanisms), on
both city and private facilities and land, are
critical to this effort.
PATHWAY 3
Electric Vehicle Deployment
Encouraging the shift toward electric vehicles
(EVs) can significantly reduce GHG emissions
and improve air quality in Northampton, even
with today’s electricity mix. Increasing the
adoption of electric vehicles requires:
• Converting more of the city fleet to
electric vehicles.
• Continuously expanding EV charging
infrastructure.
• Informing the public on state and federal
EV incentives.
Northampton is already making progress in this
area with 60 EV charging station ports within 9
miles of the city, with many more private ones
installed by local businesses and residents.
PATHWAY 4
Net Zero Energy Buildings
A Net Zero Energy (NZE) building produces
enough renewable energy to meet its own
annual energy consumption requirements.
Typically, such builidngs are highly energy
efficient and leverage passive solar to mini-
mize the renewable energy requirements. This
requires a combination of state building code
reforms, local zoning and other incentives,
and the City leading by example by ensuring
that all new and existing municipal and school
buildings are built and rehabilitated to Net Zero
Energy. Requiring all new and major redevel-
opment to meet these aggressive requirements
can go a long way toward reducing green-
house gas emissions in our new and existing
buildings sector.
PATHWAY 5
Electrification of Thermal Loads
Switching from traditional heating systems
to newer air-source and ground-source heat
pumps can reduce energy demand and elimi-
nate or dramatically reduce on-site fossil fuel
consumption, and switch the energy source
to electricity, which will eventually be served
by 100% renewable sources. The increased
performance and energy efficiency of air-source
heat pumps (ASHPs) and ground-source heat
pumps manufactured for cold weather climates
today is a result of technical, manufacturing,
and installation advances.
The first run of the HeatSmart Northampton
ASHP program helped 54 homeowners around
Northampton make the switch to ASHPs. The
city has already joined others in the community
in using more efficient, but capital-intensive,
ground-source heat pumps at its Senior Center.
Smith College is exploring switching its entire
thermal load to ground-source heat pumps
as part of its own efforts to be carbon neutral
by 2030. The city is beginning the necessary
energy studies to ensure that it electrifies its
thermal (heating and cooling) systems in its
public buildings as boilers and heating systems
fail and/or require major upgrades.
49Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPATHWAY 6
CAFE and Other Vehicle Standards
The federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy
(CAFE) standards, first enacted in 1975, set the
minimum average fuel performance of the cars
and light trucks sold in the United States. CAFE
standards have resulted in more efficient (higher
miles per gallon) passenger vehicles on the road.
Separately, the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions
regulations also apply to all vehicles, working
in coordination with CAFE and truck standards
toward more efficient, less polluting vehicles. Even
with the 2020 federal attempts to rollback some
of these standards, fuel efficiency and per vehicle
emissions will continue to improve, especially with
the increase in electric vehicles.
PATHWAY 7
Transportation Mode Shift
Mode shift is moving trips from single occupancy
motor vehicles (SOV) to alternative transportation
options. The most cost effective ways are to pro-
vide more sustainable options, walking, bicycling,
and public transit, and providing land use options
to reduce the number and length of necessary
trips. These sustainable forms of transportation
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bring
social equity, community cohesion, and health
benefits by providing more affordable transporta-
tion methods, better access to goods and services
for residents without cars or who cannot drive,
and avenues for healthy outdoor activity.
Northampton has made the use of sustainable
transportation modes increasingly feasible for res-
idents by investing in shared use paths; complete
streets with shade trees that are welcoming to
walkers, cyclists, and transit users; and launching
ValleyBike, the regional electric-assist bike share
program. Northampton must further expand
walking, bicycling, bike share, car share, and
public transportation improvements to reduce GHG
emissions and increase equitable access. Because
a trip avoided is even better than a mode shift, the
Land Use Patterns pathway below is critical.
PATHWAY 8
Land Use Patterns
Northampton’s land use patterns play a key
role in our pathway towards a carbon neutral
and regenerative city. Compact development
connected to multi-modal transit (e.g., bus
routes and ValleyBike), trail networks, and
in close proximity to amenities, encourages
walking, biking, and bus use; reduces vehicle
miles traveled; and encourages more efficient
land and resource use through green infrastruc-
ture. Development review, zoning, planning, and
infrastructure investments can all encourage
an increase in the percentage of residents
living within walking distance of downtown and
commercial and village centers. Along with
focusing on people over vehicles, encouraging a
diversity of housing types; and installing commu-
nity amenities (e.g., bike lanes, sidewalks, and
parks), siting solar power systems, often with
battery storage, on public and private land to
offset energy needs, this pathway reduces GHG
emission reductions.
PATHWAY 9
Carbon Sequestration and Offsets
Planting and retaining trees, especially street
trees, and maximizing carbon storage in trees
and soils is critical to reducing atmospheric car-
bon. Soils represent the Earth’s largest reservoir
of terrestrial carbon, storing more carbon than
vegetation and the atmosphere combined. Rural
and urban forests provide carbon sequestration
and offset benefits through forest man agement
activities including the re-establishment of
forests, retaining existing forests, increased
street trees, and sustainable forest management
practices.
While enhancing carbon sequestration has a
relatively minimal impact on offsetting the city’s
current level of greenhouse gas emissions, these
practices become critical as the city’s emissions
approach zero. Furthermore, understanding
that the current healthy soils and forests in the
50Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plancity store an immense amount of carbon further
justifies land preservation efforts. Offsets are a
critical part of ensuring that city operations are
carbon neutral by 2030.
PATHWAY 10
Carbon Budgeting and City Operations
The city’s effort to achieve carbon neutrality for
city buildings and operations cuts across all of the
above pathways. In addition, because city depart-
ment heads and operation managers have more
intimate knowledge of possibilities, highlighting the
carbon footprint and offsets of all city operations
and creating capital and operating budgets of
allowable carbon emissions may be the most
effective way to incentivize future reductions.
Cost of Carbon Budgets & Offsets
Carbon offsets and mitigation need to be valued
for aligning carbon budgets with fiscal budgets.
For planning purposes, some literature assumes
carbon pricing at around $100/ton, reflecting the
value of efficiency measures in New England (e.g,
see: www.synapse-energy.com/sites/default/files/
AESC-2018-17-080.pdf).
Pathways Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Northampton’s goal of carbon
neutrality means that our
emissions in 2050 will equal
zero metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e).
Our consultants analyzed the
above Pathways 1 through 6 for
their GHG emissions reduction
potential in low-case, mid-case,
and high-case scenarios.
The low-case emissions reduc-
tion scenario is the status quo
scenario. The mid-case scenario
is more aggressive actions,
achievable with continued
effort, support, and focus on
reducing emissions. Neither
scenario is sufficient to achieve
Northampton’s goals.
The high-case scenario is market
transformation, exemplary achieve-
ment, and remarkable progress by
the year 2030 in each pathway area.
The model, while only an estimate,
provide guidance as we move
towards carbon neutrality.
Northampton’s committed goals
are more aggressive than even the
high case scenario. This requires:
1. Additional pathways to be
modeled as more information
and resources becomes
available
2. Significant financial and
political investments
3. Acceptance of the trade-offs
with other public policy goals
51
Pathway Low %Mid %High %
1. Renewable / Low-Carbon Electricity 13,564 4.1%19,086 5.8%24,609 7.5%
2. Electric Vehicle Deployment 5,927 1.8%12,281 3.7%25,418 7.7%
3. Energy Benchmarking and Disclosure 9,061 2.8%13,710 4.2%18,861 5.7%
4. Net Zero Energy New Buildings 5,656 1.7%11,313 3.4%22,625 6.9%
5. Electrification of Thermal Loads 3,831 1.2%7,931 2.4%12,301 3.7%
6. CAFE & Other Vehicle Standards 12,320 3.7%19,069 5.8%28,455 8.6%
Total 50,359 15.3%83,390 25.3%132,269 40.1%
FIGURE 14. Reduction potential in MTCO2e of each analyzed pathway under three scenarios (low-case, mid-case, and high-case
scenarios) in 2030. Percentages indicate the percent reduction in emissions by 2030, aiming for 100% reduction by 2050.
Northampton High-Case Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projection
Northampton Emissions (MTCO2e)350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
FIGURE 15. Greenhouse gas reduction potential of SIX selected pathways under a high-case scenario. The thick black represents
a straight line to the 2050 carbon neutrality. Each wedge represents a reduction pathways emission reduction potential. The other
three pathways and other actions are needed to achieve the City’s more aggressive carbon neutrality commitments.
Emissions Reduction Potential of Analyzed Pathways (#1 - 6)
52Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanOur Path to Climate
Adaptation & a Resilient City
Resilience Pathways
We are pursuing pathways to adapt to climate
change and increase our resilience. These
strategies cross our built, natural, and social
systems, and overlap with our a carbon neutrality
and regeneration efforts.
PATHWAY 1
Northampton Designs with
Nature for Stormwater
With climate change increasing annual pre-
cipitation and the frequency of intense storms,
Northampton needs to improve how we direct,
infiltrate, and store stormwater. This includes
updating design standards for stormwater
infrastructure and stormwater management—
particularly ones that use natural systems
(e.g., existing mature trees, new plantings,
healthy soil systems, water storage, wetlands
preservation and enhancement, collectively
part of green infrastructure) to absorb and
store water. Northampton Designs with Nature
is an effort to assess potential sites for green
infrastructure projects to improve stormwater
infiltration, reduce the risk of localized flooding,
and advance this approach more broadly.
Green infrastructure bring co-benefits, such
as reduced heat island effect, healthier wildlife
habitat, enhanced carbon sequestration, and
new recreational opportunities. These design
principles can support new implement blue-
green infrastructure (natural systems with rivers,
streams, ponds, wetlands, and vegetation) to
infiltrate stormwater, reduce runoff volumes and
peak flows, and provide additional stormwater
storage within public rights-of-way and open
space (e.g., the Rocky Hill Greenway - Pine
Grove golf course restoration, the Route 66
Ice Pond restoration, and the Elm Street Brook
watershed Low Impact Development Best
Management Practices).
PATHWAY 2
Resilient Building and Energy Systems
This pathway calls for retrofits, upgrades, and
new construction of buildings and energy systems
that can better withstand floods, heat waves, or
extreme storms. The development of micro-grids
and distributed energy systems with battery stor-
age, particularly to power emergency services, will
provide backup power alternatives if the grid fails.
In the case that portions of the city do lose power,
buildings with greater “passive survivability” will
help keep occupants safe. “Passive survivability”
refers to the ability of a building to maintain critical
conditions—such as staying warm enough in
the winter to keep occupants well—even during
extended loss of power, heating fuel, or water.
Encouraging resilient building retrofits and design
standards, ranging from increased freeboard
heights, continuous insulation, renewable and
redundant energy sources and battery storage,
and minimum R-values or air-tightness levels,
can all contribute to the resilience of buildings
and their occupants, and in many cases, increase
energy efficiency as well.
PATHWAY 3
Healthy and Resilient Natural
Ecosystems
Healthy natural ecosystems play a significant role
in infiltrating stormwater, improving air quality,
keeping temperatures cooler on hot days, sustain-
ing healthy food systems, and contributing to the
overall resilience of Northampton. Consequently,
this pathway calls for preserving and planting
street shade trees, restoring natural ecosystems
whenever feasible, monitoring ecosystems to
ensure their health, as well as developing adap-
tive management methods to support ecosystems
in adapting to changing climate conditions.
This scope includes monitoring natural water
systems to address changes in water quality due
to climate change as well as implementing new
park, forestland, and farmland soil management
practices to enhance soil health. It will also include
53Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plandeveloping city strategies for expanding an
urban tree canopy and ensuring resilient tree and
forest populations, such as ongoing monitoring
protocols, selective harvesting, adaptive species
planting, and invasive species removal in tandem
with a public campaign to help raise awareness
around addressing vulnerabilities in tree stocks
and ecosystems to invasive species, pests, and
local climate changes.
PATHWAY 4
Resilient and Connected Landscapes
This pathway calls for the continuation of open
space preservation efforts, acquisition of land that
will experience more frequent flooding with climate
change, and the prioritization of protecting land for
the long-term migration of wildlife and plants that
is critical for healthy ecosystems to thrive with cli-
mate change. Priorities for land protection include
areas denoted in the Nature Conservancy’s map
of Resilient and Connected Landscapes that
are in the “Resilient with Confirmed Diversity,
Climate Flow Zones, or Climate Corridor mapped
areas.” The City should discourage development
(e.g., residential and solar PV) in this relatively
narrow band along the western edge of the City,
except in existing developed areas. Open space
preservation efforts should also prioritize these
areas, as the city has done for a number of years.
Future development should not occur within any
mapped areas that are defined by the city, state,
or federal government as areas of resilient and
connected landscapes with confirmed diversity or
determined to be important climate corridors for
climate resiliency.
PATHWAY 4
Healthy and Equitable Communities
This pathway calls for both strengthening
resources and services that support health
and wellbeing, as well as creating spaces and
processes for building stronger relationships
between neighbors, organizations, businesses,
and the city. Resilience research shows that
stronger social bonds with one’s community and
neighbors leads to a more resilient community.
Likewise, inequity—whether seen through
income, education, access to resources, access
to decision-making, among other avenues—
continues to prohibit collective community
resilience. This pathway includes safeguarding
and improving the health of food systems and
food security for all residents; creating accessible
recreational areas with an expanded urban
canopy where all residents can cool off in high
heat; encouraging community conversations and
neighborhood-driven initiatives around climate
adaptation; and ensuring that diverse voices play
a role in shaping Northampton’s future.
PATHWAY 5
Knowledge and Skills for Addressing
Climate Change
This pathway focuses on enhancing education,
skills development, and job training in areas
that will build awareness and knowledge around
climate change and support climate mitigation and
adaptation action. One avenue includes develop-
ing a climate curriculum, co-produced with youth
and students, in Northampton public schools that
addresses resilience and regeneration. Smith
Vocational and Agricultural School is both suited
to hands-on education in this area and to develop-
ment of demonstration installations. The curric-
ulum would systematically build on new topics
over the course of a K-12 education, preparing
youth for understanding the impacts of climate
change as well as equipping them to be leaders in
climate action. pathway also includes encouraging
job training or career development programs in
fields that will enhance the local economy and
simultaneously support Northampton in reaching
its resilience and regeneration goals.
New and existing community partners the city
would expand resilience and regeneration skills
development programs in tandem with demon-
stration projects or other municipal efforts.
54Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThese could include job training or career
development, e.g., as green infrastructure
installation and maintenance; permaculture,
regenerative, and resilient agricultural prac-
tices; urban forestry; clean energy and energy
efficiency technologies.
PATHWAY 6
Hazard Mitigation and
Emergency Preparedness
A number of strategies can support Northampton
in preparedness, response, and recovery from
a climate shock, particularly over the time-
frame immediately preceding, during, and after
a hazard. For flood events, these strategies
include ongoing evaluations and upgrades to the
city’s flood control infrastructure; encouraging
residents to invest in flood insurance; as well as
delineating floodplain boundaries, evacuation
routes, and/or flood-safe buildings with signs or
other markers. For floods as well as other types
of emergencies including severe storms, power
outages, and periods of high heat, Northampton
can add to its already robust multi-pronged
strategy for various levels of resilience-based
communication, including emergency alerts,
regular notifications (e.g., parking bans), and
ongoing public education and outreach on a
variety of climate change topics.
Turning unloved pavement into beloved public spaces creates a more walkable city. IMAGE CREDIT: PLANNING AND SUSTAINABILITY
55Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanRESILLIENCE
Adaptive Capacity
Increase the capacity of systems to withstand
climate hazards, and adapting standards and
practices to better respond.
Strong & Healthy Communities
Build community, social networks and social
cohesion. Reduce the vulnerability of Frontline
Communities (i.e., those with the least ability to
withstand climate change). Increase community
health and safety.
Climate-Smart Action
Develop the community’s ability to make decisions
that prepare us for climate change through education
and collaboration.
EQUITY
Distributional Equity
Reduce disparities in access to resources as well
as educational and economic opportunity, and
mitigate exposure to hazards for those who face
disproportionate harm.
Procedural Equity
Include diverse and non-traditional stakeholders in
decision-making and in the measurement of project
success, and ensure transparency in the develop-
ment of programs or projects.
Structural Equity
Recogniz and change structural forces of inequity,
including developing pathways for more diverse and
representative leadership and addressing institu-
tional racism.
Inter-generational Equity
Address the needs of those not yet involved in or
empowered to participate in the decision making
process, or even alive today.
Cultural Equity
Value all cultures equally
REGENERATION
Nature as Model
Use water wisely, enhance soil health, draw carbon
from the atmosphere, maintain comfortable air
temperatures, and improve air quality.
Respect Resource Limits
Reduce consumption, mitigate greenhouse gas emis-
sions, and reuse, re-purpose, and up-cycle materials.
Stewardship
Preserve healthy habitats, manage non-native
species and disease vectors, and improve environ-
mental education.
ECONOMIC & CULTURAL VITALITY
Conscious Economic Exchange
Create stronger local and inclusive economies by
increasing the number of jobs that pay a living wage
and sourcing materials and labor locally.
Forward-Looking Economy
Strengthen job-related skills training, diversify the
economy and supporting entrepreneurial activity, and
encourage diverse workforces.
Creative & Cultural Value
Support the creative economy, local agriculture, and
other industries with local cultural significance in
Northampton.
REGIONAL
Collaborative Learning
Create platforms for sharing insight between commu-
nities. Develop tools, processes, or frameworks that
replicate success.
Interdependence
Work with neighboring communities to share
resources, develop economies of scale, and create
complimentary or aligned approaches.
Nested Systems
Work at the regional, watershed, and ecosystem scales.
Make local changes that impact regional systems.
Framework for Resilience & Regeneration
56Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAction Plan
RESILIENCE & REGENERATION STRATEGIES
Northampton started to track its progress using the US Green Building Council (USGBC) rating system
LEED for Cities and Communities, which replaced the former STAR Communities program. LEED for
Cities is a third party rating system designed to help communities compare themselves to a norm and
to peer communities and promote honest reporting and minimize green-washing. The Resilience and
Regeneration strategies are broken down by the categories defined in the rating system to allow us to
better track our progress.
57Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan • Set a long term and annual City of
Northampton carbon budget. Such a budget
would establish allowed carbon emissions
allocated to each city department to
integrate carbon reduction as part of each
city department’s core mission.
• Evaluate the impact of all proposed city
capital improvement projects on greenhouse
gas emissions to understand how projects
may hinder or advance progress towards
the city’s goal of being net-zero by 2050 and
city operations being net-zero by 2030.
• Integrate climate change projections into
all future capital projects, ensuring new
infrastructure can withstand current and
projected impacts.
• Use socio-economic data, integrate an
equity-based prioritization factor in the
process for capital improvements project
selection that adds priority to projects that
will benefit neighborhoods with higher
proportions of people with low incomes,
people of color, or people living with physical
or mental disabilities.
• Ensure that the next revision to the
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive
Plan incorporates the Resilience and
Regeneration Plan as a key unifying theme.
• Include resilience and regeneration
principles as a cross-cutting strategy (in
addition to specific strategies that follow) in
all city education and outreach efforts.
• Provide adequate City staff, resources,
and commitment to achieve these targets.
• Create a biennial action plan with specific
actions, metrics, and political consensus to
move forward.
• Integrate education and curriculum on
climate resilience and regeneration in public
schools, with students co-producing such
curriculum. Foster a culture of ecological
stewardship, resource conservation, and
climate preparedness.
• Focus on high impact practices that
provide the greatest resilience and
regneration Return on Investment (ROI),
that is the least cost (financial and other
burdens) to achieve success.
Type: Policy
Lead: Mayor’s Office; Planning & Sustainability, Central
Services, Public Works; School Department; Smith Voc;
Youth Commission
Time-frame: Short-term launch - Ongoing process
Cost: $$$
ALL CATEGORIES 1
Integrate resilience & regeneration principles into the
development of all city and public school outreach, projects,
plans, budgets, and processes
Systematically apply the Resilience and Regeneration Framework to the development of city projects,
programs, and plans. The framework helps to integrate resilience and regeneration thinking into work
across departments, ensures investments and planning supports Northampton’s resilience and regen-
eration goals, and amplifies the potential of the city’s work in creating co-benefits. Most specifically,
develop specific internal policies to:
58Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNorthampton, with Mayoral
and City Council (2020)
approval, is working with
Amherst and Pelham
(with the hope that more
communities will join
in the future) to create
a regional Joint Powers
Entity for regional renewable
and resilient energy supplies.
A key first step is forming a Community Choice
Aggregation program to become the default
electricity provider and aggregate demand with
GHG reducing electricity supply systems.
Northampton received a $75,000 grant from
the Urban Sustainability Directors Network
(USDN) in 2019 to explore a new model for
Community Choice Aggregation, CCA 3.0
optimized around greenhouse gas reductions.
The resulting bulk purchasing power can
allow a contract with an electricity supplier
with the goal of greening the energy supply
and, eventually, providing the energy storage
needed for load shifting to reduce peak energy
periods. This program would automatically
enroll residents, unless they opt out, and
would include a commitment to purchasing
power from locally-produced distributed energy
sources and gaining access to affordable
renewable energy sources for low-income
residents. This work would also have a strong
focus on reducing GHG emissions.
Program goals also include incorporating
energy storage and other tactics to reshape
the load profile to reduce peak energy periods.
Implementing CCA 3.0 as a region will reduce
our collective reliance on fossil fuels, encour-
age the expansion of local renewable energy
sources, and amplify our ability to transition to
a cleaner, more efficient energy supply.
• Formalize a Joint Powers Entity
dedicated to GHG reductions.
• Apply for state approval of its CCA.
• Arrange for a broker (in the near term)
and potentially a staff or consultant
model in the long term for its CCA.
• Develop an aggregation business plan
optimizing GHG reductions.
• Secure a competitive supplier.
• Engage and educate community
members.
• Partner with community groups
(e.g., Community Action and their home
weatherization program).
ENERGY 1
RENEWABLE & RESILIENT ENERGY SUPPLY
ENERGY 1A
Launch a regional entity to coordinate regional strategies,
including a Community Choice Aggregation 3.0 (CCA 3.0)
Program for electricity aggregation
Type: Program
Lead: Central Services - Energy; Planning
and Sustainability
Time-frame: Mid-term Planning underway
Cost: $$
Electricity
is 20% of our
energy load.
It will grow as
we electrify
our energy
souces.
59Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanENERGY 1B
Procure more renewable energy
projects on city property and
through city partnerships
The City’s goal is to enable an annual electricity out-
put from renewable electricity projects that matches
or exceeds municipal and public-school electric
usage and maximizes the use of renewable-thermal
technologies in municipal and school buildings.
Northampton has a regulatory structure and
open space and pilot agreements to encourage
in renewable energy systems on both public
and private land (e.g., 3.3 MW solar array
atop the closed Glendale Road landfill and a
total of 10 MW of private sector solar arrays at
Ryan Road and Park Hill Road). The City has
installed smaller solar-electric, solar hot water,
solar air pre-heat, geothermal and air-source
heat pump systems on city and school proper-
ties. Two municipal buildings, the James House
and the Senior Center, are completely heated
and cooled by renewable-thermal systems: air-
source heat pumps and a geothermal system
respectively.
• Continue to install renewable energy
projects and lead by example on city
and school properties (e.g., photovoltaic
canopies over parking lots, energy storage
to shave peak demand). Ground-mounted
installations are most cost effective, but
building and parking lot canopy installations
are an important part of the mix.
• Establish capital improvement plans
to reduce the thermal load and replace
fossil fuel heating with renewable
thermal systems in public buildings.
• Expand public-private partnerships for
renewables on private property.
• When feasible, use local contractors
to install these projects and create
educational opportunities (e.g, the 106
kW city-owned solar-electric array on the
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High
School is used for the school’s renewable
energy coursework.
• Maintain the current zoning prohibition
on commercial photovoltaic where intact
forests are most critical for climate
resilience, and addresses the trade-off
between the installation of PV systems
and the ecological and carbon impacts.
Type: Capital Improvement
Lead: Central Services - Energy; Planning
for regulatory aspects
Time-frame: Mid-term (Typical implemen-
tation takes 1-3 years)
Cost: $$
ENERGY 1C
Continue building out
distributed energy resources for
critical services
Northampton received two grants through
the MA Department of Energy Resources,
Community Clean Energy Resiliency Initiative,
for critical services distributed: 1) Installation of
a 20-kilowatt, canopy-style array with battery
storage on the Fire Department parking lot on
Carlon Drive, and 2) A micro-grid to service
Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the Department of
Public Works headquarters, and the Hampshire
County emergency shelter at Smith Vocational
and Agricultural High School to improve their
ability to maintain operations during power fail-
ures. These investments follow an internal study
begun in 2012 that assessed the resilience of
the city’s electrical grid.
Continue to identify opportunities and move
forward with the development of distributed
energy resources in Northampton, focusing on
60Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planredundant systems and hybrid energy storage
systems, to ensure that critical services (and
potentially business centers) can continue to
operate during a climate hazard and serve
vulnerable populations. Perform public outreach
and awareness of such distributed energy
services to build support.
Type: Capital Improvement
Lead: Central Services - Energy; New CCA 3.0
Time-frame: Mid-term for the develop-
ment of the current micro-grid project;
Ongoing for continued opportunities
Cost: $$$
61Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanENERGY 2A
Enourage the real estate
market to place greater value
on building energy features,
inlcuding deep energy retrofits
and zero energy new buildings
Require, by ordinance, that building owners of
large buildings report energy use through utility
bill disclosure. For smaller buildings, establish an
incentive program for voluntary utility cost disclo-
sure targeted to home owners and tenants. Phase
in mandatory disclosure for all building types.
Work with local lenders, appraisers, realtors, and
the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to encourage
greater valuation and transparency of building
energy features by mandating listing of attained
energy performance credentials including verified
Home Energy Rating System (HERS rating).
Tools and initiatives to further promote energy
performance consideration in building valuation:
• Mandate building energy assessments
at time of sale.
• Popularize Property Assessed Clean
Energy (PACE) financing for existing
buildings.
• Develop local Green Financing and
streamline EEM/EIMs (FHA’s Energy
Efficiency/Improvement Mortgages) to
enable and encourage home buyers
to invest in energy upgrades at time of
purchase or major renovation.
• Lead by example by disclosing
municipal school building energy
consumption and targets for reduction.
Type: Policy & Program
Lead: Central Services - Energy
Time-frame: Mid-term (1-3 years)
Cost: $$
ENERGY 2B
Expand program for building
electrification to convert from
oil and natural gas heat to heat
pumps or other electric sources
Expand efforts to encourage building energy
retrofits and building electrification, including
replacing on-site fossil-fuel
powered heat with far
more efficient electri-
cally powered heat
pumps (mini-splits
and centralized heat
pumps) for residential,
commercial, and institu-
tional buildings
• Establish strong partnerships with rate-
payer supported programs (Mass Clean
Energy Center and MassSave) and
financing programs (PACE, future CCA
3.0, potentially CDBG Housing Rehab).
• Focus on ease of participation and
incentives.
• Subsidize the cost of heat pumps
in affordable housing and low-income
households.
• Consider ground source heat pumps
for large commercial and institutional
installations’ thermal loads, although
they are generally not cost-effective
for small scale installations. The city
uses ground source heat pumps for
the Senior Center and Smith College is
assessing ground source heat pumps.
• Prepare to end fossil fuel combustion
in all City buildings. The first step,
currently underway, is to create capital
improvement plans to improve building
envelopes and ventilation systems, and
decarbonize all thermal loads (heating,
cooling, and hot water)
ENERGY 2
ENERGY EFFICIENCY & HIGH PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS
Buildings
generate
70% of our
GHG
emissions
62Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanType: Program
Lead: Central Services - Energy
Time-frame: Short-term
Cost: $ without financial incentives;
$$-$$$ with financial incentives
ENERGY 2C
Apply Resilience and
Regeneration point system in
site plan review process
Apply a Resilience and Regeneration point system
in site plan approvals to encourage lower transpor-
tation needs, higher passive survivability, no on-site
fossil-fuel combustion, net-zero energy buildings,
and walkable zoning densities in urban core areas.
Developers earn points for adopting specific
resilience and regeneration measures, with a
minimum point requirement. Points can be
awarded for prescriptive (a list of approaches)
and performance-based approaches to reduce
carbon emissions and/or improve site and
building resilience. For example, minimum HER
ratings, net-energy zero, passive house, passive
survivability, increased free-board heights,
continuous insulation, renewable and redundant
energy sources and battery storage, minimum
R-values or air-tightness levels, among other
measures. Certification systems such as
PHIUS’s Passive House Standard and USGBC’s
Resilience Pilot Credits and/or Reli Rating
System could be drawn from in the development
of the point system. All included measures
should enhance the resilience of the city’s
building stock and/or contribute to lowering the
city’s GHG emissions.
Type: Policy
Lead: Central Services - Energy
Time-frame: Mid-term to develop and
implement the policy
Cost: $
ENERGY 2D
Require that all new buildings
are built to Net Zero Energy
standards and advocate for
higher Building Code standards
Work with other Massachusetts communities to
advocate for higher resilience and regeneration
standards in the Massachusetts Building Code
and in the International Building Code (IBC) on
which the Massachusetts Building Code is based.
To the extent allowed under the state building code
and local zoning authority, require all new buildings
to meet high performance standards and be
verified as Zero Energy ready. Consider DOE Zero
Energy Ready Home (ZERH), Passive House
Institute United States (PHIUS+) standards. A Zero
Energy building has comparatively very low energy
loads and is highly energy efficient. With a robust
building enclosure and right sized mechanical
systems prioritized, renewable energy is produced
or procured to offset what the building uses on
an annual basis. Zero Energy building standards
should be required and market transformation
incentivized through the following actions:
• Advocate for an updated
Massachusetts Builidng Code Stretch
Energy Code, if not a base building code,
that requires Zero Energy performance.
• Ensure the city leads by example by
ensuring all new municipal buildings and
feasible major renovations meet Zero
Energy building standards.
• Consider retrofit and renovation
regulation and incentives to achieve
high performance building certifications
for existing buildings.
• Advocate for expansion of zero
energy and passive house utility
incentives through the Massachusetts
Energy Efficiency Advisory Council.
63Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan • Advocate for legislative updates to
revise utility cost-effectiveness metrics to
value carbon reductions with expanded
Mass Save programs.
• Plant shade trees to reduce heat gains
in buildings.
Type: Policy & Advocacy
Lead: Central Services - Energy; Planning
& Sustainability
Time-frame: Medium-term
Cost: $
ENERGY 2E
Encourage resilience and
regeneration building and
site improvements
Promote resilient and regenerative building and
site improvements that property owners can
make to protect properties and people against
flooding, extreme weather, and heat waves.
Work with existing federal, state, and local
programs to expand access to and encourage
use of educational and financial tools and
resources, including working with utilities and
existing community organizations to make these
tools and resources financially and culturally
accessible to all residents:
• Promote clean technology education
and adoption programs that increase
buildings’ ability to support occupants
during times of stress such as long-term
power outages or heat waves, including
energy efficient and high-performance
building improvements.
• Promote on-site battery power backup
systems, as the technology becomes
cost-effective, ideally coupled with
on-site renewable electricity.
• Advocate to the Massachusetts Energy
Efficiency Advisory Council that the
Mass Save utility incentive programs
expand current Passive House incentive
programs to include all residential
building types, new and existing.
• Plant shade trees to reduce energy
demand and heat islands.
• Implement a “One Cool Room”
program to support residents whose
health is vulnerable to heat waves to
establish access to at least one room at
their residence that is cooled by a high
efficiency cooling technology such as an
air-source heat pump.
• To the extend reasonably achievable,
encourage lighting plans that ensure that
all lights have a clear purpose, are directed
only to where needed, are no brighter than
necessary, are used only when it is useful,
and use warmer color lights available.
Type: Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability; Central
Services -Energy
Time-frame: Short-term for campaign devel-
opment; Ongoing for continued promotion
Cost: $
64Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanENERGY 2F
Accelerate community
adoption of energy efficient
& high-performance building
improvements with a focus on
more equitable access
Advance increased energy efficiency and instal-
lation of solar-electric (PV), solar-hot water, heat
pumps, energy recovery ventilation and other
high-performance building technologies. Because
the city has no direct control over building improve-
ments in the private sector, partnering with organi-
zations that offer assistance such as free building
assessments, weatherizations of 1-4 unit homes,
guidance for small businesses, and bulk purchasing
of renewable energy and high performance building
technologies. Support residents of all income-levels
and backgrounds and businesses of all sizes.
Build on the success of past outreach programs
such as Solarize Northampton,which led to
installation of 0.5+ megawatt of solar electric,
HeatSmart Northampton, which raised aware-
ness of minisplit air source heat pumps, and the
city’s utility-funded partnership with the Center
for EcoTechnology, which helps small busi-
nesses access utility energy efficiency assis-
tance programs). Future efforts could include:
• Establish staff within the planned regional
Joint Powers Entity (JPE) to run marketing
campaigns and collaborate with a JPE-run
intermunicipal CCA 3.0 program.
• Coordinate and partner for energy
investments through Property Assessed
Clean Energy (PACE), CDBG Housing
Rehabilitation, a CCA 3.0 program,
rate-payer supported programs (e.g.,
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
and the MassSave program), and other
partners (e.g., Community Action Pioneer
Valley and the Center for EcoTechnology.
• Identify barriers to entry for energy
efficiency efforts and identify gaps in
who participates. Create programs
that will create more equitable access
to renewable energy and high-
performance building technologies for
low-income residents, communities
of color, and historically underserved
and underrepresented populations.
Co-develop, with uderserved
stakeholders, programs that are
culturally competent, effective, and
address structural barriers. Develop
more effective ways to provide
resources to low and moderate income
residents, businesses, and nonprofits,
preferably in partnership with existing
local programs. For example,
partnering with Community Action
Pioneer Valley home weatherization
program and the city’s housing
rehabilitation program could bundle
new renewable energy systems.
• Focus on ease of participation
(reduce time and effort) and bundling of
incentives.
• Identify subsidies for the cost of high-
performance technologies in affordable
housing and low-income households.
• Promote potential use of ground
source heat pumps for large commercial
and institutional installations, which are
generally only cost-effective for large
scale installations (e.g., the city uses
ground source heat pumps for Senior
Center heating and cooling, and Smith
College is assessing ground source
heat pumps for the thermal load of the
campus).
• Develop municipal programs to
encourage landlords to improve energy
efficiency and incorporate clean energy
technologies into their housing units.
• Encourage rental listing agencies
65Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planto highlight sustainable and
resilient features of housing units in
advertisements.
• Explore introducing a building
energy assessment and/or supplying
educational materials to building owners
and developers at key decision points,
such as at the home point-of-sale or
during building permitting.
• Identify potential residential
technologies or measures that can enable
renters to participate in energy efficiency,
such as Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostats.
• Survey landlords to identify
unanticipated barriers to investments in
high performance building improvements,
such as a lack of access to long-term
tenant’s apartments, and pilot new
outreach and assistance programs aimed
at overcoming identified barriers.
Type: Program and Policy
Lead: Central Services-Energy
Time-frame: Long Term
Cost: $$$
66Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanENERGY 3A
Adopt city open space
management practices for
soil carbon storage
Adjust or adopt new municipal landscaping and
parkland management practices to enhance the
city’s soil carbon storage. (The city has already
eliminated its use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers
on city recreation areas.) Organic amendments,
in particular, can amplify the carbon storage
capacity of soils. Best Management Practices for
post-development soil amendments recommend
the application of 7.5cm of compost for land-
scape beds, and 4.5cm for turf grass, with com-
post containing 22% carbon and 2% nitrogen.
One-time applications of such amendments have
shown to increase average carbon sequestration
by 0.22 metric tons per hectare per year.
Additional landscaping and parkland manage-
ment strategies to enhance soil carbon storage
could include: emphasizing native perennials in
plantings and using annuals to fill gaps; mini-
mizing the use of pavement and unproductive
mulch; eliminating synthetic nitrogen fertilizers
on public and private school athletic fields;
incorporating nitrogen-fixing trees and peren-
nials into the landscape; mowing, cutting back,
and/or heavily mulching over weeds instead of
pulling; and using biological and mechanical
controls when possible, while limiting herbicides
to areas where so far there are not effective
alternatives for curbing the growth of invasive
plants (e.g., Japanese Knotweed). These
strategies for enhancing soil health also support
stormwater infiltration.
Type: Program
Lead: School Dept, Central Services,
city land managers
Time-frame: Short-term for new manage-
ment practices
Cost: $$
ENERGY 3B
Protect, grow, and enhance
the city’s forestland and public
lands and their capacity to
store carbon
Continue the city’s efforts to conserve forestland
in the city and in the City’s drinking watersheds
and aquifers outside the city, particularly large
blocks of mature and
contiguous forestland
and urban tree cover.
Continue open space
acquisition, per the
Northampton Open
Space, Recreation,
and Multi-Use Trail
Plan and drinking watershed
management strategies. Identify opportunities to
replant cleared areas with diverse native species
in the conservation and watershed areas. Add
public and equitably distributed urban tree canopy
to serve historically underrepresented populations
and those more at risk to heat waves.
Tree cover, from shade trees and larger tracts:
• Adds shade, cooler summers, and
reduced heat island effect, alleviating air
conditioning loads
• Increases stormwater infiltration,
conserves water supplies, and reduces
erosion
• Sequesters carbon
• Improves air quality, reduces noise
pollution, decreases wind speed, and
reduces glare
• Makes Northampton more walkable,
a more sustainable and resilient
transportation practice
• Enhances ecosystem and habitat
creation
ENERGY 3
CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Carbon
offsets are
critical to our
carbon neutrality
goals
67Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThis work is needed in tandem with the city’s
existing anti-gentrification and anti-displace-
ment measures to ensure that, as green space
is protected the city continues to help create
entry level lots and expanding affordable
housing.
Adopt public land management practices that
prioritize carbon sequestration, such as long-
term carbon sequestration and storage planning
in forest stewardship plans and education
programs for the adoption of similar practices
on private land. Protecting and enhancing the
diversity of tree species within the city’s forests
will also increase forest stability, resilience, and
long-term benefits for carbon storage.
Identify sites that should be kept out of perma-
nently protected open space to reserve the ability
to install solar photo-voltaic, as the city did at the
two newest solar PV installation at Ryan Road
and at the Park Hill Road extension.
Explore recommendations of the Massachusetts
Healthy Soils Action Plan, including improving
farming, forestry and lawn care practices to
reduce erosion, improve production, increase
carbon sequestration and storage, and better
withstand intensive weather events and
droughts. Strategies include the application
of organic matter or bio-solids (e.g., sludge,
compost, wood chip mulches, or biochar) on the
forest floor and strategic organic matter to build
soil organic matter, maximize forest biomass,
prevent erosion, and increase carbon sequestra-
tion and storage capacity.
Calculate carbon credits, using accepted
guidelines, for carbon sequestration, but retire
the credits so they can be used to count toward
carbon offsets.
Type: Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability; Public Works
Time-frame: Ongoing
Cost: $
ENERGY 3C
Support education and training
in regenerative agriculture,
agroforestry, silvopasture, and
urban forestry
Identify opportunities to support education and
training in regenerative agriculture, agroforestry (the
integration of trees in agricultural areas), silvopas-
ture (the integration of trees and livestock grazing),
urban forestry, and biochar application for interested
farmers. These approaches aim to minimize soil
disturbance, enhance site biodiversity, maintain
microbial communities to support soil health, and
add to crop diversification. Trees planted along
riverbanks (riparian buffers) and as windbreaks
stabilize soils, prevent erosion, improve water
quality, and retain carbon in the ground. Benefits
can include increased landscape drought resilience.
All three practices—regenerative agriculture, agrofor-
estry, and silvopasture— increase carbon seques-
tration potential of agricultural lands by 0.6 MTCO2e,
1.3 MTCO2e, and 4.8 MTCO2e per hectare per
year, respectively. Likewise, biochar application to
agricultural lands has shown to amplify crop produc-
tivity while simultaneously amplifying the long-term
storage of carbon. Consider peer-to-peer learning
models through collaboration with local and regional
farming initiatives with the explicit goal of developing
contextually-specific practices for enhancing carbon
sequestration and storage. Use such collaborations
as a platform for identifying adjustments to municipal
policies or systems, such as aligning lease lengths
with harvest rotations for longer-term perennial
plantings, which can further facilitate adoption of
regenerative agriculture practices.
Type: Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$ - $$$
68Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanENERGY 3D
Establish Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Offset
Community Fund
Establish a voluntary local fund for those who
want to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
Residents and businesses could track their emis-
sions through a community-endorsed tool and
pay into the fund depending on their footprint.
This fund would build on the city’s pilot gasoline
carbon offset receipts, which currently add
support to ValleyBike. It would provide funding
for community mitigation/sequestration projects.
Equity can be enhanced by working with and
prioritizing investments to neighborhoods
historically under-served and underrepresented
populations.
Type: Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $
69Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanWATER 1A
Establish new design storm
intensities & rainfall distributions
Examine the new design storm intensities and
rainfall distributions when the Massachusetts
Stormwater Handbook is updated (circa 2021-
2022) to address climate change. The new
standards will likely be based on the upper
confidence interval of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlas 14 to
represent current precipitation conditions, plus
or minus some factor to address climate change.
This approach will produce higher design storms
than the current standard (SCS- Technical Paper-
40 with RCS Type III regional rainfall distribution).
• The City may want to go beyond the
state standards.
• For example a 20% increase in design
rainfall intensity is consistent with
climate change projections for extreme
precipitation in a 50- to 100-year planning
horizon, based on a 50-year design life
for storm drainage infrastructure, and the
50-100 year useful life.
• Alternatively, rainfall distributions can be
based upon updated, site-specific rainfall
data.
Figure 16. 24-hour duration design storm (at City Hall)
Return Period NOAA Atlas 141 IF increased by 20%
1 year 2.46” (2.53” NRCC value)3.04” (NRCC)
2 years 3.08”3.70”
10 years 4.93”5.92”
25 years 6.09”7.31”
50 years 6.99”8.39”
100 years 7.88”9.46”
500 years 11.3”13.56”
Type: Program
Lead: Public Works, Planning for zoning and
subdivision regs.
Time-frame: Short-term
Cost: $
WATER 1B
Raise
requirements
for closed
drainage systems
Consider requiring new and replacement
closed drainage systems (city and private) to be
designed for 10-year storm events, 25-year storm
events at critical facilities. DPW could waive the
requirement in specific situations (e.g., when
localized pipe upgrades may affect downstream
undersized pipes). In addition, the impacts of
overland flow during flood conditions should be
studied in the design of closed drainage systems,
as surface flow is a significant component of
overall flow during flood events within the city.
Update the city’s stormwater management
standards for new development and redevelop-
ment sites consistent with the Massachusetts
Stormwater Handbook when it is revised
(circa 2021-2022), meet the post-construction
stormwater management provisions of the MS4
General Permit, and allow for off-site mitigation.
Type: Policy
Lead: Public Works for stormwater; Planning
& Sustainability for zoning and subdivision
regulations
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $
WATER 1C
Produce nature-based and
green infrastructure plans and
implementation projects
Build on the Northampton Designs with Nature
concept of nature- based solutions to identify
a range of green infrastructure solutions to
WATER 1
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater
and heat
are our biggest
climate adaption
needs
70Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planimprove stormwater retention, detention, and
infiltration, expand urban shade tree canopies,
and a wide range of co-benefits (e.g., reduced
heat island effect, healthier wildlife habitat,
enhanced carbon sequestration, and new
recreational opportunities).
The kind of projects that are relevant include:
• The restoration of the Pine Grove
Golf Course, now part of the Rocky
Hill Greenway, to restore its natural
hydrology (Phase I completed in 2020).
• Green infrastructure in the Elm Street
Brook watershed (building on the work
of a Smith College Picker Engineering
evaluation)
• Flood control improvements at the
Route 66 Ice Pond (currently under
consideration by FEMA for funding)
• Various urban tree and other shade tree
canopy planting plans.
Type: Capital Planning
Lead: Planning & Sustainability and Public
Works
Time-frame: Short-term
Cost: $$$
WATER 1D
Increase stormwater system
conveyance capacity and
storage through blue-green-gray
infrastructure
Upgrade aging storm drainage infrastructure
with larger-capacity pipes as pipes are replaced
to provide additional in-line conveyance
capacity and storage. Simultaneously look for
complementary opportunities to implement
blue-green infrastructure to infiltrate stormwater,
reduce runoff volumes and peak flows, and
provide additional storage capacity within public
rights-of-way and open space. Support the
development of green infrastructure systems by
defining appropriate native plant species to be
used in all projects.
Apply Northampton Designs with Nature design
principles to the design and implementation of
green infrastructure projects, including iden-
tifying and prioritizing projects that can have
the greatest impact on reducing stress on the
stormwater infrastructure system, mitigating
flood risk and damage, improving healthy
ecosystems and water quality, reducing the
heat island effect, and enhancing the commu-
nity’s accessibility to green space. Integrate
environmental justice in identifying locations
for green infrastructure installation or resilient
infrastructure upgrades that will benefit neigh-
borhoods with higher proportions of people with
low incomes, people of color, or people living
with disabilities. Include those communities in
the design and evaluation.
Expand planned projects to have a larger
focus on blue-green infrastructure, including
an education component on the importance of
these design features. If the city continues to
consider daylighting portions of the downtown
Historic Mill River, consider the potential to
provide additional flood storage within the day-
lighted area to better protect other areas behind
the levee from flooding. Given the significant
capital cost of these upgrades, the city should
take a system-wide approach to planning and
implementation, including comprehensive storm
drainage system modeling.
Type: Capital Improvement
Lead: Public Works and Planning &
Sustainability
Time-frame: Ongoing
Cost: $$$
71Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanWATER 2A
Research long term water supply
needs in light of climate change
Establish a framework for long-term planning
of city’s public potable water systems, including
water quality and quantity
monitoring and modeling.
Proactive city and
regional long-term
planning may identify
whether new or alter-
native water supplies
are required beyond
the city’s existing three
active reservoirs and two
wells. DPW’s Drought Management Plan (2021)
will help advance this planning and mitigation.
Continue Public Works existing water supply
watershed land preservation and management
efforts for source protection. Continue to ensure
that the amount of water withdrawn equals, on
a medium term average, the amount of water
entering the system through precipitation and
water flow (i.e., no “mining” of groundwater).
Work with the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission to advance data collection and strat-
egy development related to the impacts of climate
change on water quality to a regional scale.
Type: Program
Lead: Public Works
Time-frame: Mid-term to long-term
Cost: $$$
Water
supply is
a long term
risk, but one that
requires a very
long planning
period
WASTE 1A
Increase community waste diver-
sion by creating and implementing
a zero-waste strategy
Adopt a zero-waste framework to reduce the
generation of waste and maximize material
reuse. Depending on resources and consensus,
actions might include, for example:
• Build on DPW’s waste reduction efforts
to raise awareness and foster a culture of
repair and reuse by supporting community
initiatives (e.g., repair cafes, the ReCenter
Swap Shop, durable material exchanges,
textile swap events and recycling, and
other similar initiatives).
• Build on the City’s existing
buy recycled content to lead by
example and ensure municipal
entities use sustainable product
purchasing practices (e.g., minimum
recycled content criteria; preference
for locally grown and manufactured
materials, including food and compost;
incentives for purchasing up-cycled and
used goods and furniture).
• Educate the community and business
owners about wasted food prevention
strategies, encouraging food rescue,
and the practice and benefits of
co-composting leaf and yard waste with
food scraps. Encourage all public events
(e.g. fairs, festivals, concerts) to provide
receptacles for source separation of
trash, recyclables, and organics.
WATER 2
WATER SUPPLY
WASTE 1
WASTE REDUCTION
Solid
waste is
1% of our GHG
emissions. Our
supply chain (Scope
3) dwarfs our Scope
1 and 2 GHG
emissions.
72Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• Consider requiring commercial and
residential participation in composting,
private haulers to provide organics
collection, and generators to utilize
curbside service or to arrange their own
composting.
• Explore options for establishing a local
commercial compost facility to reduce
organics transportation impacts, and
to keep the benefits of compost in the
community.
• Eliminate petroleum-based, single-use
products through phasing out single-use
plastics. The city will work toward strict use
of reusable service-ware for eat-in dining,
and toward requiring biodegradable,
compostable or recyclable packaging and
service-ware for takeout. Food service
entities will be encouraged to provide
accessories, such as flatware, straws,
and condiments only upon request, and
the city shall support third-party efforts
to launch or provide a reusable takeout
container service for food businesses.
• Reduce construction and demolition
waste by ensuring that strong recycling
and reuse requirements are met for
all building-related permits. Explore
policies or incentives that would mandate
or encourage property owners and
contractors to choose deconstruction
instead of demolition (e.g., requiring
deconstruction for projects over a
designated square footage, setting
recycling and reuse thresholds,
accelerating permitting providing subsidies
for the difference in cost between
demolition and deconstruction).
Type: Policy
Lead: DPW recycling coordinator, City
Council for regulations
Time-frame: Medium term
Cost: $$
WASTE 1B
Establish comprehensive food
waste prevention, donations,
and composing programs in
schools and large institutions
A comprehensive food management program
to address wasted food in public schools will
reduce the solid waste stream, address local
food insecurity, value the cafeteria as a class-
room, and leverage the power of school children
to serve as ambassadors of best practices. A
campaign could include, for example:
• Training cafeteria staff
• Using share tables and establishing
partnerships with food rescue
organizations.
• Maximize use of durable trays and
serviceware, basic source-separation
equipment (e.g., additional receptacles),
and organics hauling services.
• Encourage on-site composting
and gardening programs in schools
for demonstration and educational
purposes.
• Develope educational programming and
signage templates.
Type: Policy
Lead: School Department with ommunity
support
Time-frame: Medium term
Cost: $
73Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTRANSPORTATION/LAND USE 1
LOW CARBON & EQUITABLE TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION/LAND USE 1A
Advance equitable
transportation access
Ensure that transportation opportunities are
available, safe, and desirable for all. This
includes sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks,
street trees, bike share (micro-mobility) and
other investments.
• Transportation options with the lowest
carbon footprint and the highest equity
should have the lowest cost to end users.
• Expand equitable access transportation
to address gaps for people with low
incomes, communities of color, and
individuals with disabilities. Access can
refer to physical proximity of stations/
stops/bike racks, frequency and location
of network routes, level of safety,
languages offered in announcements
or posted information, affordability, and
other barriers to use.
• Consider the balance between transit-
dependent services for users who do not
have other options and choice-ridership
which generate the highest ridership and
benefits all users. Create strategies to
reduce cultural barriers to users of all
income levels in public transportation.
• Promote access to short-term car
rental and car sharing, especially electric
vehicle fleets.
• Encourage shared parking initiatives,
parking cash-outs and decoupling
parking costs from the cost of housing.
Type: Policy
Lead: Planning & Sustainability and Public
Works
Time-frame: Long term
Cost: $$$
TRANSPORTATION/
LAND USE 1B
Expand bicycling options,
including the ValleyBike share
program
Promote bicycling as a safe, efficient, inex-
pensive low-carbon travel option. Expand our
multi-use path network and its connections to
the roads and sidewalks. Ensure that the trail is
available for year-round use. Advance bicycle
education at safety village and schools.
Celebrate our shared use path network through
a marketing campaign focused on green tourism,
in collaboration with local business associations.
Expand ValleyBike, the regional electric-assist
bike share program in collaboration with
Amherst, Chicopee, Holyoke, South Hadley,
Springfield, West Springfield, UMass, and
the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
Northampton currently coordinates the program
in the eight commuwnities, but is exploring
structures to move management to a regional
level. Expand the winter use of the program
during fair winter weather.
Continue to add new locations in urban and
denser residential areas throughout the region.
Continue ValleyBike outreach and the equitable
access membership program.
Type: Capital Improvement & Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability and Friends
of Northampton Trails for bicycle education
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$
Transporta-
tion is 26% of
our GHG emissions.
Land use is a portion
of the
70% of building
GHG emissions
74Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTRANSPORTATION/LAND USE 1C
Foster transition to
electric vehicles (EV)
Encourage residents and commuters to switch
from fossil fuel powered vehicles to electric
vehicles (EVs). EVs are more efficient than
traditional cars and will become even cleaner as
Northampton’s electricity is greened. Equity is a
key consideration as EVs currently require higher
up-front costs, a challenge for many buyers,
but lower operating for consumers. To make a
city-wide transition to EVs, the city would:
• Help message efforts to increase
awareness of EVs and their benefits.
• Incentivize EV charging infrastructure
for major new construction projects.
• Adopt an EV purchasing policy for
the city fleet that requires the city to
purchase or lease EVs, building on the
current fuel-efficient vehicle procurement
policy.
• Work to install more public charging
stations in all city parking lots and
encourage public or private stations in
commercial areas and dense residential
and mixed use neighborhoods. Charge
for electricity at public charging stations
to create market incentive for private
charging stations.
• Explore state, federal or other
subsidies to support up-front cost for
shared use electric vehicles for low-
income residents.
• Explore electric bus fleet to replace
current public transportation buses and
school buses as electric buses become
affordable and/or as department’s carbon
budgets require offsets.
• Track the market for when the
technology eventually allows alternatives
to fossil fuel powered heavy vehicles
(DPW and fire equipment).
• Address the equipment and training
needs to maintain a city EV fleet.
Type: Policy & Program
Lead: Central Services- Energy
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$ to $$$
75Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTRANSPORTATION/LAND USE 2A
Encourage dense, mixed-use, and
transit-oriented development.
The lowest carbon form of
transportation is to avoid trips
Incentivize development and redevelopment that
cluster multi-modal transit, mixed-use amenities,
and a variety of housing types to ensure healthy,
vibrant neighborhoods:
• Focus community planning and
regulations on serving people over serving
vehicles (e.g., allow new development
to contribute to active transportation
infrastructure rather than parking).
• Work with regional partners to advocate
for improvements in the regional public
transit system.
• Increase the percentage of the
population living within walking distance
of downtown, Florence Center, Bay State,
Leeds, Village Hill, and King Street.
• Encourage housing diversity, smaller
residential units that are efficient with
resources, expanded units on developed
lots, and new housing development that
with affordable units.
• Install community amenities (e.g., bike
lanes, sidewalks, and public space) in
areas that will optimize walking.
• Consider an urban growth boundary
(Farms Forests and Recreation zoning)
that limits development outside of areas
that are appropriate for development.
• Provide park, recreation, streetscape, and
other amenities to make waking desirable.
Type: Policy
Lead: Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$
TRANSPORTATION/LAND USE 2B
Protect land critical for the long-
term migration of wildlife and
plants due to climate change
These areas that are critical for healthy ecosys-
tems to thrive even with climate change include
areas denoted in the Nature Conservancy’s map
of Resilient and Connected Landscapes that are
in the “Resilient with Confirmed Diversity, Climate
Flow Zones, or Climate Corridor mapped areas.”
Continue existing strategies in these sensitive
areas:
• Discourage or prohibit land use
development and solar photo-voltaic
development in forested areas.
• Prioritize open space preservation
efforts.
• Prohibit or severely limit future
development within any mapped areas
that are defined by the city, state or
federal government as areas of resilient
and connected landscapes with confirmed
diversity, or determined to be important
climate corridors for climate resiliency.
Type: Policy
Lead: Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$
TRANSPORTATION/LAND USE 2
EFFICIENT LAND USE
76Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanEQUITY 1A
Support Climate Champions
and Strong and Healthy
Neighborhoods Programs
Support Climate Champions and Strong
and Healthy Neighborhood Program to raise
awareness and understanding about climate
risk, adaptation, mitigation strategies, and
enhance social resilience. Train local leaders
and residents on climate change risks, adapta-
tion and mitigation strategies, communication
strategies, and engage their own personal
and professional circles. Seek residents who
can collectively engage a broad range of
Northampton community members. Reach out
to youth groups and student associations to
help prepare youth for future careers in climate
risk response and to empower a younger
generation.
Support efforts by civic and neighborhood groups
to connect with residents, businesses, and
others to assess and strengthen social resilience
and connectivity, and to strengthen community
health and resilience. For example, check on
neighbors in climate hazards; host neighborhood
barbecues; hold community service events;
launch a community preparedness campaign;
create an art show to highlight stories about
climate change. Ensure conversations are held
in culturally sensitive ways.
Type: Program
Lead: Senior Services (Aging Friendly
Community); Health; Central Services-Energy;
Youth Commission
Time-frame: Medium term and ongoing
Cost: $
EQUITY 1B
Partner with community
organizations for inclusive
planning
Equity cuts across all aspects of this plan.
Community partner organizations are critical
to this work. (E.g., those supporting this plan,
community and resilience hub partners, and
other community organizations that serve
diverse communities in Northampton.)
Conduct outreach sessions by attending
community meetings or functions hosted by
the partner organizations to reach community
groups at familiar and accessible venues. Build
the capacity of the partners to share information
about climate risk and adaptation strategies
with community members, and to relay to city
staff the concerns, experiences, and insight
of community members. Use this outreach
process to ensure that communities that may
EQUITY
INCLUSIVE, PROSPEROUS & ENGAGED COMMUNITIES
77Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plandisproportionately experience the impacts from
climate change directly shape strategies to
enhance city resilience.
The Massachusetts Department of Health grant
to the Collaborative for Education Services
to foster inclusion and empowerment can
advance this work.
Type: Program
Lead: Central Services-Energy; Planning &
Sustainability
Time-frame: Ongoing
Cost: $
EQUITY 1C
Support workforce development
in resilience and regeneration
solutions
Support job training to support the economy
and simultaneously help reach its resilience
and regeneration goals. In partnership with
new and existing community partners (e.g.,
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School,
Valley Community Development Corporation,
Center for EcoTechnology) expand resilience
and regeneration skills development programs
in tandem with demonstration projects or other
municipal efforts. This could include:
Job training/career development in nature-based
resilience and regeneration solutions (e.g., green
infrastructure installation and maintenance; per-
maculture, regenerative, and resilient agricultural
practices; and climate-resilient street tree care).
Perennial plantings in the floodplain, for example,
could be coordinated by the Smith Vocational and
Agricultural High School horticulture program,
simultaneously fostering career development,
generating a new harvest crop for farmers, reduc-
ing erosion, and creating pathways to increase
local food production and food security.
Job training/career development in clean energy
or energy efficiency technologies. Such a pro-
gram could include, for example, training HVAC
and building technicians on energy efficient
building systems, distributed energy systems,
and passive house standards, in conjunction
with the roll out of municipal campaigns to
encourage residents to pursue building retrofits.
Type: Program
Lead: Mayor’s Economic Development
Coordinator
Time-frame: Long-term
Cost: $$ - $$$
78Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanHEALTH & SAFETY 1A
Mitigate heat by expanding
cooling opportunities at open
space and streetscapes
Increase free recreation opportunities that can
be used to cool off during high heat days or
heat waves. This may include increasing public
access to swimming areas, splash pads, or
pocket parks with quality shade and vegetation.
Ensure some affordable or free access to water.
Prioritize the installation of street trees, tree
planting, and pocket parks in under-served
neighborhoods (environmental justice areas),
high traffic corridors, retail districts, parking
lots, walking and biking corridors, bus stops
and at community centers such as schools and
health facilities.
Expanding the urban shade tree canopy reduces
the heat island effect and provides shade to
Northampton communities.
Type: Capital Improvement
Lead: Parks and Recreation; Public Works
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$
HEALTH & SAFETY 1B
Amend zoning and subdivision
regulations for stringent flood
and fluvial erosion control
Consider zoning and subdivision amendments to:
• Amend zoning to increase free-board
requirements for new construction or
substantial improvement within the
flood zone, to the extent it can be done
consistently with the state building code,
with a minimum 1-foot free-board for
residential, commercial, industrial and
public buildings, and a 2-foot free-board
requirement for critical facilities. Continue
to ban new residential housing (except
replacement of existing units) in the 500-
year (0.02% annual chance) flood zone.
• Require new critical facilities be
outside the 500-year floodplain with
continuous non-inundated access during
a 500-year flood.
• Prohibit enlarging or extending a
nonconforming use when located in a
special flood hazard area and ensure
property owners to redevelop and/or
reconstruct nonconforming structures
using more flood-resilient techniques.
HEALTH & SAFETY 1
LAND USE
79Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan • Ensure street and parking lot design
standards reduce impervious surfaces
and remove barriers to the use of Low
Impact Development (LID), consistent
with the City’s MS4 permit.
• Update open space residential
development (cluster) standards to
focus on conservation development and
change the review from special permit to
site plan approval.
• Adopt fluvial erosion hazard zoning
along rivers and streams to limit or
prohibit development in fluvial erosion
hazard areas.
Type: Policy
Lead: Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$
HEALTH & SAFETY 1C
Continue land acquisition for
flood management
The city has been acquiring land in the floodplain
in order to reserve land with high flood risk,
as well as land near the floodplain to serve as
stormwater storage before the water reaches
the floodplain. Continue land acquisition for
ongoing flood management in accordance with
the Northampton Open Space, Recreation, and
Multiuse Trail Plan. Consider home buyouts in
locations with high vulnerability to flooding.
Type: Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Ongoing
Cost: $ - $$
80Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanHEALTH & SAFETY 1D
Assess tree, forest ecosystem,
agriculture, and food systems
for resilience
Seek opportunities to build on Public Works
assessment of water supply watershed forests
and the Urban Forestry Commission/Tree
Warden street tree inventories to conduct
citywide assessments of trees, forest ecosys-
tems agriculture, and food systems resilience
when remote sensing technology supports such
assessment at low cost.
• Develop selective harvesting, adaptive
species planting, invasive species
removal, and improvements to soil health
to address vulnerabilities.
• Emphasize strategies that will
simultaneously support carbon
accumulation in forest biomass and
soils, such as organic amendments
and enhancing species diversity in tree
stands.
• Partner in a Northampton or regional
food systems and farming resilience
plan (e.g., with Communities Involved
in Sustainable Agriculture, Grow Food
Northampton, Pioneer Valley Food
Security Plan, Healthy Hampshire,
Food Security Council, Agriculture
Commission, and Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission).
• Identify the climate vulnerabilities
that Northampton farms and forests will
face from increased heat, flooding, and
extreme weather.
• Identify strategies to enhance the
resilience of local small-scale food
production and distribution.
• Identify regional food security solutions.
Type: Assessment /Plan
Lead: Public Works for watershed land,
Planning & Sustainability for agriculture,
greenways, Urban Forestry Commission for
tree assessments
Time-frame: Medium-term
Cost: $$
HEALTH & SAFETY 1E
Prepare for vector and water-
borne diseases
Build on the City’s health assessment of climate
change (Human Impact Partners, contracted
by Planning & Sustainability) and vector-borne
disease monitoring led by the Northampton Health
Department and Massachusetts Department of
Health to identify future climate change related
vector and water-borne disease risks.
Strategies might include:
1. More aggressive removal of tires and
other debris that hosts mosquitoes
2. Mosquito larvicide treatments
3. Municipal land management practices
4. Hunting regulations
5. Permaculture practices
Potentially enhanced water quality monitoring,
(fecal coliform and/or benthic organisms)
at Musante Beach, the Mill River, and the
Connecticut River Greenway
Type: Assessment & Program
Lead: Health; Planning & Sustainability
Time-frame: Medium-term and ongoing
Cost: $$
81Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanHEALTH & SAFETY 2A
Assess and upgrade flood
control infrastructure. Earn
FEMA accreditation of
the flood control levees
Maintain existing inspections and oversight
programs for repair, maintenance, and upgrades
of flood control infrastructure, and strengthen
drills and inspections as needed.
FEMA has commenced a process to modernize
the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), the
first update since 1978. This process might
potentially result in an increase in the elevation
and area of the mapped floodplain. The City is
assessing its flood control levees, potentially
making needed improvements, to earn FEMA
accreditation.
In 2019, the City completed an evaluation the
flood control pump station needs and selected
upgrades are underway.
Type: Capital Improvement
Lead: Public Works
Time-frame: Ongoing
Cost: $$ - $$$
HEALTH & SAFETY 2B
Enhance accessibility to
hazard and climate change risk
information
Implement a multi-pronged hazard and resil-
ience-based communication
• Dispatch emergency alerts, evacuation
routes, warning systems, emergency
responses.
• Develop a Energy and Sustainability
Commission public education campaign
on a variety of climate change topics.
• Develop a messaging strategy that uses
the city’s web page and social media in
a more coordinated and engaging way,
and that enhances accessibility for the
public to climate risk
• Support communities who may not be
regularly connected to city activities.
• Promote the purchase of flood
insurance through the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP), even for
those located outside of the regulatory
floodplain.
• Continue existing involvement in the
FEMA Community Rating System (CRS)
program which provides discounts for
flood insurance and makes it slightly
more affordable.
Type: Program
Lead: Planning & Sustainability; Dispatch;
Energy and Sustainability; Central Services-
Energy
Time-frame: Short-term for strategy devel-
opment; Ongoing for its implementation
Cost: $
HEALTH & SAFETY 2C
Develop a Northampton
Community Resilience Hub
Develop a Community Resilience Hub, a
downtown physical facility with a coordinated
program for frontline communities and all res-
idents who face chronic and acute stress due
to disasters, pandemics, climate change, and
other social and economic challenges. It will
serve the 1% (people experiencing homelessness
and those under severe
HEALTH & SAFETY 2
HAZARD MITIGATION
82Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planchronic stress), the 15% (below the poverty
line), the 40% (housing-burdened and under
chronic stress) and the 100% (those at risk of
acute stress, e.g., major storm), by providing
access to resource, strong networks, and
building social resilience.
Coordinate the Hub and its offerings with
the needs and opportunities of shelters and
schools to safely house people during extended
periods of extreme heat, extreme weather,
flooding events, and pandemics to create a
coordinated response to such event, in con-
junction with the Hampshire County Emergency
Sheltering Plan.
The Community Resilience Hub should be the
dependable place for people to go for resources
in emergencies, with continuous power, heating
and cooling supported by power storage and
energy islanding, information, phone charging,
mental and physical health care, food and
water, and/or other services.
Type: Capital Improvement
Lead: Planning & Sustainability; Mayor;
Community Action Pioneer Valley
Time-frame: Mid-term
Cost: $$$
83Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNorthampton’s Climate Resilience and Regeneration planning (2018-2020 with a pause during COVID)
brought city staff, the project team, residents, businesses, and organizations together to:
1. Assess vulnerabilities and
strengths to climate change
hazards;
2. Update the inventory of the city’s
greenhouse gas emissions;
3. Generate a framework for resilience
and regeneration actions;
4. Develop strategies to move North-
ampton forward in reaching our
resilience and regeneration goals.
Goals for Inclusive Planning
We aim to create a resilient, regenerative, and carbon neutral community through collaboration
and collective action. Climate change will affect some members of our community disproportionately,
and taking action will be easier for some people more than others. A robust and implementable plan
required a planning process that’s inclusive of everyone in the community—especially those that have
been traditionally underrepresented in city planning processes.
The city’s goal was to connect with diverse community members and stakeholders throughout the
development of this plan, including voices that have traditionally been under-represented in commu-
nity conversations (e.g., low income individuals, people experiencing homelessness, youth, seniors,
businesses, and Hispanic/Latinx communities). To connect with these groups, the project team
collaborated with partner organizations and community leaders that work within these communities—
such as Northampton Neighbors, Northampton Survival Center, ServiceNet, among many others.
Twenty-two such organizations and community leaders participated process.
Workshops, Trainings, In-Person Activities, & On-Line Surveys
A Plan Crafted by Northampton
A. Stakeholder workshops (2018)
The city convened a group of stakeholders—city
staff across many departments, representatives
from partner organizations, and community
members who play key roles in mitigation and
adaptation efforts in the city—to participate in a
series of stakeholder workshops.
The first set of workshops focused on identifying
infrastructural, social, and environmental vulnera-
bilities to climate change hazards, strengths within
the city that can help Northampton adapt, and
actions the city can take to increase its resilience.
The second workshop focused on generating
ideas for the plan around how to reduce commu-
nity greenhouse gas emissions. The third work-
shop on the Climate Resilience and Regeneration
Framework and a list of potential actions for the
plan. The stakeholder group analyzed the actions
and identified ways to refine them and improve
their impact using the Framework.
B. Public workshops (2018)
Over the course of three public workshops,
more than 170 community members joined the
conversation to discuss ideas for the Climate
Resilience and Regeneration Plan. The first
workshop included community-led conversations
around the following questions: 1) What effects
of climate change make you most concerned? 2)
What makes Northampton communities strong
and what could make them stronger? 3) What
guiding principles do we want to follow when
developing strategies for climate resilience and
regeneration? These guiding principles helped to
create our framework.
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84Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe second public workshop included round-robin
table discussions on ways the city and community
members could work together to reduce green-
house gas emissions across various sectors. The
third workshop included round robin table discus-
sions about how a set of draft actions could be
improved to achieve greater “co-benefits”—that is,
to meet community goals such as equity, economic
and cultural vitality, and regional collaboration.
C. Partner organizations
training (2018)
The project consultants hosted a training for
the plan’s Partner Organizations. Participants
discussed the chronic and daily stresses felt by
many Northampton community members, and
how these stresses may be exacerbated by cli-
mate change. Participants developed work plans
for engaging their constituents in conversations
around climate change, adaptation, and pre-
paredness, and were provided with a survey and
other materials to support those conversations.
D. Other in-person
activities (2018-2019)
Residents also provided their input through:
• Interviews with individuals experiencing
homelessness to understand their
experiences and thoughts;
• Presentation to the Greater Northampton
Chamber of Commerce to engage the
business community;
• Preparedness workshop at the Literacy
Project, an organization that provides
classes for adults completing their high
school education and preparing for the
workforce;
• Pop-up table at the Northampton Survival
Center, an organization that provides
food to low-income individuals;
• Focus group with the Northampton
Youth Commission and another with the
Northampton High School Environmental
Club to gather youth input and perspectives.
Left: Workshop
participants
discuss flood
vulnerability.
Portions of
Northampton’s
downtown are at
risk of flooding if
flood control le-
vees fail. (Image:
Jean Palma)
Middle: Public
workshop
discussing
ways to reduce
greenhouse gas
emissions; left:
Peparedness
workshop at the
Literacy Project.
85Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanE. Online platforms (2018-2019)
The project team distributed two surveys through
the city’s electronic mailing lists, social media, and
through Partner Organizations to gather additional
input. The first survey asked residents about the
climate change related hazards they had already
experienced and their understandings of resil-
ience and sustainability. The team also launched
an on-line interactive survey. This tool allowed
participants to select areas they were most
interested in (e.g., climate and energy or health
and safety), answer a series of questions about
their thoughts and behaviors related to these
areas, and prioritize potential actions to include in
the Climate Resilience and Regeneration Plan.
F. Energy and Sustainability
Commission (2020)
The Commission, with deeply engaged climate
change activists, critiqued the plan, read multiple
revisions, and eventually unanimously endorsed
the penultimate draft that went to the Planning
Board for a formal public hearing and adoption.
Moving Forward
Through these in-person and on-line opportu-
nities, over 650 community members provided
ideas and input for the development of this
Climate Resilience and Regeneration Plan. In
addition, numerous public and stakeholder com-
ments and numerous committee conversations
informed the plan.
The strategies in this plan outline ways to con-
tinue the conversation and avenues for commu-
nity action and collaboration. The city continues
to seek ways to include more diverse voices in
shaping Northampton’s future, and looks forward
to working together in implementing this plan for
a more resilient and regenerative Northampton.
After the initial public process, the forum moved
to the Energy and Sustainability Commission (for
plan endorsement), the Planning Board and a
public board public hearing (for plan adoption),
and to City Council (for plan endorsement). Each
step included public input.
Clockwise: Stake-
holder workshop
discussing climate
vulnerability;
Public workshop
discussing how
strategies can
achieve wide
community
benefits; Focus
group with the
Northampton
Youth Commission
86Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanRACE/ETHNCITY
Stories from our community
Liz had been in Northampton for 37 years at the
time of our interview. She has three sons and a
daughter and is very artistic, preferring to spend
her time singing and drawing. In terms of climate
change, she has seen the weather change over
the years, including an increase in the intensity
of rain events. She mentioned how much she
enjoyed an arts festival that occurred recently
where the city blocked part of downtown to
traffic. She said without cars the air was cleaner
and safety was improved. She sees real value in
pedestrian-only zones.
Jason has been in Northampton since 2013. At
the time of our interview, he was living in a tent.
To prepare for extreme events he makes sure
to tie everything down. During cold weather, he
wears as much warm clothing as possible. Since
he does not have family to stay with, he relies
on shelters that are often full, especially the “dry”
shelter that he prefers. He notes the need for
more shelters and outreach.
Total survey participants
160 participants in survey 1
116 participants in survey 2
The surveys reached people from a range of demo-
graphics, The majority of respondents, however,
were white, over the age of 65, and own a home.
Many of the in-person activities were designed to
expand the city’s reach to different demographics.
Increasing minority representation in city planning
processes remains a strong city goal.
Survey respondents by race and/or ethnicity.
Minority representation was strong, given the
community demographics, but not as strong as the
city would like. Increasing minority representation
remains a strong city goal.
White / Caucasian = 92.5%
Multiple / Other = 4%
Hispanic / Latinx = 2%
Asian / Pacific Islander = 1%
American Indian / Alaska Native = 0.5% 92.5% 4 % 2% 1%.5%
Graph shows
the demographic
information from our
surveys (89% of survey
respondents reported
their age, race/ethnicity,
and housing
status).
87Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAGE
HOUSING STATUS
Graph shows
the demographic
information from our
surveys (89% of survey
respondents reported
their age, race/ethnicity,
and housing
status).
Survey respondents by age. While all age
groups were represented, the majority of
respondents were over age 65.
Survey respondents by housing status.
While a variety of housing statuses were
represented, the majority of respondents
were homeowners.
Housing Status
Homeowner = 66%
Renter = 22%
Other = 5%
Live with family/friends = 3%
Live in institutional facility = 3%
Currently without
permanent housing = 1%
Age
Under 18 = 3%
18 to 24 = 3%
25 to 34 = 3%
35 to 44 = 11%
45 to 54 = 12%
55 to 64 = 15%
65 to 74 = 33%
Over 75 = 19%
1
1
%
12% 15% 33% 19% 3% 3% 3%
2
2
% 66% 1% 3% 3% 5%
Graphs show
the demographic
information from our
surveys (89% of survey
respondents reported
their age, race/ethnicity,
and housing
status).
88Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNorthampton City Hall (left)
Main and Pleasant Streets (below)
1936 flood. (Image: Forbes Library)
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A. Mayor’s Executive Order for Carbon
Neutrality by 2050
B. Mayor’s Executive Order: Greenhouse Gas
Impacts of HVAC Improvement Projects
C. City Council Resolution Opposing the
Expansion of Gas Infrastructure and
Calling for Increased Development and
Implementation of Renewable and Clean
Energy Sources (Resolution R-18.170)
D. City Council Resolution in Support of 100
Percent Renewable Energy (Resolution
R-18.003)
E. City Council Resolution Calling on the
Massachusetts Legislature to Establish
Carbon Pollution Pricing to Curb Climate
Change
F. City Council Resolution Opposing Provisions
of H.3854 that would reduce the state’s net
metering incentives
G. City Council Resolution for Transparency
and Public Representation Regarding
Natural Gas Infrastructure (Resolution
15.451)
H. Full Climate Resilience and Regeneration
Framework
I. Full Greenhouse Gas Inventory
J. Full Carbon Neutral Pathway Analysis
K. Full Infrastructure Resilience Memo
L. Full Carbon Sequestration Memo
M. Northampton’s Community Resilience
Building Summary Report (2018 updated
2020)
N. The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and
Connected Landscapes Map
PART 3
Open Space, Recreation & Multi-Use Trail Plan
90Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPlan Summary
Resilience & Regeneration Strategies The Open Space, Recreation and Multi-Use
Trail Plan is Northampton’s vision and its blueprint for using its resources to meet the City’s open
space, agriculture, conservation, multi-use trail, parks, and recreation needs. The plan builds on
extensive citizen and board participation, the city’s comprehensive plan, and analysis of city resources.
Northampton aims to be one of the most sustainable and resilient communities in the Commonwealth
and the nation. In the context of this plan, sustainability and resilience includes protecting valuable
habitat, restoring natural systems, and creating passive and active recreation opportunities. It also
means encouraging housing and economic development in the appropriate places while avoiding
sprawl. Most importantly, we want to create opportunities for all of our residents.
Our 12 point action plan is:
• Manage conservation lands to
preserve natural systems and be
user friendly.
• Preserve the city’s most ecologically
valuable areas.
• Open space to serve people.
• Preserve farmland.
• Support agricultural operations to
ensure farmers thrive on our farmland.
• Ensure adequate land for parks and
active recreation.
• Improve parks and recreation areas
to serve active recreation needs.
• Maintain existing parks and recreation
areas.
• Develop multi-use trails for easy public
access.
• Convert unloved pavement to beloved
parks.
• Honor history in the landscape.
• Improve public awareness of all of
these resources.
91Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSTATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Northampton is blessed with an exceptional wealth of scenic, natural, cultural, and rec-
reational resources. The city and our public and private partners help us make the most of these
resources.
There is unmet demand, however, for open space, parks, recreation, and multi-use trails for public use,
health, and appreciation. We can meet these demands by carefully husbanding and expanding our
ecological, cultural, and recreational resources.
The plan is both specific, to guide decision-making, and flexible, to respond to new opportunities.
The City’s permanent protection and wise stewardship of its natural, cultural, and recreational
resources are intrinsically important and essential to the community’s quality of life, long-term eco-
nomic health, resiliency, and sustainability.
This plan meets the Open Space and Recreation Plan requirements of the LAND/PARC Act and is
an element of the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan. Our plan endorsers include the
primary stewards of open space, the Conservation Commission, Agriculture Commission, Parks and
Recreation Commission, Historical Commission, and Transportation and Parking Commissions. The
Planning Board adopted the Plan in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41, §81D.
PARTICIPATORY PLANNING
This plan builds on eight earlier Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Plans, most recently
the 2011-2018 plan, and other plans, including the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan.
The plan was developed with extensive public and board participation. This included two formal public
workshops and one rolling field workshop, a wikimapping interactive mapping website, and twelve
public meetings of each of the boards who adopted or endorsed the plan.
Enhanced outreach was provided to Environmental Justice neighborhoods for one of the public forums.
The Office of Planning & Sustainability, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and other city
agencies and boards are charged with implementing the plan.
Introduction
92Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCommunity Setting
REGIONAL CONTEXT
Northampton, Massachusetts, is 36.1
square miles of land and water. It is ap-
proximately mid-way between Connecti-
cut and Vermont and between Albany
and Boston.
Northampton is within the Connecticut River
watershed, on the west side of the river. It is in
the valley between that ancient waterway and the
hills to the west. The Connecticut River floodplain
has rich, fertile soils and a deep agricultural
history. Adjacent to that floodplain is the relatively
flat glacial outwash, proglacial lake lustrian clays,
and glacial tills, which underlies much of the
historic residential, commercial, and industrial
development in downtown Northampton, down-
town Florence and the older residential neighbor-
hoods. Further west, the elevation rises and the
soil thins out, and with steeper hills composed of
bedrock-dominated glacial till.
The 11,000 square mile Connecticut River
Watershed is the largest river ecosystem in
New England. It spans four states, including
Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and
Connecticut. The river is Northampton’s eastern
border. The many brooks and streams that flow
through Northampton eventually find their way to
the Connecticut River.
The 410 mile long Connecticut River drops 2,400
feet from its source to the sea. The watershed is
approximately 80% forested, 12% agricultural, 3%
percent developed, and 5% wetlands and surface
waters. The Connecticut River Watershed was
designated the “Silvio O. Conte National Fish and
Wildlife Refuge” by an act of Congress in 1991,
the first refuge of its kind, encompassing an entire
watershed ecosystem. The Connecticut River also
received special attention in 1998 when it became
one of only 14 rivers in the US designated as a
National Heritage River.
Northampton’s natural neighbors are the
Connecticut River and surrounding picturesque
hills. Its political neighbors are Westhampton
to the west, Williamsburg to the north, Hatfield
to the northeast, Hadley to the east, and
Easthampton to the south.
93Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNorthampton’s primary water supply is from
surface water reservoirs in the towns of Conway,
Williamsburg, and Hatfield and groundwater
in Northampton. Much of Hatfield’s drinking
water aquifer is located in Northampton, which
Northampton regulates and protects.
Contiguous forestland land open space in
Northampton and nearby conserves water sup-
plies, prevents flooding, improves water quality,
allows natural migration for flora and fauna. Open
space add to the quality of life in the community
and passive and active recreation opportunities.
Northampton and its abutting communities contains
many very large forests on relatively pristine lands
that cross political borders. These contiguous
blocks of land allow climate change induced
migrations and prevents isolating flora and fauna.
The map of open space in a regional con-
text shows the open space holdings within
Northampton and the surrounding communities
(from MassGIS).
Northampton has worked with Easthampton,
Williamsburg, Hatfield, and Westhampton, as
well as numerous federal, state, and non-profit
organizations on joint open space and multiuse
trail acquisitions and improvements.
SOCIOECONOMIC CONTEXT
Northampton’s lifestyle is rich in recre-
ation, cultural, artistic, academic, and
business opportunities. Northampton
features one of the most vibrant down-
town centers in New England and was
named “Number One Best Small Arts
Town in America” by author John Villani.
It was also recognized as one of the top
25 Arts Destinations in the nation by
American Style magazine. The Nation-
al Trust named it as one of the Dozen
Destinations of Distinction for Historic
Preservation.
Four village centers provide focal points for
residential areas while the downtown is alive
during the days and evenings. The City offers
a wide selection of retail, services, restaurants,
music and arts venues, coffee, and hospitality,
including the only municipally owned theater in
the state and the new Arts Trust facility. All of this
activity provides a perfect atmosphere for casual
strolling along the tree-lined streetscape.
The City also offers strong municipal programs
in education, recreation, public safety, and
Open Space Overlay on Historical Map of Northampton
Protected Open Space
94Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planpublic works. As the first city in the country to
receive the STAR Communities Five Star rating
for sustainability, Northampton is known for its
sustainability and resiliency efforts
Northampton’s strong and diverse economic base
consisting of a mixture of traditional machine shop
operations and newer innovative ones. It also
has a large institutional base, which includes a VA
medical center, a Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and
Smith College. It is also strongly influenced by
the nearby Amherst College, Hampshire College,
Mount Holyoke College, and the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst.
The quality of life in Northampton contributes to its
strong economic base with strong manufacturing,
technology, and service sectors. The local labor
force is diverse, well educated, and highly skilled.
Northampton’s downtown is especially strong,
during both the day and the night. It thrived when
many similarly sized downtowns around the US
have suffered. Downtown is the cultural and
shopping hub of Hampshire County and attracts
tourists, visitors, and residents from far and near.
Main Street retail and upper floor vacancy rates
remain low, with mixed and diverse uses.
While downtown Northampton remains the most
defined urban center in the county, it has a smaller
market share of total county retail spending now
than in the past and a smaller market share of
non-restaurant/non-hospitality retail spending. Per
capita retail and restaurants sales for Northampton
are significantly above those sales for Hampshire
County and for the Springfield Metropolitan
Statistical Area.
Vibrant service, commercial, and institutional
sectors are also found in the City’s villages of
Florence, Leeds, Baystate, and Village Hill.
Florence village has an especially hearty
commercial and residential hub. It is center of
business and culture for many City residents
and the surrounding hill towns. It is one of the
most livable places in the Pioneer Valley. Retail
businesses serve primarily local, while other
commercial uses serve a much larger market
area. Florence fills a critical economic and social
niche not provided in higher rent downtown
Northampton or in highway strip commercial
areas. Florence village complements, rather than
competes, with other commercial areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Environmental justice populations (low
income and/or minority status) are
traditionally underserved by recreation
opportunities. Low-income families tend
to conglomerate in urban areas while
upper income groups exist in suburban
or rural areas. Northampton has worked
to ensure environmental justice.
Northampton environmental justice populations
are all within easy walking distance of open
space (see map below). Northampton has
three recreation areas in its urban core area,
which serve concentrations of poverty even in
neighborhoods that are not formally EJ areas.
The biggest challenge, however, is that access to
Demographic and Housing Data
Demographic Indicator In Northampton
Population 2000 28,968
Population 2010 28,549
Population 2014 (estimate)28,637
White population (2014)86.2%
Black/African American population (2014)2.9%
Asian population (2014)6.6%
Other population (2014)4.3%
Latino/Hispanic (any race) (2014)7.6%
Northamtpon workers working in Northampton 50.0%
Northampton workers commuting out of City 50.0%
Educational attainment 4 or more years of college 55.7%
Persons below poverty level 14.6
Housing units-owner occupied 56%
Housing units-renter occupied 44%
Housing with subsidies 12%
—Pioneer Valley Planning Commission “Community Profile” and “Data Portal” 2015
95Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planopen space does not necessarily mean access
to specific culturally appropriate recreation
needs. In addition, sidewalk availability and high
traffic can create isolation.
When planning for new parks, recreation areas,
or multiuse paths, Northampton considers envi-
ronmental justice. Future projects will ideally take
cultural uniqueness into account as well, providing
locations for specific activity within open spaces.
NORTHAMPTON HISTORY
For thousands of years, Native Ameri-
cans camped and fished along the rich
floodplains of the Connecticut River in
the Pioneer Valley.
Northampton’s Puritan founders were drawn to
the area more by accounts of abundant tillable
land and ease of trade with the Native Americans
than by the religious concerns that characterized
their eastern Massachusetts brethren. In May
1653, 24 persons petitioned the General Court
for permission to plant, possess, and inhabit the
land called “Nonotuck.” Northampton was settled
in 1654 on a low rise above the rich meadowlands
by the Connecticut River. Relations between
settlers and Native Americans, though initially
cooperative, became increasingly strained,
culminating in King Philip’s War in 1675.
Northampton grew as a trade and marketing cen-
ter in the 18th century. The ministry of Jonathan
Edwards, whose preaching sparked the religious
revivals of the Great Awakening in the 1740s,
quickened religious fervor. The Revolutionary
War produced heroes like General Seth Pomeroy.
The economic upheavals in the wake of the
war moved Daniel Shays and his followers into
open rebellion on the eve of the Constitutional
Convention. A delegate to the Convention, Caleb
Strong became Massachusetts’s first senator and
an 11-term governor.
In the early 19th century, great hopes were raised
by the prospect of the Northampton-New Haven
Environmental Justice Populations
96Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCanal. The canal, however, failed after a short
time with the coming of the railroad. Other indus-
tries grew and prospered, including the utopian
community of the Northampton Association, which
combined radical abolitionism with a communally
owned and operated silk mill. Sojourner Truth was,
at one time, a member of that community which
included William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick
Douglass among its circle of supporters. Other
reformers included Sylvester Graham, diet and
health food enthusiast and inventor of the Graham
cracker, and abolitionist Lydia Maria Child.
19th century Northampton drew visitors like
Timothy Dwight, the Marquis de Lafayette,
Henry James, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Artists like Thomas Cole thought the environs
of Northampton to be the epitome of the “pictur-
esque,” the middle landscape between the sordid
city and wild nature.
Northampton was the site of a number of schools
and educational institutions. George Bancroft
established the Round Hill School in 1823, and
Smith College opened its doors in 1871. Author
George Washington Cable founded the Home
Culture Clubs in 1892, and the Hill Institute spon-
sored one of the nation’s earliest kindergartens.
The Northampton Law School sent one of its
students, Franklin Pierce, on to the Presidency.
Northampton was also the home of Calvin
Coolidge, who became President in 1923.
The 19th century diva, Jenny Lind, dubbed
Northampton “paradise of America” after a long
stay here. Ever since, Northampton has kept its
moniker, “Paradise City.”
Northampton’s streets follow, essentially, the
same paths that were laid out in the 17th century,
and there are a number of surviving 18th century
structures in Northampton. Downtown retains
much of its 19th century character. The modest
fortunes of local merchants and industrialists
financed numerous Victorian mansions and
picturesque cottages as well as the commercial
blocks in the Downtown Historic District. Pomeroy
Terrace (1850-1885) and Elm Street (1860-1920),
both located at the edge of downtown, have
Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen
Anne, and Colonial Revival Styles, part of the
city’s diverse architectural heritage.
Northampton’s economy has changed signifi-
cantly since the end of World War II. The industrial
component of the economy, once the linchpin, has
receded. In its place, the commercial and service
sectors of the economy have grown.
The City’s economy was once heavily dependent
on two major institutions, the former Northampton
State Hospital and the U.S. Veterans Affairs
Medical Center. The Northampton State Hospital
closed in 1994 and the Veterans Medical Center
is now a smaller part of Northampton’s economy.
Smith College, however, has remained stable
in employment and economic importance, with
a growing physical plant. The University of
Massachusetts at Amherst, the largest employer
of Northampton residents, remains strong.
For an artist, a gourmand, a bicyclist, or a
parent, the City just might be paradise. Authors
of numerous magazine articles and books have
named Northampton one of the best places in
the country to raise children, ride bicycles, eat
out in restaurants, and make a life as an artist.
While many might quibble with Northampton’s
self embrace of “the best place” in which to raise
a child or “the best small arts town,” no one can
argue that Northampton is rich in offerings.
POPULATION
Northampton has a population of ap-
proximately 29,000 people, with a popu-
lation density of 840 people per square
mile. The population has remained
stable since 1950.
With the all female Smith College, there are
significantly more college age women than men.
From ages of 25 to 65, there is approximately the
same number of men as women. After age 65,
97
women outnumber men, because of significantly
higher male mortality rates age 65 and over.
The Age-Sex Distribution graph, or population
pyramid, shows that Northampton, like many
regions of the country, has an aging population.
There are significantly fewer people per age
range in the ranges less than 19 years versus
the ranges between 20 and 44.
Although Northampton’s overall population has
been stable for 70 years, a dramatic decrease in
family size and the decrease in institutionalized
populations at the State Hospital and the VA
Medical Center has created a corresponding
increase in the number of households and,
therefore, the number of housing units. While this
trend exists in most US communities, it has been
especially sharp in Northampton and much of the
last 50 years of residential development.
Northampton has high migration rates of people
moving into and out of the city, but those migrations
are well balanced. College-age students contribute
to the population turnover, but there is also a signif-
icant amount of turnover at other age levels. This
turnover contributes to the vibrancy of Northampton
and has not created any loss of stability or resi-
dents’ commitment to their neighborhoods.
Northampton’s unemployment is consistently
lower than the Commonwealth as a whole, even
during the 2007-2010 Great Recession. The larg-
est employment sector is the service sector, which
includes health care and education, and is larger
than the statewide average. The next highest is
retail and trade, although this represents a decline
over the past decade. The percentages of people
who are self-employed, work from home, and are
part-time is larger than the state-wide average.
Half of employed Northampton residents work in
the city. Most residents who commute out of the
city commute to Amherst and Hampden County.
Northampton residents fill slightly over half of
the available jobs in Northampton (U.S. Census
Bureau, Journey-to-Work).
Over half the population lives within walking dis-
tance of downtown or Florence village, which is high
for a small city. This population, with a wide variety
of incomes, may be the most important factor in
supporting a healthy downtown. This population
provides a base of customers for downtown busi-
nesses and helps provide the vibrancy that is critical
to the health of downtown. It also generates a need
for a variety of housing types and opportunities.
Area Population % of City Population
City of Northampton 28,549 100%
Live within one mile of center of downtown 11,235 39%
Live within one-half mile of center of downtown 5,674 20%
Live in or abutting Central Business District 935 3%
Live within one mile of Florence Village 5,106 18%
Live within one-half mile of Florence Village 3,327 12%
—2010 US Census and 2015 City Census
Population distribution within the city
Population Density
98Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
Northampton terrain ranges from the
flat Mill River and Connecticut River
floodplains to the its western and north-
ern hills. The hills are covered with shal-
low ledge, soils, and topography poorly
suited for development. Most develop-
ment in Northampton occurred between
the floodplain and the steeper hills.
Although Northampton looks “built-out” from
many of the roads, the majority of the City’s land
area has not been developed. 25% of the city is
permanent open space and additional land has
floodplains and wetlands, so the actual develop-
able land is significant less.
Most of the City’s historic development occurred
in a corridor along the Mill River and other level
areas of the city northeast of the Mill River.
Downtown Northampton, Bay State, Florence,
and Leeds are all located within one mile of the
Historic Mill River (in 1939 the Mill River was
diverted from downtown to control floods). Starting
in the 1950s, development expended to suburban
areas in the southwestern quarter of the city
Transportation
Northampton is located in the center of the
Pioneer Valley. The Massachusetts Turnpike
(I-90) connects the region to Boston and Albany.
Interstate 91 provides access to Hartford and
Historical Patterns (1800–2010)
1900 1950
2010
1800 1850
99Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanBrattleboro. The principal highways are Interstate
91, US Routes 5 and 10, which run north-south,
and Interstate Route 90, which runs east-west.
Amtrak stops in Northampton once a day, soon to
increase to three times a day, in each direction,
connecting to Vermont, Springfield, New Haven,
and New York. Pan Am freight rail service is
available. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA)
provides fixed route and para-transit service to the
region. The Franklin Transit Authority also provides
a bus service from Greenfield to Northampton.
Peter Pan provides inter-urban in all directions.
Northampton Airport is a general aviation airport
one mile southeast of downtown Northampton. It
has a 3,506-foot by 50-foot asphalt runway. The
airport has been in operation since 1929.
Northampton has 150+/- miles of paved streets,
15 miles of gravel streets, 70 miles of sidewalks
and crosswalks, 20 bridges, and 11 miles of
multi-use trails.
The percent of workers walking or bicycling to
work is higher than the state as a whole, but the
percent of people using transit is lower than the
state average.
Water Supply Systems
Northampton’s drinking water comes from three
surface water reservoirs outside of Northampton
and a drinking water aquifer within the city. The
system draws filtered water from the reservoirs.
Reservoir water is treated at a water treatment
plant (built in 2008) in Williamsburg. Additional
treatment comes from decentralized chlorination
and corrosion control facilities.
The City of Northampton supplies approximately
1.25 billion gallons of water to the residents per
year. On average, the City supplied 3.4 million
gallons of water each day, with a maximum peak
of 4.8 million gallons. On large water withdrawal
days, water is drawn from the two wells located
in Florence. Northampton has approximately 150
miles of water pipes, 1,200 fire hydrants, and
8,000 water meters.
The Department of Environmental Protection
Source Water Assessment Program Report
reviewed the watershed lands and aquifer protec-
tion zones. The largest threats to the water supply
identified in the report were from residential fuel
storage and large scale commercial uses.
Historic & Archeological Resources
100Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe Department of Public Work protects and
monitors the water supply and watershed land
and acquire additional lands to preserve current
and future water supplies.
Wastewater Systems
The Northampton Wastewater Treatment Plant
(built 1973, expanded 1998) can treat 8.6 million
gallon per day. It serves most of Northampton
and 425 people in the Williamsburg, including
institutional, commercial and industrial users.
The treatment plant was built in 1973 and
expanded in 1998. Wastewater receives prelim-
inary treatment, primary treatment, secondary
treatment, and disinfection.
Wastewater is discharged to Connecticut River
via outfall pipe. Sludge is treated on-site and then
trucked outside of Northampton for final disposal.
The facility accepts industrial wastewater from
significant industrial and institutional users (e.g.,
Coca Cola, Cooley-Dickinson Hospital, Smith
College, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center).
The city has 100+/- miles of sanitary sewer pipes.
Development Constraints
Geography and infrastructure systems constrain
large-scale commercial, industrial, and residen-
tial expansion.
Upgrading and extending water and sewer
lines outside of the currently developed areas
to proposed locations for commercial or light
development may not be feasible due to the high
costs and limited available sites. Upgrades of
existing water and sewer lines may encourage
infill development for greater concentrations of
commercial, industrial, and large scale residen-
tial uses near current village center areas.
Wastewater Treatment
101Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDevelopment Patterns
Almost all development in Northampton is
located outside of the Connecticut River flood-
plain. During the last four decades, the agricul-
tural economy of Massachusetts has declined,
resulting in the loss of some marginal farms,
both on and off the floodplain. Northampton
is seeing a small increase in the number of
small farms but a decrease in acreage currently
being farmed.
Since World War II, many rural areas have
been transformed to suburban residential
development. Commercial development
has spread from the original Northampton-
Florence-Leeds corridor to include highway
commercial on King Street. Industrial uses
in the Northampton-Florence-Leeds corridor
and along the Mill River have shrunk. The
single largest industrial concentration is in the
Northampton Industrial Park.
Northampton has a strong sense of community
and place. The development pattern has been
shaped by the strength of the urban centers
of Northampton and Florence, the King Street
shopping areas, the strong character of the
residential neighborhoods. The existence of
large tracts of public and quasi-public land,
including the Northampton State Hospital/Village
Hill, Smith College, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary,
Smith Vocational and Agricultural School, Look
Memorial Park, Northampton Reservoir water-
shed lands, and the VA Medical Center has also
been influential.
Land Use Controls
Zoning and land use controls promote the City’s
economic, environmental, and social health.
Environmentally focused zoning includes:
1. Open Space Residential Allows
predominately residential development to be
clustered on a portion of a property, with a
majority of a site preserved as open space.
Roads
102Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan2. Planned Village District Creates
a mixed-use village at the former
Northampton State Hospital.
3. Special Conservancy and
Watershed Protection Districts
Protects against flood hazards by prohibiting
new residential development in the 500-year
floodplain, while allowing redevelopment of
existing buildings and uses.
4. Water Supply Protection District
Protects public drinking water from any
inconsistent use or development.
5. Farms, Forests and Rivers Allows
virtually no development. Primarily for
permanently protected open space.
Northampton has approximately 5,000 acres of
land that could, in theory, be developed.
Overview of Zoning
103
LAND USE
Land Use: 1999
Land Use: 2005
Northampton Land Use (MassGIS) 1985 Acres 1999 Acres
Non-protected Forests 12,306 11,607
Non-protected Agricultural Lands 3,385 3,176
Developed Land 1,264 1,177
Residential Land 3,414 4,236
Water/Recreational/Open land 2,478 2,652
104Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, SOILS
Topography
Northampton’s land is a three part
geological story.
1 The alluvial/ lacustrine floodplain,
including 3,000 +/- acres of farmland
along the Connecticut River.
2 Deep, flat glacial outwash and proglacial
lacustrian former lake bed, underlying
much of Baystate, Florence, and downtown.
3 Rolling glacial till in Leeds and in much
of the suburban areas of the city, along
with the steeply sloping bedrock-dominated
glacial till in the hills on the north and
western ends.
Elevations range from 99 feet mean sea level
(MSL) at the Connecticut River to 890 feet
MSL on the western hills. Mount Tom and
Mount Holyoke, running in a unique east-west
oriented boomerang shape, are southeast of
Northampton. These mountains define the north-
erly limit of the Springfield-Chicopee-Holyoke
metropolitan area and help define Northampton
and Hampshire County.
Geology
Geologically, Northampton is the result of
millions of years of geologic history: upheavals of
the earth’s crust and volcanics and the sculpting
power of water, ice, and wind. This physical base
has determined the distribution of water bodies,
soils and vegetation and settlement patterns.
The movement of the earth’s plates have formed
mountains that generally run northerly to south-
erly The pressure of mountain building folded
the earth, created faults, and produced layers
of metamorphosed rock. Collision stress also
melted large areas of rock, which cooled and
hardened into the granites that are found in the
area. Preceding the collisions, lines of volcanoes
sometimes formed.
The Connecticut River Valley was one of many
smaller rifts to develop. Streams flowing into
the river from higher areas brought alluvium,
including gravels, sand, and silt. At the time, the
area that is now Northampton was located south
of the equator. The Dinosaur era had begun, and
the footprints of these giant reptiles are still visi-
ble in the rock formed from sediments deposited
on the valley floor millions of years ago.
By the close of the Dinosaur age, eastern United
States, including Northampton, was part of a
large featureless plain, known as the peneplain.
It had been leveled through erosion, with the
exception of a few higher, resistant areas. Today,
these granite mountaintops, called monadnocks,
are still the high points in this region (e.g., Mt.
Wachusett, Mt. Greylock, and Mt. Monadnock).
As the peneplain eroded, the less resistant rock
eroded to form low-lying areas, while bands of
schist remained to form upland ridges. By this
time, the Connecticut Valley had been filled with
sediment while streams that would become the
Deerfield, Westfield, and Farmington Rivers
continued to meander eastward.
A long period of relative quiet in geologic terms
followed the Dinosaur era. Then, as the Rocky
Mountains were forming in the west eight million
years ago, the eastern peneplain shifted upward
a thousand feet. As a result of the new, steeper
topography, stream flow accelerated, carving deep
valleys into the plain. Today, the visible remnants
of the peneplain are the area’s schist-bearing
hilltops, all at about the same 1,000-foot elevation.
Mountain building, flowing water, and wind
roughly shaped the land. Then the great glacial
advances would shape the remaining peneplain
into its current topography. Approximately two
million years ago, accumulated snow and ice in
glaciers to the far north began advancing under
their own weight. A series of glaciations or “ice
Environmental Inventory and Analysis
105Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planages” followed, eroding mountains and displacing
huge amounts of rock and sediment. The final
advance, known as the Wisconsin Glacial Period,
completely covered New England before it began
to recede about 13,000 years ago. This last gla-
cier scoured and polished the land into its current
form, leaving layers of soil and rock we see today.
The glacier picked up, mixed, disintegrated,
transported, and deposited material in its retreat.
Material deposited by the ice is known as glacial
till. Material transported by water, separated by size
and deposited in layers is called stratified drift. The
glacier left gravel and sand deposits in the lowlands
and along stream terraces. Where deposits were
left along hillsides, they formed kame terraces and
eskers. Kames are short hills, ridges, or mounds of
stratified drift, and eskers are long narrow ridges or
mounds of sand, gravel, and boulders.
During the end of the last ice age, a great
inland lake , Lake Hitchcock, formed in the
Connecticut River Valley. Fed by streams
melting from the receding glacier, the lake
covered an area approximately 150 miles long
and 12 miles wide, from St. Johnsbury, Vermont
to Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Streams deposited
sand and gravel in deltas as they entered the
lake, while silts and clays were carried into
deeper waters and deposited.
Soils
Soil is the layer of unconsolidated minerals and
organic material. Soil scientists classify soils by
their characteristics, including topography; phys-
ical properties including soil structure, particle
size, stoniness, and depth of bedrock; drainage
or permeability to water, depth to the water table,
and susceptibility to flooding; behavior or engi-
neering properties; and biological characteristics
such as presence of organic matter and fertility.
Soils are classified and grouped into common
associations, or soil types.
Legend
Abundant Outcrop and Shallow Bedrock
Artificial Fill
Beach and Dune Deposits
Cranberry Bog
Salt Marsh Deposits
Swamp and Marsh Deposits
Alluvium
Valley-floor Fluvial Deposits
Alluvial Fan
Inland Dune
Marine Regressive
Stream-Terrace
Talus
Coarse
Glaciolacustrine Fine
Glaciomarine Fine
Stagnant-ice Deposits
Thick Till
Thrust Moraine
Till Overlying Sand Deposits
End Moraine Deposits
Bedrock Outcrop
Thin Till
Surficial Geology
106Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe US Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resource
Conservation Service lists three generalized soil
types for Northampton:
1. Hadley-Winooski-Limerick
Association Deep, nearly level,
well-drained, moderately well drained,
and poorly drained, loamy soils formed
in alluvial material; on floodplains,
including much of city’s Connecticut
River floodplain and most of its prime
agricultural soils.
2. Hinckley-Merrimac-Windsor
Association Deep nearly level
to steep, excessively drained and
somewhat excessively drained, sandy
and loamy soils formed in outwash
deposits; on outwash plains. Includes
most of downtown Northampton and
Florence and the level to rolling terraces
parallel to the Connecticut River.
3. Charlton-Paxton-Woodbridge
Association Deep, level to steep,
well and moderately well drained, loamy
soils formed in glacial till; on uplands.
Includes much of the residential areas
of town and Northampton’s western
hills. They are the most common upland
soils found in Massachusetts and were
developed on glacial till.
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
Northampton has a diverse and unique landscape.
The City consists of densely developed urban
areas, open farmland, forested hills, numerous
streams, wetlands, and an abundance of wildlife
patches, corridors, and matrices. The Connecticut
River floodplain contains much of the City’s
prime agricultural lands, the Meadows. The steep
forested uplands on the western part of the city
cover about one-third of the City.
Soils
107Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanWATER RESOURCES
Watersheds
Northampton is rich in water resources, including
brooks, streams, ponds, vernal pools, wetlands,
and aquifers (see the Water Resources Map).
Most of the City of Northampton lies in the
Connecticut River Watershed. The Connecticut
River has a “Class B” water quality designation
from the New Hampshire-Vermont border to
Holyoke and is classified as a warm water fishery.
Class B waters should provide suitable habitat for
fish and other wildlife and should support primary
contact recreational activities such as fishing and
swimming. The water should also be suitable for
irrigation and other agricultural uses. The classi-
fication of rivers in Massachusetts represent the
state’s goal for each river.
The Connecticut River still has some contam-
ination from PCBs, chlorine, heavy metals,
erosion, and storm water runoff. These
pollutants come from both point sources, like
wastewater treatment plants and manufactur-
ing plants, and non-point sources, including
improperly operating septic systems, and farm
and stormwater runoff.
Although never as polluted as the section of the
river below the Holyoke Dam, the water quality
in the Connecticut River in Northampton has
improved since the Clean Water Act (1972).
Improved sewage treatment plants, expansion of
areas served by sanitary sewers, and the ending
of combined sanitary and storm water sewers
(CSOs), have combined to improve water
quality in the Connecticut River and Mill River.
Northampton’s Hockanum Road wastewater
treatment plant was upgraded to secondary
treatment in the early 1980s and currently
services almost 90% of Northampton’s popula-
tion. Improving the quality of stormwater runoff
is a work in progress, with some major success
stories and much left to be done.
Water Resources
108Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanFlood Hazard Areas
The 100-year floodplain (1% chance of flooding
in a given year) and 500-year floodplain (0.2%
chance of flooding in a given year) have been
mapped based on historical rainfall and flooding,
but do not take climate change into account.. The
floodplain includes floodway and flood fringe. The
floodway is the channel of a river or stream and
the adjacent land areas that must be reserved
in order to discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the water elevation more
than one foot. Construction on floodways creates
significant risk to structures from flood depths and
velocities of floodwaters. Northampton zoning
prohibits structures in these areas.
The flood fringe is the area of the floodplain lying
outside of the floodway but subject to periodic
inundation from flooding. Northampton’s zoning
severe limits development in the FEMA 500
year floodplain, as a surrogate for the 100 year
floodplain with climate change.
Floodplain and floodway boundaries are delineated
on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).
In Northampton, the 500-year floodplain does not
generally extend significantly beyond the 100-year
flood area. Major floods, such as those caused by
heavy rains from hurricanes, and localized spot
flooding can exceed the 100- and 500-year flood
levels. In addition, many small streams are not
mapped for their flood hazard on FEMA maps, but
are estimated in Northampton’s zoning.
Northampton can experience flooding in any part
of the City, even outside of the floodplain. With
sufficient rain, almost any area will experience
at least pockets of surface flooding or overland
flooding. Overland flooding in rural areas can
result in erosion, washouts, road damage, loss
of crops, and septic system back-ups. Heavy
rain in the more urbanized parts of the City with
extensive paved and impervious surfaces can
easily overwhelm stormwater facilities resulting
in localized flooding and basement damage.
Stormwater flooding also contributes to water
pollution by carrying silt, oil, fertilizers, pesticides,
and waste into streams, rivers, and lakes.
The following table represents existing flood
mitigation strategies in Northampton.
Wetlands
Wetlands are transitional areas where land-
based and water-based ecosystems overlap.
Inland wetlands are commonly referred to as
swamps, marshes, and bogs. Wetlands are
places where the water table is at or near the
surface or the land is covered by shallow water.
Historically, wetlands were drained, filled and
“improved” for more productive uses. Over the
past century, scientists have recognized that
wetlands perform a variety of extremely import-
ant ecological functions. They absorb runoff and
prevent flooding. Wetland vegetation stabilizes
stream banks, preventing erosion, and trap sed-
iments that are transported by runoff. Wetland
plants absorb nutrients, such as nitrogen and
phosphorus, which would be harmful if they
entered lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. They
also absorb heavy metals and other pollution.
Wetlands are extremely productive, providing
food and habitat for fish and wildlife. Many
plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and
fish depend on wetlands to survive. Wetlands
also have economic significance related to their
ecological functions. It is far more cost-effective
to maintain wetlands than build treatment facil-
ities to manage stormwater and purify drinking
water, and wetlands are essential to supporting
lucrative outdoor recreation industries including
hunting, fishing, and bird-watching.
The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act is
designed to protect eight “interests” related to
their function: public and private water supply,
ground water supply, flood control, storm
damage of pollution, and protection of land
containing shellfish, fisheries, and wildlife habitat.
The law defines and protects wetland resource
areas, including banks of rivers, lakes, ponds,
and streams; wetlands bordering the banks; land
under rivers, lakes, and ponds; land subject to
109Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planflooding; and riverfront areas within 200 feet of
any stream that runs all year. The Northampton
Conservation Commission administers both
the state Wetlands Protection Act and the
Northampton Wetlands Protection Ordinance.
Many, but certainly not all, of Northampton’s
wetlands are mapped by the National Wetlands
Inventory and local supplemental data extracted
from wetlands protection filings (see the Water
Resources Map).
Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water
that provide critical breeding habitat for many
vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife species.
They are defined as “basin depressions where
water is confined and persists for at least two
months during the spring and early summer of
most years, and where reproducing populations
of fish do not survive.” Vernal pools may be
very shallow, holding only five or six inches of
water, or they may be quite deep. They range in
size from fewer than 100 square feet to several
acres (Natural Heritage & Endangered Species
Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
& Wildlife, Massachusetts Aerial Photo Survey
of Potential Vernal Pools, Spring 2001). Vernal
pools are found across the landscape, anywhere
that small woodland depressions, swales, or
kettle holes collect spring runoff or intercept
seasonal high groundwater and along rivers in
the floodplain. Many species of amphibians and
vertebrates are completely dependent on vernal
pools to reproduce. Loss of vernal pools can
endanger entire populations of these species.
The state’s Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species Program (NHESP) has predicted the
location of vernal pools statewide based on inter-
pretation of aerial photographs. This probably
misses smaller pools. The NHESP has identified
approximately 60 potential vernal pools through-
out Northampton with several clusters especially
in the northwestern part of town. According to
NHESP, clusters indicate a particularly good
habitat for species. Also, with clusters, there are
alternate habitats if something happens to one
pool, and slightly different conditions in each may
provide different habitats for species dependent
upon the pools.
NHESP also certifies vernal pools when they
receive evidence on the presence of certain
breeding amphibians that depend on vernal
pools. Certified vernal pools are protected by
the Massachusetts and Northampton Wetlands
regulations. Northampton has 74 Certified
Vernal Pools.
Aquifers & Recharge Areas
Aquifers are composed of water-bearing soil and
minerals, which may be either unconsolidated
(soil-like) deposits or consolidated rocks.
Consolidated rocks, also known as bedrock,
consist of rock and mineral particles that have
been welded together by heat and pressure or
chemical reaction. Water flows through fractures,
pores, and other openings. Unconsolidated
deposits consist of material from the disinte-
grated consolidated rocks. Water flows through
openings between particles.
As water travels through the cracks and openings
in rock and soil, it passes through the unsaturated
zone, in which both air and water fill the spaces
between soil particles. Below the unsaturated
layer, water fills all spaces in the saturated
zone, the groundwater. The upper surface of the
groundwater is called the water table.
Groundwater travel and speed is determined
by the properties of the aquifer materials and
the aquifer’s width, depth and composition. This
information helps determine how best to extract
the water for use and determine how contami-
nants will flow in the aquifer.
Northampton Water Resources Acres
Water bodies (rivers, streams, ponds)1,200 +/-
Floodplain (100 year flood)4,800 +/-
Wetlands (swamps, marshes)3,000 +/-
Water supply watersheds & Aquifers 5,000 +/-
Note: Some resources are in more than one category
110Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAquifers are unconfined or confined. The top of
an unconfined aquifer is identified by the water
table. Above the water table, in the unsaturated
zone, interconnected pore spaces are open to
the atmosphere. Precipitation recharges the
groundwater percolating to the water table.
Confined aquifers are sandwiched between two
impermeable layers. Northampton public wells
and many private wells tap unconfined aquifers.
Wells in confined aquifers are artesian wells.
The Northampton Aquifer has three delineated
Zone II recharge area. A Zone II is that area of an
aquifer that contributes to a well under the most
severe pumping and recharge conditions that can
be realistically anticipated (180 days of pumping
at approved yield with no recharge from pre-
cipitation). The Zone II areas are located in the
southwestern section of the City and the north-
eastern section of the City. Threats to the Zone II
recharge areas can include contamination from
residential use, roadways, hazardous materials,
oil contamination, and agricultural uses.
VEGETATION
Northampton has diverse natural habitats
that support a variety of plants and animals.
Approximately 50 percent of Northampton is
covered by a mixed deciduous forest, including
oak, maple, and beech, with smaller coniferous
forests, including spruce, pine, and hemlock.
Several thousand more acres of land are in
agriculture, abandoned fields, and wet meadows.
In 1993 and then again in 2014, Planning &
Sustainability hired a naturalist to do an ecological
assessment of conservation properties, and some
other key parcels. This report, Rediscovering
Northampton, The Natural History of City-Owned
Conservation Areas, provides data for land man-
agement and land acquisition decisions. Major
findings have been incorporated into this plan.
Unfortunately, certain non-native invasive plants
are threatening natural habitats. These plants
can take over part of the indigenous habitat and
decrease the ecological value for native animals.
Public Shade Trees
Public shade trees are highly valued and can
substantially to the economic and ecological
values of those neighborhoods. The City’s Tree
Committee and the City’s Tree Warden, work to
protect and expand shade trees.
City trees in parks, cemeteries and public spaces
are generally protected with the same care as
public shade trees, but are not subject to the
jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Public Shade
Tree Law (M.G.L. Chapter 87).
Forests
Plants moderate temperatures, store carbon, and
provide shelter, food, and habitat for other plants
and animals. Natural communities are interacting
groups of plants and animals that share a common
environment and occur together in different places
on the landscape. The City generally focuses
on protecting natural communities, rather than
focusing on individual species.
Forests are one of the City’s most important
renewable natural resources. The City’s forests
are diverse, including unusual communities such
as major river floodplain forests.
Floodplain Forest
Major-River Floodplain forests occur along
large rivers such as the Connecticut River. Soils
are predominantly sandy loams without a very
minimal surface organic layer. Flooding occurs
regularly is often intense. The dominant species
of this floodplain forest is the silver maple (Acer
saccharinum), with lesser amounts of cottonwood
(Populus deltoides). American elm (Ulmus
americana) and/or slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) can
be found in the subcanopy. Shrubs are lacking
and the herbaceous layer primarily consists of
stinging nettles (Laportea canadensis). Ostrich
fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) also occurs and
whitegrass (Leersia virginica) is found in small
amounts. Riverbank floodplain forests have simi-
lar species, but cottonwood, sycamore (Platanus
occidentalis), and American ash (Fraxinus amer-
icana) are also present in the canopy. Box elder
111Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanVegetation, Fisheries & Wildlife
(Acer negundo), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina),
bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata), riverbank grape
(Vitis riparia), and Virginia creeper Parthenocissus
quinquefolia) are also present.
Floodplain forests are insect-rich habitats that
attract many species of songbirds. Raptors
such as bald eagles and red-shouldered hawks
also use riverbank trees as perch sites. Wood
ducks and hooded mergansers are found along
the shady edges of the riverbanks, as are
Eastern comma butterflies and several species
of dragonflies. Floodplain forests also provide
sheltered riverside corridors for deer and migra-
tory songbirds. Many state protected rare animal
species use the floodplain forest as an important
component of their habitat.
Rare, Threatened, &
Endangered Plant Species
• Vascular Plant Lygodium palmatum
Climbing Fern SC
• Vascular Plant Ophioglossum pusillum
Adder’s-tongue Fern T
• Vascular Plant Panicum philadelphicum
Philadelphia Panic-grass SC
• Vascular Plant Eragrostis frankii Frank’s
Lovegrass SC
• Vascular Plant Eleocharis diandra
Wright’s Spike-rush E
• Vascular Plant Eleocharis intermedia
Intermediate Spike-sedge T
• Vascular Plant Carex typhina Cat-tail
Sedge T
• Vascular Plant Carex bushii Bush’s
Sedge E
• Vascular Plant Arisaema dracontium
Green Dragon T
• Vascular Plant Salix exigua Sandbar
Willow T
• Vascular Plant Waldsteinia fragarioides
Barren Strawberry SC
112Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanFISHERIES & WILDLIFE
Deer, bear, and other mammals thrive in the
woodland and forest edge, especially in the
northern and western sides of Northampton.
Game birds, such as pheasants, native grouse,
woodcock, and turkey are also present in
large numbers, along with raccoons, muskrats,
and fox. For several years, there have been
increases in the numbers of otter, opossum,
and beaver. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, which
conducts detailed biological assessments and
bird counts, has counted upwards of 200 species
of birds in or passing through the sanctuary,
including the Bald Eagle, Redtail Hawk, and
Screech Owl.
Northampton’s lakes, rivers, and streams support
a variety of fish, including trout, salmon, bass,
pickerel, northern pike, shad, and walleye.
The Connecticut River, the Ox-Bow, and the
Mill River in the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary are
especially significant aquatic habitats.
Northampton wildlife habitat is not as productive
as it once was; wetlands were filled prior to
federal, state and local wetlands protection
programs, development has fragmented habitat,
and non-native species have been introduced.
Wildlife Corridors
Rediscovering Northampton and other data
sources have helped identify key wildlife corri-
dors and are represented in this plan’s acquisi-
tion targets.
The short version of wildlife corridors can be
summarized in an exercise we often with the
community. Take a map of Northampton. Draw
a 200’ corridor in blue along every stream and
river in the city. Then add connecting lines
between all of the major conservation areas in
the city. These maps will cover the vast majority
of the wildlife corridors in the city. The City
prioritizes all wildlife corridors, not only the ones
used by charismatic large game species that
spark the public’s imagination.
Rare, Threatened,
& Endangered Species
We have identified many species that are rare
or of special concern (“SC”), threatened (“T”), or
endangered (“E”) in Northampton. This infor-
mation is considered in permitting, planning,
and open space preservation efforts:
• Amphibian Ambystoma jeffersonianum
Jefferson Salamander SC
• Amphibian Ambystoma opacum Marbled
Salamander T
• Amphibian Scaphiopus holbrookii
Eastern Spadefoot T
• Beetle Cicindela duodecimguttata
Twelve-spotted Tiger Beetle SC
• Bird Botaurus lentiginosus American
Bittern E
• Bird Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern E
• Bird Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald
Eagle E
• Bird Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned
Hawk SC
• Bird Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-
winged Warbler E
• Bird Pooecetes gramineus Vesper
Sparrow T
• Bird Ammodramus savannarum
Grasshopper Sparrow T
• Bird Ammodramus henslowii Henslow’s
Sparrow E
• Butterfly/Moth Satyrium favonius Oak
Hairstreak SC
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Gomphus
ventricosus Skillet Clubtail SC
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Gomphus
abbreviatus Spine-crowned Clubtail E
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Ophiogomphus
aspersus Brook Snaketail SC
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Aeshna mutata
Spatterdock Darner SC
113Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan • Dragonfly/Damselfly Boyeria grafiana
Ocellated Darner SC
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Neurocordulia yam-
askanensis Stygian Shadowdragon SC
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Stylurus amnicola
Riverine Clubtail E
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Stylurus scudderi
Zebra Clubtail SC
• Dragonfly/Damselfly Stylurus spiniceps A
Clubtail Dragonfly T
• Fish Acipenser brevirostrum Shortnose
Sturgeon E E
• Fish Hybognathus regius Eastern Silvery
Minnow SC
• Fish Catostomus catostomus Longnose
Sucker SC
• Fish Lota lota Burbot SC
• Mussel Alasmidonta heterodon Dwarf
Wedgemussel E E
• Mussel Alasmidonta undulata Triangle
Floater SC
• Mussel Lampsilis cariosa Yellow
Lampmussel E
• Mussel Ligumia nasuta Eastern
Pondmussel SC
• Mussel Strophitus undulatus Creeper SC
• Reptile Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle
SC
• Reptile Terrapene carolina Eastern Box
Turtle SC
• Snail Ferrissia walkeri Walker’s Limpet SC
SCENIC RESOURCES & UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS
Building on the Dept. of Conservation and
Recreation Scenic Landscape Inventory the City
has identified significant scenic resources and
unique environments. These resources include
notable viewsheds, or vistas, from roads, water
bodies, protected open space, and historic
districts. Archaeological sites are not specifically
identified to protect them. They are primarily
concentrated on the Connecticut River and, to a
lesser extent, on the Mill River.
Some development with little sensitivity to the
community’s views has obscured some scenic
views. As farmland is abandoned, closed forests
are replacing formerly pastoral views.
Scenic Landscapes
Cultural and historic areas and areas with unique
geology (see below) provide important local
scenery. Community members identify the following
as the most scenic landscapes in Northampton:
• The Northampton Meadows, in
essence the 3,000 acre floodplain of the
Connecticut River, and all other pastoral
and agricultural views in the city.
• Vistas of Mt. Tom & the Holyoke
Range, the Saw Mill Hills and the
Mineral Hills.
• Vistas of any water bodies
(e.g., Connecticut River, Mill River,
Manhan River, Oxbow, City reservoir
system and streams).
Cultural & Historical Areas
The Northampton State Hospital
The Northampton State Hospital (NSH) and its
burial ground are on the National Register of
Historic Places. The Preservation Guidelines for
Municipally Owned Historic Burial Grounds and
Cemeteries (Dept. of Environmental Management
Historic Cemeteries Preservation Initiative, 2000)
provides additional details on the NHS cemetery:
The Northampton Lunatic Asylum (1858) was the
state’s second state hospital. It was co-founded
by Dorothea Dix, who led the reform movement for
more humane treatment of the “insane.” She found
the mentally ill people were often chained or caged
in basements and attics and beaten or otherwise
mistreated. She successfully campaigned for state
asylums with more humane methods (Brown 1998).
114Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe NSH burial ground was in use from 1858
until 1921. At least 181 patients who were not
claimed for burial were buried there. An addi-
tional 413 burials of state hospital patients are
poorly documented, and at least some of them
were probably also buried on-site.
The cemetery location was described as “what
used to be the hospital cemetery which borders
on Mill River and runs up towards the spring in
the back of the barn” (Superintendent’s Report,
1933). This matches the oral history from DMH
groundskeepers.
The burial ground is accessed by dirt roads
that run from Burts Pit Road to the Mill River.
It is an open field with no gravestones, paths,
entranceways, or fences indicating the locations
of graves or the boundaries of the cemetery.
It does contain a monument installed by the
Northampton Historic Commission in 2017.
There is also an unmarked gravestone in woods
to the north of the field. A cobblestone-covered
north-south mound marks the grave with a small
upright gravestone at the south end that is flat
on the north side but is not engraved. A bit to the
west, another north-south cobblestone-covered
mound that might also be a grave although it
lacked a gravestone.
Archaeological reconnaissance of the site
confirmed the burial ground’s location. Squarish
soil deflations were found extending in two to
three fairly straight, nearly north-south rows
from the woods on the south edge of the field
northerly along the top of the hill. Further, very
distinctive squarish to rectangular patches of
very green mound cover about one inch high
were found where the taller straw-colored hay
Unique and Scenic Features in Northampton
115Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planin the rest of the field did not grow. The long
axis of the patches of low green vegetation
extended roughly east to west, which is the
traditional direction for Christian burials. Further,
the patches were roughly formed rows running
north-south as is typical in Christian cemeteries.
There is little indication of underground distur-
bance in the pattern of deflations and patches
of low green vegetation, except that some
vegetation patches were no longer or shorter than
a typical adult burial would be. Historic tilling of
the field may have caused some disturbance of
the vegetation patches. A 1916 map labels the
burial ground parcel as “Tillage” (Davis 1916).
Alan Scott reported in 2000 that groundskeeper
Bud Warnock said he planted corn in the field c.
1943. Mr. Warnock had heard that the field was
a cemetery from his father and uncle who were
groundskeepers in the 1920s. Since the 1950s,
the parcel has changed hands between various
state departments and, at one point in the 1950s,
was used for instruction in haying by the University
of Massachusetts agricultural department.
Historic Northampton
Historic Northampton is a collection of 50,000
objects and three historic buildings. It is a repos-
itory of Northampton and Connecticut Valley
history from the Pre-Contact era to the present.
The three contiguous historic houses are on
their original sites at the edge of downtown
Northampton. The grounds are part of an original
Northampton home lot laid out in 1654.
The Damon House (1813), built by
architect, Isaac Damon, contains Historic
Northampton’s administrative offices and a
Federal era parlor, featuring Damon family
furnishings and period artifacts. A modern
structure, added in 1987, houses the museum
and exhibition area. It features changing
exhibits and a permanent installation, A Place
Called Paradise: The Making of Northampton,
Massachusetts, chronicling Northampton
history.
The Parsons House (1730) affords an
overview of Colonial domestic architecture with
its interior walls exposed to reveal evolving
structural and decorative changes over more
than two and a half centuries.
The Shepherd House (1796) contains
artifacts and furnishings from many gener-
ations, including exotic souvenirs from the
turn-of-the-century travels of Thomas and
Edith Shepherd and reflects one family’s
changing tastes and values.
Historic Northampton’s collections attract histori-
ans and scholars of New England material culture
from around the world. The museum’s collection
includes more than 10,000 photographs,
documents, and manuscripts from the 17th to
the 20th centuries, fine art, furniture, ceramics,
glass, metals, toys, tools and implements, and an
important collection of textiles and costumes.
Smith College Museum of Art
The Smith College Museum of Art is housed
in the spectacular and renovated (2003)
Brown Fine Arts Center (designed by Polshek
Partnership).
The Calvin Coolidge
Presidential Library and Museum
The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and
Museum documents the private life of Calvin
Coolidge (1872-1933), beginning with his birth
and formative years in Vermont, his student days
at Amherst College, and his years as a lawyer
in Northampton. Exhibits and manuscripts cover
his political career from Northampton to Boston
to the White House, his post-presidential years
back in Northampton resident, and the life of
Grace Goodhue Coolidge (1879-1957).
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern are
places that receive special recognition because
of the quality, uniqueness, and significance of
their natural and cultural resources. They are
116Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plancommunity nominated and then designated
by the Secretary of Environmental and Energy
Affairs. There are no ACECs in Northampton.
Unusual Geologic Features
Mount Holyoke & Mount Tom Ranges
Northampton’s many special geologic features
include: glacial outwash plains and deltas (i.e.
sandplains/pitch pine habitats), drumlins, ravines,
woodlands on glacial tills, and rocky uplands.
Mt. Holyoke/Mt. Tom Range, just outside of the
city to the east and south help define the city and
form the city’s backdrop. They formed 200 million
years ago when lava flowed from the valley floor,
cooled, and was upended. More recently, glaciers
left their signature, scouring the ridges’ jagged
edges smooth in some places, exposing bedrock,
or depositing till, sand, clay, or muck in others.
Since the early days, settlers used all but the
sheerest inclines for woodlots and pastures. Now
mostly wooded, the ridge’s steep slopes and east-
west orientation create a number of forest types,
including birch-beech-hemlock on the north side
and oak-hickory on the south. Thickets, streams,
ponds, and wetlands add to the diversity.
The Range runs east to west for 20 miles across
the Connecticut River Valley, rising up to 900 feet
from the valley floor. They are laced with hiking
trails including the Metacomet-Monadonock
Trail, which runs the length of the Range and
is a National Recreational Trail. Mt. Holyoke
borders Hadley, South Hadley, Amherst, Granby,
and Belchertown to the east of the Connecticut
River and rises again to the west of the river as
Mt. Tom, bordering Northampton, Holyoke, and
Easthampton. The Mt. Holyoke and Mt. Tom
Range were named one of 10 ‘Last Chance
Landscapes,’ defined as natural wonders with
pending threats and potential solutions by the
National Scenic Organization (2000).
A MINERAL HISTORY
Turkey Hill Quarry has unique exposures of
bedrock. The quarrying operations uncovered
a glacially smoothed surface with folded
metamorphic rocks intruded by Williamsburg
Granodiorite, an igneous rock. Area geologists
study this unusual natural feature and incorpo-
rate it into classroom teaching.
The Galena Mines section of Mineral Hills
Conservation Area preserves historic Galena (a
lead containing mineral) mine shafts that were
used by local farmers until the mid-19th century
when imported bullets replaced local mining.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CHALLENGES
Northampton has many sensitive ecological
resources, especially water resources (e.g.,
wetlands, streams, floodplain, and aquifers and
watersheds). Some of the richest wildlife habitat
is at some risk, and some surface water and
wetland resources have been degraded, espe-
cially from new suburban development.
Over the past 60 years, our approach to the
environment, separation of combined sanitary
and storm sewers, construction and expansion
of the wastewater treatment plant and pretreat-
ment facilities, lined landfills, wetlands regula-
tions, erosion control standards, improved forest
management practices, and our newer focus
on reducing city and community energy uses
and carbon dioxide emissions have all softened
the impacts of development on ecological
resources. Air pollution continues to present a
local health hazard (especially summer ground
level ozone).
Non-Point Source Pollution, Erosion & Sedimentation & Flooding
Non-point source pollution from contaminated
runoff (e.g., stormwater that picks up con-
taminants from septic systems, soil erosion,
roadway salt and sand, leaking underground
storage tanks, agricultural runoff, and exces-
sive lawn chemicals). Government and private
actions have focused on reducing man-made
117Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planpollutants, designing and building to reduce
the likelihood of picking up contaminants, and
providing opportunity for removal of contami-
nants that enter stormwater, groundwater, and
surface water.
Erosion occurs when soil is exposed to fast mov-
ing water and gets carried away by that water.
The problem is especially acute from unprotected
soil during construction and some agricultural
operations. Sedimentation is when the speed
of the water slows down and drops its sediment
load, typically in lakes and slower water bodies.
Keeping storm drains that connect to our lakes,
streams, and rivers clear of debris, minimizing
lawn chemicals and roadway sand and salt,
controlling soil erosion, enforcing city stormwater
and erosion control ordinances, ensuring good
septic system use and management, and
educating residents about the issues and their
role are all critical.
Stormwater, erosion and sedimentation are
controlled through four coordinated regulatory
programs:
• City stormwater permits for projects
that will disturb one acre or more.
• Federal clean water act permits
for projects that will disturb one acre
or more or is within a water body or
wetland.
• Wetlands permits for projects within
100’ of a wetlands, 200’ of a river, or on
any floodplain.
• Planning Board site plan approval
for any project over 2,000 square feet.
The City has approximately 4,000 acres of
FEMA mapped floodplains with some of the
strictest floodplain regulations in the state (no
new buildings are allowed in most of the 500-
year floodplain) property. These areas suffer
Environmental Challenges
118Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planfrom periodic flooding but at least such flooding
is predictable using the FEMA maps. Other
areas outside of the mapped floodplains have
localized flooding from natural sources aggra-
vated by obsolete infrastructure.
Hazardous Waste
Massachusetts General Law, C. 21E and the
Massachusetts Contingency Plan regulations
regulate the release and clean up of hazardous
materials. Potentially Responsible Parties
(PRPs) hire Licensed Site Professionals (LSPs)
to oversee most cleanups, with limited DEP
oversight. Releases, cleanup, tier classifica-
tion, institutional controls (“activities and use
limitations”) must be reported to DEP. DEP
also has emergency response capability, ability
to monitor sensitive projects, and audits both
cleanups and AULs.
As a post-industrial city, Northampton has its
share of historic releases of hazardous materials
in various states of cleanup, monitoring, and
institutional controls (AUL).
Solid Waste Sites
Northampton’s former regional solid waste
landfill opened in 1969 and closed in 2013. The
landfill is lined with a leachate collection system
with a methane to electricity conversion system
and solar photovoltaics on the closed landfill.
The City has aggressive recycling and compost-
ing programs.
Development Impacts
Much new development in Northampton is
“smart growth,” reusing previously developed
land within the historic core of Northampton with
few environmental impacts. Suburban projects
in undeveloped greenfields usually create more
habitat and farmland loss, emit more carbon
dioxide, generate more traffic, and consume
more energy than urban infill projects.
Forestry Impacts
Northampton has few large scale forestry
operations. More common small forest cutting
projects support sustainable working landscapes
with minimal environmental impacts. Some poor
forestry operations, however, reduce wildlife
habitat and lead to erosion and sedimentation.
Environmental Equity
The City seeks equitable sharing of its open
space and recreation resources by all popula-
tions, especially those that have historically been
underserved (i.e., environmental justice popula-
tions). This issue is discussed and analyzed in
detail in Chapter 3, Community Settings. The
key finding is that Northampton has equitable
sharing of open space and recreation resources,
but additional recreation opportunities are
necessary to serve diverse cultures with different
sport backgrounds.
UNIQUE COMMUNITY CONCERNS
This plan was developed with extensive
community participation, as described ear-
lier. Urban neighborhoods needs must be
addressed consistent with the City’s goal of
making urban neighborhoods more desirable,
and thus reducing pressure for suburban and
rural development.
There was strong support for conserving
farmland, tree-lined streets, significant open
space parcels, access to water, community
gardens, better access to the cemetery, and
ensuring new development is well planned and
has open space.
119Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanConservation & Recreation Inventory
Northampton open space includes farms,
forests, parks, recreation areas and multi-use
trails under public, non-profit and private own-
ership and management. Open space provides
wildlife and plant habitat, agricultural and forest
products, watershed and groundwater protection,
flood control, scenic landscapes, heritage
resources, public access, and recreation.
Protected open space is planned to remain in
perpetuity. The land can be owned by a land
trust, city, state or federal conservation or recre-
ation agency or by less-than fee conservation or
agricultural restrictions or easements.
Conservation Restrictions (CRs)and Agriculture
Preservation Restrictions (APRs) are legally
binding agreement between a landowner and
a public or non-profit holder. The landowner
agrees to forfeit some or all development rights
in the land to protect certain conservation and/
or agricultural interests. Northampton’s CRs and
APRs all run in perpetuity.
Land can only be removed from an APR, a
conservation restriction, or city or state conser-
vation or park control with a roll call by two thirds
of the State Legislature (Article 97, Amendments
to the Massachusetts Constitution). The
legislature has, however, voted to release this
protection at the request of local communities
for some school and public projects not related
to resource protection.
Land owned by municipal water supply providers
and other non-park, recreation commission, or
conservation commission agencies typically
has some protection from development, but
this protection is not permanent if there are no
restrictions and the land was not purchased for
park purposes (thereby subject to Article 97).
Unless there is a legal restriction attached to
the deed or if the deed reads that the land was
acquired expressly for water supply protection,
the level of protection afforded these types
of parcels varies. Often, the City would be
required to show the Massachusetts Dept. of
Environmental Protection just cause for convert-
ing the use of the land.
Property owners can voluntarily enroll eligible
land in the Massachusetts Chapter 61 current
use taxation programs. “Chapter lands” offers
landowners reduced property taxes in return for
maintaining land in productive forestry (Chapter
61), agricultural (61A) or recreation (61B) for a
period of time. Public benefits include conserva-
tion, recreation, forestry and farming. The City
has a 120-day right of first refusal to purchase
the land when Chapter land is proposed for
conversion to non-Chapter use.
120Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanType of Permanently Protected Open Space Acres % of City 2018
Agricultural 780
Managed for ecological values (conservation and CRs)4,008
City Parks and Recreation 350
Northampton Water Supply 493
Northampton Parks and Recreation 350
TOTAL 6,023
Source: Northampton GIS
The toal is less than the sum because of land in two categories
Mineral Hills
Saw Mill Hills
Parsons Brook Greenway
Beaver
Brook
Greenway
Mill
River
Rocky
Hill
Greenway
Downtown
and
Florence
Broad Brook/
Fitzgerald Lake
Greenway
Connecticut River
Greenway
and Meadows
Burts Bog
Greenway
UV10
UV9
UV66
£¤5
§¨¦91
121Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPERMANENTLY PROTECTED
CR#Grantor Holder Acres Name/Comments
CR# 1 Smith College Mass Audubon Society Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
CR# 2–8 Cancelled
CR#9 Mass Audubon Society Pascommuck Cons. Trust
Inc.
10.0 Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary
CR#10 Commonwealth MA (DAR)City 37.0 Adjacent & part of APR
CR#11 Millbank II Condominium City 0.9 Historic Mill River
CR#12 Lathrop Community, Inc.Conservation Commission 13.5 Broad Brook/Boggy Meadow
CR#13 Gothic St Develop. Partners.Recreation Commission 0.15 Common law easement
CR#14 Armand & Rosel LaPalme City 88.0 Cancelled, (APR instead)
CR#15 Nancy Hughes Conservation Commission 3.6 Broad Brook/Coles Meadow
CR#16 City of Northampton Broad Brook Coalition 5.5 Braod Brook
CR#17 City of Northampton Mass Audubon Society 38.0 LC 970010110
CR#18 City Celico Partnership 11.7
CR#19 Edward Sheldon III Broad Brook Coalition 10.0 Recreation area
CR#20 Massachusetts (DCAM)Conservation Commission 8.1 Meadows, Atwood Dr
CR#21 Elaine G. Boettcher Conservation Commission 2.2 Protect wetland & wildlife
CR#22 City of Northampton Mass Audubon Society 66.1 Meadows/Arcadia
CR#23 Schramm, Primm, Russin,
Gray, & Peppard
Conservation Commission 23.0 Park Hill Rd, Parsons Brook,
adjacent to APR
CR#24 Millbank II Condominium
Trust
Conservation Commission 0.3 400’ Mill River allow river
restoration and trail
CR#25 Lathrop Community, Inc Conservation Commission 11.2 Park Hill/Parsons Brook
CR#26 Sabra Partnership Conservation Commission 3.1 Broad Brook/trail access
CR#27 TCB Hospital Hill, LLC Conservation Commission 3.2 State Hospital/Village Hill
CR#28 Oak Ridge Road, LLC Conservation Commission 38.0 The Oaks
CR#29 Joseph Kielec Broad Brook Coalition Sheldon Field addition
CR#30 Tofino Association, Inc.Conservation Commission 10.3 Rocky Hill Cluster
CR#31 Seven Bravo Two, LLC Conservation Commission 0.8 Conn. River, Airport
CR#32 Stephen & Heidi Robinson Conservation Commission 4.5 Broad Brook/Coles Meadow
Road
CR#33 Bridge Road, LLC Recreation Commission/
Conservation Commission
4.6 Bear Hill subdivision
CR#34 Sweet Meadow Properties Conservation Commission 1.3 Reservoir Road
CR#35 John & Diane Clapp Conservation Commission 20.0 Mineral Hills/Chesterfield Road
CR#36 Patrick Melnick (Beaver
Brook)
Conservation Commission 41.0 Beaver Brook
CR#37 Clarke School, Hinckley &
James
Conservation Commission 0.4 Round Hill
CR#38 Miriam Clapp Conservation Commission 57.9 Mineral Hills
CR#39 Benjamin G. James & Oona
Mia Coy
Conservation Commission 1.8 Meadows/Venturers Field
Road
122Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPERMANENTLY PROTECTED
CR#Grantor Holder Acres Name/Comments
CR#40 John & Diane Clapp Conservation Commission 35.7 Mineral Hills
CR#41 John & Diane Clapp Conservation Commission 11.1 Mineral Hill addition
CR#42 Jane Hill Conservation Commission 9.8 Roberts Meadows
CR#43 Benjamin G. James & Oona
Mia Coy
Conservation Commission 3.6 Meadows/Venturers Field
Road
CR#44 Guyett & Anderson Nonotuck/N’hampton BPW 168.4 Priority wildlife habitat
CR#45 Joseph & Kira Jewitt Conservation Commission 5.6 Parsons Brook, Westhampton
Rd
CR#46 Robert Zimmerman Conservation Commission 36.0 Broad Brook/N. Farms
CR# 47 Conservation Commission Kestrel Land Trust Turkey Hill (Skibiski)
CR# 48 Moses Miller Conservation Commission 0.6 Mill River, Leeds
CR# 49 Conservation Commission Kestrel Land Trust 369 Saw Mill & Mineral Hills, Broad
Brook Greenway, Mill River
Greenway
CR# 50 Parsons Brook/Burke Conservation Commission 19 Parsons Brook/Park Hill
CR#51 City of Northampton Friends of Northampton
Recreation
24 Florence Recreation Fields
CR#52 City of Northampton Friends of Northampton
Recreation
6.08 Connectictur River Greenway
riverfront park
CR#53 City of Northampton Meadows City Conservation
Coaltion
14.8 Montview Ave, Pomeroy
Terrace, Damon Road
CR#54 City of Northampton Mass. Audubon Society 49 Rocky Hill Greenway
CR#55 Dostal City of Northampton 1.138 Parsons Brook, Westhampton
Rd
CR# 56 City of Northampton Kestrel Land Trust Saw Mill Hills
CR# 57 Hampshire COG City of Northampton Main Street, Historic
Courthouse Lawn
CR# 58 City of Northampton Kestrel Land Trust Beaver Brook/Broad Brook
Greenway
CR# 59 Hospital Hill Development City of Northampton Morningside, Beech Tree and
Oak Parks
CR# 60 City of Northampton Kestrel Land Trust Burts Bog
CR# 61 City of Northampton Mass. Audubon Society Rocky Hill Greenway -
Goldfarb
CR# 62 City of Northampton Mass. Audubon Society Rocky Hill Greenway - O’Brien
123Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanInventory of Permanent
Open Space
Summary (listed alphabetically)
• See full entries below for details
• Grants & funding in entries below
• ALL have permanent protection;
No additional protection needed.
Use
(public access
on all EXCEPT
private &
water)
Owner &
manager
(if different)
Acres Condition Recreation
potential
Zoning
408 Bridge Road conservation Cons. Com.<1 good poor residential
64 Gothic Street park Private,
Cons. Com.
oversight
<1 good poor residential
Agnes Fox Playground recreation Rec. Com.2 good excellent residential
Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary conservation Mass
Audubon
47 good fair floodplain
Arcanum Field Recreation Area recreation Rec. Com.9 good fair residential
Barrett St. Marsh Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.26 good fair FFR
Bear Hill Recreation Area recreation Rec. Com.3 poor excellent residential
Beaver Brook Greenway conservation Cons. Com.48 good fair FFR
Broad Brook/Fitzgerald Lake
Greenway
conservation Cons. Com.746+good boating
excellent
FFR
Brookwood Marsh conservation Cons. Com.22 good fair FFR
Burts Pit Road CR conservation Private,
Cons. Com
oversight
2 good poor residential
Childs Park park Child’s Park
Association
40 excellent fair residential
Clarke School CR conservation Private,
Cons. Com
oversight
<1 excellent poor residential
Community Gardens agriculture Cons. Com.8 good fair FFR
Connecticut River Greenway conservation Cons. Com.142 good excellent FFR
David Musante Beach recreation Rec. Com.11 good excellent residential
Edmund J. Lampron Memorial Park park City 1 good excellent residential
First Churches Park park City <1 good excellent CBD
Florence Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.4 good excellent FFR
Florence Recreation Fields recreation Rec. Com.24 poor excellent residential
Halligan and Daley Historic Site park Rec. Com.<1 good fair PV
Hospital Hill CR conservation Smith
College,
Cons. Com.
oversight
20 good fair FFR
Look Memorial Park park City 140 good excellent residential
Maines Field Recreation Area recreation Rec. Com.21 poor excellent residential
Manhan Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.1 good poor FFR
Manhan Rail Trail recreation City 6 excellent fair residential
124Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanInventory of Permanent
Open Space
Summary (listed alphabetically)
• See full entries below for details
• Grants & funding in entries below
• ALL have permanent protection;
No additional protection needed.
Use
(public access
on all EXCEPT
private &
water)
Owner &
manager
(if different)
Acres Condition Recreation
potential
Zoning
Marble Brook Conservation
Restriction
conservation Private,
Cons. Com
oversight
169 good poor FFR
Mary Browns Dingle conservation Cons. Com.2 good poor FFR
Meadows Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.134 good poor FFR
Mill River Greenway conservation Cons. Com.181 good excellent FFR
Mineral Hills Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.384 good fair FFR
Northampton State Hospital
Agriculture Lands
agriculture MA DAR 200 good fair FFR
Northampton Water Supply water supply City Water 505 good fair WSP
Norwottuck Rail Trail recreation City 25 excellent fair residential
Oaks Subdivision conservation Private,
Cons. Com
oversight
33 good excellent residential
Park Hill Road Restrictions (CR and
APR)
agriculture Private,
Cons. Com
oversight
262 good poor residential
Parsons Brook Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.28 good fiar FFR
Pulaski Park park City 1 poor excellent CDB
Rainbow Beach conservation MA DFW 81 good poor floodplain
Rainbow Beach Cons Area conservation Cons. Com.16 good poor floodplain
Ray Ellerbrook Recreation Field recreation Rec. Com.14.4 good fair FFR
Ridge Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.36 good excellent FFR
Roberts Meadow Conservation Area conservation Private,
Cons. Com
oversight
22 good poor FFR
Rocky Hill Greenway (includes Ice
Pond)
conservation Cons. Com.73 good excellent for
trail
FFR & BP
Sawmill Hills Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.564 good excellent FFR
Sheldon Field Recreation Area recreation Rec. Com.13 poor excellent floodplain
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and
Wildlife Refuge
conservation US F&WS 210 good poor floodplain
State Hospital Agricultural Land agriculture MA DAR 331 fair excellent FFR
Trinity Row Park park City <1 good poor GB
Veterans Field Recreation Area recreation Rec. Com.9 good excellent residential
West Farms Conservation Area conservation Cons. Com.12 good fair FFR
West Farms Recreation Area recreation Rec. Com.<1 good fair residential
125Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanA. CONSERVATION & AGRICULTURE—PUBLIC & NON-PROFIT
The lands in this section are as close to permanently protected as possible. Municipal and state fee and
less than fee interests listed here all require, in accordance with Article 97 of the Amendments to the
Massachusetts Constitution, a two-thirds roll call vote of the state legislature. This section includes fee
interests and less than fee interests held by federal, state, municipal, and non-profit conservation groups.
ARCADIA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 650 ACRES
Ownership: Massachusetts Audubon Society
Location: Connecticut River Ox-Bow
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
B12, p44 45-67
11/1/1966 B1497, p25 45-10
9/13/1968 B1538, p277 52-01
5/17/1974 B1772, p199 45-10; 45-63; 45-65 (bridle path)
4/17/1979 B2091, p126 38D-75
1/14/1982 B2260, p100 45-10
4/13/1986 B1880, p241 38D-75
6/23/1988 B3199, p238 38D-75
4/13/1986 B1880, p241 38D-73
12/31/1987 B3114, p29 38D-77
12/31/1987 B3114, p29 38D-70
1/6/1988 B3316, p1 38D-70
12/31/1987 B3114, p29 45-10
1/23/2004 B7662, p85 From Mitchell G. Watras, Jr for $218,725
Description: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary has varied habitats, wetlands, and the last mile of the Mill
River before it connects with the Connecticut River Oxbow. Arcadia offers environmental education,
hiking (five+ miles of trails). It receives heavy use throughout the year. The former Easthampton
Trolly Line was donated by Smith College to Mass. Audubon and is now part of Arcadia (Conservation
Restriction on trolley line merged with fee ownership). Conservation Restriction on Map ID 38D, Parcel
70 held by Pascommuck Conservation Trust).
126Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanBARRETT STREET MARSH 24.7 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Barrett St. & bicycle path
Partners: Formerly Barrett Brook Advisory Committee, currently none.
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/21/1976 B1939, p321 Transfer from City
12/29/1978 B2075, p28 Private donations
2/8/1990 B3518, p204 & 206 Land swap
2/8/1990 PB165, p70
12/31/1993 PB176, p133
2/9/1994 B4420, p243 Donation in settlement of lawsuit of Carlon Dr.4.978
2/10/1998 B5309, p206 Right of Way Easement from Carlon Dr.
Permit history:
Date Permit History
1990/1991 Walkway permits (wetlands & building)
Wetlands 246-114, Stop & Shop’s responsibility to clean up trash
Description: This meadow and wetland serve as important stormwater detention and filtration
facilities, provides wildlife habitat, and provides nature viewing in an urban environment. The site is
surrounded by heavily developed residential and commercial properties. A city drainage easement
runs through the site. The area includes a right-of-way from Carlon Drive.
A 600-foot (375’ Trap Rock Gravel/sone dust & 200’ wooden boardwalk completed in 1992) wheelchair
accessible walkway extends from the bikeway into the marsh. The Commission, Smith Vocational
School, and volunteers built the boardwalk. The Jackson Street Parent Teacher Organization and the
Community Development Block Grant provided the materials.
The City manages the property to allow beaver activity while preventing flooding. Beaver deceiver
pipes have been installed on several successive beaver dams, the most recent in 2010 (CPA funding).
History: Barrett Street Marsh was originally part of a larger wetland system. In the early nineteenth
century it was used for agricultural purposes. Ditches were put in place to dewater the marsh. In 1905
Northampton sewer commissioners diverted the flow of King Street Brook away from “the mouth of the
State Street River.” The Brook was diverted into what is known today as Barrett Street Marsh.
The history of the Barrett Street Marsh is well documented and shows that the entire area has been
highly altered since the early 1800s, when transportation corridors began to be established nearby and
development spread northward from the center of Northampton. The area now known as the Barrett
Street Marsh was originally part of a much larger wetland system that extended to the east, having
been severed from the larger system by development. Reportedly, the Barrett Street Marsh was
used as agricultural land from the early 19th century, having been dewatered by a system of drainage
ditches that were dug throughout the low-lying area.
The Hampshire and Hampden Canal (reorganized as the New Haven and Northampton Canal) was
built through the Barrett Street Marsh (1829-1847). The canal changed the area drainage patterns
and gave Northampton a permanent liability to maintain the waterway (something that does not
127Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planhappen from a natural flowing stream).
This led to a lawsuit against the City for
lack of maintenance over 180 years after
the canal was abandoned (referred to
in liability circles as a long liability tail).
Human-built drainage was developed on
the site to allow much of the site to be
used as farmland. Portions of the site
were farmed until the early to mid 1960s.
The main flowage into the marsh is a
perennial stream known as King Street
Brook that consists of drainage from the
Round Hill/Prospect Street area. The brook enters the southern-most point of the marsh, through
a culvert under the bike trail that runs along an abandoned railroad embankment. Until the early
1900s, King Street Brook did not flow into the Barrett Street Marsh but instead flowed in a more
southeasterly direction towards State Street and the center of Northampton. As recorded at the
Hampshire County Registry of Deeds (Book 596, Page 375), in 1905 the Northampton Sewer
Commissioners voted to divert the flow of King Street Brook away from “the mouth of the State
Street sewer,” for the purposes of “public health and convenience”. The brook was to be diverted
to the “center of an old ditch” which then existed northeast of the railroad embankment and pre-
sumably ran through what is now known as the Barrett Street marsh. The City proceeded with the
taking of a strip of land almost 1,800 feet long and 15 to 25 feet in width to encompass the old ditch
and hence the brook along its diverted course to the Connecticut River. The ditch was thereafter
known as the King Street Brook Diversion. Also in 1905, the City was granted an easement from
the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad Company to construct “a box culvert four feet
deep by four feet wide suitable for carrying through the waters now running in King Street Brook,
so-called” (HCRD, Bk 597, pg 202), which is the now-existing culvert under the bike trail.
The character of the King Street Brook Diversion was thus established almost one hundred years
ago. The configuration of the ditches within the Barrett Street Marsh at the time of the diversion is
not known. Anecdotal information indicates that the marsh area was used for agricultural purposes
into at least the 1970s. Aerial photographs from the 1960s and ‘70s clearly show the ongoing
agricultural use and the diversion channel in it original (1905) location with a geometric array of
ditches leading to the diversion from many areas of the marsh. In a photograph taken on April 20,
1971, the water within the diversion appears to be 8-10 feet in width, and the most upgradient half of
the diversion channel within Barrett Street marsh appears to have been recently maintained prior to
the photograph being taken.
Coincident with the advent of restrictive environmental regulations and changing attitudes regarding
the value of wetland areas, maintenance of the diversion channel and system of ditches waned in the
1970s, and use of the land for agriculture altogether ceased over twenty years ago. The date of the
last maintenance dredging of the King Street Brook Diversion is not known. While records of ditch
construction and effectiveness are not available, considerable evolution of the marsh’s hydrology has
taken place in the recent past since the ditches were last maintained.
128Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanBROAD BROOK-FITZGERALD LAKE GREENWAY 1,055 ACRES
Includes Beaver Brook and all related Conservation Restrictions
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission (land under CR is privately owned)
Location: N. Farms Rd, Coles Meadow Rd, Morningside Dr., Marian St, Boggy
Meadow Rd, Haydenville Rd (Rt 9).
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
5/20/1977 B1951, p261 Fitzgerald Lake: Self-help ($72,825) & City ($72,826),
Land & Water Conservation Fund covenants in 1993
152
B1993, p11 R-O-W to dam (NO longer valid)
3/13/1989 B3344, p284 Dorothy Burke donation- N. Farms Rd
5/8/1990 B3557, p148; PB166, p52 Pines Edge: comprehensive permit cluster donation 15.89
3/25/1991 B3696, p9 CR, Lathrop (permit condition)14
1/28/1993 B4138, p271 Richard Abuza bargain sale: Bargain discount
($33,200), Land & Water ($37,500) & City ($5,000)
86
6/10/1993 B4223, p145 John A. Cimek: City ($25,000), BBC ($5,250) w/Land &
Water Conservation Fund covenants
38
10/13/1994 B4570, p294, 298, 300, 302 New England Telephone release, donation
11/30/1994 B4595, P134 Cooke’s Pasture: City ($39,540), self-help ($112,200),
BBC ($26,000), Wharton Trust ($5,000) & Sweet Water
Trust ($10,000). Commonwealth Land Title w/City
Clerk
161.1
12/18/1994 B2521, p1 Marian St: self-help w/34% match from neighbors 11.85
12/4/1995 B4785, p150 Conservation easement, Anciporch (held by USFS)36
12/20/1995 B4796, p38 Wharburton: purchase 5.5
2/9/1996 B4822, p184
PB179, p98
Nancy Hughes: donation required by cluster. Lawers
Title Insurance Corp policy 136-00-110653 w/City Clerk
8.876
2/20/1996 B4826, p170 Conservation Restriction to BBC. Commonwealth
Land Title insurance on underlying title 165-686836 on
file with City Clerk
5/9/1996 B4880, p192 & 203
PB179, p235
Nancy Hughes CR, required by cluster special permit 3.481
4/30/1998 B5360, p15 Swayze: Broad Brook Coalition ($2,000); Wharton
Trust ($6,000) & City (closing costs),. First American
Title insurance 20301162, w/City Clerk
10
12/19/2000 B6090, p202 Helen Kabat donation north of lake 17
1/15/2001 B6100, p313 & 320 Finn, “friendly” taking, City ($2,000), BBC ($10,000)15
1/22/2001 Land Court B18, p107 Paasch Flag Lot, donation required by flag lot permit; &
temporary right-of-way to Coles Meadow Rd
3.074
6/19/2001 B6250, p72 Vaughn, “friendly” taking, BBC ($15,000)17
Land Court B17, p208 Mortgage release
Land Court B18, p107
11/27/2002 B6908, p173 Stoddard family donation, friendly taking 7.5
3/17/2003 B7097, p156 Confirmatory deed donation from Anita Stoddard
Packar, Laurence Stoddard, George Barrett, Ruth B.
Drury, Peter Hehey, Jason Charlton, & Monica Doyle
Lynch; BBC ($500)
129Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/10/2003 B7253, p94 Sabra Pedestrian Easement ROW & CR 3
8/22/2003 B7407, p172 (and p201)Conservation Restriction (and related mortage
subordination) as special permit condition
10/5/2004 B8013, p326 Morin purchase, BBC ($3,560), City ($1,040)5.75
2/4/2005 B8155, p50 and p56
PB152, p36
Lathrop, boundary line agreement (and partial bank
release)
5/18/2005 Decision B8181, p292;B205,
p11;Eminent Domain Order
of Taking B8265, p80
Michalski/Stewart section ($17,000 of which $15,000
from Broad Brook Coalition-- all to pay off back taxes)
33.5
1/4/2006 B8579, p1
PB208, p91
CR #32, Robinson donation for waived right-of-first-
refusal
8.54
11/6/2006 B8953, p349 Bereska Taking, ID 2-12 8.1
12/4/2006 B8967, p324 Confirmatory deed
8/28/2006 B8854, p77 Unknown/Porter section, eminent domain of tax title 8.8
B8688, p315B8688, p320 Private William Adams Memorial
6/29/2007 B9035, p312B9182, p5 Dryzgula friendly taking, north of lake 3.6
1/17/2008 B9383, p58 Sullivan purchase ($103,000 in back taxes)3.9
9/9/2009 B9961, p111 (deed)
B9948, p228 (permits)
PB221, p77
N. King Street (was part of 360 N. King) ($75,000:
$20,000 CPA & $10,000 BBC)
Special Permit and Survey
First American Title insurance policy, 5600050443
12.08
B9182, p5 Laverdiere confirmatory deed
1/27/2010
9/26/2013
B10085, p232 (deed)
B10085, p239 (agreement)
B11476, p237 (agreement)
Beaver Brook: McLoughlin, Watson, Culver(s)
($550,000: $364,000 LAND, $10,000 BBC &
$364,000 CPA w/soft costs)--First American Title
MAEOe-560057116 AND #5011400-0123453e
Beaver Brook: LAND Agreement and conditions
Beaver Brook: USF&WS NAWCA notice of grant
102
6/30/2010 B10221, p100 Zimmerman CR ($18,000 CPA)36
7/12/2010
12/09/2011
B10230, p205
B10745, p134
Humprheys Morningside Dr. deed restriction only: used
as trade land for 2012 Sullivan purchase.
0.5
12/09/2011 B10745, p128 Sullivan purchase, Morningside Drive 1.0
2/15/2012 B10813, p1 Forest Legacy/Laizer-subject to USFS forest legacy
conservation easement ($13,000 CPA + $7,000 BBC)
36
3/3/2011 B10493, p304
PB224, p81
Girl Scouts (I) ($23,000, $20,000 CPA and $4,000
BBC with soft costs). Girl Scouts retain easement for
environmental education.
23
3/13/2012 B10839, p254
PB226, p66
Girl Scouts (II) ($13,000 CPA, $4,000 BBC). Girl
Scouts reserve easement for environmental education.
City reserves the right to grant right of way and timber
easement to Smith Vocational and Agriculture School.
17
130Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
7/23/2012 B10983, p43 Sullivan purchase: tax title redemption (1 acre)
2/25/2013
12/09/2013
PB229, p6 (excluded land)
B11228, p282 (deed)
B11228, p295 (agreement)
CATIC OP 03259656 MA
B11539 p298
Broad Brook Gap/Kubosiak (total: $496,628. LAND,
CPA, $14,000 BBC). Cross access easements
CATIC owners Title Insurance Policy/certificate of title
USFWS NAWCA Notice of Grant Requirements
81
10/7/2013 B11488, p202 (deed)Rothenberg-Wolpine ($10,800 purchase plus soft
costs- $3,000 BBC & $11,000 CPA)
9
3/24/2014 B11604, p230 (affidavit)
B11604, p240 (taking- 5 A)
B11604, p247 (release- 5 A)
B11604, p255 (taking-12 A)
B11604, p262 (release-12 A)
18 acres ($24,000, $4,000 BBC, remainder CPA)
Gleason 5 acres (was Map ID 7-21 N. Farms Rd)
Gleason 5 acres (was Map ID 7-21 N. Farms Rd)
Gleason 13 acres (was Map ID 8-47, N. Farms Rd)
Gleason 13 acres (was Map ID 8-47, N. Farms Rd)
18
12/29/2014 B11838, p255 McKown purchase 12.1
6/12/2015
8/03/2015
PB234, p71
B12024, p342
Survey-- Derouin
Derouin deed (was portion 17B-003)
25.0
8/14/2015
11/27/2013
B12036, p208
PB231, p17 & 18
Vollinger ($21,400=$4,300 BBC, $17,100 CPA)
Vollinger survey
17.76
8/20/2015 B235, p15 Broad Brook Greenway-- survey entire area
1/30/2017 B12540, p265
PB240, p5
Randall purchase
Randall purchase survey
20
9/25/2017 B12756, p100 Rakhmanov, North Farms Road 0.5
Partners: Memorandum of Agreement w/Broad Brook Coalition (BBC) for joint management (last
amended 2010). BBC conducts routine maintenance of conservation area, including boardwalk
maintenance, trail maintenance, & dam brush clearance.
Permits: Wetlands: 246-224 (trails & dam, expired with maintenance allowed); 246-149 (road,
certificate issued); 246-322 (accessible trail and parking lot); 246-325 (herbicide on dam); Cookes
Pasture (expired).
Trails: Lake Trail, Hillside Trail, Old Telephone Line Trail, Boggy Meadow Rd, Cooke’s Pasture Trail,
Marian St Trail, & Halfway Brook Trail
Improvements: Parking lot & paved trail from parking lot to Broad Brook completed in 1996 for
$19,977 ($3,500 from MA Lakes & Ponds Grant; $16,477 from CDBG Handicap Access)
Dam: Dam & access road to dam reconstructed in 1999 for $305,967 ($199,288 state self-help funds
& $136,000 City funds). Last dam inspection report 11.2013.
131Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPublic Info: Fitzgerald Lake Conservation sign and other information have been installed at North
Farms Rd and Cook Ave. Self-guided nature trail brochures are available at trail off of North Farms Rd.
Wildlife: Otter & extensive number of turtles have been seen in lake. There is large amount of beaver
activity in northern and eastern sections of conservation area. Great blue herons & winter wrens rely
on site for critical habitat. Several rare species have been identified in wetlands bordering Lake & in
Cookes Pasture. Elderberry Longhorn, or Elder Borer (Desmocerus palliates, large, showy, black &
yellow beetle) and Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) are two of state-listed species that have been
identified at FLCA. Several vernal pools exist in conservation area.
ESA: Phase I ES at Beaver Brook by O’Reilly Talbot and Okun, with witnessing of removal of oil tank.
No problems. The seller demolished two homes on the property prior to the City taking title.
The 40-acre Fitzgerald Lake, created by an earthen dam that dams Broad Broad. It is surrounded by
pine, hemlock, hardwood forest uplands, wooded wetlands, and meadows. Its wet and rocky setting
offers excellent hiking trails, nature study, fishing, canoeing, and skating. It is one of the most diverse
and richest ecological resources in Northampton, with rare plant and animal species.
The Beaver Brook/Broad Brook section includes Broad Brook along Route 9 on the west side of the
property and the headwaters of Broad Brook on the east side. The Forest Stewardship Plan (prepared
2010) included in the management plan section of this plan provides more detail on the property.
A wheelchair accessible path from the parking lot to Fitzgerald Lake (120 feet of asphalt path, 360 feet
of boardwalk, 60 feet of gravel, and a boardwalk dock/platform) was installed in 1993.
The Fitzgerald Lake Dam is classified as a low hazard dam, The City reconstructed the dam spillway in 1998.
The former telephone right-of-way on the property, (quitclaimed in 1994) is now a trail.
The Lathrop Conservation Restriction (no public access) protects sensitive stream and riparian environments.
The Robinson CR preserves Hatfield’s water supply and Fitzgerald Lake area wildlife habitat. The
parcel is landlocked, but the CR grants the City a right for defined walking trails on the property if the
City ever acquires rights for a trail to the edge of the property.
The Anciporch property on the east side of Boggy Meadow is owned by the city with a conservation
easement held by the USFS. This parcel is outside of the Broad Brook watershed but contains the head-
waters of a stream that has caused serious flooding in the past and contains a large productive wetland.
The Zimmerman CR is on the west side of Broad Brook and does not include public access.
The Broad Brook Gap/Kubosiak parcel, “supports seven different habitat types, including one of the
most unusual swamp forests in Northampton, a marsh that contains a small great blue heron rookery,
and some of the best black bear habitat in the Commonwealth. In addition, it includes a stretch of
Broad Brook that is immediately upstream from known habitat for three state-listed freshwater mus-
sels, including the Federally Endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel.” (Laurie Sanders)
The Conservation Commission approved Broad Brook Coalition’s Management Plan and a
Memorandum of Understanding by which BBC carries out day-to-day management. (see www.
Northamptonma.gov/plan).
A Forest Stewardship Plan for the 102.4 acre Beaver Brook/Broad Brook Greenway was completed in
2012 by Michael Mauri, identifies a large wetlands complex adjacent to Route 9/Haydenville Road, the
headwaters of Broad Brook, and significant stands of mature red oak and affiliated hardwoods, hemlock
132Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planin the eastern section, and a mix of white pine, hemlock, and black locust in the western section. Because
of the stream and wetlands, there is no realistic access to most of the forest from Haydenville Road. The
area was farmed until approximately WWII, and barbed wire fences and stone walls occur throughout
the property. Two dilapidated farmhouses along Route 9 were torn down just prior to purchase. The area
adjacent to the road is dominated by non-native invasive species, black locust, Japanese Knotweed and
bittersweet. The full plan is available at www.Northamptonmag.gov/plan, under public file cabinet).
Early Broad Brook Conservation
David Dill, Jr. (BBC Newsletter, Spring 1994)
B y early 1684 , 30 years after
the founding of Northampton,
the growing shortage of forest
products was becoming a crisis.
There was squabbling over the use
of forest land in common areas
outside the town center where
almost everyone lived. Homes,
many with two fireplaces, required
a great cordage of wood for
cooking and heating, and there was
increasing demand for turpentine
and fence poles. Up to then,
settlers had been free to cut wood
and tap pines on common land
two or three miles away. Probably
the most accessible supply came
from the dense hardwood and
white pine of the Broad Brook
drainage area.
First, the town hired surveyors to
lay out major subdivisions of the
common lands. In 1685 the Broad
Brook was surveyed and became
the boundary between the Inner
Commons and the outlying Long
Division. Conservation measures
followed; by 1698 , cutting down
trees under nine inches was a
punishable by fines - half of which
went to informers.
Two years later the town banned
the barking, boxing or bleeding
of any pine within three miles
of the meeting house (or to just
beyond Broad Brook), under
penalty of one shilling per tree. By
1707 sterner enforcement seemed
advisable, and inspectors were
named to check each cartload of
wood headed for the center.
Finally, the 1737 town meeting
approved a regulation to curb the
woodcutter’s carelessness. Anyone
setting fire in the woods within
three miles of the town was to be
fined twenty shillings.
Calamity at Broad Brook
Extracted from article by David B. Dill, Jr. (BBC Newsletter, Spring 1997)
January 7, 1780, four
Northampton hunters, Seth Lyman,
Sr., Major Jonathan Allen, John
King, and Daniel Pomeroy, rode
out from the Center, snowshoes
tied to their saddles, with nothing
more than the expectation of
bringing home a side of venison
for the family table.
The men turned off the Hourse
Mountain Road at Broad Brook, tied
up their mounts, and on snowshoes
plunged into the swamp (now under
Fitzgerald Lake), an environment
well known for its abundance of
deer. Snow lay three feet deep, favor-
able for deer hunting, but visibility
worsened as snow fell steadily. A
shot rang out. King and Pomeroy
hustled over to find Seth Lyman
standing over the mortally wounded
major, the accidental victim of
Lyman’s musket ball.
One of the men rode posthaste
to the Center, where the news, of
course, created a great excitement.
Many townspeople arrived in sleighs
to watch as the rescuers brought
out the dying major in a litter and
loaded him in a sled for the ride to
his home. Feelings continued to run
high in town, for Major Allen was
highly regarded as decorated veteran
of the Revolution and now as a
first class finishing carpenter. Some
suspected Seth Lyman shot Allen
deliberately, out of bad feeling, but
he was acquitted in the April term
of the Supreme Court.
133Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe use and disTriBuTion of the
lands purchased from the Nonotuck
natives in 1654 were among the first
concerns of the early Northampton
settlers. Home lots were chosen
freely to afford easy access to the
principal attraction of the settle-
ment: the fertile meadows along
the Connecticut River. These were
divided according to the size and
wealth of the family. The uplands,
including the Broad Brook water-
shed, apparently were undistributed
and were known as “the commons,”
whereby individuals had proprietary
rights to use the land as they needed.
Following conflicts over shortages
of forest products, the unclaimed
land was surveyed and divided into
two major subdivisions in 1684
Broad Brook became part of the
northern boundary between the Inner
Commons (for crops and pasture)
and the outlying upland Long
Division (mostly woodlots). Over the
years, as the fertility of the meadows
deteriorated and a wheat rust reduced
the grain yield, some upland holdings
were awarded to Proprietors in lieu of
lands in meadows, or to newcomers.
The remaining undivided commons
and the “pine lands” were either
pasture ground or restricted woodlots.
Dissatisfaction with the original
distribution of lands flared up
from time to time, with the
proprietors calling for legal help
from Connecticut in 1715. The
source of discontent was chiefly
the inequality of land holdings and
the fact that individual plots were
scattered around town making for
a more laborious and inefficient
farming system. Gradually claims
were consolidated and the town
surrendered its rights to the lands
to individual Proprietors.
By 1728, Colonel Timothy Dwight
had acquired most of the 350
acres of land north of Bridge
Road. Dwellings were on Bridge
Road (#340 today) and there was
a sawmill on Broad Brook behind
Fortification Hill. Various owners
followed and in 1935, it became the
Harold K. Fitzgerald farm. On land
near our North Farms parking area
a recreation hall was built where
dances were held in the 1950s for the
workers at the Corticelli Silk Mill.
In 1965, preparatory to a planned
single-family home condominium
housing project, he constructed
a dam on Broad Brook, creating
the 40-acre lake. A neighborhood
group formed in opposition to
development in the area, led by
Frank Olbris, who called the group
the Broad Brook Coalition. Mr.
Fitzgerald abandoned the project
after wetlands restrictions proved
too burdensome.
In 1977 Mr. Fitzgerald sold the
northerly 152 acres of his land,
including the lake, to the City for
$145,651.
Cooke’s Pasture consists of parcels
consolidated into a farm by Dr.
Edward E. Denniston in 1859. He
had attached to his medical practice a
hydropathic institute on grounds now
occupied by the Cooley Dickinson
Hospital. To provide his patients with
a good diet, he added to his kitchen
garden the eight parcels of land he
called“Broad Brook Pasture.” Dr.
Denniston cleared the land, built a
causeway across Broad Brook, and
erected a barn to house chickens and
turkeys. Part of the cellar wall of that
barn still can be seen 450 feet north
of the old bridge.
After 1885, the farm was owned
and operated by Francis Cooke
and his sons, who gave it the name
“Broad Brook Farm;” the farm
was sold in 1927 to John Pollard.
The Pollard dairy cows and barns
were located on Jackson Street, and
only beef cattle were kept out on
Cooke’s Pasture, with a cattle-hold-
ing pen just inside the gate on
Boggy Meadow Road.
In the 1950s Cooke’s Pasture was
cleared, with wet fringes around the
open field. At the edges were stands
of white pine and red maple. In
the late 1960’s the cattle operations
ceased. In 1987, the Pollard family
sold the land to the Northampton
Land Partnership who planned a
housing development. In 1994 the
City, with the help of Broad Brook
Coalition, purchased 147.5 acres of
Cooke’s Pasture for conservation
land.
The land along Boggy Meadow
Road saw a variety of activities:
during World War II, there were
field maneuvers by National Guard
units from Springfield on Cooke’s
Pasture and there are remains of old
trenches; there was once a Boy Scout
camping ground in a grassy area off
Boggy Meadow Road. In the 1950’s,
the Mondegas Park recreation hall
was established by the Corticelli Silk
business for its workers on land near
where a saw mill had once operated
Broad Brook Greenway Cultural History
(adopted from Peter Rowe)
134Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanBURTS BOG GREENWAY 28.3 ACRES
Ownership: City care and custody of Conservation Commission
Location: Ellington Rd, Crestview Dr, Sandy Hill Rd, Brookwood Dr.,
Indian Hill, & Florence Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
3/21/1990 B3536, p85 & 95 Deed for Brookwood Marsh (for abatement of back
taxes)
15
9/12/1986
3/22/1990
PB141, p18
B3535, p234
Indian Hill survvey
Indian Hill deed (via donation cluster project)
7.065
7/25/1994 B4521, p248
B4521, p259
B4531, p302
B4539, p153
Deed for Brookwood Marsh, Gutowski donation 5
1992 B3994, p162 Waterline easement for Brookwood Marsh
11/14/2014 B11801, p238 Virginia Hayseen donation 1.288
10/26/2017
B p
PB239, p59
B12785, p256
Deed for 2017 Burts Bog purchase
Burts Bog Survey
Release from Stone Ridge Pond covenants
114.76
This parcel provides critical wetland habitat and filtration of pollutants. It also protects the City’s
drinking water aquifer (Zone III) and rich beaver activity.
Burt’s Pit: The Gutowski’s donated rich wetlands and the original “Burt’s Pit,” formerly owned by the
Northampton State Hospital and used for mining peat and other organic material for their gardens.
Brookwood Marsh: Norman Keedy d/b/a KV Homes was developing the land at the time the Massachusetts
Wetlands Protection Act passed, when his development was shut down by the City. In 1990, the City acquired
the 16 acre Brookwood Marsh, with a deed in lieu of foreclosure for back taxes, to preserve and restore critical
wetlands habitat. A portion of the land was filled in the 1970s when Ellington and Crestview were built, prior
to the adoption of the MA-WPA. In 2001, the City restored an acre of wetlands by removal of fill material and
relocating a beaver dam further away from the surrounding residential homes. In 2005, the city released
16,000 Galerucella beetles in the northern section of the marsh to control invasive non-native and low wildlife
value Purple loosestrife. In 2014 the protected area was expanded with Virginia Hayseen’s donation.
Indian Hill: contains an attractive stream and protects the City’s drinking water aquifer Zone 3.
MARY BROWN’S DINGLE 1.56 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Glendale Ave, between Franklin St & Crescent St
Partners: None
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
11/17/1983 B2407, p270 Donation from Mary Brown 1.56
Description: This area serves as a natural open space and bird habitat in a residential neighborhood.
A City storm sewer easement runs through the middle of this area. Some fill from abutting properties
has altered this area.
135Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMARY BROWN’S DINGLE 1.56 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Glendale Ave, between Franklin St & Crescent St
Partners: None
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
11/17/1983 B2407, p270 Donation from Mary Brown 1.56
Description: This area serves as a natural open space and bird habitat in a residential neighborhood.
A City storm sewer easement runs through the middle of this area. Some fill from abutting properties
has altered this area.
CHILDS PARK 40 ACRES
Ownership: Childs Park Foundation, Inc.
Location: Between Elm Street, North Elm Street, Woodlawn, and Prospect
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/5/1952 B1103, p147 Estate of Annie H. Childes 40
Donated through the will of Annie H. Childs,to remain forever “as a public park and a place of rest and
quiet recreation.”
CLARK STREET WELL/AQUIFER AREA 8.18 ACRES
Ownership: City, Department of Public Works (water supply area)
CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY (INCLUDES CR 142 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission (primarily)
City/Recreation Commission (6.08 acres at riverfront park)
CR owned by City, land is private (part of airport)
Location: Hatfield Rd, Damon Rd and River Road, Connecticut River
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
4/30/1981 B2220, p339
PB234, p14
James H. Elwell section: Deed ($65,350; LAND
$52,280; & LWCF $6,500)
Survey
100
7/5/2005 B8332, p130
B8322, p148
B8332, p162
Boundary line agreement
Seven Bravo Two CR on Ct. River
Subordination agreement
3.82
PB29 & 204, p83
4/01/2011 PB224, p97
B10516, p307
Survey Ct River Greenway at Hatfield town line
50% interest in land on Hatfield/Northampton town line
($8,000 CPA, $4,000 from donations)
20
11/5/2012 B11105, p274 Hatfield Road expansion 6.5
5/31/2013 PB229, p40
B11332, p214
B11930, p1
Survey Connecticut River Greenway rivefront park
Deed to Conservation Commission (Lane donation)
Conservation Restriction (CR#53)
4.97
136Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSignage: Land & Water Conservation Fund sign at Damon Road
Partners: Expired Memorandum of Agreement with DCR for joint management at Elwell
Description: Seven Bravo Two CR: abuts the Connecticut River and the CR allows a dock.
Elwell: 60-acre Elwell Island and 40 acres of adjacent riverfront land. The island provides habitat
for endangered floodplain plans and animals. The eastern edge of the island has a beach and is
heavily used by motor boaters (with some unauthorized camping). A local farmer, in accordance
with a Farm Use License, utilizes approximately 15.5 acres of prime farmland on the mainland. The
farmland has been organic since 2006. This property is managed in cooperation with the Department
of Conservation and Recreation with a joint management agreement in conjunction with the adjacent
Greenways State Park.
Elwell Island has been growing from river sedimentation (accretion) at a faster rate than it has been
eroding for over a century. According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette (7/24/1980), “In the early 1780s,
what now is Elwell Island was nothing more than a sandbar. Then, in 1830, Levi Elwell...plant[ed]
rocks and willow shoots on the sandbar... By 1904, the sandbar had grown to an island of 24 acres,
and Levi’s grandson, James Elwell, began farming the island, using a cable ferry to get his crops and
equipment back and forth to the mainland.”
In 1982, scientists estimated that the island grew 9.7’ to 18.2’ per year from 1884 to 1939 and 12.3’ per
year from 1939 to 1977. The island is now larger than its official 60 acres. New layers of silt are added
each year, creating an extremely lush interior, but one in which trees have a difficult time colonizing.
Hatfield: The Greenway also includes a 50% interest in land recently acquired on the Northampton/
Hatfield town line. The city is currently working on acquiring the remaining 50% interest.
The two existing Greenway holdings will eventually be the anchor for a Connecticut River Greenway
rail trail extending from Damon Road to Elm Court in Hatfield.
Greenway Park: Lane Construction donated the land along the river in two parts, part to conserva-
tion and part to recreation which now includes the community boathouse.
CONTE FISH & WILDLIFE NATIONAL REFUGE 230.38 ACRES
Ownership: USA, managed by USF&W
Location: Hockanum Rd, Mt. Tom Rd/Route 5
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
11/28/2006 B8961, p348 Parcel 4 (Hockanum Rd), donation from Joseph M.
McNerney
19.52
2008 B9429, p236 Taking to City, donation
11/16/2006 Site assessment by OTO
6/19/2008 B9518, p66 Deed to USA ($25,000)
10/19/2007 B9299, p242 Parcel 19B.1 (Hockanum Rd), includes 16.0 acres
transfer from City to Valley Land Fund ($25,000)
197
B5738, p221 Sheldon CR to Broad Brook Coalition
8/17/2007 B9238, p229 Parcel 4a, taking to City ($13,860)13.86
6/19/2008 B9518, p62 Deed to USA ($19,000)
10/8/2008 B9615, p174 Parcel 4b ($9,000)
10/9/2008 B9616, p97 Confirmatory deed from Wodicka ($9,000)
Eventual sale to USA Conte expected in 2009
137Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDescription: The Mill River fueled manufacturing during the industrial revolution. In 1936 and 1938,
back-to-back floods turned the city streets into canals and caused a large amount of water damage.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took on a major flood control project from 1939 to 1940, cutting off
the flow of the Mill River through downtown.
FLORENCE CONSERVATION AREA 4.9 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Garfield Ave.
Partners: None
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/15/2005 B8557, p106 Montgomery friendly taking
3/1/2006 B8632, p77 Montgomery confirmatory deed
1/4/2010 B10067, p301;
PB 222, p10-11
Deed from City to Northampton Conservation, part
of settlement for former landfill & limited development
project. Commission and supporting plans
4.097
3/15/2013
6/12/2013
PB229, p23
B11345, p226
revised survey with 2013 expansion of conservation
area
Deed for 2013 expansion of conservation area
0.4
Description: DPW has a permanent right and responsibility to maintain the cap on the former landfill at
the northerly end of Garfield Avenue, beyond the last home on the road. This limited development project
includes the old landfill, five Habitat for Humanity affordable houses, and one market rate house lot.
The City purchased the parcel as a settlement of litigation around a former landfill on the site. The dump
was privately owned in an old quarry, but in the early twentieth century the City allowed dumping on the
site. With all responsible parties gone, the city was the only remaining potentially responsible party.
KESTREL CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS 639 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Broad Brook Greenway, Mill River Greenway, Mineral Hills, Saw Mill Hills
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
4/19/2013 B11287, p206 CR on land purchased with CPA fund (catchup)639
The Kestrel Conservation Restrictions are on existing Northampton Conservation Commission property
and provide an additional layer of protection. These do NOT create any new open space not already
listed in other entries. The CRs are also mentioned in each of the conservation areas that they are part of.
See also baselines of all conservation lands so protected
MARBLE BROOK GREENWAY CR 168 ACRES
Ownership: Private (Guyette and Anderson)
CRs: by City though Board of Public Works
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
04/14/2010 B10147, p238 CR to Nonotuck Land Fund ($134,720 CPA)168
04/14/2010 B10147, p255 CR to City Board of Public Works
138Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMEADOWS CONSERVATION AREA & CRS & APRS 248 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
CRs: by Conservation Commission, land privately owned
APRs: by Commonwealth/City and by City alone
Mass Audubon Society Conservation Restriction on 103 acres
Location: Manhan Rail Trail Buffer: Easthampton Road/Route 10
Emerald Necklace: Crosspath Rd and Venturers’ Field Rd
Montview Avenue section: Montview Ave and Venturers Field Road
Bleiman Donation: Manhan Rd, & Potash Rd.
Massachusetts Audubon: Old Springfield Road
Atwood Drive: Atwood Drive
Jasinski APR: Cross Path, Hockanum, Hunts, Rainbow, and Young
Rainbow Roads
Russell APR: Fair Street Extension
Baye APR: Kings Highway
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/24/1966 PB69, p1 Plan “Manhan Meadow Lots” w/“R.H. Clapp Meadow
Lot”
4/3/1997 B5115, p113
B5115, p127
Ticor Title Insurance
Deed--Sparko: Self Help ($84,480) and Mass Audubon
($43,520)
CR- Sparko gives Mass Audubon managemenet rights
22-2620-106-00000151 on file w/City Clerk
38
9/22/1999 B5796, p82 CR retained by City when city surplused land 8.019
11/18/1999 B5842, p281 $1,000 by eminent domain 0.79
2/5/2001 B6120, p19 Deed-Kossakowski, 3 acres w/right-of-way 3
PB188, p1
First American Title
Insurance
Plans
100367887 on file w/City Clerk
3/24/2000
5/5/2015
B5905, p298
PB186, p131
First American Title
Insurance
B11930, p1
Montview donation
Survey
20329816 on file w/City Clerk
Consevation Restriction (CR#53)
3.246
4/6/2001 B6167, p282
B6192, p112
B6192, p112
Taking: Burt
Confirmatory Deed-- Burt
CR-- Burt, gives Mass Audubon management rights
65
8/15/2007 B9234, p324
B9234, p339
PB215, p317
CR at Montview/Venturers Field Road (Town Farm)
Access easement (trade for CR)
Survey of Montview/Venturers Field Rd CR
2
2/23/2009 B9712, p317 Venturers Field Road CR, north of dike, e of road 3.56
2/6/2012 B10804, p160 Agreement for Dike Road closure
2/10/2012 B10808, p294 50% interest in land (Naumowicz owns 50%)20
139Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/3/2012 PB228, p14 Survey old Hampshire County jail farm on Venturers
Field Road as hoped for future conservation land
subject
10/11/2012
5/8/2012
8/5/2013
B11076, p1
B9801, p177
PB230, p21
Jasinski Agriculture Preservation Restriction
Rogers Farm- given as partial consideration for APR
Survey Rogers Farm, now part of APR
81.6
11/7/2012
5/21/2013
5/5/2015
PB 228, p48
B11318, p267
B11930, p1
survey of Pomery Terrace state land coming to city
Release deed from state (no consideration)
Conservation Restriction (CR#53)
6.6
6/27/2014 B11679, p177
B11679, p198
Russell Agriculture Preservation Restriction (w/state)
Co-Holders Agreement (City/State)
8.6
9/22/2015 B12075, p43 Baye Agriculture Preservation Restriction 7
Partners: MassAudubon: MassAudubon has full management rights under the Burt CR.
Commonwealth of Mass: Russell is co-held with MA DAR, who is the lead.
Description: Most of Meadows Conservation Area (and related CRs) is within the 100-year flood
plain of the Connecticut River, much of it with sensitive wetlands and prime farmland.
Jasinski APR: 81.6 acre local (not co-held with state) in three corners of the Meadows. Includes
affirmative obligation for the landowner to ensure that the land is farmed.
Russell APR: 8.6 acres of farmland in state APR on Fair Street extension.
Manhan buffer: Protects the viewshed of the Manhan Rail Trail and a small portion of the New
Haven and Northampton Canal.
Northampton Dike at Pomeroy: 6.6 acres from the state off Northampton dike.
Purcell and Budah-- Agreement to discontinue Dike Road- This agreement reduces the
risk of trash being dumped and allows an eventual expansion of the conservation area.
Historic Mill River Greenway (Naumowicz/Gonski): 20 acres owned 50% by city and 50%
by Naumowicz. Goal is to purchase Naumowicz interest in land and merge three parcels into the
adjacent Bleiman parcel. Property contains rich wetlands, vernal pools and floodplain forest. Except
for maintenance, no improvements planned.
The MassAudubon Partnership: 103 acres were purchased by the City to preserve grassland bird
habitat. Massachusetts Audubon Society at Arcadia holds a Conservation Restriction and is responsible
for day-to-day management of the property. Arcadia census data for the grassland nesting species shows
an increase in the numbers of Bobolinks and Savannah sparrows since the property was purchased.
Peter Vickery, the Massachusetts Audubon ornithologist who manages its grassland bird project, reports
that the Sparko piece provides good Meadowlark habitat. Mass. Audubon will be watching over the next
several years to see if this or the other grassland species are able to establish themselves.
Arcadia is also conducting butterfly surveys. Butterflies appear to be less plentiful on these hayfields
than expected. Arcadia is allowing their field on the north side and abutting the Sparko parcel to grow
milkweed to encourage butterflies.
While flood plain forests are rare, Arcadia will manage the hayfields (and eventually other
Massachusetts Audubon fields in Northampton now under cultivation) for grassland species. While
other areas of the sanctuary have been allowed to grow up into brush, these fields are very wet and
140Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planare better not cultivated and some “weedy” areas provide food and shelter for migrating species
particularly in the fall. Arcadia’s ecological management goal is to encourage native diversity.
The hayfield is primarily non-native agricultural plants that have been cultivated for hay production.
The “fields” may not appear the way a skilled farmer would be accustomed to seeing them or the way
our aesthetic sense might expect to see them. The land in the meadows, owned and/or managed
by Audubon, is increasingly being used by wildlife. Hay cutting is delayed until the birds complete
their nesting cycle. The hay is not a prime sweet crop. Some bird species require thinner grasses for
nesting sites. Arcadia staff will not feed the land to produce a more abundant crop of hay. Bare spots
are just fine. Plants going to seed may be great for migrating species.
The City of Northampton reserves the right to treat this area for mosquitoes.
MILL RIVER GREENWAY AND RELATED CRS 612 ACRES
Includes Leeds, Bean/Allard APR, Florence Community Gardens, Beaver Brook,
Northampton State Hospital, and Bleiman
Ownership: Fee interests conservation areas: City/Conservation Commission
Fee interest Bean/Allard APR and Community Gardens: Grow Food
Northampton
Fee interests NSH: Mass. Dept. of Ag Resources, MassDevelopment,
Smith College
Other Fee interests Valley Community Development Corp. and Housing
Authority
APR: City and Mass. Dept. Ag. Resources
CR and Easement on non-city land (NSH, Beaver Brook, Smith College):
City
NSH Management, 25 year lease, renewable 3 times to Smith Vocational
School
Private-- Leeds CR
Location: Mill River and historic Mill River from Haydenville town line to Arcadia
Wildlife Sanctuary (Leeds, Florence, Bay State, NSH, downtown)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/19/1975 B1837, p222 Florence: donation by Vistron corporation 5.1
10/20/1975 B1855, p121 Right of way on private greenway off Ward Ave 31C-11
1983 Mass Session Laws Chap.
568
Acts of 1983 ordered land protected and APR/CR
1800s
1984
NSH land to commonwealth in 1800’s
Care & Control NSH Ag. Land to Mass. DAR
7/14/1989 B3407, p304PB162, p67 Bay State: donation by James Graham, Yankee Hill
9/13/1989 PB163, p46 & 47 Survey of NSH agriculture land
4/3/1990 PB163, p48 Survey of Historic Mill River Greenway
4/3/1990 B3541, p87 Donation parcel along Historic Mill River greenway 0.3
5/15/1990 B3561, p285 APR and ROW on entire NSH agriculture land except
Parcel D
273.9
5/15/1990 B3568, p153 37 acre CR & public ROW on drumlin & along river
(overlaps with APR)
141Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/31/1997 PB183, p1 Survey of former Northampton State Hospital
B5900, p26 Smith College Conservation and ROW Easement 20.1
9/17/1999
2/4/2000
PB 185, p156 (plan)
B5879, p156 (deed)
Bay State: donation Cutlery Building Assocations
1.73
B2163, p236 Bay State: sewer easement
3/29/2000 B5898, p39 Survey of CR on Mill River north of Village Hill
3/29/2000 B5898, p39 CR on Mill River north of Village Hill 8.1
3/29/2001 PB186, p230 Leeds: donation by Myette 0.1
Mortgage Release B6158,
p40
Leeds: mortgage release
12/3/2002 PB194, p63 Survey of Historic Mill River Greenway
12/3/2002 B6914, p135 & 137 Historic Mill River Greenway
12/10/2002 B6925, p302 Fee interest Mill River Parcel to Hospital Hill LLC
3/16/2004 B7720, p130 Historical Mill River: Steven Berlin-Chavez and Reginal
Chavez-Berlin donation
1.44
8/28/2006 B8854, p82 Historical Mill River: eminent domain of tax title parcel 0.4
10/17/2006 B8915, p106 Easement: Housing Authority West Street/Mill River
(condition of 7/20/06 permit, 10/16/06 NHA vote)
4/26/2007 B9109, p58 Beaver Brook CR acquired through permit condition 40.95
2/9/2009 PB220, p26 Survey of Beaver Brook section
8/24/2009 B9942, p188 Rita and Bruce Bleiman donation, with covenant to
maintain field
9.95
PB221, p67 Plans-Bleiman
12/11/2009 B10047, p233 and 237 Beaver Brook: Fee ownership + rail trail ROW.
(Condition of permit.) Overlaps with Beaver Brook CR
25.44
4/28/2010 B10160, p233 Mill River Greenway, Bean Farm (donation related to
permit condition)
1.184
4/30/2010 B10164, p119
B8314, p46
PB222, p124
Mill River Greenway, Leeds from Roman Catholic
Church ($35,000 CPA & Rail Trail funding) which
includes a rail trail (previous easement from Mass
Electric)
4.051
8/10/2010 B10258, p240 Mill River Greenway, Bean Farm (donation related to
permit condition)
3.532
10/26/2010 B10347, p195
B10297, p347
Mill River Leeds, Tacy deed in lieu of tax foreclosure,
with City reserving right to develop rail trail access
Tax title redemption
1.37
12/1/2010 PB 224, p49 Survey of Bean Allard farms, including Mill River
Greenway, related APR, and Florence Fields
Recreation
12/1/2010 B10392, p337
B10393, p23
Bean Farm and Allard Farm to Trust for Public Land
12/13/2010 B10406, p222
#5011400-0082046e
Mill River Greenway Bean/Allard (CPA $236,000).
Grantees retain easement for three 15’ irghts-of-way
to Mill River. City granted easement for 20’ pedestrain
access from Florence Fields to Mill River Greenway
First American Title Insurance to City Clerk
35.04
12/13/2010 B10406, p259 Bean/Allard Grow Food Northampton APR (NOT fee)121.02
142Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/13/2010 B10406, p289
#5011400-0082185e
Bean/Allard Grow Food APR Co-Holders Agreement
First American Title Insurance on APR (to City Clerk)
3/1/2011 B10492, p215
5011400-01234504e
Lease (198 years) from Grow Food Northampton for
organic community gardens and Mill River Greenway
(land all part of the Bean Allard APR above) .
First American Title Insurance (to City Clerk)
17.405
6/28/2011 B10585, p100
B10585, p99
Deed Gaustad by Ward Ave parcel “O”
related affidavit
0.1
4/23/2012 B10880, p196
B10918, p119
B10977, p342
Order of Taking- Chatfield, Leeds section (0.6 acres)
related tax redemption
realted sale of land to Miller
7/17/2012 B10978, p1 Conservation Restriction #48- Miller, Leeds 0.6
2/21/2007
8/28/2013
8/28/2013
B9046, p28
B11442, p250
B11442, p254
State Hospital Parcel D: care and control to DAR
State Hospital Parcel D: Trail Easement
State Hospital- Parcel D: Agricultural preservation
restriction with option to purchase at agricultural value
36.338
8/01/2014 B11714, p264 Historic Mill River at Dike Road (Atwood)0.75
9/22/2015 B12075, p65 Historic Mill River at Manhan Road (Ksieniewicz)3.31
4/06/2018 B12919, p 239 Lyman - Ward Avenue Trail Access Easement 0.95
Partners: Historic Mill River at Dike Road and Manhan Road: Mass. Audubon
Society
Bay State Section—informal w/Baystate Village Association
Leeds—Informal w/Leeds Civic Association
Florence Community Gardens-- Grow Food Northampton
Other Data: “Inventory of Mill River Corridor Discharge Sources” Environmental Science Seminar,
Smith College, 1999 and “Mill River Revitalization Plan,” Landscape Planning Studio, U. Mass, 1999.
Description: (see also entry under Norwottuck rail trail) The Mill River was once indispens-
able to the establishment of manufacturing in Northampton. The river is one of the unifying themes
historic settlements along the river, Leeds, Florence, Bay State, Northampton State Hospital, and
downtown. The Mill River Greenway is discontinuous but the name reflects the goal of an eventual
continuous greenway from the Haydenville town line to the Oxbow.
Historic Mill River: In 1936 and in 1938 back-to-back tropical storms flooded much of downtown,
causing a large amount of damage. The US Army Corps of Engineers (1939-1940) built a major flood
control project to cut off the flow of the Mill River through downtown. The Historic Mill River, including
the by-pass channel, is a degraded waterway in an urban setting, with impediments to fish passage
and degraded instream habitat. Diversion of flow through the by-pass channel, construction of a dam
and drop structure, and development along the banks of the former riverbed harmed fisheries. The City
has worked with the Corps of Engineers to evaluate alternatives to restore a riverine migratory corridor
to the historic Mill River and:
143Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• Restore a riverine migratory corridor and open up high value habitat to aquatic species.
• Restore flow to the historic river channel, thereby recreating aquatic habitat.
• Enhance or restore riparian buffers.
• Increase recreational use of the river and increase public access to the river.
• Provide aesthetic improvement to the historic river channel.
The city has been acquiring land along the Historic Corridor. A right-of-way and conservation restric-
tion was granted for the historic Mill River frontage adjoining Mill Bank condominiums. Title to the
original CR and easement were lost by foreclosure, but a new CR was granted in 2002.
Leeds and Beaver Brook: Beaver Brook land contains rare species habitat. See also rail trail
easement under rail trail entry and conservation restriction under conservation restrictions entry.
Florence: The former Allard and Bean Farms have all been permanently protected. Most of the
floodplain forest is now part of the Mill River Greenway. Fellow travelers from the same transaction
created the 24 acre Florence Recreation Fields and the Grow Food farm, owned by Grow Food
Northampton with the City and state coholding an Agricultural preservation restriction. The City also
holds a 198 lease on 17 acres for a Florence Community Gardens (with the land managed by GFN).
Bay State: From north to south, the Vistron is a small isolated parcel on the Mill River with an inten-
sive amount of invasives. Bay State is a small but very accessible parcel just south of Maines Field. It
does not contain any portion of the old raceway, where some debris was dumped by the former cutlery.
Yankee Hill is a steep hillside between the Mill River and the permanently protected agricultural lands
at the former State Hospital land.
Northampton State Hospital: The NSH agriculture land property has agricultural preservation
restriction (APR) with a conservation easement and public right-of-way within 100 feet of Mill River and
south of Burts Pit Road on the “drumlin” above 265 feet mean sea level. Northampton holds and enforces
these restrictions. A rich wetland complex exists near the Mill River. Ground-nesting birds, including the
Grasshopper Sparrow (listed as a special concern), nest in the spring and summer on the drumlin.
The fields/woods edge provides excellent Bluebird habitat. Controlled August-September burns of the
drumlin to maintain habitat and control multi-flora rose were effectively done in the 1990s, avoiding
ground-nesting birds. Smith Vocation should be careful not to overgraze this area. Cattle or sheep
should be rotated through this area, or another area should be used during the nesting season. Bunch
grasses should be maintained at 4”-12”.
Woody vegetation along the hillsides, particularly the multi-flora rose, should be repeatedly cut and
removed from the site or introduce appropriate grazers (e.g., goats, Scottish Highland cattle).
ROW and conservation easements/restrictions have been placed on the land along the river north
of Village Hill (MassDevelopment) and on Hospital Hill (Smith College sledding hill). In addition, the
Northampton Housing Authority granted an easement along the Mill River at West Street and there are
deed restrictions providing right-of-way exist in some of the properties along the east side of the Mill
River between Federal Street and the Smith College campus.
Historic Mill River Greenway (Bleiman): 9.95 acres on the corners of Potash Rd. and Dike Rd.
The site is in the floodplain with a mixture of wet and dry soils, floodplain forest, a portion of the former
Historic Mill River which is now a certified vernal pool, and 5 acres of fields, of which only 1 is very
productive. The City has an obligation to maintain the 5 acre field in an open condition. Site limita-
tions include: (1) Vernal pool; (2) All floodplain; (3) No water supply; (4) No electricity; (5) Security
limitations; (6) Mosquito heaven; (7) some heavy wet soils.
144Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSoils include: Hadley Silt Loam (1.8 acres, 36% of field) is a well-drained flood plain soil, with slopes
0-3%. Land Capability Class is a measure of the appropriateness of a soil type for particular activities,
including agriculture. Hadley land capability class is 1, highly suited for agricultural use.
Winooski Silt Loam (2.9 acres, 57% of field) is a moderately well drained floodplain soil, with slopes
0-3%. The land capability class is 2w, suitable for agriculture but with less than perfect drainage and
may retain spring moisture longer than other soils, such as the Hadley Silt Loam.
Limerick Silt Loam (0.3 acres, 7% of field) is a poorly drained flood plain soil, slopes 0-3%, and
groundwater within 18” of the surface. The land is capability class 3w,indicating that it is less than
suitable for agriculture. Much of the floodplain forest is also wet Limerick Soils.
Access is currently limited to two overgrown entry points in the hedgerow. There is no signage upon
approaching or entering the site, no designated parking, and no designated location for delivery
of materials (such as compost) or supplies (such as farm tools and implements being delivered or
retrieved). Existing access patterns consist of a grassy field road around the exterior of the field,
running past each of the access points and along the inside of the hedgerow. Abutting roads and the
surrounding woods and wetlands are frequent dumping sites.
Agricultural Use Analysis for Bleiman
The land could be used for grazing or hay, propagation garden, or perennial planting (e.g., nuts,
coppice, silvopasture, fruits, vegetables, herbs, medicinal & wild plants). Long-term plantings mitigate
the water constraints on site. In this case, it becomes essential that user maintain a longer term lease
appropriate to the harvest timing of the crop, since the yields are not immediate.
Not Recommended Uses: community gardens (frequent flooding), CSA or farm stand (bad access), or
farm incubator (wet, flooding, access).
Regenerative Practices
Regenerative soil management practices balance nutrient cycles to conserve water and nutrients, increase
soil organic matter, sequester carbon, and meet crop needs with site resources or with recaptured
resources present locally. These practices also limit erosion and minimize impact on native ecosystems.
It is recommended that site stewards/users map nutrient cycles (water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus)
as they relate to the site, and develop regenerative, closed-loop, self-sustaining cycles. What sources
of water, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, are available? Can you design closed loop systems
that take advantage of these resources? Can you include recaptured organic matter present locally
(such as leaves from landscapers), or captured water on site?
In particular, regenerative issues point to the possibilities of whole farm systems with interconnected
parts. For example, the Compost Utilization Trial (CUT) at Rodale Institute demonstrated that the use
of composted manure with crop rotations in organic systems can result in carbon sequestration of up
to 2,000 lbs/ac/year, a greater sequestration than side-by-side comparisons to non-manure compost or
chemical fertilizers. Carbon sequestration is associated with the increase in stable soil organic matter
(which is mostly carbon). This shows that incorporation of animals and crops into a whole farm system
is one example of a regenerative loop that outperforms other options.
Synergistic uses are strongly recommended. Mutually supportive uses are an important component
of regenerative agriculture. Single, monocultural uses do not demonstrate long term stability, or other
self-sustaining characteristics of regenerative systems.
145Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCover Cropping
For land not being actively farmed, establishing a nitrogen fixing cover crop is a recommended.
Plowing and sowing the cover crop may take place anytime between April and August.
Red clover, a short lived perennial, is recommended. Red clover prefers heavy, fertile soils of
near-neutral pH. It can handle less-than-perfect drainage, acid soils and clays. It can even tolerate wet
soil conditions but not prolonged flooding. Nitrogen yield averages are 100-110lb/acre per season.
Red clover seed rates are 11-14 lbs per acre. To establish red clover in the spring, because it is slow
growing at first, and liable to leave the field at risk to weed growth, it is recommended that a nurse crop
of oats at 1.5-2 bushes per acre be seeded with it. Clover inoculants should be mixed with the seed
(unless clover has been grown in the field in the previous 3 years).
In the Northeast it is generally planted in spring and allowed to grow for a full year before incorpora-
tion. This allows one or more hay cuts or mowing before incorporation as a green manure. The clover
should be mowed two or so times over the course of the season, at flowering (before seeding), to
prevent developing clover seed as a field weed.1
Recommended Conditions of License
• Stable or increasing soil organic matter, up to a 10% soil organic matter maximum.
• Stable or increasing soil nutrient levels.
• Adherence to the current NOP Organic Standards.
• Maintain covered (not bare) soil at all times via the use of crops, cover crops, or mulch.
Excluding possible 6 week at-a-time maximum pre-crop soil prep and/or summer bare fallow.
• Management of plants so they do not set seeds in the field. Including but not limited to:
vegetable crops, pasture species, annual and perennial weeds, hedgerows and weedy field
edges. Excluding those plants explicitly managed for seed saving purposes.
• Maintenance of the tree line, including the edge running along Potash Rd, which borders the
driest and highest quality agricultural soil on site. However, possibly excluding wet edges and
edges abutting the vernal pool area.
The Northampton State Hospital burial ground is protected from development by a perma-
nent agricultural-use restriction. The field should not be plowed to avoid disturbing the soil deflations
and patches of low vegetation that are the only marks of the locations of the graves. A detailed inven-
tory of the site was done in Preservation Guidelines for Municipally Owned Historic Burial Grounds and
Cemetaries, with specific information about this site.
A 1958 bench and surrounding bushes were the first memorial commemorating the field as a burial
ground and are an important part of the history of the cemetery. M.G..L. Chapter 272, Section 73 of the
Massachusetts Laws and Regulations Protecting Burial Grounds require preservation of the bench or
the bushes because they were built as a memorial. The Historical Commission installed a new plaque
and bench in 2017.
Plaques could be mounted the bench stone supports to honor both the cemetery (1858-1921) with its
181 confirmed burials, and 413 potential burials, and past memorial efforts. The plaque could also note
at least two burials in the woods across the road to the north and that the boundaries of the cemetery
have not been determined. It is important to preserve the present knowledge about the cemetery.
146Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAny new memorial must avoid disturbing any graves in the cemetery. It is possible to erect a com-
pletely above ground dry-laid stone monument such as a stone cairn that would not disturb the ground
with a foundation. However, a memorial plaque could not be mounted on this unmortared monument.
Because any mortared monument would require a foundation, its design would need to be reviewed
by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which would require an archaeological survey and/ or
excavation to mitigate the impact of the foundation excavation on the burial ground. Erecting a sign
would involve the least amount of excavation and archaeological investigation to prevent disturbance
to burials. Any memorial be placed near the road to minimize disturbance to burials.
It is strongly recommended that haying be conducted only when the ground is completely dry. The
Department of Agricultural Resources agreed to draw up such a regulation for Smith Vocational School.
Further archaeological reconnaissance and subsurface testing (e.g., resistivity testing) could identify
the boundaries of the cemetery and map the soil deflations and vegetation indicating burials. Further
archaeological reconnaissance in the area might also locate small-unmarked gravestones of the types
Mr. Mielke found on the burial ground in his childhood.
MINERAL HILLS CONSERVATION AREA AND CR ______ ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Conservation Restriction: Private land, CR Joint Northampton and
Westhampton
Location: West side Sylvester Rd, north side Turkey Hill, north & south side
CR: Turkey Hill Road on Westhampton side of town line
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/12/1994
4/7/1994
9/30/1994
B4570, p97
Title Insurance Policy
PB177, p164 & 167
LaPalme, bargain sale, City & neighborhood donations
Filed w/City Clerk
Sylvester Rd
85
B4570, p87 and p93 Sylvester Road driveway for LaPalme limited
development: wetlands permit and special permit for
reduction of frontage development
B4570, p102 Right-of-way to building lots
12/27/1994 B4607, p172 APR
Drainage & utility easements of record
12/11/2003 B7616, p103 Turkey Hill cluster 2.2
PB198, p23 Survey of Mineral Hills
Disclosures filed DSPO
PB211, p12 Survey for Turkey Hill Rd parcel south of Turkey Hill
B8486, p310 Boundary line agreement with right-of-way to Cowles
from Cowls property to Turkey Hill Road for logging.
1/12/2007 B9009, p36
subject to easement: B8486,
P310
Turkey Hill $685,000 (Self-help, City, Wharton Trust,
Highland Communities Initiative, & $200,000 in
community fundraising). Cowles retains easement
for logging access. Deed in limits trails and access
adjacent to Lots 2 & 3 on plans.
120
First American Title
Insurance Company
102758222
147Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
B9013, p31 Walking easement between Turkey Hill section &
LaPalme section
B9013, p35 Mortgage subordinations
Authorization in City Council resolution recorded w/
Turkey Hill section
12/26/2006 B8990, p33 CR in Westhampton- joint ownership Westhampton
(primary enforcer) and Northampton (backup role)
29.4
PB147, p58 Plans--CR and Turkey Hill
2/9/2009 B9700, p64 Turkey Hill Rd, Bosworth purchase 15
5/9/2008 Kohl survey purchase
6/4/2008 Warranty Deed, B9503, p293
PB218, p38
Subject to: B5842, p161
B9503, p296 (agreement)
First American Titlle
Kohl purchase, LAND ($470,000), CPA ($350,000),
City ($15,000), community donations ($134,000)
Chambers, “in-holding” house, reserves the right to
maintain and repair ponds and dam and cut trees to
preserve their easterly view.
LAND agreement
Title insurance for Kohl addition, 106544301
60.6 +
11.53 CR
7/18/2008 B9547, p40 Wilhelm/Mineral Hills Trust 15.1
3/10/2009 PB220, p46 Survey of all of Mineral Hills (since updated by survey
below)
5/31/2011 B10559, p138 Skibiski purchase, Turkey Hill Road 32.1
5/31/2011 First American Title Title insurance for Skibiski 5011400-0158781e
11/17/2011 B10722, p81 Conservation Restriction #47 on Skibiski purchase to
Kestrel Land Trust
2/14/2012 B10812, p162
B10812, p167 (agreement)
Jedoron Realty Inc purchase, $131,400, LAND and
CPA 364 Turkey Hill Road
LAND Project Agreement for Jedoron and Sarafin
5.8221
2/14/2012 First American Title:
5011400-0284580e, on file
with City Clerk
Title insurance for Jedoron
title certificate from Elaine Reall, City Solicitor
4/27/2012 B10885, p240 Sarfin purchase, Chesterfield Road LAND and CPA 90.394
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
2/14/2012 B10812, p162
B10812, p167 (agreement)
Jedoron Realty Inc purchase, $131,400, LAND and
CPA 364 Turkey Hill Road
LAND Project Agreement for Jedoron and Sarafin
5.8221
2/14/2012 First American Title:
5011400-0284580e, on file
with City Clerk
Title insurance for Jedoron
title certificate from Elaine Reall, City Solicitor
4/27/2012 B10885, p240 Sarfin purchase, Chesterfield Road LAND and CPA 90.394
4/27/2012 CATIC: OP 03154477 MA,
on file with City Clerk
Title Insurance for Sarafin-- title certificate from Alan
Seewald, City Solicitor
6/25/2012 B10951, p43 Discontinuance of Turkey Hill Road within cons. area 3.8
7/13/2012 PB227, p82 Survey of all of Mineral Hills
148Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/28/2017 B12666, p41
PB239, p57
Fierst purchase
Fierst purchase survey
31.58
2/14/2018 B12880, p44 William Walker/Galena purchase 7.968
Description: A diverse piece of conservation property consisting of wooded uplands, wetlands, and
a small field in active agriculture. A small parking lot is on the Sylvester Road side of the parcel.
The Mineral Hills Conservation Area is one of Northampton’s natural resource gems. The undeveloped,
contiguous woodland contains numerous important habitat areas, supports a wide diversity of wildlife
species and provides a variety of recreation opportunities for the citizens of Northampton. Furthermore,
the natural amenities in this area have attracted and inspired many past and present and have become
a part of the City of Northampton’s cultural fabric. Famous writer and Northampton native Brian Kitely
aptly captures the spirit of the conservation land in his journal 1852: The Sage of Mineral Hill:
…Northampton below from Mineral Hill is as remote as the Northwest Passage. We live on
what we find, the dog and me-service berries in June, tart strawberries, carrots that taste of
metal. What is any man’s discourse to me, if I am not sensible of something in it as steady
and cheery as the creak of crickets? In it the woods must be relieved against the sky. Men tire
me when I am not constantly greeted and refreshed as by the flux of sparkling streams. Surely
joy is the condition of life.
The 30 acre purchase from Skibiski in 2011 on Turkey Hill Road on the border with Westhampton
makes the conservation area continuous from Sylvester Road to Westhampton. This section of land
includes the High Street Walking Club trail from Turkey Hill Road to Skibiski Summit, marked by
Michael Mauri using a Forest Stewardship implementation grant and built by the Friends of Mineral
Hills management partner. This project also included installation of an aluminum boardwalk to provide
access to the trail network from the Sylvester Road parking lot.
All of the outer property boundaries of the Mineral Hills Conservation Area were blazed in 2011 by
Northeast Survey, with all property corners photographed and the photos on the City’s public file
cabinet website. This work was done with Forest Stewardship implementation grant funds as well.
In 2012 , the city acquired the Mineral Hills Bookends, using a LAND grant and CPA funds, to purchase
land from Sarafin on Chesterfield Road and from Jendoron on Turkey Hill Road. City Council then
discontinued the portion of Turkey Hill Road going through the middle of the conservation area.
The Mineral Hills Conservation Area consists of a forested landscape ripe with natural resources. The
diverse forest matrix provides a complex environment of interacting plant and wildlife biodiversity.
Babbling brooks flow from the hilltops to the wetlands below and vernal pools can be found teeming
with life during the spring and fall.
In 2010, professional forester Michael Mauri completed a forest stewardship plan, (funding: forest
stewardship grant). The full plan is available at the city’s website (www.northamptonma.gov/plan, in
the public file cabinet) that contains an overview of forest types and recommendations.
149Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPARSON’S BROOK GREENWAY, PARK HILL APR/CR 275 ACRES
Ownership: Greenway Fee: City through the Conservation Commission (West Farms)
Title under APRs and CRs: Private—no public access
Protection: Lathrop, Gray/Peppard, Burke, & Jewett/Pinkham—Conservation
restrictions, City
Kidder & Micka—Agricultural protection restrictions, jointly by City &
Massachusetts DAR
Location: Parsons Brook, the Plantation, Park Hill Rd, Westhampton Rd, &
Florence Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
2/16/1979
2/16/1979
Plan Book 110, p65-66
Book 2082, p84
Survey of Towne Conservation Easement-- Whittier
Street and Westhampton Road
Conservation Easement, Towne
15+
APR, Adams by Department of Agricultural Resources 72
3/3/1986 B2685, p193 & 196 APR, Kidder 47
3/23/1990 B3535, p323 Kidder
8/5/1998
6/24/2000
B5449, p275
B5964, p254
APR, Valley Land Fund (VLF) & City ($450,500)
Assignment VLF to Depart. of Agricultural Resources
($408,450 share of original consideration)
38
12/22/2000 B6093, p296
PB187, p253
B6093, p305
APR, Gray/Peppard (donation)
Survey, Gray/Peppard
Mortgage, Gray/Peppard
30
B6093, p317 Restrictions, APR & Deed to Gray/Peppard
1/5/2001 B6100, p298 Gray/Peppard, deed & mortgage release, $225,000
2/1/2001 B6119, p264 APR, Assignment of co-holding to Department of
Agricultural Resources
B6117, p265 Affidavit & appraisal
12/20/2001 B6472, p277
PB190, p114
CR, Gray/Peppard, et al (donation)
Survey, Gray/Peppard, et al
23.203
6/20/2002
07/02/2002
03/10/2008
B6703, p294
B9415, p180
City Council Order (accept donation)
Cluster permit right-of-way
2/4/2005 B8155, p57
PB204, p22
Lathrop, (by boundary line agreement elsewhere)
Survey, Lathrop
11.215
4/21/2010 PB10153, p116 CR #45, Jewett and Pinkham (permit condition)5.722
5/6/2013 B11304, p298 CR #50, Burke ($9,500 CPA)19.5
5/5/2015 B11930, p24 CR#55 Dostal 1.138
Small conservation area with opportunity for walking trails and includes frontage on Parsons Brook just
upstream from a series of conservation restrictions and agriculture preservation restrictions that stretch
from Parsons Brook and into Easthampton.
150Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanRAINBOW BEACH/SHEPARD’S ISLAND 101 ACRES
Ownership: City Rainbow Beach: City/Conservation Commission
State Rainbow Beach and Shepard’s Island: Mass. Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife
Location: Rainbow Rd, Connecticut River
Partners: Memorandum of Agreement with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
4/11/1974 B1766, p44 State Shepard’s Island, parcel 33-30 15
7/28/1977 B1966, p321 City Rainbow Beach (Self-Help funds)55
7/19/1989 B3410, p194
PB159, p97
State Rainbow Beach, parcel 33-33
Survey
30.87
State Rainbow Beach (northerly section of the Rainbow Beach complex): It is managed primarily for
endangered species by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Slowly eroding away.
City Rainbow Beach (middle section with most of the beach): Managed with a cooperative agree-
ment with the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The site is primarily river bottomland hardwoods and
a narrow beach area of river sediment deposits. This area is located along the Connecticut River and
receives heavy summer use (swimming and unauthorized camping) by boaters. This floodplain forest
and beach provide habitat for endangered plant and animal species. The City parcel had mean accretion
(deposition minus erosion) of 15 to 18 square feet per year (Anderson, A. 1973. Vegetation Patterns and
Fluvial Processes on a Connecticut River point bar. BA Thesis, Amherst College; Doherty, A. Jr., 1974.
Stratigraphy and Geomorphology of the Rainbow Beach Point Bar, BA Thesis, Amherst College).
State Shepard’s Island (Former island, now a peninsula, on south side of complex): Wildlife habitat.
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife gated Young Rainbow Road (c. 1991, with private property
owner permission) to prevent illegal use of the area.
RESERVOIR COMPLEX
Ownership: City, Department of Public Works
Location: Various hill towns
Parcels include the reservoirs and much of the watershed lands. It is a site with future potential.
ROBERTS HILL WATERSHED CONSERVATION AREA & CR 22.3 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
CR owned by City, land privately owned
Location: Kennedy Rd and Audubon Road, Leeds
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
11/19/2004
11/12/2004
B8068, p162
B8062, p89
Deed-Lot 2, Kennedy Rd (donation)
Deed Lot 4, Kenneydy Rd (permit condition)
12.56
PB 202, p24 Survey of Lot 2 and 4, Kennedy Road
3/2/2009 PB220, p63 Survey of Hill Audubon Road CR
3/2/2009 B9773, p30 Hill CR on Audubon Road (donated as permit
condition)
9.75
Partners: Leeds Civic Association (informal arrangement)
Includes uplands, wetlands, and a tributary of the Leeds Reservoir.
151Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan ROBERTS RESERVOIR 57 ACRES
Ownership: City, Department of Public Works
Location: Upper Leeds and Roberts Meadow Reservoirs and watershed
Description: Includes two off-line emergency reservoirs and watershed.
ROCKY HILL GREENWAY _______ ACRES
Ownership: Rocky Hill Cohousing Conservation Restriction owned by Co-Housing
Ice Pond Conservation Restrictions owned by individual lot owners (see
also trail easement)
Remainder Rocky Hill Greenway all owned by Conservation Commission
Protection: Rocky Hill and Ice Pond CRs city held. CR on land east of Route 66
MassAudubon held.
Location: Florence Rd, Ice Pond Drive, Rocky Hill Rd (Rte 66), Easthampton Rd
(Rte 10)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/20/2003 B7534, p333 Rocky Hill Greenway at Ice Pond 22.3
11/18/2003 B7583, p183 Ice Pond Conservation Restriction 3.2
11/29/2004 B8082, p261 Rocky Hill CoHousing Conservation Restriction 10.27
2/18/2005 B8166, p227 Conservation deed restriction on lot 8
10/24/2014
4/1/2015
5/12/2015
B11784, p194
B11902, p245
PB 234, p46
Rocky Hill Greenway (Hewes purchase)
CR #54 to Mass Audubon Society
Rocky Hill Greenway (survey)
DSM Title Insurance (OX-09453575)
47.6
1/12/2018 B12587, p13
PB240, p70
B12905, p265
Goldfarb/Wilson Realty
Goldfarb/Wilson Realty Survey
Goldfarb/Wilson Realty CR to MassAudubon
48.74
4/6/2018 B12919, p275
B12919, p279
O’Brien purchase
O’Brien Conservation Restriction to MassAudubon
2.73
Abuts: Pathways Cohousing trail easement
Rocky Hill and Ice Pond Conservation Restrictions at Rocky Hill Greenway at Ice Pond were a condition
of cluster approvals. Ice Pond Discontinuous holdings fill some of the gaps in the abutting Rocky Hill
Greenway, with public rights to cross property, and the city with rights to build trails without restriction.
SAW MILL HILLS CONSERVATION AREA (includes Roberts Hill) __ ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Avis Circle, Ryan Rd, Spring St, Chesterfield Rd, Mill River, Old
Shepherd Rd, South Main St, Dimock Rd, Reservoir Rd, Sylvester Rd,
Kennedy Rd, & Leeds
Partners: Saw Mill Hills Informal “Friends of the Saw Mill Hills”
Roberts Hill: Leeds Civic
152Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/20/1995
11/28/1995
7/13/1995
B4759, p148
Laywers Title Insurance
B4781, p109
PB178, 223
Saw Mill Hills Avis Circle (cluster open space)
Avis Circle Owner’s policy, #13600110645
Saw Mill Hills: Towne purchase mortgage release
Saw Mill Hills Plan
23.96
2/9/1996 B4822, p182 Saw Mill Hills Agreement
1/5/2000
3/13/2000
5/26/2000
PB186, p97
B5899, p311
First American Title
Insurance
Plan- Saw Mill Hills
Saw Mill Hills Donation with Avis Circle subdivision
Owner’s policy, #20325612
Saw Mill Hills Cluster permit (Sienkiewicz 88 acres plus
right-of-way)
16.103
6/9/2000 PB187, p25 Plan--Saw Mill Hills
7/7/2000
7/14/2000
7/14/2000
B5979, p75
B5945, p231
B5984, p206
B5984, p203
Order of Taking: Saw Mill Hills/Ryan Rd Sienkiewicz
limited development purchase ($15,000 City & $5,000
Wharton Trust)
Cluster permit
Confirmatory deed: Saw Mill Hills: Sienkiewicz
Confirmatory deed: Saw Mill HIlls Ryan Rd ROW
88
12/2001 B6137, p308 Hawthorne taking Saw Mill Hills 44.742
3/21/2002 B6641, p1 & 11 Curran taking Saw Mill Hills
12/27/2006 B8991, p221 Off Ryan Rd, Blobel Section- Saw Mill Hills 22
B8991, p226 $17,600-- Saw Mill Hills
1/15/2000 B5864, p246 Chesterfield Road, New Harmony donation 28.079
8/1/2000 Land Court B18, p65 New Harmony donation- Saw Mill Hils 3.93
3/29/2006 B4851, p252 Easement, right-of-way, donation in lieu of c. 61B right-
of-first-refusal- Saw Mill Hills/Roberts Hill link
12/2001 B6492, p1 Golden Drive, Donavan taking Saw Mill Hills 13
1/4/2002 B6491, p334B6576, p83 Fungaroli taking Saw Mill Hills 18.74
11/23/2004 B8075, p165 Boyle donation Saw Mill Hills 17
2/9/2007 B9035, p317 Sylvester Road, Jeep-Eater/Phone Line Parcel 55
1/23/2009 B9686, p204 Sylvester Rd, Ryan Rd, Mielke purchase 11.144
5/8/2009 B9801, p183 Houle purchase ($11,804 taking) Saw Mill Hills 17
9/1/2009 B9953, p187 Justin West purchase ($18,000) Saw Mill Hills 18
PB221, p34 Plans-Justin West, Saw Mill Hills
2/26/1976 B1840, p162B1874, p21 Roberts Hill, self-help, City (1976), land swap (1981)96
3/15/1977 B1939, p323 Roberts Hill
3/31/1982 B2265, p190 (except for
B2217, p99)
Roberts Hill Chesterfield Road land swap
PB171, p51 Plans: Roberts Hill
11/4/1991 B3821, p50 Roberts Hill Overlook, eminent domain (1991)8.128
PB172, p32 Plans: Roberts Hill Overlook
153Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/1/1992 B3963, p250 Roberts Hill Trail to Reservoir Road (Escrow Ledger
Land Acquisition Account), bargain sale acquisition
(5/29/1992)
0.6
PB173, p119 Roberts Hill Plans
PB221, p93 Survey of Roberts Hill CR
5/27/2011 B10558, p237 and p243
also PB157, p93
Sawmill Hills Realty Trust deed-in-lieu of tax title
foreclosure and purchase for back taxes with CPA
funds (two deeds). Includes pedestrian easement from
Gregory Lane.
22
1/15/2014
1/21/2014
PB 231, p49
B11570, p146
Survey of Szymanski purchase
Szymanski purchase ($232,864: $170,000 CPA,
donations, small grants)
58.216
3/20/2015 B11891, p346
PB193, p72
OX-09591252 (2015-630)
Donald B. and Mary B. Reutener purchase
Survey (was Map ID 28-007)
Old Republic Title Insurance
49.960
7/7/2015 B11994, p99 (deed)Steidler purchase, stream Dimock to Spring St.3.0
3/2/2017 B12564, p322
PB238, p102
Williams purchase, Roberts Hill
Williams purchase survey
20.67
Description: Includes wooded land within Zone II and III of the City’s drinking water aquifer, and
containing rich vernal pools and the summit swamps. Rights-of-way to Avis Circle and Ryan Road provide
access to trails through the Saw Mill Hills. The right-of-way from Chesterfield Road provides access to a
detached section of Saw Mill Hills Conservation Area. A right-of-way from Spring Street provides additional
access. A Forest Stewardship Plan has been prepared for a portion of this area (see management section).
Blobel section: Key portion of wildlife corridor connecting Saw Mill Hills with Parsons Brook and with
Mineral Hills. DPW holds a reservation from Article 97 that allows them to develop a water tank on
the property on not more than five acres of the site within the next couple of years if they repay the
Conservation Fund all of the funds used to purchase the parcel.
Reutener purchase: Property owner retains lifetime estate for garden, lawn, and sugarshack. City
decommissioned and sealed the drilled well on the property on 5/18/2015 (Henshaw, Inc) to prevent
groundwater contamination.
Saw Mill Forest Stewardship Plan (www.northamptonma.gov/plan, public file cabinet):
Recreation-Stand 1 has an open understory, frequent rock outcrops, and rolling terrain. The parcel is
well suited to recreational activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Recreation-Stand 2 has a view from atop the steep embankment and the likelihood of seeing wildlife is
high, so a trail on the property should skirt along the edge.
Recreation-Stand 3 is the approximate route of the 20’ wide right-of-way at the end of Avis Circle.
Stand locations are shown on the map included in the Forest Stewardship Plan.
Wildlife-Stand 1 has an abundant acorn crop that supports wildlife. Some thinning of suppressed trees
would increase the acorn production and improve the long-term health of residual trees. However, the
low value of the trees to be removed as firewood would probably preclude this type of work, unless it
was incidental to projects on adjacent lands.
154Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanWildlife-Stand 2 has a good example of natural and rapid regrowth replacing the early successional
stage of forest growth, consisting of seedlings, sprouts and shrubs, with pole-sized trees. This is good
for timber growing, but it is bad for species that depend on this type of ephemeral habitat. Revisiting
this stand every five years to cut back all trees (shrubs can be left) is the best way to maintain a young
forest habitat.
Forestry-Stand 1 has white pines in the midstory tht could be developed by thinning, as described
above, but also by removing a greater number of trees. The same economic restrictions would likely
apply. Ideally, the pine trees would be professionally pruned following the thinning to grow pine of the
highest value. If the opportunity arises, it might be worth growing pine in this fashion on about five
acres, more by way of demonstration than a serious timber growing operation.
Forestry-Stand 2 is a productive site is well suited to growing timber, but its the small size makes
this unfeasible. This area should be controlled for invasive exotic shrubs. Successful control usually
involves pulling (for smaller shrubs), or cutting and applying herbicide to the remains.
Roberts Hill should remain closed to vehicles (the driveway in was closed circa 1990).
The Roberts Hill section includes a large wooded hill includes cliffs with spectacular views
overlooking the Leeds Reservoir (Roberts Hill Overlook, purchased 1991), large amounts of upland
forest, and frontage on the Mill River, Water Street, Main Street, Chesterfield Road, and Reservoir
Road. It has two small ponds, a stream and a diverse forest. It provides a linkage between the Leeds
Reservoir Watershed and swimming area and the Mill River and Look Memorial Park. In 1986, the
area was selectively cut to promote and create preferred wildlife habitats. There are several foot trails
on the property. The use of the area is moderate. Snowmobiles are permitted only on marked trails
approved for use by the Conservation Commission.
Howard’s Ice Pond Dam (DCR No. 2-8-214-8) is classified by the DCR Office of Dam Safety as
a “low hazard” dam. The City repaired the dam and spillways in 1999 (Bob Menzone, Sons &
Grandson), using City funds and Department of Conservation and Recreation Lakes and Ponds
funds. The Department of Conservation and Recreation awarded $8,000 in grant funds and the City of
Northampton paid the remaining $8,700. A total of $13,500 was used for construction and the remain-
ing $3,200 was used for design, inspection and permits (Tighe & Bond). On January 14, 2004, the
Office of Dam Safety determined that the dam is no longer under DCR jurisdiction under MGL C. 253 s
44-48, as amended in 2002, meaning that there are no on-going reporting requirements, as long as the
dam continues to be properly maintained.
The Saw Mill Hills are include a perpetual easement for pedestrian access from Gregory Lane across
Parcel A to land owned by City. (See Plan Bk 157 p93 and b3284 p230 for deed). City should work to
record two confirmatory deeds to correct deed reference (currently incorrectly states page 227 when
it should be page 230) in two grant deeds from Saw Mill Hills Realty Trust to the City. City will also
include in confirmatory deeds “together with perpetual easement for pedestrian access as described
in deed 3284 page 230” to clarify that the pedestrian access is included in the portion conveyed to the
City by Saw Mill Hills Realty Trust.
155Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSPRING STREET WELL/AQUIFER AREA 31.56 ACRES
Ownership: City, Department of Public Works
Location: Spring Street
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/19/1952 PB40, p65
10/15/1952 PB41, p55
11/6/1990 PB168, p106
12/31/1990 B3667, p67 As well as previous takings and purchases
1991 Disclosure
Parcels include the Spring Street wellhead and much of the Department of Environmental Protection
aquifer Zone I. It also contains a small part of Zone II. The parcel serves as water supply protection.
WEST FARMS/THE RIDGE CONSERVATION AREAS 55.4 ACRES
Ownership: City/Conservation Commission
Location: Off Glendale Rd, Westhampton Rd (Rt 66), Ridge View Rd, & Drury Ln
Taking purchase as part of limited development/landfill buffer; paid by CDBG (affordable housing and
cluster related open spaces) and Landfill enterprise (landfill buffe
Partners: None
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
3/2/2001 B6137, p317 West Farms/Route 66 initial taking
3/2/2001 B6137, p327 West Farms initial confirmatory deed
West Farms market rate lot sold (City retains one lot)
4/8/2003 B7133, p23 Comprehensive permit
4/8/2003 PB195, p98
5/23/2003 B7241, p206 West Farms Surplus parcel to Nancy L. Kingsley
6/2/2003 B7231, p15 West Farms Surplus parcel to Leona V. Pakutinski
6/2/2003 B7231, p19 West Farms Surplus parcel to Maris and Peter Ludwig
6/2/2003 B7231, p1 West Farms Surplus parcel to Donald & Norma
Sadusky
6/23/2003 B7271, p216 West Farms transfer to the Conservation Commission
6/27/2003 B7282, p237 West Farms Surplus parcel to Darleen/Edward LaFond
7/28/2003 B7347, p320 West Farms affordable housing to Habitat for Humanity
with septic system easement
5/25/2005 B8273, p166 West Farms recreation parcel to Recreation
Commission
5/31/2005 B8281, p88 Deed-The Ridge, as condition of subdivision approval
PB205, p71-86, 205 Plans-The Ridge
PB205, p75-77 Plans- The Ridge Survey of conservation area
12/9/2005 B8550, p220 City Council resolution authorizing transfer
Description: West Farms is undeveloped land with a simple trail from Glendale Road to the
Recreation Area off Route 66.
The Ridge section of West Farms includes walking trails that will eventually be linked to abutting
property. Developer is responsible for building the trails with the City through the Office of Planning and
156Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDevelopment, retaining the right to extend the trail to the easterly property boundary. Subject to City of
Northampton, holding the right to build multi-use trail across the property (which is consistent with the
City Transportation Plan).
BEAR HILL RECREATION AREA 12.76 ACRES
Ownership: Bridge Road LLC
Location: Bridge Rd on west side of JFK Middle School
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
7/12/2006 B8791, p28 Related to permit condition for Bear Hill 12.76
PB211, p51
Common space CR held by the Conservation Commission (7.039 acres)
Active recreation managed and controlled by the Recreation Commission (5.721 acres).
Property provides recreation field, sledding hill, and undisturbed natural space. It surrounds the Bear
Hill Estates housing project.
BURTS BOG EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS 2.26 ACRES
Ownership: Fee: Private
CR: Conservation Commission
Location: Off Woods Rd & Burts Pit Rd and Between Dunphy Dr & Westhampton
Rd.
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
7/12/2000 CR off Woods Road and Burts Pit Rd retained by City
when parcel surplused by city.
2.16
6/9/2003 B7245, p275 Right of way easement for trail from Dunphy Drive to
Westhampton Rd (permit condition 4/30/2003)
0.1
PB196, p10 Survey of Right-of-Way
MINERAL HILLS/MARBLE BROOK CONS. RESTRICTIONS 292.8 ACRES
Ownership: Private: John & Diana Clapp (55.79 acres); Miriam L. Clapp (57.922
acres); Joanne Bessett (11.11 acres); Christine & George Guyette,
Elizabeth & Garry Anderson (168 acres)
Protection: Clapp & Bessett CR City of Northampton through Conservation
Commission
Guyette & Anderson CR: City of Northampton through Board of Public
Works
Location: Chesterfield Rd & Turkey Hill Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/11/2006 B8976, p111 John & Diana Clapp—consideration $18,000 ($10,185
Nonotuck Land Fund, $7,815 City for Chapter 61 tax
Rollback)
20
B8976, p128 Mortgage subordination of John & Diana Clapp
PB215, p82 Survey of John & Diana Clapp CR
157Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
8/17/2007 B9237, p297 CR #40, $27,500 Nonotuck Land Fund, $4,000 City of
Northampton
35.79
B9237, p312 Mortgage subordination of John & Diana Clapp
6/27/2007 B9177, p253 Miriam L. Clapp—$52,129 from contributions & previous
grants on hand
57.922
B5454, p218 Fee interest in parcel remains w/Miriam Clapp
6/4/2008 B9503, p298 (deed)
PB218, p38 (survey)
B9503, p296 (agreement)
Kohl CR--$40,000 (self-help & CPA)
Kohl Survey
Kohl self-help agreement
4/14/2010 B10147, p238 Christine & George Guyette, Elizabeth & Garry Anderson
to Nonotuck Land Fund—consideration $134,720
($118,600 from Community Preservation Act)
4/14/2010 B10147, p255 Assignment of Guyette/Anderson CR to City of
Northampton Board of Public Works
Public access is allowed freely on the Miriam Clapp CR. Very limited public access is allowed by the
John and Diane Clapp CR. Conservation Commission regulations should prohibit public access on
the John and Dianne Clapp CR because public access on the Miriam Clapp CR has less impact on
farming and on the Clapp family. The Marble Brook (Guyette/Anderson) conservation restriction is
north of Chesterfield Road No public access. Nonotuck Land Fund reserves right to lead public hikes.
THE OAKS CONSERVATION RESTRICTION & RIGHT OF WAY 30.28 ACRES
Ownership: Private
Protection: Easement, City of Northampton
Location: Burts Pit Road
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
8/3/2007 B9222, p337 CR
8/3/2007 B9222, p355 Mortgage subordination
Public access allowed. The City has right to develop walking trails anywhere in conservation restric-
tion. The City also has the rights to develop a bike path within the trail easement area. Please see the
Conservation Restriction for more information.
ROUND HILL CONSERVATION RESTRICTION 0.34 ACRES
Ownership: Private
Protection: Conservation restriction
Location: Round Hill Road
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
8/15/2007 B9234, p343
PB214, p7
Conservation Restriction (15,000 sq. ft.)
Plans for Conservation Restriction
0.34
158Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanB: PARKS AND RECREATION—PUBLIC
Properties acquired for park and recreation purposes are considered permanently protected proper-
ties. They can be sold with City Council and, in accordance with Article 97 of the Constitution of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, state legislature approval. Some of the recreation areas listed below
may have been purchased for non-recreation uses and then converted to recreation areas. These areas
would not have the protection provided by Article 97 of the Constitution.
AGNES FOX FIELD RECREATION AREA 1.61 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: Recreation Commission
Maintenance: DPW, Recreation Division
Location: State St, Church St
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
5/17/1995 B1195, p81 Deed from Bishop of Roman Catholic Church.
Reverts to Church if no longer used for recreation.
Equipment: Grassed play area, basketball court, restroom building, playground equipment
The grassed play area covers a large part of the site. This area is heavily used by local residents.
AQUATIC & FAMILY CENTER
Ownership: Northampton School Department
Management: Recreation Commission
Location: JFK Middle School, Bridge Road
Equipment: Public Indoor pool, tennis courts, basketball
ARCANUM FIELD RECREATION AREA 8.49 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: Recreation Commission
Maintenance: DPW, Recreation Division
Location: Bridge Rd, N. Farms Rd, & Mountain St
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
7/25/1957 B1252, p404 Deed
Urban self-help project agreement
8.49
Equipment: 2 ball diamonds, soccer field, field house, all-purpose paved area used for basketball,
street hockey, soccer, dances, playground equipment, Safety Village.
Arcanum is a heavily used year-round recreational area.
159Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCHILDS PARK 30 ACRES
Ownership: Childs Park Foundation, Inc.
Location: North Elm St, Woodlawn Ave, Prospect St
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1951 B1103, p147 Privately owned. Protected by Will of Anne E. Childs
Description: This heavily used park is located adjacent to the Northampton High School and a densely
populated residential areas It is beautifully landscaped (forest, trees, shrubs, flowers, rose garden, open
areas, and has a scenic drive winding through it. There are no picnic or garbage facilities at this site.
Except for running, most active sports are prohibited..
CHILDS CITY PARK
Ownership: City of Northampton
Location: Elm St & North Elm St (near Northampton High School)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
Will of Annie Childs, Article Fifth
8/21/2008 City Council Resolution on management of park
1948 Probate Court Will of Anne E. Childs requiring triangle remain a park
Small, triangle shaped island between High School and Elm Street across Elm Street from Childs Park.
COMMUNITY GARDENS, NORTHAMPTON STATE HOSPITAL 8.086 ACRES
Ownership: City (acquired by Parks & Recreation, subject to Article 97)
Management: Northampton Recreation Commission
Maintenance: DPW, Recreation Division
Location: Burts Pit Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1994
12/9/1998
Ch. 86 & 307
B5558, p13
PB183, p1
The acts of 1994, Parcel G, Northampton State
Hospital
Parcel G, Northampton State Hospital
Heavily used community garden without prime agricultural soils, but soils have been worked as gar-
dens for many years, first as part of State Hospital and then as a community garden. Commonwealth
retained right-of-way easement across the gardens in a location approved by the City.
160Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY/CITY RIVERFRONT PARK 6.08 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton, Recreation Commission
Location: Damon Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
11/7/2012 B11109, p177 Site plan approval for boathouse and riverfront park
4/2/2013
5/31/2013
5/31/2013
5/31/2013
5/5/2015
PB229, p40
B11332, p194
B11332, p206
B11332, p211
B11921, p212
Survey Connecticut River Greenway riverfront park
Lease Lane to Northampton Community Rowing
Deed to Recreation Commission
PARC Agreement ($400,000 improvement grant)
CR #52 to Friends of Northampton Recreation
6.08
CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY/ELWELL STATE PARK 3.2 ACRES
Ownership: Massachusetts Department of Conservation Resources
Location: Damon Rd, Bates St, & Woodmont Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
8/30/37 B926, p285 Parcel 25A-16 0.872
9/18/1978 B2055, p145 Parcel 25A-14 1.347
1/12/1968 PB92, p64 Survey of what became Elwell State Park
3/25/1985 B2546, p132 Parcel 25A-168, 0.055
12/22/1987 B3109, p88 Land lease Hampshire County to Commonwealth of
Massachusetts
9/15/1988 B3255, p311 Parcel 25A-17, order of taking of parcel land situated
on corner of Bridge St and Damon Rd
0
6/18/1992 City Council approval of state eminent domain: Cichy 0.5
Boathouse, wheelchair accessible dock on the Connecticut River, parking lot, access to the Norwottuck
Rail Trail, and access to the Trail’s most spectacular feature, the bridge across the Connecticut River.
FLORENCE FIELDS RECREATION AREA 24.4 ACRES
Ownership: Fee: City of Northampton, through the Recreation Commission
Location: Meadow Street, Florence
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/1/2010 PB224, p49 Survey of Florence Fields Recreation Area and entire
Bean Allard Mill River Greenway
12/13/2010
12/13/2010
12/13/2010
5/5/2015
B10406, p229
B10406, p235
#5011400-0082159e
B11930, p45
Trust for Public Land $560,000--CPA 34%, PARC 66%
PARC Agreement for Florence Fields
First American Title insurance (to City Clerk)
CR#51 to Friends of Northampton Recreation
24.4
2/3/2012 B10802, P52 and 56 Planning Board and Wetlands Permits
2/16/2012 B10815, P131 PARC Agreement for Florence Fields Phase II
161Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGOTHIC STREET POCKET PARK 0.15 ACRES
Ownership: Fee: Gothic Street Condominium Association
Easement: Northampton Recreation Commission
Location: Gothic St
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1/27/1993 B4137, p116 CR
Doc #93-02065
Special permit to Gothic St Development Partnership
Recreation Easement allows public to pass through as well as passive recreation during daylight
hours. Recreation Commission has no responsibilities except enforcement.
HALLIGAN-DALEY HISTORICAL PARK, NORTHAMPTON STATE HOSPITAL 0.5 ACRES
Ownership: Northampton Recreation Commission (subject to Article 97)
Maintenance: DPW, Recreation Division, & St. Patrick’s Association
Location: Prince St, Rt 66
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1994 Acts of 1994
12/9/1998 B5558, p19
EDMOND J. LAMPRON MEMORIAL PARK 1.2 ACRES
Ownership: City through its Parks and Recreation Commission
Maintenance: DPW
Location: Bridge Street
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/23/2014 B11834, p65 Deed from city (original grant of land from founding of
Northampton
1.2
A small, triangle located in front of the Bridge Street School and heavily used by those students.
Playground developed on the site in 2014-2015 with an Our Common Backyard grant. The park also
contains several monuments and a gateway to Northampton sign.
LOOK PARK 157 ACRES
Ownership: City (acquired for Parks & Recreation, subject to Article 97)
Management/Maintenance: Trustees of Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park
Location: Rt 9, Mill River
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/4/1928 B846, p532 Original grant (donated by Fannie Burr Look)
11/20/1973 B1745, p309 Mahony expansion of Look Park (by City)
7/18/1983 B2368, p.83 Rail Road right-of-way (by Trustees of Look Park)
162Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanFunding: Core park donated with endowment
Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund: Look Park Comfort Station, Look Park
Improvements Phase I & II, therefore protected by FLWCF Act 6(f)
Mrs. Fannie Burr Look donation of Look Park included the land, development funds. and a mainte-
nance trust fund. The beautiful large park is maintained under the guidance of trustees. Facilities
include natural land and water areas; picnicking facilities; six tennis courts; play fields for baseball,
volleyball, football, softball, basketball and shuffleboard; train rides; food stands; marked trails; paddle
boats; cross-country skiing; ice-skating; band concerts; and theater productions. This area receives
very heavy regional recreational use.
The Garden House at Look Park, the former pool building built in 1930 in the Mission style, accommo-
dates public and private parties, meetings, and community events.
MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE PARK .05 ACRES (2,328 SQ. FT)
Ownership: City
Easement: First Church of Christ in Northampton (for area in front of church)
Maintenance: First Church for Easement I, City for art kiosk
Location: Main St at Main St & Center St intersection
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/27/2002
10/9/2003
PB195, p26
B7562, p117
Boundary Line Agreement Plan
First Church Boundary Line Agreement
9/10/2004 B7983, p205
PB202, p21
First Church Boundary Line Agreement (II)
First Church Boundary Agreement Plan
This small but heavily used park includes the City’s art kiosk installation and a lawn in front of the First
Churches, which is maintained by the Church but for which the public has the right to use.
MAINE’S FIELD RECREATION AREA 14.47 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: Recreation Commission
Maintenance: DPW
Location: Riverside Dr, Bay State
Acqusition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
B778, p177
Equipment: Lighted ball diamond, two sand volleyball courts, restroom building, storage building,
pavilion with tables, paved parking, & playground equipment
The recreation area borders the Mill River and his subject to periodic heavy floods. It receives
extremely heavy spring, summer, and fall usage by residents citywide.
163Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDAVID B. MUSANTE, JR. BEACH AT LOWER ROBERTS RESERVOIR
Ownership: City 7.46 ACRES
Maintenance: City-DPW, Water Division
Location: Reservoir Rd
Acquisition history:
Funding: City ($62,000 capital improvements), CDBG for handicap accessibility ($10,000), PARC
(1989: $152,800), & Federal Land & Water Conservation Funds (1988: beach, reservoir, & dam
improvements--$200,000)---Property subject to FLWCF Act 6(f)
The former water supply reservoir was converted to a recreation area (1991) with a swimming area,
beach, picnic area, parking lot, and restrooms. A trail into Saw Mill Hills Conservation Area-Roberts
Hill starts from this recreation area.
PULASKI PARK 1.5 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton
Maintenance: DPW
Location: Main St, New South St
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1893 B457, p21-25 Deed Edward H.R. Lyman with reversion clause
1905 PB593, p51 Plan
1906 B603, p319 Deed J.B. O’Donnell
8/22/1906 PB593, p33 Plan
1908 B632, p333-335 & 429 Deed Edward H.R. Lyman
2016 City to park purposes
Pulaski Park is effectively Northampton’s downtown commons type park, with memorials, benches,
and paths.
History: In 1904, Main Street City Park. In 1906, Aldermen authorized purchase of Holley and Prindle
properties and took the land in fee as a public park (with community contributions of over $27,000).
The property owners protested the taking in 1907, with those claims settled in 1908.
In 1907, $4,963 was transferred to Park Commissioners for development of Main Street Park and archi-
tect Joseph Gabringer of New York selected for park plans. He designed the park to provide a perspective
and an appearance of being much larger, with the walks are laid out with that intention. At intervals,
beside curved walks, concrete seats will be placed in shrubbery where users are practically shut off dense
shrubbery, hence undisturbed. Later in 1907, work started on the park and the Prindle House was moved.
In 1908, the estate of Edward H.R.Lyman transferred of land in rear of Academy of Music, with the
condition that the land be devoted exclusively for public park or revert to heirs of Edward H. R. Lyman.
In 1911, the Prindle property was purchased.
Various efforts to convert the park happened over the years. In 1934 there was a letter opposing taking
Main Street Public Park for high school site. In 1954 there was opposition to taking any part of Park
for off-street parking. In 1958, there were letters to Gazette opposing plan of taking part of Main Street
City Park for off-street parking. In 1958, plans for off-street parking withdrawn at City Council Meeting.
164Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe park was renovated in 1976 for $47,200, based on a design by Huntley Associates.
In 2015-2017, the park was totally renovated and expanded to the Roundhouse Parking Lot, based on
plans by Stephen Simpson Associates.
SHELDON FIELD RECREATION AREA 21.986 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton, Parks & Recreation Commission (subject to three
CRs)
Protection: Conservation Restrictions (three): Meadow City Conservation Coalition
(2013)
Maintenance: DPW, Recreation Division
Location: Bridge St, Old Ferry Rd
Facilities: Four ball diamonds, two basketball courts/overflow parking, restroom,
playground and joint recreation/park-and-ride parking w/bicycle lockers.
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
B601, p132 Historical F Field record
B1034, p521 Former lease, interests merged w/purchase
7/15/1999
7/12/2013
PB200, p40
B5738, p233
B5738, p221
B11382, p12
Survey plan
Sheldon deed
Sheldon CR to Broad Brook Coalition (BBC)
Assigned to Meadows City Conservation Coalition
10.16
10/28/2004
7/12/2013
B8042, p203-204
B8042, p190
B11382, p9
Kielec Deed
Kielec CR to BBC (Life Estate Release)
Assigned to Meadows City Conservation Coalition
2.688
5/9/2008
5/12/2008
PB217, p101; PB218, p37
B9482, p193
Jasinski donation survey
Jasinski deed, consideration being a farm lease
1.654
/2012 B10953, p257 Jasinski deed (II), consideration being a farm lease
Jasinski II CR to Meadows City Conservation Coaltion
4.8
B12529, p53
PB50, p67
Bobala deed 4.467
12/06/17 PB 241, p11 Survey of all of Sheldon Field
RAY ELLERBROOK FIELDS 13.375 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton, Parks and Recreation Commission
Maintenance: DPW, Recreation Division
Location: Burts Pit Road
Facilities Multiuse fields, softball
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/09/1998 B5558, p19 Deed to City (general municipal uses)15.494
11/22/2013
12/18/2013
PB231, p15
B11547 p342
Survey of Ellerbrook Field
Deed to Recreation Commission
13.375
165Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTRINITY ROW 0.5 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton
Maintenance: City of Northampton DPW
Location: Main Street, Florence
Acquisition history: Small pocket park with benches
SOJURNER TRUTH MONUMENT 0.3 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton
Location: Park and Pine Street, Florence
Acquisition history:
Description: Monument
VETERANS MEMORIAL FIELD RECREATION AREA 7.84 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton, Parks & Recreation Commission
Location: Clark Ave. & West Street
Facilities: Skateboard park (2007), basketball, baseball (2013), restroom, parking.
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
License w/Mass Electric for access from West Street
B982, p91
B1034, p320
B1036, p478-480
Land & Water Conservation Fund agreement
166Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanD: RAIL TRAILS & RELATED
Northampton Multiuse Trail Segments
Trail Trail segment Miles
MassCentral Rail Trail
(Norwottuck)
S. Main Street, Williamsburg, to town line 0.1
Haydenville town line to Grove Ave spur, Leeds 0.631
Grove Ave spur, Leeds 0.130
Grove Ave spur to Florence Street, Leeds 0.409
Florence St to Bridge Rd roundabout 1.398
Bridge Rd roundabout to N. Maple St., Florence 0.675
N. Maple St., to Hatfield Street 0.963
Hatfield St. to Jackson Street 0.478
Jackson Street to King Street/Railroad tracks 0.680
DCR Mass Central Rail
Trail/Norwottuck
Railroad tracks to Hadley town line 0.902
New Haven & Northampton
Canal Line (Manhan Trail)
Railroad tracks/King Street to Main Street 0.630
Main Street to New South Street 0.590
New South Street to Earle/Grove 0.838
Earle/Grove to Easthamtpton Road/Route 10 0.871
Easthampton Road to Easthampton town line 1.050
Hospital Hill spur Manhan trail to Hospital Hill (not including sidewalks)0.400
The Beaches park sidewalk and multiuse trail easements 0.1
Rocky Hill Greenway (Ice
Pond spur)
Ice Pond to Rocky Hill (not inluding sidewalks)0.290
Total Northampton multiuse trails 10.94
NEW HAVEN & NORTHAMPTON CANAL LINE (MANHAN) 3.4 MILES
Ownership: National Grid (all except downtown)-- city owns easement
Northampton Parks & Recreation Commission (Nagle walkway 2.5 acres)
City of Northampton (NSH Parcel on Earle St)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Registry of Deeds)- city owns
easement acquired when land was owned by Hampshire County
Location: King St (near State St) to Main St (downtown section)
Main St to Old South St (Nagle section)
Roundhouse parking lot (downtown)
New South to box culvert south of Earle St (NSH B4)
Registry of Deeds off ramp
Hebert Avenue (future ramp)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Meters
6/28/1985 B2582, p243
B134, p96
B2634, p331
PB167, p121-1213
Nagle Walkway (2.5 acres)
Plan
Project Agreement
Survey
167Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAcquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Meters
5/15/1990 B3561, p271
PB166, p89
Nagle Walkway: Parking lot right-of-way easement to
Housing Associates (Hampton Court) w/ requirement
they maintain the walkway from Pleasant Street west
to the parking lot.
5/15/1990 B3561, p27
B3561, p279
Nagle Walkway: Easement to Gleason Brothers/
Heldon Trust w/ requirement they maintain park in front
of Gleasons. Unclear effect of reconstructed rail trail
on maintenance obligations.
Easement to National Grid for transformer on
northwest corner of the property (Pleasant and
Gleason building corner)
7/5/1991 B3752, p31
PB171, p36
Nagle Walkway: Easement to Tom Masters with
requirement they maintain area adjacent to restaurant
and clear snow to Main Street.
7/5/1991 P3572, p35 Nagle Walkway transferred to Recreation Commission
11/27/1991 B3834, p265 Nagle Walkway: Easement from Union Square Realty
Trust--Depot
2/4/2004 B6682, p292
B7675, p182
Nagle Walkway: Special Permit and Master Deed for
Strong Block. Required to keep the paved path from
Main Street to Union Station and the steps to Main
Street and to Strong Avenue clear of snow.
6/27/1997 B5144, p152 Donation from Hampshire County (Registry of Deeds)
12/9/1998 B5558, p19 NSH Earle St parcel (22,839 SF for parking lot, reverts
to Commonwealth if not used for transportation)
3/9/2002 PB191, p83-110 State St. to Easthampton
5/31/2002 B6661, p92 Downtown
2/4/2004 B7675, p182 Master deed of Strong Block—Strong Block
responsible for some maintenance of trail
8/11/2005 B8388, p8 Earle/Grove taking from National Grid, O’Connell Oil,
Bay State Gas Company
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Meters
10/26/2005 B8492, p105 Earle/Grove confirmatory deed from O’Connell Oil
10/26/2005 B8942, p108 Earle/Grove sewer easement under Manhan Trail to
O’Connell Oil
11/7/2006 B8940, p175 Searle’s Confirmatory Deed ($3,895.50)
5/15/2007 B9128, p260 King Street $1,085 taking 44.48
8/17/2007 B9238, p237 Housing Authority to City (portion of Round House
parking lot & related land for Manhan Rail Trail)
5/6/2008 B9476, p49 Long/Fisher Deed at Route 10 ($3,300)
5/13/2009 B9806, p150 Taking south of Earle St to Easthampton town line
5/13/2009 B9806, p157 Confirmatory deed $1.00 Mass Electric (CPA funded
check #282898)
5/13/2009 B9806, p162 Confirmatory deed from Frank N. Fournier
5/13/2009 B9806, p165 Surplus land to New England Power
5/13/2009 B9808, p170 Easement Reservation for rail trail
6/15/2009 B9591, p33 Confirmatory deed from Massachusetts Audubon
5/27/2010 B10186, p159 Bike path and access ramp completed
9/21/2011 B10662, p320 Deed northwest corner Hebert/South for future ramp 0.03
168Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe former Hampshire and Hampden Canal (reorganized as the New Haven and Northampton Canal)
was abandoned in 1847 and much of the right-of-way was redeveloped as a railroad. The Manhan
Rail Trail follows this historic right of way from a point mid-way between Earle Street and Route 10 to a
point midway between Route 10.
The Manhan Rail Trail from Earle Street to the Easthampton City line includes $100,000 of Community
Preservation Act assistance ($1.00 for right-of-way from MA Electric and remainder for design and local
construction costs).
Strong Block Condominium is responsible for maintaining paved paths and snow removal from Main
Street to Union Station, including the stairs from Main Street and Strong Avenue, and not encroaching
on the park behind the building.
Includes corner northwest corner Hebert and South as part of future Hebert Ave. Access Ramp.
The portion of the Manhan Rail Trail from Hampton Avenue parking lot to Main Street on the former
railroad right-of-way is the Nagle Walkway, owned by the Northampton Recreation Commission. This
section was purchased with PARC funds and the PARC sign is required.
Site is adjacent to the Historic Mill River for the walkway’s western end. A small park east of Pleasant
Street is maintained by the Gleasons in return for a right-of-way across the park to their building. The
Strong Block is responsible for snow clearance from the Depot parking lot to Main Street.
ROCKY HILL GREENWAY (ICE POND SPUR) 48,529 SQUARE FEET
Ownership: Pathways CoHousing Condominiums & Rocky Hill CoHousing
Condominiums (fee)
Right-of-way: Northampton Conservation Commission
Location: Rocky Hill CoHousing (Florence Road) & Pathways CoHousing (Ice Pond)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Feet
8/5/2004 B7962, p177 Pathways CoHousing (Ice Pond), Order of Taking 24,529
10/14/2004 B8023, p144 Confirmatory deed
11/29/2004 B8082, p258 Rocky Hill (Florence Rd)24,000
11/29/2004 B8082, p274 Rocky Hill subordination
This parcel is 0.6 miles long and serves as a right-of-way for the portion of the bike path that connects
Florence Road, Rocky Hill CoHousing, Pathways CoHousing, Ice Pond Drive, and Route 66.
HOSPITAL HILL SPUR SQUARE FEET
Ownership: Hospital Hill LLC (Village Hill) and Smith College (hospital hill): Fee
Right-of-Way: City through Cons. Commission: hospital hill & outside of Village Hill
City: Beaches Park and inside of Village Hill
Location: Manhan Rail Trail spur on east side of Earle Street to Olander Drive &
within Village Hill
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Feet
8/20/2012 B11014, p250 Right-of-way Olander to Smith College Hospital Hill to
Conservation Commission
8/28/2012 B 11023, p105 592 linear feet right-of-way on Smith College’s Hospital Hill 18,700 sq. ft,
8/28/2013 B11441, p258 Sidewalk and multiuse trail easments across Beaches
Park in Village Hill-- TO CITY
169Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL (NORWOTTUCK)(CITY) 8 ACRES/5 MILES
Ownership: Mass Electric; City of Northampton (Jackson St ramp); WJG Realty
Trust (Stop & Shop); Coolidge Northampton, LLC (Walgreens); Beaver
Brook Nominee Trust (spur to Grove Ave, Leeds)
Right-of-way: City of Northampton
Location: State St to Bridge Rd (Francis P. Ryan section), Bridge Rd to
Williamsburg Town Line (Leeds section), Grove Ave to railroad bed
(Grove Ave/Beaver Brook spur), State St to King St (Stop & Shop
easement), King St to railroad (Walgreens easement), Haydenville Road
(VAMC access easement to trail)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
5/3/1982 B2274, p282 Francis P. Ryan section
5/22/2009 PB220, p91 Jackson St ramp
5/22/2009 PB220, p89-90 Related Safe Routes to School
5/27/2009 B9823, p35 Jackson St ramp, taking Mass Electric
5/27/2009 B9823, p35 Jackson St ramp, taking Polachek
6/9/2009 B9843, p331 Jackson St ramp, confirmatory deed Polachek
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
2004 PB200, p27 Leeds section
6/23/2005 B8314, p46 Taking Leeds (Mass Electric)
5/13/2009 B9806, p180 & 183 Confirmatory, Mass Electric
5/22/2009 PB220, p92 Route 9/Bridge Roundabout & bicycle access
6/2/2009 B9833, p202 Confirmatory, Francis & Linda Sweeney
4/6/2007 B9109, p48 Beaver Brook to Grove Ave right-of-way
LC7, p70 Land Court certified of title 713, Stop & Shop spur
8/14/2008 PB219, p23 Walgreens spur
10/1/2008 B9610, p210 Walgreens spur (as traffic mitigation)
7/8/2009 PB221, p13 Rail trail by Megan O’Brien property
PB223, p50 Survey of Farkas Property, Williamsburg
7/2/2010 B10225, p180 Deed from Laurie Farkas, Williamsburg
10/8/2010 B 10329, p 57 & 62 Farkas propetty to Williiamsburg. City retains
easement
1/23/2013 B11197, p159 VAMC easement for 75 year park-and-ride lot;
connects to trail with access ramp at VAMC
12/13/2013 PB231, p29
B11574, p20
Survey easement S. Main Street, Williamsburg spur
Easement to Northampton and Williamsburg
7/30/2014 B11708, p19
PB 232, p40
Easement from Pan Am Railways for rail trail
underpass
The Norwottuck Rail Trail through the Jackson Street ramp includes Community Preservation Act
assistance ($4,000.00) for right-of-way from Massachusetts Electric and the remainder for design, soft
costs, and non-participating construction costs.
170Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNORWOTTUCK/MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL (STATE) 6 ACRES
Ownership: Massachusetts Department of Conservation Resources
Location: Damon Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
2/6/1985 B2546, p132 Parcel 25A-166 6.01
2/6/1985 B2546, p132 Parcel 25A-167 0
The Norwottuck Rail Trail extends from Woodmont Road in Northampton to Amherst. It provides a
major recreation and transportation route from non-motorized vehicles, especially for those in wheel-
chairs and for pedestrians. It links to the UMass bikeway in Amherst and will eventually link to the
Northampton rail trail network.
VA MEDICAL CENTER PARK-AND-RIDE LOT 3.165 ACRES
Ownership: USA through the Veterans Administration
Location: Haydenville Road/Route 9
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1/23/2013 B11197, p159 75 year easement for park-and-ride lot, including
access from lot to Nowottuck/Mass Central Rail Trail
3.175
The Park-and-Ride Lot serves as one of the largest no-cost parking along the Norwottuck/MassCentral
Rail Trail and includes access to the rail trail with a pedestrain phase crossing Route 9.
171Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan5.2: NON-PERMANENTLY PROTECTED
BRIDGE STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ownership: City
Management: School Department
Location:
Equipment: Outdoor: basketball court, some swings
Facilities: Limited outdoor recreational and playground facilities.
ELLERBROOK RECREATION AREA, 15.49 ACRES
Ownership: City of Northampton (acquired for general City use)
Location: Burts Pit Road and Route 66
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
1994 Chapters 86 & 307 Acts of 1994 (known as Parcel C)
12/9/1998 B5558, p19 Transfer documents to City 15.49
Two softball fields and one soccer field. The property is not dedicated to recreation use and could be
converted to other uses (e.g., future elementary school site and/or fire sub-station) if those are ever
needed to accommodate new growth in this area of the town.
CLEAR FALLS RECREATION CENTER 73 ACRES
Ownership: Private (use by membership only)
Location: Drury Lane
Located in the extreme southwest corner of Northampton, this recreation area offers swimming,
picnicking, and nature trails for hiking. It also has a field house, snack bar, and picnicking shelters.
With a moderate level of use, this area attracts residents from throughout the region. As of 2005, the
property was currently on the market for sale.
DRIVING RANGE
Ownership: Private
Location: Haydenville Rd
A practice driving range for golf, this facility receives medium summer use by residents throughout the
region. It also has a snack bar. As a commercial facility, a fee is required for admission.
ROBERT K. FINN RYAN ROAD SCHOOL 18.2 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: School Department (building use), Recreation Department (field use)
Location: Ryan Rd
Equipment: Outdoor: playground, five ball diamonds, soccer field, skating area; Indoor:
gymnasium with six basketball hoops, four volleyball nets; locker rooms w/shower
facilities; Bike racks, drinking water, first aid facilities
172Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanBoth indoor and outdoor facilities are available on this 15-acre school site that receives medium-heavy,
year-round school, neighborhood, and citywide use. The rear wooded area could be utilized for some
form of outdoor recreation or nature education.
FLORENCE COMMUNITY CENTER (former Florence Grammar School) 2.5 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: School Department, leased to Property Committee
Location:
Equipment: Outdoor: limited playground, blacktop play area
This former grammar school (closed in 1992) is now a City alternative high school with some of the
inside space serving as a community center.
HAMPSHIRE YMCA 4.3 ACRES
Ownership: YMCA (use by membership or fees)
Location: Massasoit St
This facility is utilized on a region-wide basis. It offers racquetball, basketball, volleyball, and swimming
(two pools). It has a sauna, steam room, and fitness center. It is used heavily year-round.
KEYES FIELD
Ownership: Florence Savings Bank
Location: Keyes St at Northampton Bike Path
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
3/8/2000 B5906, p326 Declaration of Open Space Restriction
This field is protected by the covenants, “as open space with reasonable access to the public for
passive use and enjoyment under reasonable conditions.”
JACKSON STREET SCHOOL 7.2 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: School Department (building use), Recreation Department (field use)
Location:
Equipment: Outdoor: extensive playground equipment, two ball diamonds, one soccer/football field, one
touch football field, two basketball courts; Indoor: gymnasium with six basketball hoops, gymnastics equip-
ment, bleachers for 175 people; Parking, bike racks, showers, drinking water, supervision, first aid facilities
This elementary school site offers both indoor and outdoor recreational facilities that are heavily
used by the school and the neighborhood. The site also offers the City’s first “adventure playground”
(wooden play apparatus), constructed by volunteers. The wooded area on site could possibly provide
outdoor education or nature study activities.
JFK MIDDLE SCHOOL 15 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: School Department (building use), Recreation Department (field use)
Location: Florence St, Leeds
Equipment: Outdoor: two ball diamonds, three soccer fields, football field; Indoor: pool,
gymnasium, six basketball hoops, two volleyball nets; Bike racks, showers, drinking water
Heavily used primarily by the school, this site contains both indoor and outdoor facilities. The facilities are
in generally good condition; however, recurring problems with neighbors have limited the use of this site.
173Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanLEEDS MEMORIAL 1.6 ACRES
Ownership: City
Maintenance: DPW
Location: Florence St, opposite Leeds School
A small, grassed area, this site contains memorials. It is used by Leeds residents. This park has a
memorial, but it is not appropriate for additional memorials. However, benches would increase its
potential for use.
LEEDS SCHOOL 9.3 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: School Department (building use), Recreation Department (field use)
Location: Florence St, Leeds
Equipment: Outdoor: playground, ball diamond, skating area, soccer field; Indoor: gymnasium with
two basketball hoops, two volleyball nets, pull-up bars; auditorium; Parking, bike racks, supervision,
first aid facilities
This 9.3-acre site contains both indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. It is used year-round by the
school, local neighborhoods, and residents city-wide. This site is large enough to be redesigned to accom-
modate other types of field layouts, although some site work would be necessary due to sloping terrain.
NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER (former South St. School)
Ownership: City
Management: Northampton Community Music Center
Location: Florence St, Leeds
This former elementary school is now used by the Music Center for music education. The parcel
includes a small tot lot and access from South Street to the adjoining Veterans Field Recreation Area.
NORTHAMPTON COUNTRY CLUB
Ownership: Private
Location: Main St, Leeds
This private golf club offers its members a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, and clubhouse. The
establishment receives medium use during the golfing season by residents throughout the region.
NORTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL 23 ACRES
Ownership: City
Management: School Department (building use), Recreation Department (field use)
Location:
Equipment: Outdoor: playground, two storage buildings, three ball diamonds, soccer field, field,
hockey field, two grassed gym fields, track, lacrosse field, bleachers, concession stand; Indoor:
gymnasium, universal gym, bleachers, basketball hoops, auditorium
This large school site offers both indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. It is used heavily by the
school (physical education and interscholastic sports) and by residents citywide. Outdoor facilities are
used very heavily in the spring, summer, and fall, depending on the sport season. Ramps and special
toilet facilities are available for the handicapped. A small triangular, grassed area is located directly
across from the High School. It serves as an informal park, although there are no facilities.
174Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNORTHAMPTON REVOLVER CLUB 34.3 ACRES
Ownership: Northampton Revolver Club, Inc
Location: Ryan Rd
The Club offers indoor and outdoor target shooting facilities to members from throughout the region.
OXBOW MARINA 56.1 ACRES
Ownership: Private
Location: Island Rd, CT; Oxbow River
The Marina is a commercial facility, offering boat rentals, storage, and mooring facilities; tennis, swimming,
and horseshoes. Utilized on a region wide basis, this facility receives heavy summer use. Fees are
charged. The Marina allows one of Northampton’s soccer leagues to use their fields during the summer.
PEOPLES INSTITUTE 1.5 ACRES
Ownership: Peoples Institute
Location: Gothic Street
This facility offers arts and crafts classes, educational programs, and summer day camps for elemen-
tary age children. The facility includes a dance floor and an outdoor pool. Fees are charged.
PINE GROVE GOLF COURSE 132.3 ACRES
Ownership: Private
Location: Old Wilson Rd
With an 18-hole golf course and field house, this facility is open to members as well as non-members
for a fee. Level of use is medium to heavy throughout the golf season. It also offers cross-country
skiing in the winter. The facility has a regional-use population.
SMITH COLLEGE MILL RIVER, PARADISE POND, ARBORETUM, & ATHLETIC FIELDS
Ownership: Smith College
Location: Smith College, Mill River, West St
This recreational area is part of the Smith College campus and receives heavy use by both students
and area residents (with permission). Facilities include playfields, track and field, tennis courts,
rowboats, and ice-skating. It includes a heavily used foot trail from Paradise Pond to the northern edge
of Smith College, along Mill River. The trail then continues to Ward Avenue and Federal Street.
SMITH SCHOOL V.A. PARCEL/FORESTRY STUDIES 182.1 ACRES
Ownership: City/Smith Vocational School
Location: Haydenville Rd
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
3/4/1958 B1267, p217
4/30/1987 B2961, p193
The Smith Vocational School for Forestry Studies uses this large wooded site. The site contains an
informal trail that could be used to link to a proposed northern corridor trail. It also contains land that
could allow an extension of that trail to Route 9. It has been suggested in the past that part of this
property be used for a future high school site and some of it for affordable housing. Others have
indicated a desire to keep this as permanent open space for use by the Smith School.
175Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSMITH VOCATIONAL & AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL 78.9 ACRES
Ownership: City/ Trustees of Smith Vocational School
Recreation Department manages tennis courts and fields
Location: Locust St
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
12/22/1845 Box 249, #2 Will of Oliver Smith
12/22/1905 B601, p287 Deed
Equipment: Outdoor: eight tennis courts, soccer field, two ball fields (in construction by students);
Indoor: gymnasium, universal gym, six basketball hoops
This site contains the Smith Vocational School, the original core farm, tennis courts, and recreation
fields. It also contains a public farm trail.
This site is used heavily by the school for physical education classes and interscholastic sports and
by residents citywide throughout the school year. With a two-acre field area and indoor facility, it offers
both outdoor and indoor recreational activities. There are handicap accessible facilities. There is also
a large wetland on the south side of the property. The land immediately west of the developed part of
the Smith Vocational School campus is currently used for agriculture (primarily grazing land with a farm
trail constructed in 1993).
SOUTH MAIN STREET AND BERKSHIRE TERRACE
Ownership: City
Maintenance: DPW
Location:
This is a small, grassed corner lot with no facilities.
TRINITY ROW 0.5 ACRES
Ownership: City
Maintenance: DPW
Location: Florence
This is an ornamental, open space street park, containing a foundation and various memorials. This
site receives light, year-round, local neighborhood use. Benches could increase its potential for use.
TRI-COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 42 ACRES
Ownership: Hampshire, Franklin, & Hampden Agricultural Society
Location: Old Ferry Rd, Fair Rd, Bridge St
The Fairgrounds receive heavily regional use during the fair and racing season. This facility contains
an exhibition area, race track (horse), baseball field, playfields, picnic area, and a field house.
FORMER VERNON STREET SCHOOL
Ownership: City
Management:
Location:
Equipment:
This is a former school that includes playground equipment used by the surrounding neighborhoods.
176Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanVFW MEMORIAL
Ownership: City
Location: Center of Florence
A small park with a fountain and memorial. It is lightly used by Florence residents.
177Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan5.3: PRESERVATION RESTRICTIONS
ACADEMY OF MUSIC, MAIN STREET
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/10/1986 B2826, p49 City owned property, MHC holds PR
DAVID RUGGLES CENTER, 225 NONOTUCK ST.
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
8/28/2009 B9948, p215 Committee for Northampton owned property, City/MHC
held CR ($15,000 CPA funds)
FLORENCE GRAMMER SCHOOL, 140 PINE ST.
Ownership: Forty Main Street, Inc
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (local agreement not MGL 184) to
City of Northampton, through Historical Commission
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
8/22/2013 B11434, p84 Condition of institutional zoning incentive
HATFIELD STREET SCHOOL, 52 HATFIELD ST.
Ownership: Private
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (City has right to enforce)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/22/2002 B6843, p211
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 99 MAIN ST.
Ownership: Hamphsire Council of Governments
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (MHC has right to enforce)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
10/02/2011 B10674, p212 Five year PR to 10/3/2016
HISTORIC NORTHAMPTON, 46, 58 & 66 BRIDGE ST.
Ownership: Northampton Historical Society d/b/a Historic Northampton
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (City has right to enforce)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
03/06/2015 B11882, p301 Preservation Restriction held by City of Northampton
178Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTHE MANSE, 54 PROSPECT ST. THE MANSE, 54 PROSPECT ST.
Ownership: Private
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (Stewards of the Manse has right to
enforce)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
B3198, p91 Preservation Restriction held by Stewards of the
Manse
MASONIC STREET FIRE STATION, 60 MASONIC ST.
Ownership: Private (Media Education Foundation)
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (City has right to enforce)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/28/2002 B6696, P48 Deed with City retained Preservation Restriction
4/10/2007 B9093, P205 Reference to Preservation Restriction
7/25/2002 B6724, P42 Reference to Preservation Restriction- back building
WEST FARMS CHAPEL, WEST FARMS ROAD
Ownership: Private
Protection: Preservation Restriction Agreement (City has right to enforce)
Acquisition History
Date Book, page or other Description Acres
6/29/1987 B3007, p250-252 Historic preservation restriction
5.4: OTHER AGREEMENTS & EASEMENTS
Acquisition History and Development Agreement conditions
Date Book, page or other Description of Development Agreement
9/9/2004 B7982, p197
200-206 King Street
Be compatible with residential neighborhood: No pornographic uses;
New buildings will be a minimum of 2 stories; Upper floors only be
used for housing; all for as long as zoning is GB or HB.
3/4/2005 Agreement: B8180, p119 Developer PAID $150,000 for design N.King/Hatfield intersection.
Rezoned to HB for River Valley Market.
Acquisition History and Drainage Easements
Date Book, page or other Description
10/10/2007
12/14/2007
B9291, p7
B9349, p103
Microcal, 22 Industrial Dr. E
Site plan decision
Drainage Easement to City (Board of Public Works)
7/11/2006 B8802, p131
MGM Real Estate, North St.
by Norwottuck Rail Trail
Drainage Easement to City (Cons. Com)
179Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCONSERVATION AREA SIGNAGE STANDARDS
Use area names listed in the OSRP plan. Where areas are within greenways or larger conservation
groupings, the overall area should be listed in front of the specific title (example: Meadows
Conservation Area, Montview Section). Signs should be located at trailheads where applicable; facing
the nearest roadway in a central location if the area has no trails.
1. Signs are local Black Locust (prefer) or FSC-certified ipe, 48 inches in length, 6 inches high,
and 1 inch deep, with tropical oil finish. Signs should be sanded prior to application of finish.
Letters are 2.75 inches in height, routed to a depth of 1/16 inch, with a ¼ inch thickness.
Fonts do not include serifs. Letters are finished with pigmented encaustic epoxy fill in an off
white color.
2. Signs must also include a 4.5 inch diameter circle, routed to a depth of 1/16 inch following the
sign name, for placement of appropriate metal logos of the city and its partners.
3. Install signs on 8 foot lengths of pressure treated “4x4,” painted brown, set four feet into the
ground and firmly backfilled. Sign posts are set 3 feet six inches measured on center. Signs
are installed 4 inches from the top of the posts. Signs are rear-mounted, with no hardware
installed through the face of the sign.
MULTI-USE TRAILS
180Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan6 Community Vision
OPEN SPACE, RECREATION, & MULTIUSE TRAIL GOALS
Northampton is endowed with a diverse natural and cultural environment, which provides
scenic vistas, opportunity for passive and active recreation, and a wide variety of plant and
animal habitats, including habitats for rare and endangered species. Northampton residents
want to preserve and enhance these resources, but they also acknowledge that resources
are limited and that open space and recreation goals are sometimes in conflict with other
community goals.
Major goals are to:
• Manage conservation lands to preserve natural systems and be user friendly
• Preserve the city’s most ecologically valuable areas
• Open space to serve people
• Preserve farmland
• Support agricultural operations to ensure farmers for farmland
• Ensure adequate land for active recreation
• Improve parks and recreation areas to serve active recreation needs
• Maintain existing parks and recreation areas
• Develop multi-use trails for easy public access
• Convert unloved pavement to beloved parks
• Honor history in the landscape
• Improve public awareness of all of these resources
This plan builds on earlier Open Space, Recreation, and Multiuse Trail Plans
(1975, 1980, 1985, 1989, 1994, 2000, 2005, and 2011) and the Sustainable Northampton
Comprehensive Plan (2008).
181Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan7 Analysis of Needs
RESOURCE PROTECTION, COMMUNITY, & MANAGEMENT NEEDS
For three decades, Northampton and its partners
have protected over 0.5% of the city annually as
open space. Over 25% of the City is now (2018)
permanently protected open space.
During numerous public forums, the City heard
citizen open space and recreation hopes and
aspirations. Adopting and endorsing boards and
their staff have addressed this public process
and past plans by identifying the following needs:
1. Provide recreation opportunities through-
out the city, and especially revitalizing and
expanding tired recreation areas.
2. Link and expand existing open space
to provide passive recreation, wildlife
movement between natural habitats, and
climate changed induced migrations.
3. Protect of vistas and viewsheds.
4. Protect of a range of critical and
natural plant and animal habitats, including
wetlands, rare and endangered species
habitat, and riparian lands along the
Connecticut, Mill, and Manhan Rivers and
other rivers and streams.
5. Preserve of open space parcels that help
define Northampton’s character, including
parcels at city entrances and gateways.
6. Protect of farmland, forestland, and the
rural character of outlying areas.
7. Protect Northampton, Easthampton,
and Hatfield drinking water supply water-
shed and aquifer lands.
8. Provide access to open space resources
especially for environmental justice popula-
tions/low and moderate income areas.
9. Ensure development is sensitive to ecologi-
cal resources, vistas, and open space.
10. Serve the needs of those with disabilities
in public open space.
11. Ensure fish and informal swimming
opportunities throughout the City.
12. Protect Smith Vocational agricultural
and forestry lands, including some of the
oldest trees in the city at the former at the
Veterans Administration Medical Center.
13. Protect of key parcels in the last
remaining large undeveloped areas of
town – Broad Brook and Beaver Brook
Watersheds, Parsons Brook Greenway,
Marble Brook Greenway, Saw Mill Hills,
Mineral Hills, and the Meadows.
14. Provide a wider diversity of recreation
facilities, especially indoor facilities.
15. Better maintain recreational areas.
16. Develop more multi-use trails and
bicycle linkages of all kinds to provide
access to active and passive recreation,
create healthy lifestyles and provide
alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.
2017 STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN (SCORP)
The Massachusetts Executive Office of
Energy and Environmental Affairs Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(SCORP) identifies critical recreation needs,
based on available facilities, current and future
demand, and user surveys. This profile of
needs are used by communities for planning and
when applying for grants under the Land and
Water Conservation Fund and state LAND and
PARC programs.
Regional needs are useful as indicators, not
specific and absolute predictors. The intent was
not to create a set of imperatives but to supply
communities with statewide and regional data
that should be considered and perhaps modified
by particular local needs.
182Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanAt both the state and the regional level, the
SCORP identifies unmet needs for trail-based
activities, especially non-motorized uses such
as walking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing,
various types of field sports, and water-based
activities, especially swimming.
As part of our focus on environmental justice
populations, we also note difference in needs
among ethnic groups, especially specific needs
around field sports and active recreation.
Given our increased focus on how recreation
can encourage a healthy lifestyle, this focus on
active recreation in especially important.
Finally, we noted the slightly different needs
for people with disabilities. Northampton has
made enormous progress in creating accessible
playground structures and multi-use trails, but
we continue to seek to address all passive and
recreation needs.
These needs, and the entire SCORP, was
considered in creating this plan. In addition, the
SCORP is consulted for every city LAND and
PARC grant application.
RECREATION & CONSERVATION NEEDS
With limited resources, maintenance of existing
municipal facilities has become a challenge. We
are exploring new partnerships with leagues and
user groups to address the challenges.
1. Maintain existing facilities.
2. Continue to cooperate with Look Park
and non-municipal recreation providers to
meet Northampton’s recreation needs.
3. Meet the special recreation needs
of the elderly, environmental justice
populations, and those with disabilities.
NORTHAMPTON RESOURCE PROTECTION NEEDS
To address significant threats to natural
resources, plant and animal habitats, and the
environmental health of the City, especially from
climate change, the city needs to:
1. Protect critical habitats and link open
space.
2. Protect critical and productive habitats,
including wetlands, rare and endangered
species habitats, wildlife corridors, and
riparian corridors.
3. Protect a range of natural habitat types,
including riparian (riverfront) habitat,
farmland, forest, and vernal pools.
4. Protect Northampton, Easthampton and
Hatfield’s drinking water supply watershed
and aquifer land.
5. Work with partners to ensure protection
of resources that cross political boundaries
by working with partners.
183Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe following are policies, objectives, and actions that were adopted by the Northampton Planning
Board and endorsed by City Council and other boards as part of the City’s primary planing document,
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan. These goals and public sentiment generally were
determined from an extensive public participation process. A survey was sent to every residential
address in the city as part of the annual City Census and evaluated those results. The city held dozens
of public sessions and several public forums, including one specifically targeted for environmental
justice populations and used three separate outside consultants (AIA SDAT, Walt Cudnohufsky, and the
Cecil Group) to ensure that the city accurately judged community values and goals.
All of these goals shown (below) have major or minor impacts on open-space and recreation.
Sustainable Northampton has other goals and objectives that are not relevant and are not repeated here.
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
Goal LU-1: Direct changes and improvements
in accordance with the Future Land Use Map
1. Before developing rural areas, and
after allowing for green space within
densely developed areas, encourage
infill development of vacant and under
utilized land in and around downtown and
in existing denser developed areas. This
includes places such as village centers
or areas that are currently zoned and
targeted for development, such as the
Business Park.
2. Locate housing within walking distances
along safe paths, or with bicycle access,
to and from neighborhood commercial
areas, parks and recreation, schools, and
public transportation.
Goal LU-2: Create and preserve high quality,
built environments in the downtown and village
centers
1. Add parks, greenspace and appropriate
agriculture on city-owned land or on larger
infill development parcels where possible,
to keep urban and village centers attractive.
2. Encourage and create incentives
to enable well-designed and desired
development to occur in downtown and
other more densely developed locations
or in targeted growth zones. These
incentives should also work to maintain
the distinctions and historic precedents
that define those areas.
3. Define and support a critical mass of
retail, cultural, and office space.
Goal LU-3: Maintain a distinction between
rural areas, residential neighborhoods, and
urban areas
1. Housing projects that are built in rural
areas should be cluster development
types, leaving more open land, with
designs that allow for a variety of housing
options.
2. Preserve the character of rural areas
through preservation of large undeveloped
tracts, vistas, and farmland.
4. Implement ideas for maximizing density
on small lots.
6. Create Northampton neighborhoods
that provide pedestrian scales,
connections to goods and services, and
connections to multiple modes of travel.
7. Ensure that zoning and land use
regulations encourage mixed-use,
multi-family development projects that
are in keeping with high quality design
and a character that transitions into the
surrounding neighborhood.
8. Ensure that expansion of commercial
8 Goals & Objectives
184Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planparcels into residential areas coincides
with road infrastructure improvements
that enhance the value of the
abutting residential uses and improve
neighborhood character.
Goal LU-4: Preserve and encourage
agricultural uses in designated areas, such as
the Meadows
1. Maintain the primarily open and
agricultural nature of the Meadows as it
exists, with no new residential lots and no
significant increase in residential density.
2. Continue to allow flooding of the
Meadows for restoration of the soils for
farming, and preserve the floodplain
storage capacity of the Meadows as
a means to prevent other areas and
neighborhoods from flooding.
3. Support the economic viability of
farming within the City, preserving scenic,
ecological, and environmental benefits for
the City as whole. The City should support
farming through allocation of resources
and infrastructure investments.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE PROTECTION
Goal EEC-1: Reduce community’s and
City’s energy demand and natural resource
consumption
The City’s objectives emphasize education and
promotion of “green” policies. Actions will be taken to
promote awareness on both public and private lev-
els including increases in energy efficiency, encour-
agement of green development, use of energy from
renewable sources, a campaign for the purchase
of local goods, waste management reform, and
the reconstitution of a Transportation Commission.
Waste management, transportation, and locally
produced products relate directly to the open space
plan as reforms in these areas will reduce impact on
and enhance surrounding landscape.
Goal EEC-2: Reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases (GHG)
Positive effects on open space will be realized
through reforms in transportation, future land use
concerning vehicular traffic, and public aware-
ness of strategies for lessening emissions.
Goal EEC-3: Protect valuable and sensitive
ecological resources (land, air, water, habitat,
plants, & animals)
1. Prioritize and preserve quality wetlands
by encouraging development in densely
populated areas and in clusters.
2. Protect and conserve water supplies
(drinking, surface, groundwater, recharge
areas, aquifers) and continue to enforce
groundwater protection regulations.
3. Conserve wetlands with programs to
ensure no net loss of total wetlands (existing
area of approximately 3,000 acres).
4. Preserve floodplains for flood storage
and, where appropriate, habitat values.
5. Preserve existing forests, floodplains,
wetlands, and agricultural soils of high
ecological value.
6. Protect rare and endangered plants and
animals and important wildlife corridors.
7. Improve the quality and appearance of
the public water supply.
8. Recognize that the protection of
environmental resources will improve the
quality of life and the value of property in
the City.
9. Minimize the loss of tree canopy
throughout the City and increase tree
canopy in urbanized areas to maintain a
higher quality environment in all areas.
185Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal EEC-4: Minimize the impacts of
infrastructure systems on environmental
resources
1. Implement regulations that include
measures for soil erosion and sediment
control.
2. Encourage and enforce low impact
development designs.
3. Develop an inventory of roadways and
facilities in environmentally sensitive areas
and reduce the use of sand, salts or other
de-icing chemicals for their maintenance.
4. Reuse brownfield sites.
Goal EEC-5: Safeguard and improve the
quality of the City’s surface waters to ensure
use for safe public swimming, recreational
fishing activities, boating, and drinking
1. Ensure landside land alterations do not
adversely impact surface waters.
2. Ensure waterfront property owners
comply with regulations and upgrade
environmental controls.
3. Ensure safe, high quality, recreational
waters are available to all residents.
4. Protect quality of backup drinking water
supply located in City reservoir.
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION
Goal OS-1: Maximize use of the City’s open
space and recreation areas
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.
Goal OS-2: Expand open space and recreation
areas
1. Acquire land for recreation,
conservation and open space needs,
preservation of plant and animal habitat,
protection of scenic vistas, public
enjoyment, and to enhance the character
and sustainability of the community.
2. Preserve and expand City holdings
of open space and wild lands, as well as
open land in developed areas, including
densely developed areas.
3. Use open space and recreation to
ensure that the urban and village centers
are attractive places to live, work, and visit.
4. Make more natural areas available
for public use as long as watershed land
access does not threaten water supplies.
5. Acquire land and build facilities to meet
the needs for adult and youth athletic and
recreation and school teams.
Goal OS-3: Preserve natural and cultural
resources and the environment
1. Preserve the character of rural areas,
farms, forests, and rivers.
2. Manage conservation properties to
restore plant and animal habitats.
3. Preserve the environment and cultural
and natural resources through land and
easements and regulation changes.
4. Protect important ecological resources,
including surface and groundwater
resources, plant communities, and wildlife
habitat.
5. Preserve ecological linkages and wildlife
corridors, especially water-based linkages.
186Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan6. Have the City lead in protecting
architectural and cultural history.
7. Consistently apply the criteria for
preservation of the environment and
resources across all neighborhoods
and areas.
Goal OS-4: Provide open space connections
between public spaces
1. Identify ‘greenway’ and ‘blueway’
connections that could provide pedestrian,
bicycle, and boat access between open
space areas.
2. Use the connections to also link
business areas where they can support
the pedestrian/biking connections.
3. Improve connections to open spaces
for all individuals so they are universally
accessible. Operate with sound and
explicit standards, guidelines, criteria, and
administrative procedures.
HERITAGE & HISTORIC RESOURCES
Goal HR-1: Protect and preserve the City’s
heritage resources
1. Educate and inform decision makers
and the community about heritage
resources.
2. Protect the heritage resources from
degradation or destruction by public or
private actions or inactions.
Goal H-1: Create new housing
1. Provide developers with options that
allow them to build at higher densities
in return for creating more affordable
housing units.
2. Utilize green and sustainable design
funding opportunities for affordable
housing.
3. Expand the range of options for
detached housing, such as cottage
housing development to increase density
in designated locations.
187Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe City, through the boards adopting and endorsing this plan, has identified the
following actions to address the goals and needs outlined in this plan. This action plan includes actions
that would be desirable over the next seven years.
All actions are consistent with the City’s commitment to fully comply with Title IX, Americans with
Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board.
PRIORITIZING OBJECTIVES
Primary Objectives
Plans and needs evolve over time. These
objectives help staff and the boards establish
priorities.
The primary conservation objectives are pro-
tecting natural resources, creating greenway
networks and linkages of open spaces and
trails, and maintaining the City’s landscape and
character. Conservation evaluative criteria:
• Agricultural features such as open fields,
prime agricultural soils, scenic views of
agricultural property, active agricultural
use, historical agricultural uses, and
agricultural structures.
• Location of the parcel in relationship to
other protected land.
• Ability to contribute to needed civic space
near village centers or recreational areas.
• Ability to serve environmental justice
populations or under-served areas.
• Proximity to sensitive environmental
resources, including drinking water
sources, wetlands, ponds, lakes,
streams, steep slopes, unique geological
features, significant vegetative and
wildlife habitat or wildlife corridors
(especially for rare or endangered
species).
The primary recreation objectives are protecting
community health and character, providing
high quality recreation opportunities, especially
for underserved areas and populations, and
improving accessibility to recreation. Recreation
evaluative criteria:
• Opportunities for new or expanded
connections to existing trail networks
for alternative transportation, walking,
hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and
other recreational opportunities.
• Public access to water, including
recreational access to the waterfront.
• Opportunity for a safe, usable, and
accessible park and recreation space.
• Opportunity for affordable and accessible
spectator and participatory events.
Secondary Objectives
Landowners, land trusts, developers, and other
partners may approach the City with conservation
or recreation opportunities that have not been
identified as primary objectives. These opportuni-
ties can be incorporated into life estates, bargain
sales, charitable donations, and large-scale
developments. These projects may have regional
significance: provide access to special or unique
natural and cultural resources; have potential
as multi-use corridors; provide recreational
opportunities and access to amenities or desti-
nations (e.g., parks, downtown and villages, and
schools); enhance an area that encompasses a
unique or representative biologic community; or
have local support (e.g., project is as a priority on
a strategic plan).
9 Seven-Year Action Plan
188Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan1 Manage Conservation Land to
Preserve Natural Systems and
be User-Friendly
Resources: All of these items are to be coordi-
nated by Planning staff, funded with city ordinary
maintenance and staff time, volunteer labor,
Conservation fund endowment income, grants and
fund-raising, and community preservation funds.
Timing: On-going over entire plan period.
Actions
1. Planning staff to implement management
plans, including Fitzerald Lake Dam, and maintain
all conservation areas for habitat improvement
and for visitors, including those with disabilities.
Planning staff is authorized to maintain these
areas consistent with the plan. Maintain trails,
facilities, and improvements, walk property
boundaries annually, and develop and work with
volunteers and management partners. When
possible, restore natural systems.
2. More agriculture on conservation land. Staff,
with policy input from the Agriculture Commission,
is authorized to license and lease agriculture fields
in conservation areas and to expand agriculture
when possible. These include (but are not limited
to): five parcels within the Connecticut River
Greenway/Meadows (Damon Road, Potash/
Manhan, Cross Path, Montview Avenue, and
Former Jail Farm), Mineral Hills (Sylvester Road),
and Broad Brook Greenway (Linseed Road)
3. Aggressive invasive removal with
a volunteer component when exotics and
non-native invasive plants compete with local
plants and degrade animal habitat. Planning staff
will coordinate along volunteer and other land
management partners.
4. Develop a ONE Northampton trail
that encircles the city, building on existing trails,
adding trails where there are gaps, with a good
treadway, consistent signing. ONE Northampton
should be an easily identifiable trail and attract
more people for long walks.
5. Make accessibility improvements
on conservation land, both improving existing
accessible boardwalks and trails and adding new
accessible trails, benches, and picnic tables.
2 Preserve the City’s Most
Ecologically Valuable Areas
As of 2018, 25% of Northampton, of which
about 20% includes some of the most eco-
logically valuable land, has been preserved.
Preservation efforts should continue, prioritized
on ecological values and on contribution to the
City’s broader land use goals. Land preserva-
tion may be done by Conservation Commission
ownership of land (fee-simple), or of conser-
vation restrictions and agriculture preservation
restrictions (less-than-fee). Ownership is
generally prioritized because it provides man-
agement rights and appropriate public access,
but less-than-fee preservation is appropriate in
many cases, especially when useful to preserve
working lands.
Resources to fund: LAND, Land and Water
Conservation Fund, and other federal, state, and
foundation grants, Community Preservation Act
funds, city funds, and community fund-raising.
Timing: On-going over entire plan period.
Actions
1. Analyze fiscal impacts of open space,
evaluating the marginal costs of providing
services, the financial benefits and costs of open
space, and the overall costs and benefits.
2. Ensure new building lots are developed to
prevent open space from
3. Strengthen partnerships for improved
efficacy, including Kestrel Land Trust (most
areas), Mass Audubon Society (Rocky Hill and
SEVEN-YEAR ACTION PLAN
The Action Plan builds on the 12 goals identified in the Community Vision (outlined earlier).
189Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planportions of the Meadows), and Meadows City
Conservation Coalition (Ward 3 Meadows and
Connecticut River Greenway) for coordinated
fund-raising and land preservation and with the
partner holding conservation restrictions, at no
cost to the city, on City conservation areas.
4 Preserve ecologically valuable
land and fill gaps between protected
land, including but not limited to:
Beaver Brook Greenway expansion,
especially land near the brook. This includes
valuable ecologically land behind the Roman
Catholic cemetery.
Broad Brook-Fitzgerald Lake Greenway
expansion, especially along the brook, extending
the conservation area and filling gaps between
conservation area units.
Mill River and Historic Mill River
Greenway, along the entire length of the Mill
River, including the Historic Mill River through
downtown Northampton, key tributaries, and
the Northampton State Hospital area adjacent
to the river. This is the historical industrial and
population heart of the city and one of the most
valuable ecological resources in the city.
Saw Mill Hills and Mineral Hills, including
Marble Brook and the Glendale Road area
expand preservation along these two ranges,
which extend from Williamsburg to Easthampton.
Connecting all of the gaps and missing teeth,
acquiring all of the ridge and the vernal pools
and buffers to the vernal pools is the top priority.
Parsons Brook Greenway, including West
Farms and Park Hill Road. Preserve land to pro-
vide ecological and human connection between
protected land at the Saw Mill and Mineral Hills
to Easthampton along Parsons Brook and the
nearby farm and woodland. These seemingly
disparate parcels of conservation and restricted
land are connected ecologically and can be
better connected along waterways (for wildlife)
and high points (for human trails).
Rocky Hill Greenway including the corridor
from the existing Rocky Hill Greenway at Routes
10 and 66, to the Burts Bog Greenway.
Connecticut River Greenway and
Meadows Conservation Area, including the corri-
dor along the Connecticut River and the adjacent
floodplain. This includes the greenway from the
Coolidge Bridge to Hatfield, the area immediately
adjacent to existing protected holdings at the
Conte National Fish and Wildlife Preserve and
the Aracadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Preservation
should include agriculture preservation restric-
tions of privately owned farmland.
3 Open Space
to Serve People
Conservation is primarily about preserving
natural systems, but providing opportunities
for users, in parks, recreation areas, and even
in conservation areas to the extent those
opportunities do not significantly degrade natural
systems, is critical.
Resources to fund: Grants, city staff time,
in-kind resources, volunteer efforts.
Timing: On-going over entire plan period.
Actions
1. Ensure open space within walking
distance of all urban neighborhoods. This
provides access for the public, promotes nature
appreciation, active and passive recreation, and
improved public health. This is a critical part of
the city’s equity goals.
2. Focus on serving environmental justice
populations. In addition to providing open space
within walking distance, concentrations of low
income populations without access to cars also
need culturally appropriate sports and community
gardens within walking distance of their need or,
when bike share is available, within biking distance.
3. Develop new partnerships, whether for
trail improvements or potential green burials on
conservation land. These opportunities serve a
wider variety of stakeholders, lower city costs,
190Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planprovide new opportunities, and build social
connection to open space.
4. Allow snowmobile use on Burgy Bullets
and Turkey Hill Road IF management partners
are available. Both areas have long and unin-
terrupted history of snowmobile use. The Burgy
Bullets do a superb stewardship job and trail
should remain open as long as this stewardship
continues. Turkey Hill Road suffers from more
abuse. This trail on the road should only remain
open if a responsible steward takes responsibility
for maintaining the trail and keeping users on it.
5. Maintain the “Jeep Eater” jeep trail
and extend it easterly, while managing to protect
conservation values. This trail predates city
ownership by decades and is generally well
stewarded. The trail should remain open as long
as the stewardship continues if the stewards
can get keep users on the rocky trail and not
into nearby wet areas. The city should acquire
the portion of the trail on private land east of
the current conservation land to expand and
husband the trail and protect the land.
6. The Conservation Commission
should discuss the hunting framework in
future public hearings. During the public con-
versation on this plan, the issue of expanding
Open Space in Walking Distance
191Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planhunting opportunities on conservation land
was the only subject where no consensus or
compromise emerged. As a result, the plan
makes no recommendation about hunting
and the issue remains with the Conservation
Commission, which is charged with regulation
the use of conservation land. Hunting is
currently allowed at Rainbow Beach and bow
hunting is allowed at Beaver Brook Greenway.
Hunters, their families, friends, and supporters
have advocated for more hunting opportunities,
advocating that all residents should have
the opportunity to use conservation areas in
non-destructive ways. Hunting opponents have
strongly opposed any new hunting, raising
issues of safety, noise, and use conflicts.
When the Conservation Commission takes this
up, they might want to consider the following as
they work on a framework:
• Hunting is not appropriate in areas with
high visitation and near dense residential
areas, including for example Burts Bog,
Broad Brook-Fitzgerald Lake, Mill River
Greenway, Mineral Hills, Parsons Brook
and Saw Mill Hills.
• The community is perception is polarized
more than any other issue in this plan
with disagreement on even basic facts
(how noisy is hunting in terms of number
of shots fired, is hunting consistent with
conservation, does inclusiveness mean
that hunters should have opportunities
within the city, and should a majority of
non-hunters be able to preclude hunting
opportunities).
• Issues of enforceability, safety, noise,
compatibility of uses, maintenance, and
alternative uses that are inconsistent with
hunting are all legitimate for discussion.
• In discussing the issues, the Conservation
Commission can ignore this plan, set
geographic limits on where hunting is or
is not allowed, set seasonal limits (e.g.,
deer season only hunting), set species
limits (e.g., hunt only non-predators), and
hunting methods (e.g., limit some areas to
bow hunting).
4 Preserve
Farmland
Farmland should be generally be preserved in
Northampton, especially the rich fertile soil in and
adjacent to our floodplains. This effort is critical
to our local economy, our history and values, and
to provide a healthy living environment.
Resources to fund: Massachusetts APR pro-
gram, LAND and Land and Water Conservation
Fund and other federal, state, and foundation
grants, Community Preservation Act funds, and
city funds.
Timing: On-going over entire plan period.
Actions
1. Meadows and other areas, especially
with prime agricultural soils, needs state and
local agricultural preservation restrictions
(APRs). Most of the farmland at greatest risk of
development in Northampton has already been
lost to development or is already permanently
preserved. There are a few farms left that could
be developed. The greater risk is farmland going
fallow or being converted to other uses. The City
should work with the farmers, the Massachusetts
APR program, and local resources for local
APRs to preserve as much farmland as possible.
2. City farmland ownership is appropriate
as part of larger conservation areas and com-
munity gardens, but otherwise the ideal if private
farmland with APRs. Farmland is best left in
private ownership (farmer or farming non-govern-
mental organization). When farmland is included
in larger portions of conservation land, however,
the city should still preserve this farmland and
then lease it to farmers for productive use.
The city has established two large community
gardens that mostly serve the city, but there is
still demand for small community gardens near
192Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planenvironmental justice and urban neighborhoods
to serve those neighborhoods without requiring
access to a car to drive to an existing commu-
nity garden.
3. Restore Hampshire County Jail Farm.
This newly acquired (2018) should be restored
to farming outside of the wetlands and used for a
community gardens or leased to farmers.
5 Support Agricultural Operations
to Ensure Farmer for Farmland
Ensuring that farming is a viable occupation is as
important as preserving farmland to encourage
locally grown and healthy food. The state has
been helpful through their farm viability program
and the City has helped by adjusting rents at our
farmland to meet current market conditions. The
Keep Farming planning process identified some
of the issues and opportunities.
Resources to fund: Community Preservation
funds, community fund-raising, and state, federal
and foundation grant funds.
Timing: On-going, with the Agriculture
Commission.
1. Supporting farming operations, includ-
ing no-till that sometimes requires herbicides.
The city adopted a right-to-farm ordinance that
acknowledges farmers right to continue to farm
and not be limited in generally accepted farming
practices. In addition, no-till agriculture creates
far less soil erosion and loss of carbon sequesta-
tion in soil than traditional plowing, that exposes
more soil to the elements.
2. Improve Meadows security. From dogs
to off road vehicles, farmers have suffered
abuse. A grand compromise, better security,
no public nighttime use, might lead to a grand
compromise of opening up some of the private
roads to public walking and use.
3. View tree farms as a kind of agriculture,
with working landscapes one of the best ways to
generate local income and protect open space.
4. Explore photo-voltaic as opportunity
to supplemental farm income, if it can be done
without creating any incentives for converting
prime farmland to non-farm uses or extending
power lines into the Meadows where none
currently exist.
193Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan6 Ensure Adequate Land
for Active ecreation
Land for active recreation is critical to helping
create healthy lifestyles. The recent purchase of
the 24 acre Florence Fields Recreation Area and
the Connecticut River Greenway Riverfront Park
brings the city closer to the land base necessary
to meet its future recreation needs.
Resources to fund: PARC, Land and Water
Conservation Fund and other federal, state,
and foundation grants, Community Preservation
funds, city funds, community fund-raising, limited
development dividends.
Timing: As opportunities arise.
1. Fill in gaps at Sheldon Field and
explore some recreation uses at Oak Street
parcel. There is some land available adjacent to
Sheldon Field that should be added to Sheldon
Field. Some is currently owned by the City and
leased to a farmer and some is currently pri-
vately held. A small amount of land would allow
this area to reach the critical mass to serve multi-
ple recreation needs. Oak Street is a surplus city
school site that could be used for BMX riding and
recreation, as well as none recreation uses.
2. Serve environmental justice populations,
including playgrounds. There may be some local
opportunities, such as the recent playground added
at Lampron Park, for additional facilities in the city’s
most urban and environmental justice areas.
3. Move rail trail easement to fee ownership
for PARC grants. Much of the city’s railtrails are
owned by the city by easement. This serves
almost every city need but does not allow the city
to access PARC grants for railtrail projects.
7 Improve Parks and Recreation Areas
to Serve Active Recreation Needs
The City has slowly been rehabilitating and
adding fields (the new Florence Fields and
Connecticut River Greenway, parking at Sheldon
Field, and redeveloping Veterans’ Field and
Arcanum Field. Recreation needs are still not
completely met, however.
Resources to fund: PARC, Land and Water
Conservation Fund and other federal, state and
foundation grants, Community Preservation
funds, city funds, and community fund-raising.
Timing: On-going over term of the plan.
1. Implement next phases of Florence
Recreation Fields and Connecticut River
Greenway Riverfront Park. Both properties have
been built in the last few years and have become
the heaviest used recreation areas in the city.
Neither project, however, is completely done
and more work is required to fully implement the
vision and promise of these areas.
2. Accessibility improvements to provide
more opportunities, from accessible benches to
walkways to bathrooms.
194Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan3. Rehabilitate and expand recreation
opportunities at Sheldon Field, Maines Field,
Ellerbrook Field, Bear Hill Soccer Field, and
Mulberry/Leeds Park
These recreation areas all are loved, but are
ready for rehabilitation, upgrading, and expansion.
• Sheldon Field has relatively new
basketball courts, but the field is aging
and needs a major rehabilitation and
expansion.
• Maines Field is ready for a major
overhaul.
• Ray Ellerbrook Fields has opportunities
for creation of additional fields.
4. Explore future dog park and playground
needs. Both a dog park and playground repre-
sent partially unmet needs for the city.
8 Maintain Existing Parks
and Recreation Areas.
1. Work with the new Friends of
Northampton Parks and Recreation to fund and
draw attention to recreation needs.
2. Consider winter sports needs, such
as parking for cross country ski use and other
opportunities.
9 Develop Multi-Use Trails
for Easy Public Access.
Northampton is increasingly becoming the
mecca for multi-use trail users. With the dou-
bling of the length of rail trails in Northampton
in 2009-2010 and the slow but steady growth
since then, the city has become the hub for a
rail trail system that will eventually extend from
Northampton north to Turners Falls, east to
Boston, and south to New Haven.
The trails having been serving recreation uses for
many years, but with the growth in the network
they are now increasingly being used for all uses,
including journey to work, play, and shopping.
This decreases, even if only marginally, vehicular
traffic, improves healthy lifestyles, and creates
a transportation route far less expensive to tax
payers than roads and highways.
The City’s objective is to make 75% of the city
easily accessible to trail systems. This would be
done through additional trails, improved access
to neighborhoods as multi-use spurs, standalone
“short-cuts,” and bicycle lanes for that last mile.
Resources to fund: LAND, Land and Water
Conservation Fund, and other federal, state,
and foundation grants, Community Preservation
funds, city funds, Northampton Bikes Endowment
Fund, n grants, community fund-raising, and
limited development dividends.
Timing: On-going over entire plan period
1. Develop bike infrastructure to connect
to multiuse trails, including ValleyBike Share,
connecting bike lanes and tracks, bike repair and
storage, and repaving State and Bridge Streets.
None of these are multi-use trails, but they are
the feeders and the infrastructure needed to
build bike culture and make the trails a success.
2. Major trail expansions, Rocky Hill
Greenway (the top priority), MassCentral con-
nection to Williamsburg, Damon Road Multiuse
Trail, and the Connecticut River Greenway.
The Rocky Hill Greenway is the City’s
top multiuse trail priority, connecting the
existing multiuse trail network with the largest
neighborhood in the City currently unserved
by multiuse trails. In order of priority: 1) Rocky
Hill Greenway through Burts Bog is critical to
connect the neighborhood and provide access to
the conservation area, 2) Rocky Hill Greenway
from the New Haven and Northampton Canal
Greenway, which is currently under design and an
approved MassDOT project, and 3) the remaining
gap between these projects and the already
completed section of the Rocky Hill Greenway.
The next priority is the Connecticut River Greenway trail to Hatfield, from Damon Road
or 1.3 miles from River Run Access Road to Elm
Court in Hatfield would dramatically open up
195Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planmulti-use trail opportunities. It would connect a
new town to the growing rail trail network and
provide easy access to Hatfield’s safe back roads
for Northampton bicyclists. It would also be a
spectacular trail with great Connecticut River
vistas and it would be anchored by the south by
the new greenway community boathouse park and
on the north by the Connecticut River Greenway
parcel with frontage on the river.
3. Major new access points at Edwards
Square, Burts Pit Drumlin, Hotel Bridge access,
Florence Street, Hebert Access, and Riverbank
Access. Although these projects do not create
a lot of multiuse trail mileage, they are critical
to serve residents and new areas. In all of
these areas, existing trails go near unserved
neighborhoods, but lack of trail access pre-
vents those neighborhoods from benefiting
from trails.
4. Other easier access points at Blackberry
Lane and at other locations along the trail.
Blackberry will provide relatively low cost new
access to a dense neighborhood, Jackson
Street, and the largest environmental justice
neighborhood in the city. Other access point are
possible as neighborhoods have a chance to
weigh in and as desire lines (where people walk
even without a trail) develop.
10 Convert Unloved Pavement
to Beloved Parks
Building on the success of the City Hall curb
extension, the Roundhouse parklet, the Amber
Lane parklet, and the Pleasant Street parklet,
and the city’s portable parklet kit, the city is
considering more urban parklet opportunities.
1. Create additional downtown parklets
and pavement to parks.
2. Create marked trails connecting public
and private parks
3. Explore easement to protect walking
shortcuts.
11 Honor History
in the Landscapes
Northampton has a rich 355 year history that
is honored in written histories and building
preservation. There has been less emphasis,
however, on the living and outdoor landscapes,
196Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planespecially cemeteries, historically significant
landscapes, and historical farms and other
working landscapes.
1. Preserve historic cemeteries, both
those subject to Article 97 (Northampton State
Hospital) and those not. Bridge Street Cemetery
is the city’s oldest European-focused cemetery
and should be listed on the National Register,
either by itself or as part of an expanded down-
town register district.
2. Develop historic mine site, the Galena
Mine in the Mineral Hills. The Galena Mine
includes interesting mineral and mine shafts.
3. Add historic interpretation for Mill River
and other historic sites, probably in partnership with
Leeds Civic Association and the Mill River Initiative.
4. Develop heritage landscape histories to
bring the history alive for users.
12 mproved
Public Awareness
It is important to improve public awareness
of open space, recreation, and multi-use trail
opportunities. We have a responsibility to
ensure that the public is aware of resources in
the community.
1. Expand bicycle rack and infrastructure
program to raise public awareness.
2. Improve web information resources
3. Mark all open space property
boundaries.
Multi-Use Trail Expansion
197Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe Open Space, Recreation, and Multi-Use
Trail Plan was written in an iterative process
and comments were incorporated into the
plan. All comments were either incorporated,
or compromises were found, or, in the case of
hunting on conservation land, concerns were
noted so that they are part of the public agenda
moving forward.
The hunting public record is many dozens of
pages. We have entered it into our Public File
Cabinet website so that it can inform future
public conversations.
No other written comments outside of hunting
were received. Written comments from the Broad
Brook Coalition and numerous emails were
submitted. Written and oral hunting comments
were widely varied:
• Many hunters and supporters wanted
more areas to hunt and a better sense of
being included in their own communities.
Feeling included came up almost as often
as wanting specific hunting opportunities.
Shotgun hunters reported that bow
hunting doesn’t meet their needs.
Hunters reported benefits of reduced
tick populations and deer starvation from
hunting.
• Those opposed to expanding where
hunting is allowed focused on
incompatibility of hunting and non-hunting,
human and dog safety, noise within
conservations and nearby neigbhorhoods,
disrespectful hunters shooting at signs,
incompatibility with conservation and
ecological goals, and opposition to
hunting in specific areas.
In partnership with the City, the Friends of
Northamton Trails and Greenway conducted
a survey of community desires for multi-use trail
improvements. The major findings are:
• There is a desire for more trail access
points, with some wanting access at every
street (especially improved access at
Blackberry Lane, Florence Village, North
Street, and Hebert Ave)
• There is a desire for better trail
maintenance, especially repairing root
problems/bumps along the trail and more
aggressive cutting of vegetation along
the trail.
The final state approval of this plan will be bound
into the final plan on the next page.
10 Public Comments
198Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMassachusetts Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Ryan, R., D. Bacon et al. The Connecticut River
Watershed Action Plan for the Massachusetts
Section of the Watershed. 2002.
MassGIS statewide GIS and related attribute data.
The following are attached by reference:
“Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition
Plan, City of Northampton,”
“Rediscovering Northampton, The Natural History of
City-Owned Conservation Areas,” 1993
“Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan”
“Broad Brook Coalition’s Management Plan for the
Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area”
City of Northampton Code of Ordinances
11 References
199Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe City of Northampton’s goal is to increase handicap accessibility at park, recreation, and
conservation lands. In the short term, the goal is to increase the variety of accessible facilities and to
provide disabled populations with the same range of recreational opportunities available to the general
population. It is Northampton’s goal to fully comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Massachusetts Architectural
Access Board standards.
The ADA Access Self-Evaluation document was drafted by the Office of Planning and Development
with the assistance of the Mayor’s Committee on Disabilities, the Recreation Commission, and the
Conservation Commission. The Committee on Disabilities, an organization representing and including
people with disabilities, provided input. The Committee on Disabilities is charged with studying the
needs of individuals with disabilities in the community in relation to housing, employment, public
assembly, transportation, education, health, recreation and other relevant matters, and is an active
advocate for the integration of people with disabilities in all phases of community life.
PART I:
Administrative Requirements
Designation of an ADA Coordinator:
The Director of the Northampton Council on
Aging is designated by Ordinance as the Director
of the Northampton Council on Aging. The ADA
Coordinator also serves as the staff support to
the Northampton Committee on Disabilities.
Grievance Procedures: Northampton has
a single grievance procedure that provides for
“prompt and equitable resolution of complaints
alleging any violation of state and federal laws
protecting individuals from discrimination.” The
complete Non-Discrimination and Grievance
Procedure can be found below.
Public Notification Requirement: In
accordance with ADA and 504 requirements,
Northampton notifies the public of its non-dis-
crimination policies, and all job advertisements
include an EOE clause. The City’s full
non-discrimination policy is part of its Grievance
Procedures, and can be provided in alternative
formats.
PART II:
Program Accessibility
Facility Inventory: A facility inventory of all
areas under the control of the recreation depart-
ment and Conservation Commission is provided
in Table A1 below.
Transition Plan: The City completed a full
ADA transition plan in 1992, updated in 1995.
Although the City is working to improve handicap
accessibility, additional steps are needed to
make all park, recreation, and conservation
facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
All of the goals for ADA improvements identified
in the 2011-2018 Open Space and Recreation
Plan have been implemented
The goals are established for the next seven
years have been incorporated into the plan,
namely add accessibility improvements in parks,
recreation areas and conservation areas
A ADA Self-Evaluation Report
200Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanADA INVENTORY
CONSERVATION AREAS
201Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanADA INVENTORY
CONSERVATION AREAS
202Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanADA INVENTORY
RECREATION AREAS
203Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanADA INVENTORY
RECREATION AREAS
204Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSTAIRS AND DOORS
LOCATION
Specifcaton Agnes Fox FieldArcanum FieldChilds City ParkCommunityGardensJFK Middle School Look ParkMain St. ParkMaine’s FieldMusante, Jr. BeachNorthampton HighSchoolPulaski ParkSheldon FieldVeterans MemorialFieldStairs
No open risers N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Nosings not projectng N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Treads no less than 11” wide N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Handrails on both sides N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Handrails 34”-38” above tread N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Handrail extends min. of 1 f beyond top & botom riser (if no safety
hazard & space permits)
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Handgrip oval or round, has a smooth surface, & has diameter
between 1 ¼” & 1 ½”
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1 ½” clearance between wall & handrail N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Doors
Minimum 32” clear opening N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
At least 18” clear foor space on pull side of door N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of latch N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Maximum pressure 5 lbs. interior doors N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Hardware operable with closed fst (no conventonal door knobs or
thumb latch devices)
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above foor N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Clear, level foor space extends out 5 f from both sides of door N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible & unlocked N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or
roughened
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
5 f turning space measured 12” from foor N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
ADA INVENTORY
RECREATION AREAS
205Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanADA INVENTORY
RECREATION AREAS
206Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNOTE: ADA Complaince Plan/Transition Plan is under revision.
It will be updated by the end of FY2018.
ADA INVENTORY
OPEN SPACE PLAN
207Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan
208Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan
209Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan
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224Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan
PART 4
Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan
226Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan1. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES + ACTIONS
The City of Northampton aims to increase walking and bicycling by residents and visitors of all ages
and abilities. The goals and objectives of the Walk/Bike Northampton Plan will guide the development
and implementation of the City’s sidewalk, trail and bicycle network and programming for years to
come. Collectively, they support the City’s vision, and are consistent with and build upon the City’s cur-
rent transportation goals, objectives, strategies and actions found within the Sustainable Northampton
Comprehensive Plan.
A Vision is a broad inspirational statement for the desired future state of the City. (See below.)
Goals are general statements of what the City and residents hope to achieve over time.
Objectives are more specific statements that mark progress towards the goal.
Strategies + Actions reference the project and program recommendations that will move
the City closer to achieving its goals and objectives.
VISION
The Vision for the Walk/Bike Northampton Plan is to make Northampton one of the top leaders in
walk and bike friendly streets of any small city in New England. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be
integrated into the City’s projects, policies and programs. Planning, design and implementation of
roadway, public works and transit projects will accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists of all abilities.
The non-motorized transportation system in the City will encourage mode shift and improve safety,
the environment, health, and quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses. A bicycle and
pedestrian-friendly Northampton will be a more green, affordable and sustainable city with improved
mobility and economic vitality.
Executive Summary
227Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanKEY STRATEGIES + ACTIONS
The projects referenced on this map rep-
resent the key Strategies and Actions from
the Northampton Pedestrian and Bicycle
Comprehensive Plan. In aggregate, they help to
complete key gaps in the City’s existing walking
and bicycling network and improve safety and
connectivity. As this portion of the pedestrian
and bicycle plan is ultimately incorporated into
the 2018 update of the Sustainable Northampton
Comprehensive Plan, it will provide a blueprint
for the City to become a more walkable and
bikeable community and help to offset the
community’s overall carbon footprint. It also aims
to promote new businesses and further attract
new residents interested in a small city that puts
an emphasis on a high quality of life.
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New Haven + Northampton
Canal Line Trail
01.0 2.0 Miles0.52016Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTON1-B
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Goal T-1: Ensure the safe and ecient
transportation of goods and people by motor
vehicles, bicycle, foot, and any other means
Goal T-2: Improve circulation system to
accommodate development and encourage
bicycle and pedestrian transit
Goal T-3: Improve and expand public transit
Goal T-4: Support Federal and State investments
in transportation improvements
Goal T-5: Provide appropriate bicycle and
vehicle parking to support local businesses
Goal T-6: Increase programs (no project circles
shown due to City-wide impact)
Sustainable Northampton Transportation Goals
Bike Lanes
Shared Lane Marking
Rail Trail or Path
Foot Trails
Sidewalk (with buer)
Sidewalk (no buer)
Crosswalk
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
EXISTING CONDITIONS
228Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal T-1: Ensure the safe and efficient
transportation of goods and people by motor
vehicles, bicycle, foot, and any other means.
Objectives
1. Maintain an efficient transportation system.
2. Maintain a transportation system that reduces
air pollution and minimizes congestion.
3. Ensure that environmental impacts are
considered and adverse effects are minimized on
all transportation projects.
4. Reduce use of single occupancy vehicles.
5. Ensure that safety is a primary goal in trans-
portation improvements, systems, and opera-
tions, both to reduce crashes and to ensure that
both vehicular and non-vehicular modes of traffic
are safe and attractive to all users on all roads.
6. Participate in regional efforts to improve
utilization of intelligent transportation systems.
7. Develop a public transit plan in coordination
with Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and Pioneer
Valley Planning Commission.
8. Ensure that the needs of transit services,
bicycles, pedestrians, and wheelchairs are
considered and addressed in the design,
construction, and management of every project
affecting the transportation system.
9. Ensure that bicycle infrastructure incorporates
current best practices such as separated bike
lanes into the planning and design of the facilities
10. Improve the design of key intersections with
tighter turning radii, well-designed crosswalks
and audible signals with countdowns; where
space is available, plan to convert appropriate
intersections to roundabouts in the long term.
11. Emphasize walking and bicycling infra-
structure enhancements in areas that improve
connectivity to schools, commercial districts and
bus stops.
Strategies + Actions
1-A. Main Street Redesign (Downtown Inset
Projects #43-47) – More than any other recom-
mended project, the redesign of Main Street
would improve safe and efficient transportation,
especially for people walking and bicycling
downtown. The redesign will include a more-effi-
cient channelization of traffic, improved signals,
separated bicycle lanes, new crosswalk islands,
bump outs, shorter crosswalks, wider sidewalks
(in places), new streetscape and landscape
elements that improve storm water management.
Future design for Main Street will also incor-
porate areas for deliveries and minimize any
reduction in curb side parking downtown.
Responsible agencies: Mayor’s Office,
Department of Planning & Sustainability,
Department of Public Works, and Transportation
and Parking Committee
1-B. Elm Street Separated Bike Lanes
(Downtown Inset Project #18) – The current
striped bicycle lanes on Elm Street provide
an adequate facility for bicyclists with moder-
ate-to-high levels of experience and confidence
riding in the roadway adjacent to traffic. Although
additional study is required—especially at the
intersections—it may be possible to flip the
orientation of the parking and the bike lane, so
that parked cars buffer bicyclists from moving
traffic. Separated bike lanes are on-street bike
facilities but intended to evoke a similar feeling of
separation as riding along a rail trail or path.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
1-C. Removal of gaps in Elm Street
Bike Lanes (Downtown Inset Project #19 &
51) – In order to create a seamless bike facility
along Elm Street from downtown Northampton
to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, a small number of
parking spaces should be removed. Gaps in the
bike lanes can be eliminated with the removal
of parking on one side between Prospect Street
229Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planand Bedford Terrace and on the north side of
Elm, just east of the North Elm/Elm intersection.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee; note: will
require outreach to Smith College
1-D. Pleasant Street Traffic Calming
(Downtown Inset Project #60) – A raised
crossing, curb extensions and related drainage
improvements at the rail trail crossing will
improve safety and efficiency of pedestrian and
bicycle traffic across Pleasant Street.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
1-E. Leonard Street Traffic Calming
(Florence Inset Project #19) – Improved
geometry at the Leonard Street intersection
with Route 9/Haydenville Road will help to slow
traffic, discourage cut through traffic and improve
pedestrian safety.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
1-F. West Street Crossing (Downtown
Inset Project #88) – A raised crosswalk and
curb extensions at the West Street crossing at
Green Street will reduce the crossing distance
for pedestrians and reduce traffic speeds on the
approach to the Smith College campus area.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee; note: will
require outreach to Smith College
1-G. Bridge Road Crossing (Downtown
Inset Project #4) – A raised crosswalk and curb
extensions at the Bridge Street crossing at
Orchard Street will reduce the crossing distance
for pedestrians and reduce traffic speeds to
provide a safer connection to Lampron Park.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, Parks
and Recreation and Transportation and Parking
Committee
1-H. Elm and N Elm Street Crossing
(Downtown Inset Project #16) – Curb extensions
at the Elm/N Elm intersection and the Elm/
Woodlawn intersection will reduce the crossing
distance and improve safety for students looking
to reach Northampton High School.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning
& Sustainability, Department of Public Works,
School Department and Transportation and
Parking Committee
1-I. Milton Avenue and Riverside Drive
Intersection (Downtown Inset Project #70) –
To improve safety for all roadway users—drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians—Milton should be
“T-ed” into Riverside drive to create a more
orthogonal intersection and reducing the length
of the current crosswalk across both roadways
where they meet Elm Street. Potentially replac-
ing the currently complex intersection with a mini
roundabout is worthy of future study as well.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
1-J. Hatfield Street/King Street intersec-
tion (Citywide Map Project #10) – To improve
the wide intersection geometry that creates a
challenging environment for pedestrians and
bicyclists, replacement with a roundabout is
in the planning stages and should be moved
forward into final design and implementation.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
1-K. Improvements at N Main, Meadow
and Park (Florence Inset Projects #24 and 26)
– In order to activate the small common space in
Downtown Florence, intersection improvements
are needed to enhance pedestrian connectivity
and safety. This includes raised crosswalks
230Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planand curb extensions at the Meadow and Park
intersections with N Main along with a long-term
plan to address the complex Meadow/Park
intersection adjacent to the Lilly Library.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
1-L. Bridge Road Bike Lanes (Florence
Inset Project #3) – Bike lanes along Bridge Road
between North Maple and N Main Street would
improve connectivity and safety for JFK Middle
School students who bicycle to school.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
Goal T-2: Improve circulation system to
accommodate development and encourage
bicycle and pedestrian transit.
Objectives
1. Ensure that all new privately built streets
include sidewalks, consistent with the
Northampton Subdivision Regulations. When
feasible and practical, concrete sidewalks on two
sides of a street are most desirable.
2. Calm traffic to preserve pedestrian safety and
encourage pedestrian activity in neighborhoods
and villages. See Also: Transportation Goal T-1
Traffic Calming
3. Transform the Northampton Bike Path and
Norwottuck Bike paths/multi-use trail into a
complete rail-trail network and increase the
number of spur connections to/from the rail-trails
to adjacent neighborhoods, commercial districts
and schools.
4. Ensure that economic development goals are
considered and balanced with other City goals
in all transportation objectives, decisions, and
improvements
5. Upgrade transportation and public utilities to
facilitate expansion of the commercial/industrial
site inventory in identified growth areas
6. Ensure pedestrian, bicycle, non-motorized
travel, and transit are addressed in every
development project.
7. Ensure that public transit stops are located at
industrial parks and commercial centers.
8. Close gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle
network and address barriers to walking and
cycling with new sidewalks, crosswalks, bike
lanes, and improved shared lanes where striped
bike lanes are not feasible.
9. Target walking and bicycling infrastructure
treatments for all ages and abilities.
10. Target walking and bicycling planning and
investment that reach a wide variety of neigh-
borhoods regardless of economic status or
demographics.
Strategies + Actions
2-A. Bridge Road Sidewalk (Citywide
Map Project #1) – The stretch of Bridge Road
between Jackson and King Street is one of the
most significant gaps in Northampton’s walking
network. A new sidewalk on at least the south
side of the street would improve circulation
between areas of low income housing and the
King Street commercial district.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
2-B. Locust Street Bike Lanes (Florence
Inset Project #20) – The stretch of Locust Street
between Straw Ave/Berkshire Terrace and N
Elm Street is one of the most significant gaps in
Northampton’s bicycling network. The roadway is
wide enough to accommodate striped bike lanes,
potentially enhanced with a painted buffer and/or
delineator posts for additional visual separation
between motor vehicles and bicyclists.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
231Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
2-C. Hospital Hill Trail Extension
(Downtown Inset Project #32) – The current-
ly-paved portion of the Hospital Hill Trail runs
for a short distance north of West Street until
it becomes a dirt path. This major trail project
would extend the paved trail section along the
Mill River and cross the river in order to connect
to the high school, via Milton Street. The project
also includes spur trail connections to the Village
Hill neighborhood and to Burts Pit Road.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning
& Sustainability, Department of Public Works and
Northampton Conservation Commission
2-D. State Street Sidewalk (Downtown Inset
Project #82) – The new sidewalk along the west
side of State Street between Main Street and
Center Street will fill one of the few sidewalk gaps
downtown.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
2-E. Hawley Street Sidewalk (Downtown
Inset Project #26) – The existing sidewalks on
Hawley Street are narrow asphalt walkways
without proper curb ramps in some locations.
This recommendation is for a newly built sidewalk
that meets all ADA standards from Bridge Street
to Holyoke Street.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committe)
2-F. Hawley/Holyoke Street Bicycle
Boulevard (Downtown Inset Project #30) – As
a low-volume route that parallels Pleasant
Street and King Street, the Hawley/Holyoke
corridor has potential to be a critical part of
Northampton’s bicycle circulation network. To
encourage bicycling, new shared lane markings,
signage, and potential traffic calming features
are recommended in order to create a “bicycle
boulevard”, a shared street that emphasizes
bicycle safety over motorist speed and conve-
nience. (Responsible agencies: Department
of Planning & Sustainability, Department of
Public Works, and Transportation and Parking
Committee)
2-G. Gothic and Trumbull Street Bicycle Safety
(Downtown Inset Project #24) – The Gothic/
Trumbull corridor is a low-volume route that
allows bicyclists to avoid busy sections of Main
Street and State Street, and has potential to be
a critical part of Northampton’s bicycle circulation
network. To encourage bicycling, new shared
lane markings, signage, and potential traffic
calming features are recommended in order to
create a “bicycle boulevard”.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
2-H. State Street Traffic Calming
(Downtown Inset Project #81) – State Street
offers the potential for a more direct link between
the MassCentral Rail Trail and Main Street for
bicyclists coming downtown from Florence and
Leeds. Traffic calming and other bicycle facility
improvements are required to make most bicy-
clists and potential bicyclists comfortable along
State Street, especially between Finn and Main.
To do so requires a number of traffic calming
strategies such as raised crosswalks, additional
signage, shared lane markings and bike lanes
where space is provided.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
2-I. Meadow Street Sidewalk (Florence
Inset Project #25) – Replacement of narrow
asphalt sidewalk will improve the pedestrian
connection from Downtown Florence to the
ballfields west of the Mill River.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
232Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan2-J. Kirkland Avenue Alley
Improvements (Downtown Inset Project #41)
– Though it provides a convenient connection
between the parking lots on Armory Street and
Pleasant Street, the Kirkland Avenue alley is in
need of better lighting, surface materials and
street furniture to become a safe and comfort-
able space for pedestrians. (Responsible agen-
cies: Department of Planning & Sustainability,
Department of Public Works, and Transportation
and Parking Committee)
Goal T-3: Improve and expand public transit
Objectives
1. Leverage regional collaborations to increase
funding for provision of public transit services,
including shuttles where appropriate.
2. Consider transportation associations that
include memberships of local businesses and
government to support public transit.
3. Develop Transit Oriented Development
guidelines with incentives.
4. Encourage increased use of transit options.
5. Provide reasonable options for public transit
based on need, cost, and funding.
6. Develop a public transit plan in cooperation
with the PVTA and PVPC to expand and
enhance the transit system to the level that it is
economically viable and supported by ridership.
7. Participate in regional efforts to consider
the expansion of passenger rail service along
the North-South rail links with service to
Northampton.
Strategies + Actions
3-A. Main Street Redesign (Downtown Inset
Projects #43-47) – Part of the schematic redesign
for Main Street includes the incorporation of an
improved PVTA Pulse point adjacent to Pulaski
Park (Responsible agencies: Department
of Planning & Sustainability, Department of
Public Works, and Transportation and Parking
Committee, in coordination with the Pioneer
Valley Transit Authority)
3-B. Bike Share Program (See Section 8 of
this report) – Because of Bike Share programs’ typi-
cal orientation towards short, utilitarian trips—rather
than for recreational riding—they are designed to
complement a city or region’s public transit network.
As such, some of the recommended station
locations are planned to be adjacent to the PVTA
Pulse Point, the Amtrak station, the bus station and
a key bus stop adjacent to Smith College.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
Goal T-4: Support Federal and State
investments in transportation improvements
Objectives
1. Compare the State Transportation Improvement
Plan and regional Transportation Improvement
Program with the goals and objectives of
Sustainable Northampton to ensure compatibility.
2. Review the State Transportation Improvement
Plan and regional Transportation Improvement
Program to ensure investments are programmed
for the City.
3. Ensure the plans can provide support to all
sectors and areas of the City.
Strategies + Actions
4-A. MassCentral Rail Trail access at
North Street (Downtown Inset Project #60) – In
order to maximize the long term investments
made in Northampton’s rail trail network—includ-
ing the 2017 Norwottuck Trail underpass proj-
ect—improved access points and spur trails are
needed. An ADA connection from the rail trail to
North Street via Edwards Square would satisfy an
obvious desire line and current use patterns. The
link would also enhance connectivity from the rail
trail to the commercial district along King Street.
233Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanResponsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
4-B MassCentral Rail Trail access at
N Main Street in Leeds (Florence Inset
Project #13) – In order to maximize the long term
investments made in Northampton’s rail trail
network, improved access points and spur trails
are needed. Currently, there are very limited
connections from the Leeds community to the
rail trail. A trail connection to/from N Main Street
utilizing a long ramp up the embankment would
improve access, use and safety of the trail.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Transportation and Parking Committee
Goal T-5: Provide appropriate bicycle and
vehicle parking to support local businesses.
Objectives
1. Create additional spaces to meet current and
future anticipated parking demands for vehicles
and bicycles while also applying demand
management solutions for better utilization.
2. Utilize strategies to minimize parking demand
and maximize alternative transportation.
3. Develop parking structures or decks north of
Main St. to meet parking needs.
4. Improve the operation of parking in the
downtown and village centers.
5. Ensure reasonable access to businesses and
services is available to all residents and visitors.
6. Ensure plentiful bike parking in all commercial
districts of the city, at schools, public buildings,
transit hubs and key destinations
Strategies + Actions
5-A. Enhanced Bike Parking at the JFK
and Smith Voc-Ag Schools (Florence Inset
Project #22) – In order to promote bicycling to school
for students and staff, additional racks are recom-
mended, including a significant percentage that are
protected from the elements. The new racks should
replace existing bike racks that do not meet current
standards for security, access and circulation.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, School Department and Department
of Public Works
5-B. Enhanced Bike Parking in
Downtown Florence (Florence Inset Project
#32) – The current lack of bike racks in Downtown
Florence discourages bicycling to the commercial
district. New racks that meet current standards
should be installed in various locations along Main
Street between Park Street and South Main.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, School Department and Department
of Public Works
5-C. Enhanced Bike Parking at
Northampton High School (Downtown Inset
Project #59) – In order to promote bicycling to
school for students and staff, additional racks are
recommended, including a significant percentage
that are protected from the elements. The new
racks should replace existing bike racks that do
not meet current standards for security, access
and circulation. The new racks will complement
the proposed two-way cycle track on the former
Elm Street right of way in front of the high school,
per Downtown Inset Project #20.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, School Department and Department
of Public Works
5-D. Funding Program for New Bike
Parking at the High Schools – One potential
method to raise funding for new bike parking is to
raise parking fees (with needs-based exceptions,
however) at the two high schools in Northampton.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, School Department and Department
of Public Works
234Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanGoal T-6: Increase walking and bicycling
trips through education, encouragement,
enforcement and evaluation programs
Objectives
1. Support the establishment of a walk/bike
safety education curriculum in schools, as well
as through recreation and commuter programs
for adults that focuses on bicycle safety.
2. Work with advocates and business interests
to promote walking and bicycling through events
(e.g. walk/bike to work day, community bike
rides), friendly competitions (e.g. walk/bike
commute challenge) and awards (e.g. Mayoral
recognition to bike friendly businesses).
3. Target walking and bicycling education and
encouragement programs in neighborhoods
throughout Northampton, with particular focus on
those that have not traditionally been involved
with such programs.
4. Conduct annual trainings with public safety
staff, planners, engineers, parks and recreation
and other staff on policies and programs related
to walking and bicycling.
5. Establish a city-wide bike share program in
coordination with other regional jurisdictions, and
with a focus on equitable distribution of stations.
6. Track the number of people walking and bicy-
cling in the spring and early fall, using automated
counters at key locations on city streets and on
the rail trails.
7. Train local police to ensure proper enforce-
ment of laws related to walking and bicycling;
promote compliance to these laws through
education efforts such as printed materials,
mailers, PSA’s, and through social media outlets
to the wider community.
8. Designate a part-time Pedestrian and Bicycle
Coordinator position to focus on the implemen-
tation of pedestrian and bicycle-related policy,
program and project recommendations.
9. Gather key data metrics related to the number
of miles of designated bike facilities, the bike
commute mode share and crashes involving injury
and death in order to provide back-up material for
Bike Friendly Community applications.
Strategies + Actions
6-A. Children’s Walking/Bicycling
Education An in-school “transportation literacy”
program can teach and repeatedly reinforce traffic
safety and safe interactions for children who walk
or bicycle to school; this could also involve a
more-robust Safety Village program.
Responsible agencies: Department of Parks and
Recreation and School Department
6-B. Seniors’ Bicycling Education
Senior’s bicycling education and training work-
shops can be held at the Northampton Senior
Center and elsewhere to encourage additional
mobility for older members of the community.
Responsible agencies: Department of Parks and
Recreation and Northampton Senior Services
6-C. Driver Behavior Education Coordinate
a public outreach campaign with PSAs and mailers
to educate residents about safe interactions
between motorists and walkers and bicyclists.
Responsible agencies: Northampton Police
Department and Transportation and Parking
Committee
6-D. Nighttime Visibility Education
Develop an education campaign targeting
appropriate and legal use of lights and reflective
clothing for bicycling in Northampton after dark.
Responsible agencies: Northampton Police
Department and Transportation and Parking
Committee
6-E. School-based Encouragement
Programs Create school-based encouragement
programs such as walking school buses, bike trains
and neighborhood walk/bike route maps.
Responsible agencies: Department of Parks and
Recreation and School Department, perhaps
235Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planwith assistance from MassDOT’s Safe Routes to
School program
6-F. Bike Maintenance Stands To encour-
age more bicycling in the City, especially along
the rail trails, downtown and to/from schools,
publicly-accessible bike maintenance stands
(and potentially drinking fountains) should be
located in strategic positions.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning
& Sustainability, Department of Public Works, Parks
& Recreation and the School Department
6-G. Open Streets Events To encourage
walking and bicycling for transportation and rec-
reation, Open Streets events, pop-up bike lanes
and other tactical urbanism projects and programs
should be scheduled on a regular basis.
Responsible agencies: Department of Planning &
Sustainability, Department of Public Works, and
Parks & Recreation
6-H. Crosswalk Enforcement Campaign
Because motorists frequently fail to yield to
pedestrians in crosswalks, additional enforce-
ment, education stops/warnings and decoy
operations are recommended.
Responsible agencies: Police Department and
Transportation and Parking Committee
6-I. Speed Enforcement Campaign
Because speeding presents a clear danger to
pedestrians and bicyclists, targeted enforcement
actions in strategic areas of the City—especially
near schools and senior housing locations—are
recommended.
Responsible agencies: Police Department and
Transportation and Parking Committee
6-J. Pedestrian and Bicycle Counts
Supplement the pedestrian and bicycle counts
conducted by the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission and the Central Transportation
Planning Staff with additional on-street loca-
tions in order to track changes in walking and
bicycling behavior in different parts of the City.
(Responsible agencies: Department of Planning
& Sustainability, in coordination with the Pioneer
Valley Planning Commission and with help from
local bicycle advocates and other volunteers)
236Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan2. EXISTING CONDITIONS: INTRODUCTION
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Comprehensive Plan includes summaries of pertinent existing studies,
reports and policies that will inform the plan’s future infrastructure, program and policy recommen-
dations. In addition, it provides an assessment of current walking and bicycling conditions, including
gaps in the walking and bicycling network. Other maps show transit routes in Northampton, as well as
traffic volumes on key streets. A combination of GIS-based data, field work, and input from the City’s
Project Advisory Committee was used to develop the analysis. The City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian
Subcommittee served as the project advisory committee. The map analysis was used to create
recommendations for an integrated network of sidewalks, crosswalks, enhanced intersections, rail trail
improvements and on-street bicycle facilities presented in Part III of this report.
The following section contains a synopsis of six reports that rely on common themes of creating a
safer and more pleasant streetscape environment for the citizens and visitors of Northampton. The
reports include a Wayfinding Pilot Program, Walk/Bike Assessment, Parking Management Study,
Feasibility Study for Regional Bike Share, Open Space, Recreation and Multi-Use Trail Plan, and the
Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan. In each of the reports, common themes of adding
appropriate signage for pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists, reducing motor vehicle congestion
downtown, increasing the ability, safety, and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians on sidewalks, roads,
and crosswalks, providing safe access to rail trail corridors. The Bike Share Feasibility Study recom-
mends introducing a regional Bike Share system in key locations through-out the City and extending
into the Pioneer Valley. The Open Space plan has been adopted by 10 municipal boards and provides
a blueprint for the long term development and infrastructural upgrades in the future, including providing
sidewalks within a mile of all schools and creating a detailed map available to the public of the City’s
existing and planned bicycle network.
Existing Conditions
237Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan3. ADOPTED PLANS, REPORTS & POLICIES
3.1 SUMMARY OF
ADOPTED PLANS + REPORTS
Northampton Walk / Bike Assessment:
Main Street, Northampton, MA (Jan 2016)
Prepared for: Massachusetts Department of
Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
Awareness and Enforcement Program
Prepared by: Toole Design Group,
WalkBoston, MassBike
Plan Overview: Northampton is one of
18 communities participating in a MassDOT
multi-disciplined program to improve bicycle
and pedestrian safety in Massachusetts. A
component of the program is to conduct walk and
bike assessments, identify challenges, and make
short and long-term recommendations. For this
effort, WalkBoston, MassBike and Toole Design
Group conducted the assessment of pedestrian
and bicycle infrastructure along Main Street
(Route 9) in October 2015. Overall, the team
found that pedestrian and bicycle movement
along Main Street is compromised by the width of
the roadway, multiple undefined travel lanes, poor
sight lines adjacent to parked cars, long cross-
walks, complex intersections and head-in angled
parking (for bicyclists). Of note is that there have
been several crashes involving pedestrians and
bicyclists along the corridor, including one fatality.
Key Findings & Recommendations:
General Improvements:
• Reroute truck traffic on a different route to
bypass Main Street through downtown
• Reconfigure the roadway width and, in
places, geometry of travel lanes to provide
a safer and more-coherent environment for
pedestrians and bicyclists
Pedestrian Improvements:
• Narrow Main Street to shorten crossing
distances by installing curb extensions
and refuge islands, install bike lanes
• Remove parking within 20 ft. of crosswalks
• Evaluate signal timing for consistency and
accessibility (including count-down timers)
• Enforce ordinances to keep sidewalks
clear of intrusions into the pedestrian
thru-zone
• Upgrade curb ramps and install detectable
warning strips
Bicycle Improvements:
• Install bike facilities along Main Street (with
both short and longer term options), ideally
separated from motor vehicle traffic
• Install bike parking and way-finding signage
• More detailed recommendations were
provided at the following intersections:
• Elm/West/State/New South intersection
• Cracker Barrel Alley/Crafts Ave intersection
• Old South Street to Gothic Street segment
• King/Pleasant Street intersections
• Main/Crackerbarrel Alley: converting the
latter to ‘pedestrian only’ would have little
impact on access to the parking lot but
reduce one significant conflict point
238Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanParking Management Study, Downtown
Northampton, MA (April 2015)
Prepared for: City of Northampton.
Plan Overview: Although downtown is pedes-
trian oriented, the combination of newly planned
developments and the ongoing presence of
motor vehicles and the ability to meet parking
demand is important to the success of downtown
businesses. The three elements of this plan are:
(1) to determine how parking is being utilized
now and whether there is capacity to accommo-
date current needs, (2) to project the impact of
future development on the parking system, (3) to
review the City’s parking management approach
and offer recommendations for improvements.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
• Slowly increase price of parking on Main
Street over time, from $0.75/hr today to
$1.50/hr over the next few years
• Allow two-hour parking on Main Street,
install signage prohibiting “re-parking” or
exceeding the maximum
• Delay meter enforcement start times
until 9:00am, allow three-hour parking in
Armory Lot
• As single-space meters require
replacement, consider upgrading to
accept credit cards or pay-by-plate
• Retain a signage and graphics consultant
to improve wayfinding to better facilitate
access to the parking lots by car and on
foot
• Explore feasibility of a parking app, a valet
service for downtown businesses, and an
inexpensive permit in peripheral lots for
students of downtown trade schools
• To encourage turnover, step-up
enforcement of meter violations
Feasibility Study for Regional Bike Share
in the Pioneer Valley (March, 2015)
Prepared For: Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission in collaboration with the Bike
Share Feasibility Study Advisory Committee and
municipalities of Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke
and Springfield.
Plan Overview: From the report: “The Pioneer
Valley region and its member communities are
committed to creating more livable communities
and downtowns, as well as reducing single
occupancy vehicle trips and the resulting air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The
region is working to increase alternative modes of
transportation, including expanding infrastructure
for biking, walking, bus and rail service. The
region is also seeking to establish commuter rail
service along the north-south Amtrak rail line
serving Springfield, Holyoke and Northampton,
and a bike share program could provide a com-
plementary ‘last mile’ component to this service.”
The Feasibility Study has been supplemented by
a follow-up report in 2015-16 by Alta Planning +
Design. The report includes more-detailed recom-
mendations for a business model, recommended
equipment, cost estimates over a 5-year period, a
phasing plan for deployment and preliminary site
plans for four bike share stations in each of the
four municipalities that are part of PVPC’s study.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
• Systems should serve as an extension
of public transit, and station phasing is
important
• Casual riders are important; daily, weekly,
and monthly users comprise a significant
factor of overall ridership. Locate stations
near major tourism destinations.
• Operating 3 seasons / year minimizes
snow-removal issues.
• Implement a pricing structure that allows
for multi-hour rentals. This allows built-in
flexibility for recreational trips where a user
would want to rent a bike for more than one
hour without paying additional fees.
• Smart-lock or non-kiosk based systems
greatly reduce the up front and mainte-
nance costs of system operation. Continue
to monitor the success of the Phoenix, AZ
239Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planbike share program to evaluate whether a
public non-kiosk system would be practical
for the Pioneer Valley.
• Provide discounted student memberships.
Targeting the large student population
for use of the bike share system will help
increase its overall use, and many students
who do not reside in Northampton during
the summer months will have trouble
justifying the membership fee for a 3-season
system.
• Explore alternatives to credit card
requirements. Credit-card requirements
are common in order to prevent theft or
vandalism to the bicycles, but present
a major barrier to participation among
low-income residents or those who do not
have a credit card.
• Partner with other organizations to
expand service to low-income individuals
and locate stations in areas that have
affordable housing and disproportionately
low rates of bicycling. Financial assistance
should be offered to low-income individuals
seeking a membership.
• Explore feasibility of integrating fare
payment with PVTA payment system
to increase convenience of using both
systems.
Open Space, Recreation & Multi-Use
Trail Plan (2011)
Prepared For: City of Northampton.
Plan Overview: From the report: “The plan
provides guidance on how the City of Northampton
can best use limited resources to meet the City’s
open space, agriculture, conservation, multi-use
trail, and recreation needs.” The City engaged
public participation and has received the endorse-
ment of 10 municipal boards to adopt this plan in
an effort to meet the needs of citizens and become
one the most sustainable cities in Massachusetts.
Key Findings and Recommendations
(within 13 broad categories of open space,
recreation, and multi-use trail actions):
• Reclaim pavement for parks as
appropriate. Report acknowledges that
while “few sites are appropriate”, the effect
on those sites can be dramatic. Potential
sites include: Historic Mill River mixed-use
development and park at Pleasant Street
/ Hockanum Rd., an urban park along
Main St. / Crafts Ave in front of City Hall,
and at historically filled wetland sites in the
Montview neighborhood and the Industrial
Dr. traffic circle area.
• Maintain well-managed conservation
areas to preserve natural systems and
make areas available for visitors, including
those with disabilities
• Identify places for fishing, hunting,
snowmobiling, off-road vehicles,
horseback riding, and mountain biking
• Acquire conservation areas to enhance
neighborhoods and urban areas
• Develop a Connecticut River Boathouse
• Connect the MassCentral / Norwottuck
Rail Trail gap between Woodmont Road
and King Street (funded)
• Extend the Connecticut River Greenway
Trail 1.3 miles to Hatfield
• Utilize Village Hill development to extend a
trail around the north edge of the campus
• A staircase ramp from the MassCentral /
Norwottuck Rail Trail to Look Restaurant
• A ramp from the MassCentral / Norwottuck
Rail Trail to the VA Hospital signal
(develop a VA Park & Ride lot)
• A spur from JFK Middle School to
Morningside Drive
• An access ramp in Haydenville to provide
a northerly terminus of the MassCentral /
Norwottuck Rail Trail
• Develop a park at the triangle formed
between Wright Avenue, Hockanum Road,
and Pleasant St.
240Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• Develop a very small park in front of City Hall
by reclaiming some land from Main Street
and Crafts Avenue (which are unsafe for
pedestrians as they are too wide)
• Handicap Accessibility along the Nagel
Walkway downtown
• The development of a handicap accessible
ramp near the Jackson Street School to
connect with existing rail trail (complete)
• Future projects should take environmental
and cultural uniqueness into account,
providing locations for specific activity
within open spaces. For example,
Northampton has a significant Hispanic
population, so park designs should allocate
space for traditional Mexican, South
American, and Puerto Rican recreation.
Sustainable Northampton
Comprehensive Plan (2008 as amended
to 2021)
Prepared For: City of Northampton
Plan Overview: A comprehensive planning
effort intended to “ensure the City can continue
to meet its current and ongoing environmental,
social and economic needs without compromis-
ing the future for succeeding generations.” It is
also intended to provide a blueprint for long-term
infrastructure and development projects within
the City. Ultimately, the Goals, Objectives,
Strategies and Actions section found in the Walk/
Bike Northampton report will become a new
chapter within the Sustainable Northampton
Comprehensive Plan.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
• Ensure the safe and efficient
transportation of goods and people by
motor vehicles, bicycle, foot, and any
other means
• Maintain an efficient transportation system
that reduces air pollution and minimizes
congestion
• Reduce use of single occupancy vehicles
• Ensure that safety is a primary goal in
transportation improvements, to reduce
crashes and ensure that all modes of
traffic are safe and attractive to all users
on all roads
• Ensure that the needs of transit services,
bicycle, pedestrian, and wheelchairs are
considered in every project affecting the
transportation system
• When designing for truck movements,
utilize mountable curbs, pedestrian
islands, raised pedestrian crossings, and
alternate truck routes where feasible
• Ensure that all new traffic signals
incorporate audible pedestrian signals,
and create a prioritized list of existing
traffic signals where pedestrian signals
are desired
• Examine all unsafe intersections, areas
of excessive speeds, and areas where
neighborhoods perceive a loss of
quality of life to consider traffic calming
efforts, ensure that the design of all new
and reconstructed streets considers
incorporating appropriate traffic calming
measures
• Provide sidewalks on all roads within one
mile of all schools
• Improve circulation system to
accommodate development and
encourage bicycle and pedestrian transit
• Ensure pedestrian, bicycle, non-motorized
travel, and transit are addressed in every
development project
“Develop more multi-use trails, bike paths, bike
lanes, bike routes and bike linkages to provide
access to active and passive recreation and to
create a healthy lifestyle and provide an alternative
to single-occupancy vehicles.”
From part 7,
Analysis of Needs:
Resource Protec-
tion, Community,
and Management
Needs, # 16
241Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan • Replace all catch basin covers that are
not bicycle-friendly
• Develop a citywide bicycle system
including existing and planned off-road
bicycle paths, on road-bike lanes, and
safe on-road bike routes. On-road bike
routes and lanes that provide direct
access to the growing rail-trail network
and to urban core areas should receive a
high priority. The system should include
supporting services, such as signage,
bicycle storage, and bicycle system maps
and information.
• Provide appropriate bicycle and vehicle
parking to support local businesses
Main Street and King Street
Transportation Charrette (2011)
Prepared For: City of Northampton
Prepared By: Nelson / Nygaard
Plan Overview: In 2011, a 3-day design
charrette worked to identify issues and opportu-
nities along the Main St. and King St. corridors
in Northampton. The impetus for this study was
Northampton’s desire to enhance the bicycle
and pedestrian environments without decreasing
the vehicle throughput, as well as preserve or
improve access to downtown businesses.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
• Critical issues identified: 1) over-
designed 4-lane cross sections, 2) large
intersections, 3) inhospitable bicycling
environment. An over-designed street
is defined as one that is “over-scaled
as compared to the needs of traffic
volumes and adjacent land uses. The
cross-section of these roads is too wide,
allowing cars to travel at excessive
speeds and creating unsafe conditions for
bicyclists and pedestrians.”
• Lowering speeds through a road-diet
identified as critical solution during
charrette
• Studies referenced that show a direct
correlation between street width and rate of
injury in collisions, “with a very steep upward
curve for streets wider than 44 feet.”
• Shrinking the intersection size and width
with compact design treatments have
a number of benefits: “reducing vehicle
speeds, particularly at the end of signal
phases; less wasted space, especially
where right-turn lanes are poorly utilized
today; stretching of vehicle queues
away from multiple approach lanes
linearly towards mid-block areas, with no
additional vehicle delay; far more frequent
pedestrian crossing phases, which are
also longer in duration; significantly
shorter crossing distances that reduce the
barrier of intersections like Main & King;
and more predictable driver and bicyclists
expectations through clearly channelized
movements.”
• Long street widths and large intersections
create “very long crossing distances for
pedestrians, putting them in the path of
cars for a long period of time.”
• Large intersections result in additional
time required for each car to pass
through, reducing the number of cars that
can pass through in each signal cycle.
• Pull-in angled parking spaces on Main St.
limit drivers’ field of view when backing out
• Additional connections are needed in
places where bicycle facilities do exist
but are lost at street crossings and
intersections
• There is a general lack of quality bicycle
parking in Northampton
• Solutions offered include road diets of
four lanes to two lanes, shared bicycle
boulevard style treatments, reverse angled
parking on Main St., raised crossings on
slip lanes, a textured crossing plaza in
front of City Hall, curb extensions, new
sidewalks under rail trail crossing, and
242Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planwidened sidewalks elsewhere
Main St. / State St. / Elm St. / West St. /
New South St. Preliminary Intersection
Design (July 2010)
Prepared For: City of Northampton
Prepared By: Nelson / Nygaard
Plan Overview: In 2011, the city of
Northampton brought in Nelson Nygaard to
analyze the State / Main / New South intersection
and to develop recommendations for redesigning
the intersection to better accommodate traffic flow
and pedestrian and bicycle safety. There work
resulted in three alternative options, including:
Alternative A:
• Right turn “boulder style” slip lanes
• New NB left-turn lane
• Single EB through lane
• Lengthened storage
• New on-street parking
Alternative B:
• Right turn “Boulder style” slip lanes
• New NB left-turn lane
• Single EB through lane
• Lengthened storage
• New on-street parking
Two EB receiving lanes retained
• No northwest curb extension on Main St.
Alternative C:
• Right turn “Boulder style” slip lanes
• New NB left-turn lane
• Two EB through lanes
• Lengthened storage
• Two EB receiving lanes retained
• No northwest curb extension on Main
After the completion of the three design options,
the city of Northampton then decided to hold
back on moving forward with final design due to
issues related to truck turning movements and
to await the recommendations on the redesign
of Main St developed during this Walk/Bike
Northampton effort.
“Develop more multi-use trails, bike paths, bike
lanes, bike routes and bike linkages to provide
access to active and passive recreation and to
create a healthy lifestyle and provide an alternative
to single-occupancy vehicles.”
From part 7,
Analysis of Needs:
Resource Protec-
tion, Community,
and Management
Needs, # 16
243Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan3.2 Review of Current Policies
3.2.1 ZONING ORDINANCES
(includes Site Plan Review)
Prepared by: City of Northampton
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter
350 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Northampton governs zoning in the City. Analysis
based on code version linked from City website
at http://ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key provisions related to
walking and bicycling:
1. Defines short- and long-term bicycle parking
(§350-2.1 General).
2. Prohibits obstruction of sightlines at intersec-
tions and driveways (§350-6.8 Other general
dimensional and density provisions).
3. Sets minimum vehicle parking space
requirements for different types of structures
and uses, based primarily on square footage,
with residential caps but no caps for busi-
nesses or institutions (§350-8.1 Off-Street
parking requirements).
• Businesses can reduce parking up to
20% with an employee trip-reduction plan
(§350-8.6 Shared parking)
• For the majority of the Central Business
District uses there are no parking
requirements. Developers can also meet
parking requirement by paying $2,000
per parking space into Downtown Parking
Reserve Account (§350-8.10 Special
provisions in Central Business District for
meeting off-street parking requirements).
This only applies to very few uses (places
of assembly).
4. Bicycle parking required for “any new building,
addition or enlargement of existing building, or,
except for in the Central Business District, for
any change in the use of a building” (§350-8.11
Bicycle parking). NOTE: The
• Based on number of units for dwellings,
square footage for businesses, number
of classrooms for schools.
• 50% long-term bicycle parking required for
residential, hotel, motel, bed & breakfast
• For consideration: Look at alternative
formulations for bike parking
requirements, and provision of end-of-trip
facilities (showers and lockers).
5. Specifies site plan requirements (§350-11.5
Procedures)
• Requires estimated vehicle (but not
bicycle or pedestrian) trip data.
• Traffic patterns for vehicle and pedestrian
access.
• Traffic safety plan, which, for new commercial,
office, and industrial buildings, must “evaluate
alternative mitigation methods to reduce traffic
by 35%”, including “Encouraging pedestrian
and bicycle access to the site”.
• Assessment of traffic safety impacts on
adjacent roadways.
• “An interior traffic and pedestrian
circulation plan designed to minimize
conflicts and safety problems.”
6. Sets up site plan approval criteria (§350-11.6
Approval criteria)
• “The requested use will promote the
convenience and safety of vehicular and
pedestrian movement within the site and
on adjacent streets, cycle tracks and bike
paths, minimize traffic impacts on the
streets and roads in the area.”
“Safe and adequate pedestrian access,
including provisions for sidewalks and/
or bike paths to provide access to adjacent
properties and adjacent residential
neighborhoods, as applicable, and between
individual businesses within a development.”
From §350-11.5
Procedures
244Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• “The project, including any concurrent
road improvements, will not decrease the
level of service (LOS) of all area City and
state roads or intersections affected by the
project below the existing conditions when
the project is proposed and shall consider
the incremental nature of development
and cumulative impacts on the LOS. The
project proponent must demonstrate that all
cumulative and incremental traffic impacts
have been mitigated.”
• Mitigation can include payments to fund
improvements for off-site traffic impacts,
public transit, and pedestrian or bicycle
paths. It is expected that developers
mitigate even incremental impacts of their
projects with improvements, or payment in
lieu of improvements. Mitigation payments
range from $0 - $3,000 per peak afternoon
motor vehicle trip generated, when
developers do not directly mitigate with
off-site proejcts approved by the Planning
Board. There is no fee when proposed
uses generate walking trips within central
business districts.
• Specific mitigation payments are set based
on type of location and estimated peak trips.
• “Rear and/or side wall facades within 50
feet of a completed or planned section
of a cycle track or bike path shall have
features that invite pedestrian access from
that side of the building”.
• “Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic
movement on site must be separated, to
the extent possible, and sidewalks must
be provided between businesses within a
development and from public sidewalks,
cycle tracks and bike paths. All projects shall
include sidewalks and tree belts abutting
the street, except where site topography or
other limitations make them infeasible. In
such cases where the sidewalk is infeasible,
the developer shall install an equal number
of feet of sidewalk and/or tree belt in another
area of the community as deemed by the
Planning Board or Office of Planning and
Sustainability.”
• Establishes technical specifications for
sidewalk design:
• Concrete.
• Minimum six feet in commercial and
industrial districts.
• Minimum five feet in residential district.
• Specs for ramps, cross-slope, etc.
• Allows, but does not require, curb
extensions.
• Curb extensions must not impede bicycle
traffic.
7. Provisions for vehicles and pedestrians must
be at or near grade if at or below the 100-year
floodplain in the SC or Floodplain District (§350-
13.6 and §350-14.6 Development conditions).
8. Establishes Sustainable Growth Overlay District
to encourage smart growth developments, includ-
ing “a variety of transportation options” (§350-20
Sustainable Growth Overlay District (SG))
9. Bike parking in Highway Business District:
“1 bike rack per 10 parking spaces up to 15
required (indoor or outdoor). Storage must allow
locking of bicycles to racks or inside storage
containers.” (Chapter 350 Attachment 12)
10. Bike parking in the Entranceway Business
District: “1 bike rack per 10 parking spaces up
to 15 required (indoor or outdoor). Storage must
allow locking of bicycles to racks or inside storage
containers.” (Chapter 350 Attachment 10)
3.2.2 SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS
Prepared by: City of Northampton
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter
290 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Northampton governs subdivision of land in the
City. Analysis based on code version linked from
City website at http://ecode360.com/NO2226.
245Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanKey Provisions related to
walking & bicycling:
1. In addition to governing the subdivision of
land, these are the technical specifications that
apply for site plan approvals.Purpose does not
expressly include pedestrian or bicyclist access
or safety (§290-2 Purpose): “The powers of the
Planning Board and the Board of Appeals under
these rules and regulations shall be exercised
with due regard for the provision of adequate
access to all of the lots in a subdivision by ways
that will be safe and convenient for travel; for
lessening congestion on such ways and in the
adjacent public ways; for reducing danger to life
and limb in the operation of motor vehicles….”
2. Traffic study submittal requirements include
pedestrian and bicycle modes (§290-23
Additional subdivision submittal requirements):
• Estimated daily and peak-hour trips
for vehicles and pedestrians; does not
specifically include bicycles.
• Traffic safety plan, including alternatives
to single-occupancy motor vehicles, and
evaluation of methods to reduce traffic by
35%, including “Encouraging pedestrian
and bicycle access to the site”.
• Network analysis showing how project
enhances flow of existing network.
• Pedestrian components: interior circulation
plan to minimize conflicts and safety
problems, and adequate pedestrian access
including sidewalks connecting to adjacent
properties and businesses within the
development.
• School bus and public transit stops, as
appropriate.
• Maintain Level of Service (LOS):
Demonstrate that project will not decrease
LOS below existing conditions at time
of proposal and considering future
development and impacts.
• Proponent must mitigate off-site traffic
impacts, or may request to pay to
fund necessary off-site improvements,
including public transit and pedestrian or
bicycle paths.
3. Adopts Massachusetts Department
of Transportation (MassDOT) Standard
Specifications for Highways and Bridges and its
supplements (§290-28 Controlling standards).
4. Design specifications for the four street types,
as relevant to pedestrian and bicycle use (§290-
29 Streets and ways):
• Right-of-way
• Private Alley: N/A
• Residential Shared Street: N/A
• Residential Yield Street: 60’
• Mixed Use/Commercial Street: 70’
• Pavement width
• Private Alley: 14’
• Residential Shared Street: 20’
• Residential Yield Street: 20’ within 30’ of
intersection; 24’ elsewhere
• Mixed Use/Commercial Street: 22’ within
30’ of intersection; otherwise 30’ when
street serves <25% commercial by sq.
ft.; 38’ all other
• Limit of dead-end streets, measured along the
center line, from the nearest public (non-alley)
street that is not itself a dead-end street: 500’
• Length of block between 3+ way intersections
• Length of block if broken up at least every 500’
“Access by non-motorized means must be
accommodated with facilities such as bike
racks, sidewalk connections from the building
to the street, cycle tracks, and bike paths that
are clearly delineated through materials and/
or markings to distinguish the vehicular route
from the non-vehicular route.”
From §350-11.6
246Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planby a walking or bicycling trail and connects
permanently to protected open space
• Pavement Type: Hot mix asphalt, with textural
changes for Private Alley or Residential Shared
Street.
• Vehicle flow: Two-way, except Private Alley may
be one-way.
• Sidewalk (cement concrete only, including
where it crosses driveway)
• Private Alley: none
• Residential Shared Street: none
• Residential Yield Street: 5’ wide, both
sides, except that LID street with no curbs
on one side may eliminate sidewalks
on the curbless side with additional
crosswalks at least every 200 feet.
• Mixed Use/Commercial Street: 6’ wide
both sides
• Crosswalks (to be located at all street and trail
intersections and no other locations): Raised
to elevation of sidewalk (or pedestrian path for
Alley or Residential Shared Street).
• Shoulders
• Private Alley: not allowed
• Residential Shared Street: not allowed
• Residential Yield Street: bike facilities as
necessary for arterials
• Mixed Use/Commercial Street: bike
facilities as necessary depending on
functional type
• Curbs: 30’ from each intersection and on sides
whenever there are no rain gardens, bioreten-
tion areas, or curb cuts.
• Stopping sight distance (considering vertical
alignment, slopes, and obstructions)
• Private Alley: 80’
• Residential Shared Street: 80’
• Residential Yield Street: 115’
• Mixed Use/Commercial Street: 155’
• Design speed:
• Private Alley: 15 mph
• Residential Shared Street: 15 mph
• Residential Yield Street: 20 mph
• Mixed Use/Commercial Street: 25 mph
• Street lighting (must be LED):
Intersections and crosswalks.
5. Location of Accessway (§290-29.A):
• “All streets and ways shall be designed so that,
in the opinion of the Planning Board, they will
provide safe vehicular travel”.
• “The proposed streets shall be consistent with
the goals of Sustainable Northampton”.
• Requires provision “for the proper projection of
streets, or for access to adjoining property that
is not yet subdivided or developed”.
• Dead-end/cul-de-sac: “A right-of-way from the
end of all culs-de-sac and dead-end roads to
adjoining property must be part of the street
layout and must be shown on street acceptance
“...the design shall make every effort to reasonably calm the traffic within the
subdivision and on surrounding streets to ensure pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly
design and to prevent a decrease in traffic safety as a result of the additional
traffic the project will generate. Bicycle and pedestrian pathways are encouraged
within large developments and should be linked to adjacent properties, pathways,
sidewalks, and transit stops wherever feasible..”
From §209-29
247Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planplans and deeds unless there is compelling
evidence that the adjoining property will never
be developed.”
• Requires bicycle and pedestrian access to
adjoining undeveloped property: “If the adjoin-
ing property shall never be developed, there
shall be a pedestrian and bicycle trail up to the
property line, unless wetlands and grade make
that impossible.”
6. Cul-de-sac or dead-end streets (§290-29.B):
• “It is the Board’s policy not to approve
streets that do not connect to existing
neighborhoods or do not provide for
connections in the future. The applicant
must show a scenario of how a street
connection can be made. Further, the
developer shall make every effort to
avoid the creation of dead-end streets
and must connect its subdivision to
existing dead-end streets whenever
reasonably possible. Dead-end streets
are more expensive to maintain, limit
emergency access, and reduce the sense
of connection and equality that comes
from interconnecting street grids.” NOTE:
Bicycle and pedestrian connectivity
required when dead-ends are allowed.
• Less than 500 feet from a connected
street: “Every street in the proposed
subdivision shall be laid out in such
a manner that every portion of every
street is less than 500 feet, as measured
along the center line of construction of
the street from the nearest connected
existing public street which is not itself a
dead-end street. Culs-de-sac or dead-
end streets shall be allowed only on
residential streets.”
7. Street cross sections (§290-29.C): represen-
tative cross sections are shown for the four
street types.
8. Traffic calming and pedestrian and bicycle
access (§290-29.E):
• Traffic calming may utilize methods
detailed in ITE’s Traditional Neighborhood
Development or Traffic Calming: State of the
Practice, and “complete streets” principles
from the National Complete Streets
Coalition, but must utilize methods that will
not make snow plowing or road maintenance
especially burdensome for the City.”
9. Shared streets (§290-29.F):
• Traffic calming to reduce vehicle speeds
to 15 mph.
• Use chicanes to reduce speeds.
• Narrow to one travel lane at entryways,
using excess space for at-grade
sidewalks.
10. Sidewalk standard (§290-35 Sidewalk
standards and school bus stops):
• Home Owners Association (HOA)
covenants must require that HOA clear
snow from all sidewalks.
• With approval, sidewalks may be built in
common areas rather than right-of-way,
but HOA must still do snow clearance.
• Shared streets should have paved
pedestrian area on both sides, from 3-12
feet, but a pedestrian area on only one
side is permissible with approval.
• Paving as indicated in §290-29, with
textured pervious paving and flush granite
curbing on shared streets. Bollards may
be required to separate pedestrian areas
and travel lanes, or around bioretention
areas or sharp curves.
Bicycle and pedestrian access (§290-37
Adequate access from public way):
Subdivision street system required to have
adequate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle
access to a City, county, or state public or
private way.
248Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan3.2.3 VARIOUS WALK / BIKE
RELATED POLICIES
1. Bikeway Ordinance
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter 312 of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of Northampton
governs vehicles and traffic in the City. Section
312-78 establishes rules specifically for “the
bikeway”. Analysis based on code version linked
from City website at http://ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key Provisions: No motorized vehicles
allowed; could limit use of e-bikes.
• Bikeway is closed from dusk to dawn;
inconsistent with using the bikeway as a
transportation corridor.
• Bikeway users required to:
• Stop at all street crossings.
• Yield to vehicles in the road.
• Keep to the right.
2. Bike Lane Ordinance
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter
312 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Northampton governs vehicles and traffic in
the City. Section 312-80 defines and regulates
use of bike lanes in the City. Analysis based on
code version linked from City website at http://
ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key Provisions: Bike lanes are for preferen-
tial, but not exclusive, non-motorized bicycle use.
• Bike lanes to be designated by “painted
lines, pavement coloring or other
appropriate markings.”
• Vehicle parking in bike lanes is prohibited,
subject to a $25 fine.
• Motor vehicles must use “due caution and
care” before entering or crossing a bike lane.
• City Council designates bike lanes based
on recommendation of Transportation and
Parking Commission, with concurrence
of Department of Public Works (all three
bodies must agree).
3. Bicycling Prohibited at Schools &
Recreational Facilities
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter
233 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Northampton governs parks and recreation in the
City. Analysis based on code version linked from
City website at http://ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key Provisions: “No person shall operate
a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to a
skimobile, minibike, trailbike, automobile, or other
powered vehicle, or a bicycle, on any school
grounds or in any park, playground, or recreation
field operated by the Recreation Department,
except on driveways and in parking lots.” (§233-1
Operation of Vehicles, emphasis added
4. Enforcement of Ordinances
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter 40 of the
Code of Ordinances of the City of Northampton
governs enforcement of City ordinances by criminal
complaint, civil action, and noncriminal disposition
(fine). Analysis based on code version linked from
City website at http://ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key Provisions:
• Covers all violations of city ordinances,
including zoning.
• Fines are not specified for every
ordinance:
• Where a fine is not specified for a
criminal complaint, the default fine is up
to $300 (§1-17 General penalty).
• Where a fine is not specified for a
noncriminal disposition, the default fine
is $20 for the first offense and $50 for
subsequent offenses.
• Each day a violation continues is
considered a separate offense.
• Fine for zoning violation (Chapter 350) is
$100.
• Fine for snow/ice removal violation (§285-
17) is $50.
• Fine for obstructing a street or sidewalk
(§285-29) is $50.
249Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan5. Complete Streets Policy
Policy/Program Overview: Section 285-
51 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Northampton contains the City’s new Complete
Streets Policy, passed by the City Council on
December 3, 2015, and approved by the Mayor
on December 7, 2015. Analysis based on
code version linked from City website at http://
ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key Provisions:
• The City’s Complete Streets Policy ensures
that pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities
are fully integrated into a safe and efficient
transportation system.
• Since the Complete Streets Policy has been
approved by MassDOT, the City submitted
a Complete Streets Prioritization Plan and
request funding for up to five Complete
Streets projects for a maximum total of
$400,000. Program details can be found at:
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/
DoingBusinessWithUs/LocalAidPrograms/
CompleteStreets/FundingProgram.aspx.
6. Street and Sidewalk Ordinances
Policy/Program Overview: Chapter
285 of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of Northampton governs various aspects of
construction, maintenance, and use of streets,
sidewalks, and public property in the City.
Analysis based on code version linked from City
website at http://ecode360.com/NO2226.
Key Provisions:
• Sidewalk snow clearance (§285-17
Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks):
• Owner of any building, structure, or lot
with a sidewalk must clear snow within
24 hours after snowfall ceased.
• Owner must remove or cover with sand
or other suitable substance any ice
within 24 hours of its appearance.
• Full width of sidewalk must be cleared.
• Sidewalk must be rendered safe and
convenient for travel.
• Special timing for Central Business
District: within 24 hours or 9:00am the
next business day, whichever is sooner.
• Violation to move ice or snow onto paved
street or gravel shoulder.
• $50 fine for violation, new fine each
24-hour period of violation.
• DPW may clear violator’s sidewalk, at
owner’s expense.
• Preventing tire damage (§285-8 Placing
items liable to damage tires on streets
prohibited): illegal to place anything on a
street that can damage the tires or wheels
of bicycles, automobiles, or other vehicles
with rubber or pneumatic tires.
• Prohibited activities (§285-12 Certain
activities on streets and sidewalks
prohibited):
• No sidewalk surfboards, skateboards,
roller skates, or in-line skates on certain
public area, public ways, and sidewalks
(§285-12.A)
• Use of bicycles (§285-12.B Provisions
for bicycles):
• Bicycles allowed on all streets.
• Bicycles allowed on all sidewalks except
specific sidewalks in the Downtown
Business District and the Florence
Business District:
• Bicycles not allowed to be “driven” in
Pulaski Park.
• Important Note: Bicycling further prohibited
from “any school grounds or in any park,
playground, or recreation field operated
by the Recreation Department, except on
driveways and in parking lots” by §233-1
Operation of Vehicles (in Chapter 233:
Parks and Recreation).
• Gratings (§285-24 Gratings in streets):
specifies certain dimensions of grates –
no more than 2 inches between bars, and
no more than 18 inches from a building;
250Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plandoes not meet requirements for bicycle-
safe grate, and does not otherwise limit
size or shape of grate.
• Obstructing sidewalks (§285-29 Obstructions
to sidewalks): No obstructions allowed to
sidewalks, or the pavement edge or shoulder
where there is no sidewalk, including
protruding vegetation. Owner must remove
obstruction within 14 days of notice, or City
will remove at owner’s expense.
3.3 Walk Bike Programs Review
As a community that has strived to achieve
its status as a very walkable and bikable city,
Northampton has initiated a number of Active
Transportation Programs. The mix of Education,
Encouragement, Enforcement and Evaluation
programs give residents important tools to better
integrate walking and bicycling into their lives,
and increase the number of both modes. This is
especially critical with children as Safe Routes to
School efforts will instill lessons and habits that can
be used for a lifetime. The sections below give a
summary of the various programs, which in aggre-
gate have helped the City achieve designation as a
walk-friendly and bicycle-friendly community.
Program: Safe Routes to School (Education
and Encouragement)
Source: Erin Reed, Statewide Coordinator,
Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program
Safe Routes to Schools Overview: Safe
Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally-funded,
MassDOT-managed program that “promotes
healthy alternatives for children and parents in their
travel to and from school.” SRTS has education,
encouragement, and infrastructure components.
Key Activities:
All four Northampton elementary schools and the
middle school are SRTS partner schools.
• According to SRTS: “Northampton
Schools have various walking clubs/
activities within their gyms and/or on
school grounds. During 2014 and 2015,
SRTS met with the head nurse of K-12,
twice with the transportation director, and
once with the Superintendent. A handful
of meetings were held with Northampton’s
Mass in Motion organizer about plans
to increase walking and walking/
bicycling safety. There was a big concern
expressed regarding walking school bus
creation and walking promotion in general:
the number of local child offenders/
predators in the community.”
• Northampton schools have not
participated in SRTS bicycle or pedestrian
safety trainings.
• The Jackson Street Elementary School
received a SRTS infrastructure project
completed in 2010. Leading up to the
project, the school conducted student
travel tallies and parent surveys annually.
• Northampton Public Schools added travel
safety information to the school district
website (http://www.northampton-k12.us/
traveling-to-school-safely):
Northampton Public Schools has employed
crossing guards at the following intersections:
• Jackson Street & Barrett Street
• Florence Street and Leeds
• Prospect Street & Massasoit Street
• Florence Street & Arch Street
• Bridge Street & Hawley Street
• Parson Street & Union Street
• Bridge Street near Pomeroy Terrace
• Brookside Circle & Deerfield Drive
• JFK Middle School
• Mulberry Street & Main Street
• Ryan Road & Matthew Drive
Program: Encouragement
Sources: Wayne Feiden, Northampton Director
of Planning and Sustainability; Sean Condon,
President, MassBike Pioneer Valley Chapter;
Craig Della Penna, Co-President, Friends of
251Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNorthampton Trails and Greenways; MB/PV web-
site (http://massbikepv.org/); Bay State Bike Week
website (http://baystatebikeweek.org/); Friends
of Northampton Trails and Greenways website
(http://fntg.net/); Northampton Cycling Club
website (http://www.nohobikeclub.org/nccwp/)
Encouragement Overview: Activities to
encourage bicycling and walking in Northampton
are ongoing and multi-faceted, relying on various
nonprofit organizations, with very limited govern-
ment funding.
Key Activities:
• Trail and bike maps: Produced by the
Friends of Northampton Trails and
Greenways, available for download on
the FNTG website, hardcopy at local
businesses and at several bike path kiosks.
• Wayfinding/Signage:
• City installed approximately 12 bike
paths kiosks 12-13 with signage, funded
by a Recreational Trails Grant obtained
by MassBike and the City.
• City installed a large graphic art sign on
the bike path bridge over Main Street
(helps define downtown and draw people
to path).
• City is working with WalkBoston to install
wayfinding signs with distances to key
destinations, 100 total, 20-30 on bike path.
• City plans to install mileage markers on
bike paths, starting with salvaged granite
marker at Union Station, with flush
granite markers on bike paths.
• Trail information is available on City
website at: http://www.northamptonma.
gov/1346/BikeWalk-Trails.
• Bay State Bike Week: annual statewide
celebration of bicycling, coordinated by
MassDOT, MassBike, and MassRIDES.
The Pioneer Valley is host to many
Bike Week events each year. Bay State
Bike Week traces its roots to Pioneer
Valley Bike Commute Week, which
started in 1999 and is now in its 17th
year, coordinated by the Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission and the MassBike
Pioneer Valley Chapter.
• Northampton Cycling Club (NCC)
BikeFest: annual bike tour and festival.
• MassBike/Pioneer Valley chapter is
interested in holding Open Streets events in
Northampton, but has not identified funding.
• National recognition for Northampton’s
programs (and infrastructure): recognized
as a Bronze-Level “Bicycle Friendly
Community” by the League of American
Bicyclists and a Bronze-Level “Walk
Friendly Community” by the Pedestrian
and Bicycle Information Center.
Program: Education
Sources: Anne-Marie Moggio, Director,
Northampton Parks & Recreation Department;
Sean Condon, President, MassBike Pioneer
Valley Chapter; Ruthy Woodring, Co-founder,
Pedal People Cooperative; MB/PV website
(http://massbikepv.org/); Bay State Bike Week
website (http://baystatebikeweek.org/)
Education Overview: A variety of local
Kids participate
in the Safety
Village summer
program
252Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planprograms provide education on bicycling and
walking safety, and related topics, led by the
City, nonprofits, Smith College, and other
organizations.
Key Activities:
• Safety Village: The Parks & Recreation
Department runs a summer program for
4-6 year olds that teaches various safety
topics, including bicycle, pedestrian, and
traffic safety, in a replica of Northampton
with storefronts, streets, sidewalks, and
signs. The program consists of three, two-
week sessions per year, reaching up to
120 children. It has been in operation for
approximately 25 years. Representatives
from the police, fire department, hospitals,
and other agencies participate. The
children ride bicycles with training
wheels and walk the sidewalks to learn
traffic safety. See details at http://www.
northamptonma.gov/905/Safety-Village.
• Teen Camp: The Parks & Recreation
Department also offers occasional bike
safety training, bike rides, and bike
maintenance training at its teen camps,
but less regularly than the Safety Village
program.
• City distributes “Watch for Bikes” stickers
for car mirrors, but not in an organized
program.
• Road Cycling 101: bicycling skills class
offered jointly by MassBike Pioneer Valley
Chapter and Northampton Cycling Club,
14 participants in 2015
• Smith Bike Kitchen: Smith College has an
on-campus bicycle repair, education, and
rental organization.
• Pedal People education programs: Pedal
People is a cooperative whose primary
activity is delivery and cargo hauling by
bicycle, and they provide training to their
employees covering bike safety and
maintenance, and operation of cargo
trailers. Pedal People also provides
253Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planeducational programs to the public. The
Saturday Bike Lab consists of regular
workshops and classes in bicycling
skills and bicycle maintenance. Since
December 2014, Pedal People has
partnered with Berkshire Driving School in
Easthampton to offer a monthly, one-
hour training to student drivers (mostly
teenagers) including sharing the roads
as drivers and cyclists, safe interactions
between drivers and cyclists, common
cyclist concerns, and cyclist behavior.
• As noted in the Safe Routes to School
section, Northampton schools have not
participated in bicycle and pedestrian
safety trainings offered by SRTS.
Program: Enforcement
Sources: Bonnie Polin, Chief Safety
Analyst, Traffic and Safety Engineering
Section, MassDOT Highway Division; Gary
Roux, Principal Planner/Traffic Manager,
Transportation, Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission; Wayne Feiden, Northampton
Director of Planning and Sustainability
Enforcement Overview: A collection of tar-
get enforcement activities intended to enhance
pedestrian and bicycle planning.
Key Activities:
Northampton is currently participating in the
MassDOT bicycle and pedestrian safety pro-
gram, which includes an enforcement component
funded through the Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission. This funding has included occa-
sional helmet giveaways by Northampton Police
Department.
Program: Evaluation
Sources: Friends of Northampton Trails
and Greenways, Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission (PVPC), Central Transportation
Planning Staff (CTPS)
Evaluation Overview: Involved a series
of trail counts between 2005 and 2011 on the
three rail trails within the City of Northampton. A
summary of the data collected can be found on
the following page.
254
Trail Counts
The map graphic to the right
displays the rail trail count
locations described in the
table above. The Friends of
the Northampton Trails &
Greenways conducted five
separate manual counts on
Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The Pioneer Vally Planning
Commission utilized automated
counters, and recorded a peak
number of users in summer and
early fall, and as expected, a
low of 170 users per day during
rain. The Central Transportation
Planning Staff utilized both
manual counts and automated
count deivces, conducting
counts across a wide variety
of times throughout the day,
recording the peak hour for
cyclists between 3:00 and
4:00 pm and the peak hour
for all trail users between
9:00 and 10:00 am. The City
of Northampton will set up a
permanent automated counter
on the MassCentral Rail Trail
for pedestrian and bike traffic,
along with a second 24-hour
counter on Main Street for
pedestrians only.
Counted All users All users All users All users Bikes Bikes Bikes All users Bikes All users All users All users All users
When 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2010 2010
Where Mass
Central
Rail Trail
Mass
Central
Rail Trail
Mass
Central
Rail Trail
Mass
Central
Rail Trail
Mass
Central
Rail
Trail
Mass
Central
Rail
Trail
Mass
Central
Rail Trail
Mass
Central
Rail Trail
MassCentral
Rail Trail /
Norwottuck
Rail Trail
MassCentral
Rail Trail /
Norwottuck
Rail Trail
New
Haven &
Northampton
Canal Line
New
Haven &
Northampton
Canal Line
New
Haven &
Northampton
Canal Line
Daily
Average 301 280 417 470 514 341 -----650 286
Count ------35 / hour 68 / hour 109 / hour 129 / hour 450 / day --
Month April November ----September September September September April -
September
May, July,
September
May, July,
September
Day Weekday Weekday Weekday Weekend --Weekend Weekend Weekend Weekend Weekend Weekend Weekday
Pedestrian and bicycle counts on other streets and sidewalks on next page.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Counts
RAIL TRAILS
255Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanStreet & Sidewalk Counts
The map graphic to the left displays the street and sidewalk count locations conducted by
the PVPC in 2016. The counts record data over a two hour timeframe, evenly split between
mornings and afternoons, and typically on weekdays in February and March. An important
statistic present in the data is the 1,958 pedestrians counted over a two-hour span on Main
St. just east of Center St.
PVPC 2016 Bicycle & Pedestrian Counts
DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS
256Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan4. EXISTING CONDITIONS ANALYSIS
The analysis of existing conditions has been divided into two sections: Current Conditions and System
Gap Analysis. Current Conditions includes a graphic description of existing bicycle facilities, transit routes
and the sidewalk/crosswalk network, while the System Gap Analysis inventories gaps in the bicycle and
pedestrian network and/or missing facilities for bicyclists and walkers.
4.1 CURRENT CONDITIONS
Alta conducted an analysis of current conditions
based on field work, comments from City staff
and the Project Advisory Committee, online
resources, and through the examination of
multiple sets of data.
Northampton’s bicycle facilities include an
extensive rail trail system comprised of four legs:
• The MassCentral / Norwottuck Rail Trail
from downtown easterly toward Hadley
and Belchertown (this trail will eventually
reach Boston)
• The Mass Central Rail Trail from downtown
westerly towards Williamsburg
• The New Haven & Northampton Canal Line
from downtown Northampton extends to
Southampton and will eventually reach
New Haven
• Rocky Hill Greenway from Ice Pond Drive
to Blackbirch Trail / Rocky Hill Cohousing
Most rail-trails are 10 feet wide and paved.
Many have a broken yellow divider line. In most
instances, the trail crosses the various inter-
secting streets at grade, with connecting ramps
where the trail passes above or below road
grade at Jackson Street, Easthampton Road
and over Main Street. In addition to the rail trail
network, Northampton has a modest network of
on-street bicycle facilities, which include:
• Main Street / Elm Street / North Elm Street
bike lanes are between State Street and
Prospect Avenue, and with shared lane
markings for a short stretch between
Bedford Terrace and Prospect Street
• Prospect Street bike lanes from Finn
Street to the intersection with North Elm
• Main Street Shared lane markings in
Florence, transitioning to North Main Street
striped bike lanes from Cosmian Avenue
to Hayward Road and the Norwottuck Rail
Trail to Haydenville Road
257Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• Bridge Street bike lanes from the on-ramp
access to I-91 southbound to Parsons
Street
• South Street bike lanes from Old South
St. to the Earle St. intersection, with most
of the segment including a green striped
buffer area for additional width and a
rumble strip for vehicular separation
• West/Chapel/Rocky Hill Road (Route 66)
striped shoulder from Belmont Avenue to
the Westhampton City line. (No bike lane
markings along this corridor)
• Locust Street bike lanes between S. Main
St. and Berkshire Terrace
• North Main Street Florence bike lanes from
North Maple to Haydenville Road
From a pedestrian infrastructure point of view,
Northampton’s sidewalk network is quite
complete downtown, in the adjacent historic
neighborhoods and along the radial road network
extending away from downtown. Most sidewalks
on residential streets are buffered from the
adjacent roads by grassy strips, with sidewalks
along narrow corridors and downtown separated
from the roadway only by a curb. A number of
streets in these areas lack a sidewalk on one
side, with a handful lacking sidewalks entirely.
Downtown, the retail environment and generous
sidewalks along Main Street and the adjacent
side streets create a strong sense of place that
draws shoppers, diners and music lovers from
throughout the region.
Most sidewalks outside of downtown are five feet
wide with grass strips between them and the adjacent
roadway
Wide sidewalks in the heart of downtown help to
create a strong sense of place
Inventory of Pedestrian/
Bike Infrastructure
*Per City of Northampton GIS data
ON-STREET BIKE FACILITY DISTANCES*
Bike Lanes 8.5 miles
Shared Lane Markings 0.4 miles
ARTERIALS & COLLECTORS*
Total Length of Northampton
Arterials & Collectors
32.4 miles
Bike Lanes on Arterials &
Collectors
5.1 miles
Percentage of Bike Lanes
on Arterials and Collectors
16%
Bike Lanes on Other
Streets
3.4 miles
RAIL TRAILS*
MassCentral / Norwottuck 1.7 miles
MassCentral Rail Trail 5.1 miles
New Haven & Northampton
Canal Line
2.7 miles
Rocky Hill Greenway 0.3 miles
Total 9.8 miles
SIDEWALKS
Total sidewalks 77.8 miles
258
EXISTING TRAIL NETWORK Sustainable Northampton
259Sustainable NorthamptonEXISTING BICYCLE NETWORK
260Sustainable NorthamptonEXISTING PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
261Sustainable NorthamptonEXISTING PVTA BUS NETWORK
262Sustainable NorthamptonEXISTING ROADWAY VOLUMES
263
Pedestrian + Bicycle + Crashes & Fatalities
CRASHES RELATED TO PEDESTRIANS & BICYCLISTS*
CITY WIDE TOTAL MAIN STREET ONLY FATALITIES
Year Pedestrian Bicycle Pedestrian Bicycle All Modes
2006 17 12 8 0 1
2007 16 12 2 5 3
2008 18 17 3 3 2
2009 11 11 1 3 1
2010 16 16 3 1 4
2011 16 17 1 7 0
2012 22 20 0 3 4
2013 18 17 3 2 1
2014 12 17 1 3 1
2015 15 14 3 2 2
TOTAL 161 153 25 29 19
Average 16.1 15.3 2.5 3.9 1.9
The dots on the map represent
MassDOT’s data from 2009 - 2013. The
crash data displayed here included X
and Y coordinates, and are therefore
presented in the map graphic below. The
table in the bottom left contains a sum-
mary of 10 years of crash data provided
by the Northampton Police Department.
While the police department data did
include the street name where the crash
occured, no address or cross streets
were included, and therefore this data
was not mapped.
264Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan4.2 GAP ANALYSIS
As part of the existing conditions analysis, Alta
conducted a qualitative system gap analysis
based on field observations, existing planning
documents and through the examination of
GIS data, aerial imagery, and on-line mapping
websites. The analysis includes existing rail trail
and on-street networks and features Corridor
Gaps, Linear Gaps, Spot Gaps, and intersections
that are particularly challenging for bicyclists and
pedestrians. In a follow-up contract to this plan,
Alta is currently building from this qualitative
analysis to develop a more-detailed quantitative
gap analysis of the City’s didewalk network.
In aggregate, this analysis provides an under-
standing of which areas have the greatest need
for improvements, which areas can benefit most
from strategic investment, and which areas pose
the greatest challenges to further developing a
bicycling and walking network.
Corridor Gaps These gaps are missing links
of significant length, typically a half mile or more,
where bicycle/pedestrian facilities are desired
but do not exist, or are not adequate based on
existing or future demand. They may correspond
to a street corridor or a desirable route connect-
ing neighborhoods, popular destinations, or to
adjacent communities.
Linear Gaps These gaps are missing seg-
ments in an otherwise connected facility, typically
¼ mile or less. Linear gaps may also be barriers
between destinations and routes. Significant
linear gaps occur in the sidewalk network in
many parts of Northampton, especially the more
suburban/rural areas where homes were devel-
oped in the 1960’s through the first decade of the
21st century. (More-recent housing development
is required to have sidewalks, as part of current
sub-division regulations.) A key linear gap in the
bicycle network include the gap between the
bike lanes and shared lane markings in central
Florence and the bike lanes along Elm St. and
Prospect St. For the sidewalk network, one
critical linear gap runs along the west side of
State Street from Main Street to Trumbull Road.
Spot Gaps These gaps are point-specific
locations lacking facilities or other treatments to
accommodate safe and comfortable travel for
walkers and bicyclists. This could range from a
lack of crosswalk at a key location to a missing
spur connection from a rail trail to an adjacent
street or open space. There are various spot
gaps within the pedestrian network throughout
Northampton: a block lacking a sidewalk, a
missing crosswalk at the end of a sidewalk stub,
a worn path between a rail trail and adjacent
street, and a wide roadway with an unnecessarily
long crosswalk. Many streets that dead-end at a
rail trail lack proper ADA curb ramps and com-
fortable connections to the rail trails.
Challenging Intersections These are inter-
sections that are particularly difficult or unsafe for
pedestrians and/or bicyclists. This may be due to
wide intersecting roadways, free right turns, large
turning radii, confusing geometry, long crossing
Lack of bicycle facilities & continuous side-
walks along N Maple St. creates a corridor gap
between Mass Central Rail Trail, Arcanum Field
& Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area trails
The west side of State St. is a linear gap in
pedestrian connectivity downtown
Along MassCentral Rail Trail, desire lines
in spots indicate need of easement rights
across National Grid’s utility corridor*
*NOTE: This
trail access is
designed and
planned for
2016 or 2017
construction
265
BICYCLE GAP ANALYSIS
distances, lack of crosswalks, or inadequate
traffic controls. There are challenging intersec-
tions sprinkled throughout the City, with some of
the most prominent being the West Street/Elm
Street intersection, King Street/Damon Road,
Elm Street/North Elm Street and Park Street/
Meadow Street/North Main Street.
In aggregate, the various gaps form a key
challenge to improving bicycling and walking
conditions in Northampton. The following series
of maps represent gaps, opportunities and
challenges, citywide and within Florence and
downtown Northampton.
266Sustainable Northampton PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
267Sustainable NorthamptonFLORENCE OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS
268Sustainable NorthamptonDOWNTOWN - OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS
269
FLORENCE CHALLENGES ANALYSIS
Manhan R a il T ra ilC
O
N
N
E
C
T
I
C
U
T
R
I
V
E
R
M
I
L
L
R
I
V
E
R
HADLEY
WESTHAMPTONHATFIELDWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Look Memorial
Park
Childs Park Sheldon
Field
Veterans
Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Maines
Field
Smith Vocational High School
JFK Middle School
Ryan RdBrid
g
e
R
d
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StFlorence RdPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
S
t
Sylvester RdS
p
r
i
n
g
S
t
Chestereld
R
d N Farms RdN
M
a
i
n
S
t
N
M
a
i
n
S
tKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN Elm StSouth StBridge StNook R
dRiver RdReservoir RdA
u
d
u
b
o
n
R
d
State StPleasant StRiverside Dr
Milton StHaydenville RdProspec
t
S
t
H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
o
n
R
dN Maple StEasthampton RdRocky Hill Rd
Locust
S
t Coles Meadow RdVal
ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair St
P
a
r
s
o
n
s
S
t
Union StMain StPine St
W Center St
Middle St
Nonotuck St
Webbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal St
West St
Burts
P
i
t
R
d
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StHigh St
Grove St
Ra
i
n
b
o
w
R
d
Co
n
z
S
tJackson StChestnut StRi
v
e
r
b
a
n
k
R
d
Old Wilson RdMeadow
St
Ly
m
a
n
R
d
Florenc
e
S
t
Hateld StProspect AveC
u
r
t
i
s
N
o
o
k
R
d
Arch St
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd Hinck
ley
St
Barrett St
Old Ferry Rd
Franklin StBliss StLandy AveP
y
n
c
h
o
n
M
e
a
d
o
w
R
d
Rick
D
r
Willow St
Overlook D
r
Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdHillcrest DrFort Hill RdFor
t
S
t
You
n
g
R
a
i
n
b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash Rd
Oxbow R
d
In
d
u
s
t
r
i
a
l
D
r
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
t
Dunphy DrClark StMarian St
Crosby StOld
Qua
r
ry
RdCooke Ave
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnDimock StWoodland DrCarolyn
St
Country W
a
y
Oliver StHolyoke StPomeroy
Te
r
r
Williams StL
a
d
d
A
v
e
Burncolt Rd
N
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdBurts Pit
R
d Fair
St
91
91
9
66
10
5 Mass Central/Norwottuck Rail TrailManhan Rail TrailM
a
s
s
C
e
n
t
r
a
l
R
a
i
l
T
r
a
i
l
Manhan Rail
Trail
Smith College
0 0.5 1.0 Miles
No crosswalks with heavy
turning movements
King / Main / Pleasant intersection:
• Lacks diagonal crosswalk + ramps
• Lacks countdown timers
• Site of bicyclists fatality
Sidewalk terminates
without crosswalk
Wide intersection
with no crosswalk
Underlit
crosswalk
Long stretch
with no crosswalks
Desire line from rail
trail to North St
Uncontrolled
crosswalk to a school
Limited sight lines
for bicyclists
Lack of bike facility along
Pleasant St + King St
Lack of bike facility along
Pleasant St + King St
North sidewalk not
ADA compliant due to
utility pole placement
Long stretch with no
sidewalk across State St
Cut-through
trac issues
Pedestrian conicts at Cracker
Barrel Alley (creates awkward
geometry for City Hall crosswalk)
Pedestrian crossing
phase needed
Large turning radii
+ long crosswalks
No crosswalk between New
South and Bedford Terrace
Narrow cut in median
is tripping hazard
No sidewalk connection
to/from Paradise Rd
Complex intersection with long
crosswalk and blind spots
Poor sight lines
at trail crossing
Downhill bikes at high
speed on approach to
intersection
Narrow, damaged
sidewalks with no
ADA curb ramps
Poorly lit
crosswalk
No crosswalk at intersection Sidewalk gap between signal and bridge
Path gap between park
path and crosswalk
Wide crosswalk
across Elm St
No crosswalks at
intersections
Narrow street
without sidewalks
Bicycle detection
loops missing
from N. Elm
Lack of development and
character of road leads to
high speeds
Gap in sidewalk
network
Overly wide crosswalk
Large turning radius with long crosswalk
Sidewalk gap
Striped sidewalk only
Wide, unmarked crossing of
Nonotuck at Pine Street
Noticeable desire line between
Cross St and Florence Rd
No sidewalk or
crosswalks to park
Limited bike parking in
commercial district
One way street creates
out-of-direction travel for bikes
Florence Common is isolated
with no sidewalks or crosswalks
Replace sidewalks along Meadow
St from Park to the river
Lack of bike lanes encourages
sidewalk riding downtown
Plentiful bike parking but racks do not
meet contemporary standards
Large turning radii encourages
high speed trac
Beech St and Fern St connect to JFK
school but lack sidewalks and street trees
Slope and grade issues in
sidewalk gap area
Long crosswalk
and high
speed trac
Lack of connection from Florence
/ N. Main St to rail trail
No pedestrian entrance at Service
Rd entry to Look Memorial Park
Key sidewalk
gaps to school
Potential trail connection from
Morningside Dr to JFKSchool
Sidewalk gaps adjacent
to Arcanum eld
Heavy truck
route
No crosswalk
Crosswalk needed at
Allen Pl intersection
Lack of crosswalks
and sidewalks
Narrow underpass
with no sidewalk
Crosswalk has limited sight
lines and awkaward geometry
Narrow bridge
with no sidewalk
Discontinuous
sidewalk
Limited visibility and access to
Robert Hill Conservation area
Lack of pedestrian connectivity from
Arcanum Field to to Broad Brook paths
Extremely large turning
radius to S. Main St
Wide road creates
very long
crosswalks in
front of school
Left turn lane makes for
dicult crossing for
Lathrop community seniors
Lack of crosswalk across Pine,
long crosswalk across Beacon
1
2
3
42016
Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONEXISTING CONDITIONS
Point of Interest
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
See corresponding photographs on next page
PHOTO TOUR
Rail Trail or Path
Sidewalk (with buer)
Sidewalk (no buer)
Funded Sidewalk
Crosswalk
Foot Trails
EXISTING FACILITIES
Text
CHALLENGES
Explanation of Challenge
Linear / Corridor Gap
Trac Cut Through
Spot / Area Challnge
#
Discontinuous sidewalk.Extremely large turning radius to S
Main St from Main St. (at upper left
Noticeable desire line between
Cross St and Florence Rd.
Wide road creates very long
crosswalks in front of school.
1 2 3 4
270Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDOWNTOWN PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
CHALLENGES ANALYSIS
C
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HADLEY
WESTHAMPTONHATFIELDWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Look Memorial
Park
Childs
Park
Sheldon
Field
Veterans
Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Maines
Field
Smith Vocational High School
NorthamptonHigh School
JFK Middle School
Ryan RdBrid
g
e
R
d
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StFlorence RdPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
StSylvester RdS
p
r
i
n
g
S
t
Chestereld
R
dN Farms RdN
M
a
i
n
S
tKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN E
lm
S
t
South StBridge StNook R
dRiver RdReservoir RdAudubon Rd
State StFinn St
Summer St
Pleasant StRiverside DrHaydenville RdProspec
t
S
t
H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
o
n
R
dN Maple StEasthampton RdLocust
S
t Coles Meadow RdVal
ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair StP
a
r
s
o
n
s
S
t
Union StMain StPine St
Nonotuck St
Webbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal St
West St
Burts
P
i
t
R
d
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StHigh St
Grove St
Ra
i
n
b
o
w
R
d
Co
n
z
S
tJackson StChestnut StR
i
v
e
r
b
a
n
k
R
d
Old Wilson RdMeadow
St
Ly
m
a
n
R
d
Florence St
Hateld StHateld StC
u
r
t
i
s
N
o
o
k
R
d
Arch St
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd
Warner StHinck
ley
St
Barrett St
Old Ferry Rd
Franklin StBliss StP
y
n
c
h
o
n
M
e
a
d
o
w
R
d
Rick
D
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Willow St
Overlook D
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Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdHillcrest DrFort Hill RdFor
t
S
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You
n
g
R
a
i
n
b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash R
d
Oxbow R
d
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
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Dunphy DrClark StMarian St
Crosby StOld
Qua
r
ry
RdCooke Ave
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnDimock StWoodland DrCarolyn
St
Florence Pond Rd
Florence Pond Rd
Country Way
Oliver StHolyoke StPomeroy
Te
r
r
Williams StBurncolt Rd
N
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdBurts Pit
R
d Fair St
91
919
66
10
5
Mass Central / Norwottuck Rail TrailM
a
s
s
C
e
n
t
r
a
l
R
a
i
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T
r
a
i
l
Manhan Rail
TrailNew Haven & Northampton Canal Line Trail
Smith College
0 0.5 1.0 Miles
No crosswalks with heavy
turning movements
Currently no sidewalks
on Damon Rd
Awkwardly located crosswalk
in relation to stop signs
King / Main / Pleasant intersection:
• Lacks diagonal crosswalk + ramps
• Lacks countdown timers
Sidewalk terminates
without crosswalk
Wide intersection
with no crosswalk
Underlit
crosswalk
Long stretch
with no crosswalks
with speeding
concerns
Desire line from rail
trail to North St
No distinction between
sidewalk and parking lot
Undened sidewalk
adjacent to parking lot
Uncontrolled
crosswalk to a school
Limited sight lines
North sidewalk not
ADA compliant due to
utility pole placement
Trac speeds and turning
movement make for dicult
pedestrian crossing of Pleasant St
Long stretch with no
crosswalk across State St
South St suers from
speeding trac
Cut-through
trac issues
Pedestrian conicts at Cracker
Barrel Alley (creates awkward
geometry for City Hall crosswalk)
Pedestrian crossing
phase needed
Large turning radii
+ long crosswalks
No crosswalk
between New
South and Bedford
Terrace
Narrow cut in median
is tripping hazard
No sidewalk connection
to/from Paradise Rd
Complex intersection with long
crosswalk and blind spots
Large curb cuts
compromise sidewalk
Long crosswalk and
pedestrian blindspot
Downhill bikes at high
speed can create
pedestrian conict
Narrow, damaged
sidewalks with no
ADA curb ramps
Poorly lit
crosswalk
No crosswalk at intersection
Sidewalk gap between
signal and bridge
Path gap between park
path and crosswalk
Wide crosswalk
across Elm St Intersection not ADA
accessible (no curb cuts)
No crosswalks at
complex intersection
Narrow street
without sidewalks
Signal lacks bicycle
detector loop No curb cut at
crosswalk
No crosswalk
Narrow
sidewalk
No crosswalk
with narrow
sidewalks
No trac
control
Crosswalk needed at
Allen Pl intersection
Right turns create
conict with pedestrians
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
92016
Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONText
CHALLENGES
Explanation of Challenge
Linear / Corridor Gap
Trac Cut Through
Spot / Area Challnge
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Point of Interest
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
Rail Trail or Path
Sidewalk (with buer)
Sidewalk (no buer)
Funded Sidewalk
Crosswalk
Foot Trails
EXISTING FACILITIES
See corresponding photographs on next page
PHOTO TOUR
#
271Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanNo crosswalks at complex
intersection.
Pedestrian conflicts at Cracker
Barrel Alley.
Limited sight lines.
Downhill bikes at high speed
create pedestrian conflict.
Lacks diagonal crosswalks,
\ramps, and countdown timers.
Currently no sidewalks along
Damon Rd.
Large turning radii and long
crosswalks.
Long stretch with no crosswalks
across State Street.
Desire line from rail trail to North
Street.
1
4
7
2
5
8
3
6
9
GAP ANALYSIS: BIKE NETWORK, DOWNTOWN
Challenges that exist in the pedestrian and bicycle network in downtown Northampton.
(See map on previous page.)
272Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDOWNTOWN BICYCLE NETWORK CHALLENGES ANALYSIS
C
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HADLEY
WESTHAMPTONHATFIELDWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Childs
Park
Sheldon
Field
Veterans
Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Smith Vocational High School
NorthamptonHigh School
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
StSylvester RdChestereld
R
dN Farms RdKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN E
lm
S
t
South StBridge StNook R
dRiver RdReservoir RdAudubon Rd
State StPleasant StRiverside Dr
Prospec
t
S
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H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
o
n
R
d
Easthampton RdLocust
S
t Coles Meadow RdVal
ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair St
P
a
r
s
o
n
s
S
t
Union StWebbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal St
West St
Burts
P
i
t
R
d
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StGrove St
Ra
i
n
b
o
w
R
d
Co
n
z
S
tJackson StRi
v
e
r
b
a
n
k
R
d
Old Wilson RdLy
m
a
n
R
dHateld StHateld StC
u
r
t
i
s
N
o
o
k
R
d
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd
Warner StHinck
ley
St
Barrett St
Old Ferry Rd
Franklin StP
y
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c
h
o
n
M
e
a
d
o
w
R
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Overlook D
r
Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdFort Hill RdFor
t
S
t
You
n
g
R
a
i
n
b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash Rd
Oxbow R
d
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
t
Dunphy Dr
Marian St
Crosby StOld
Qua
r
ry
RdCooke Ave
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnWoodland DrOliver StHolyoke StPomeroy
Te
r
r
Williams StN
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdBurts Pit
R
d Fair
St
91
919
66
10
5
Mass Central / Norwottuck Rail TrailManhan Rail
TrailNew Haven & Northampton Canal Line Trail
Smith College
0 0.5 1.0 Miles
Finn St
Summer St
Wide intersection
with no crosswalk
Underlit
crosswalk
Long stretch
with no crosswalks
Desire line from rail
trail to North St
Lack of plowing
creates a gap in winter
Uncontrolled
crosswalk to a school
Key gaps in pedestrian and
bicycle connectivity +
urban tree canopy akong
Pleasant & King Streets
Limited sight lines
South St suers from
speeding trac
Cut-through
trac issues
Complex intersection with long
crosswalk and blind spots
Only six bike racks that meet
standards with a much higher
level of demand present
Poor sight lines
for cyclists at
trail crossing
Large curb cuts
compromise sidewalk
Path gap between park
path and crosswalk
Narrow street
without sidewalks
Signal lacks bicycle
detector loop
No curb cut at
crosswalk
No crosswalk
Crosswalk needed at
Allen Pl intersection
Lack of signage to
Main St from rail trail
Right turns create
conict with pedestrians2016
Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONText
GAP ANALYSIS
Explanation of Issue
Linear / Corridor Gap
Spot / Area Gap
Trac Cut Through
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Point of Interest
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
Rail Trail or Path
Sidewalk (with buer)
Sidewalk (no buer)
Funded Sidewalk
Crosswalk
Foot Trails
EXISTING FACILITIES
273Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan5. Public Outreach
The Walk/Bike Northampton Comprehensive Plan is a reflection of the community’s desire for
a more walkable, bikable and accessible city. Through communication with residents, business owners,
advocates, stakeholders and other interested groups, the planning team created a long list of projects
to support this desire. The public engagement process included a pair of well-attended public forums,
two outreach events related to the redesign of Main Street, monthly meetings with the City’s Bicycle and
Pedestrian Subcommittee and a project website that was able to process public comments. To supple-
ment the Alta team’s effort, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission conducted additional outreach to
communities who are less likely to attend evening meetings downtown to ensure input was gathered
from a wide variety of sources. In aggregate, the comments and ideas from all facets of the engagement
helped to inform many of the project and policy recommendations found throughout this report.
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Outreach
Concurrent with Alta’s public involvement
described in this section, the Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission (PVPC) sought perspec-
tives on walking and bicycling by engaging with
residents via Casa Latina, the Human Rights
Commission and the Housing Authority prop-
erties. Generally, they were more interested in
specifics for walking--with requests for:
• More sidewalks to assure connectivity,
especially to school and parks from
residential neighborhoods as well as
other important destinations,
• Highlighting the need for sidewalk repair
and maintenance, especially for wheel
chair accessibility and to avoid elderly
falls due to cracks and upwelled surfaces,
• The importance of lighting for safe
walking at all hours.
With respect to bicycling, the people engaged did
not, for the most part, feel that bicyclists belong
within shared lanes with cars, so the need for bike
lanes on streets as well as off road bike paths
was highlighted. PVPC also understood this as an
expression of need for a broad public information
and education campaign to inform Northampton
residents that a bicycle is a vehicle and as such
belongs on the road.
A potential area of conflict surfaced with respect
to the City’s commitment to prioritize pedestrian
infrastructure within a close proximity to the
274
downtown--where services are concentrat-
ed--versus the high cost of housing within this
same area. The residents PVPC engaged are
generally less well-off economically and, not
including the people who live in the Housing
Authority properties downtown, cannot afford to
live close to the city center. These people indi-
cated a desire for new and improved sidewalks
in the outlying neighborhoods.
PUBLIC FORUM #1
On March 7th, 2016 the consultant team led the
first public forum at the Senior Center on Conz
Street to introduce our general approach to con-
ducting Northampton’s Walk Bike Comprehensive
plan and present the existing conditions analysis.
The presentation included photos and explana-
tions of pedestrian and bicycle facility-related tools
that can be used to create a comfortable cycling
and walking environment for everyone. Pieces
of the toolkit included rail trails, sidewalks/cross-
walks, intersections, and green streets principles.
The forum had a strong turnout, with over 120 in
attendance. Base maps of the city that showed
existing sidewalk locations and conditions, rail trail
locations, and on-street bicycle facility locations
were utilized to solicit input and feedback from the
public. Comments were recorded and digitized in
the appendix of this report.
PUBLIC FORUM #2
On May 18th, 2016 the consultant team led the
second of two public forums at First Churches
Sanctuary on Main Street to go over the proposed
recommendations to enhance Northampton’s
bicycle and pedestrian network. Over 40 members
of the community attended the event. Project
ideas were displayed on large printed maps and
digitally during a presentation. The public was
encouraged to comment on specific projects and
recommend changes to project maps. In an effort
to develop a fair and equitable project priority list,
a common set of evaluation criteria was circulated
and attendees were encouraged to list the criteria
on a scale of Very Important to Not Important
(right top). 32 surveys were completed. The
survey results (right bottom) indicate that improved
connectivity to existing networks, improved links to
popular destinations, and improved safety were the
highest-rated choices.
One of the
many outreach
meetings host-
ed “on-site” by
PVPC included
one in April at
CasaLatina in
Florence.
image not
included
Project Priority Evaluation Criteria Survey Responses
1. Average score of all
evaluation criteria
2. Number of people who
selected each evaluation
criterion as the most
important
Question 1 answers are dis-
played in Blue, and Question 2
answers are displayed in red.
275Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan6. Recommended Network
The nearly 200 project recommendations for the City of Northampton include new
crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic calming elements, short connections to rail trails, and
entirely new trails. All are conceptual in nature and most will need to be followed up with additional
analysis, engineering study and public outreach. The projects are derived from previous City
and regional planning studies and reports, consultant team field work and analysis, the public
outreach described above, input from City staff and comments from the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Subcommittee. All are consistent with Northampton’s current Complete Streets ordinance and
intended to be eligible for potential funding from the state. In aggregate, the intent of the dozens of
miles of network recommendations is to improve safety,connectivity and mobility for people on foot,
riding bicycles and for those with disabilities.
With the future implementation of the pedestrian, bicycle and trail projects, Northampton’s network
of sidewalks will increase from nearly 78 miles today to 88 miles in the future. The City’s designated
bicycle facilities will grow from today’s 8.9 miles to 26.4 miles in the future and the trail network will
expand from nearly 9.5 miles today to 14.3 miles. The expansion of active transportation infrastructure
will help the City achieve its mode share goals, mitigate increases in traffic congestion and air pollution
and reduce its carbon footprint. The new sidewalks, trails and bike lanes will also improve the quality
of life for Northampton’s residents and help businesses draw customers from a more-diverse range
of transportation modes, not just motor vehicle drivers. They will enhance the City’s progressive and
sustainable “brand” and help attract new residents, businesses and institutions.
276Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPrioritization
In order to help the City of Northampton
prioritize the nearly 200 project
recommendations, the plan used 9 criteria
to evaluate each project. The scoring was
qualitative in nature and should not be
interpreted as being inflexible. The final
scores should instead be used to inform
funding decisions and grant requests in the
future.
It should be noted that because safety and
connectivity were considered the most critical
criteria, both were weighted with a multiplier
of 2X when determining the final scores for
each recommendation.
The consultant team collected important data regarding how residents of Northampton want
bicycle and pedestrian network projects prioritized in the plan utilizing the above information
in a survey presented to attendees of Public Forum #2
Goal Explanation
G1: Safety Project provides a significant safety improvement for all
users
G2: Connectivity Project improves connections to existing sidewalks, rail
trails and bike lanes
G3: Linkage Project provides direct links to key civic, open space
and cultural destinations
G4: Proximity to
Business District
Project lies withinone mile of Downtown Northampton
or Florence
G5: Proximity to
Schools Project lies within one mile radius of a school
G6: Community
Support
Project is supported by >1 person at a public forum or
on web site
G7: Complete
Streets
Project is consistent with the City's Complete Streets
policy and eligible for MassDOT Complete Streets
funding program
G8: DPW Traffic
Calming List
Project lies along a roadway currently on the DPW's list
of traffic calming projects
G9: Vision Zero Project is intended to help the city achieve the goal of
zero pedestrian and bicyclist deaths
PROPOSED ADDITIONS
277
Bike Lane
Standard SLM Enhanced SLM
Separated Bike Lane: Sidewalk Separated Bike Lane: Street
Greenbacked Sharrow
Advisory Bike Lane
6.1 Design Features Toolkit
Bicycle
Infrastructure that enables the safety of cyclists is a key fea-
ture of the recommendations section of this report. The cost
and implementation timeline of these upgrades ranges from
low to high. Low-cost, context-sensitive retrofits can enable
safety improvements to an area pending a more robust or
significant future redesign, and can encourage would-be
cyclists to try out the new facility. The following design
features make up a significant portion of the infrastructure
improvement recommendations table in the appendix.
Raised separated bicycle lanes are
vertically separated from motor
vehicle traffic. A furnishing zone
between the bicycle lane and curb
or motor vehicle traffic is a com-
mon feature. At intersections, the
raised bicycle lane can be dropped
down to the street level.
Bike lanes designate an exclusive
space for bicycles through the
use of pavement markings and
signage. Bike lanes are typically
located adjacent to motor vehicle
traffic and travel in the same direc-
tion as motor vehicles.
Advisory bike lanes are bicycle
priority areas delineated by broken
white lines, separate from a center
one-lane two-way travel area. Mo-
torists may only enter the bicycle
zone when no bicycles are present.
Motorists must overtake bicyclists
with caution due to potential
oncoming traffic.
Contra-flow bike lanes are designed to allow bicycles to ride the opposite
direction of motor vehicle traffic. This treatment converts a one-way street
into a two-way street for bike traffic - connecting neighborhoods via an
important link in an overall bike network. Warning signs should be placed
at cross streets to warn motor vehicles. SLMs may be inlcuded for cyclists
riding with traffic.
These bikeways are at street-level
and use a variety of methods for
physical protection from passing
traffic. A parking lane, flexible de-
lineator posts, or flower boxes may
provide the physical separation
from motor vehicle traffic.
Shared lane markings are used to mark a designated bike route on roadways
signed at 35 MPH or less. They are placed in the travel lane, encouraging
cyclists to travel away from the door-zone of parked vehicles. These symbols
highlight the fact that the roadway is a shared space, and should be coupled
with "Bikes May Use Full Lane" signs (MUTCD R4-11). Enhanced Sharrows
provide extra awareness to motorists due to the dashed lane lines.
The addition of green paint on the roadway typically signifies a potential
conflict point. Bicycles conflict with motor vehicles at intersections and
driveways where a turning movement forces a motor vehicle to cross the
path of a bicycle. Although MUTCD allows up to 250 foot (maximum) spacing
between sharrows, 150 - 200 feet is ideal.
SHARED LANE MARKING (SLM) A.K.A. SHARROW
Contra-Flow Bike Lane
PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.THEDARTMOUTH.COM
278
Chicane
Commercial Zone Sidewalk
Raised Crosswalk
Residential Zone Sidewalk Signalized Road Crossing Neck Down
6.1 Design Features Toolkit
Pedestrian
Pedestrian design features create a more
comfortable and safe environment for pedestri-
ans. Many of these are designed to slow motor
vehicle traffic.
Chicanes deflect vehicles and reduce mid-block speeds by discouraging
rapid acceleration.
A sidewalk is a dedicated space for pedestrians adjacent to a street or
connecting cul-de-sac neighborhoods. A 6-foot sidewalk is the minimum
preferred standard in commercial areas.
A steeper-pitched raised crosswalk is ideal for some college campus or
downtown core locations where significant pedestrian crossings occur
regularly or frequently. One result of a steeper crossing is motor vehicle
traffic slowed to approximately 10 MPH or less. Mobility-impaired individuals
have an easier time crossing as they do not have change in grade.
Neck downs are typically aligned at the begin-
ning or entrance to a residential side street.
Neck downs may be appropriate along typically
low-volume streets that experience a high
amount of commuter cut-throughs at peak times.
Signalized road crossings are typically locations
where rail trails or paths cross roadways with
high traffic volumes or or speed and/or connect
to schools.
Residential zone sidewalks are important in
providing pedestrians access to schools,
businesses, and recreation areas. Four feet is
the minimum preferred standard, and a 5-foot
sidewalk is common.MIDDLE PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE STREET VIEW
279Sustainable NorthamptonSUMMARY OF PEDESTRIAN + BICYCLE
NETWORK RECOMMENDATIONS
C
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HADLEY
HATFIELD
WESTHAMPTONWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Look Memorial
Park
Childs
Park
SheldonField
Veterans Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Florence FieldsPark
Ryan RdBrid
g
e
R
d
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StFlorence RdPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
StSylvester RdS
p
r
i
n
g
S
t
Chestereld R
d N Farms RdN
M
a
i
n
S
tKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN Elm StSouth StBridge StNook RdRiver RdReservoir RdAu
d
u
b
o
n
R
d
State StPleasant
StRiverside DrHaydenville RdProspec
t
S
t
H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
o
n
R
dN Maple StEasthampton RdRocky Hill Rd
Locust
S
t Coles Meadow RdVal
ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair StMain StPine St
Nonotuc
k
S
t
Webbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal St
West St
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StHigh St
Grove St
Ra
i
n
b
o
w
R
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Co
n
z
S
tJackson StChestnut StRi
v
e
r
b
a
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k
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Old Wilson Rd
Meadow St
Ly
m
a
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R
d
Florence St
Hateld StC
u
r
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N
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Arch St
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd
Warner St
Barrett St
Old Ferry Rd
Franklin StBliss StP
y
n
c
h
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M
e
a
d
o
w
R
d
Rick
D
r
Willow St
Overlook D
r
Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdHillcrest DrFort Hill RdFor
t
S
t
You
n
g
R
a
i
n
b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash Rd
Oxbow Rd
In
d
u
s
t
r
i
a
l
D
r
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
t
Dunphy DrClark StMarian St
Crosby StWinterberry LnOld
Quarry
Rd
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnDimock StBrookwood
D
r
Woodland DrCarolyn St
Florence Pond Rd
Country Wa
y
Oliver StHolyoke St
L
a
d
d
A
v
e
Burncolt Rd
N
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdFair St
91
91
9
66
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New Haven + Northampton Canal Line Trail
Smith College
0 1.0 2.0 Miles0.5
SEE FLORENCE INSET ON FOLLOWING PAGES
SEE DOWNTOWN INSET ON FOLLOWING PAGES
*
*
Path connections to
school property
Planned multi-use trails
(from multi-use trail plan)
Repair and upgrade
sidewalks as needed
Sidewalk within the
school-proximate zone
Gravel trail from Glendale
to Ridge View Road
Crosswalk needed across
school entry drive
Trac calming on portions
of Florence Rd and Ryan Rd
Trac calming on Riverside
Dr from Elm St to Maple St
New sidewalk terminates
adjacent to MassDOT building
New geometry to include
90-degree intersection Long term Connecticut River
path link from Damon Road
area to Hateld
MassDOT’s designated Bay
State Greenway Route
Funded roundabout
Ped crossing signal
+ new crosswalks
Funded path project
within I-91 ROW
Path connection below
Bridge St to Riverbank Rd
New sidewalk
on south side
SLM + signage on
Jackson St and Barrett St Currently funded
sidewalk & signal
improvements for
pedestrians
Signed bike route on private roads
(requires future easements)
King St redesign per 2010
charrette: road diet between
rail trail crossing at King St
and North St
Sidewalk
currently
planned
Rocky Hill Greenway connection
from Black Birch trail to rail trail2016Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONRail Trail or Path
Bike Lanes or Shoulder
Signage + SLM
Trac Calming Elements
Sidewalk
Intersection Change
New/Improved Crosswalk
Spot Improvement
New Access Link to Rail Trail
Location for high capacity bike
parking
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS
*
B
Rail Trail or Path
Foot Trails
Crosswalk
Point of Interest
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
EXISTING CONDITIONS
(Shared Lane Marking)
280Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High Scoring
Projects:
(Score above
28)
Range of Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$ = 20k -
50k, $$$ = > 50k)
1 Sidewalk Bridge Rd
Between
King St and
Jackson St
Install sidewalks Key gap in sidewalk network 32 X $$$
2
Trail
Connection Bridge St
Below
Bridge St to
Riverbank
Rd.
Create path
connection below
Bridge St
To avoid the congestion of
the Damon Rd / Bridge St
intersection
24 $$
3 Sidewalk Burts Pit Rd
From
Woods Rd
to Ryan Rd
Install sidewalk in
school-proximate
zone
25 $$$
4
Trail
Connection Damon Road
area
Along
Connecticut
River north
to Hatfield
town line
Explore feasibility
of building offroad
trail link along the
Connecticut
River from Damon
Road at Bridge
Rd intersection area
towards Hatfield
Long term regional trail
connection from Northampton
to communities along the river
27 $$
5 On-Street
Bike Facility Florence Rd
Stripe bikeable
shoulder and 11'
travel lanes
Florence Rd is uncomfortable
for cycling 31 X $$ - $$$
6 Sidewalk Florence Rd
Between
Rocky Hill
Rd and
Blackbirch
Trail
Install sidewalk
along Florence Rd Large gap in sidewalk network 27 $$$
7 Traffic Florence Rd
From Ryan
Rd to
Brookwood
Dr
Utilize traffic
calming elements
on this portion of
road, ranked #3 on
DPW's Top 5 list of
roadways in need of
traffic calming
25 $$
8 Trail
Connection Florence Rd At Black
Birch Trail
Extend Rockly Hill
Greenway
connection from
Florence Rd. to Rail
Trail
The existing trail provides
a convenient shortcut from
residential neighborhoods
towards downtown. Expanding
this trail would enhance
connectivity to the New Haven
& Northampton Canal Line
Trail
20 $$
Project Description Citywide
281Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above
28)
Range of Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$ = 20k -
50k, $$$ = > 50k)
9 Sidewalk Hatfield St From Bridge Rd
to N King St
Utilize traffic calming,
including installation of
ADA compliant curb cuts
There are curently no
sidewalks along Hatfield St
and this is a key route for
cyclists and pedestrians to
access the River Valley Coop
and other retailers
25 $$$
10 Intersection Hatfield St At N. King St Roundabout in planning
stage
Wide intersection geometry
creates challenging turn
movement for cyclists and
chellenging crossing for
pedestrians
23 $$$
11
Traffic
Calming Jackson St Entire length Traffic calming
Narrow roadway provides
uncomfortable feeling for
cyclists
27 $$
12 Traffic Signal King St At Bridge Rd
Install pedestrian
crossing signal,
countdown timers, and
crosswalks
High pedestrian demand to
access nearby grocers 27 $$$
13 Sidewalk King St
Between River
Valley Coop and
Big Y
Install sidewalks Key gap in sidewalk network 24 $$
14 Sidewalk N King St
From Asbury
St to the
Northampton /
Hatfield line
Install sidewalks This is key gap in the sidewalk
network 22 $$$
15
Traffic
Calming Riverside Dr From Lexington
Ave to Nonotuck
Utilize traffic calming
elements on this portion
of road, ranked #5 on
DPW's Top 5 list of
roadways in need of
traffic calming
25 $$
16
Traffic
Calming Ryan Rd
From Florence
Rd to Pioneer
Knolls
Utilize traffic calming
elements on this portion
of road, ranked #3 on
DPW's Top 5 list of
roadways in need of
traffic calming
25 $$
Project Description Citywide
282Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High Scoring
Projects:
(Score above
28)
Range of Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$ = 20k -
50k, $$$ = > 50k)
17 Sidewalk Ryan Rd
Burts Pit Rd
to Florence
Rd
Upgrade / repair /
widen sidewalks
Ryan Rd is uncomfortable for
pedestrians: existing sidewalks
non ADA compliant
28 $$$
18 Intersection Ryan Rd
At RK Finn
Ryan Road
School
Install crosswalk
Students would benefit from
a crosswalk at the school
entrance / driveway
24 $
19
Traffic
Calming Westhampton
Rd
From
Glendale
Rd /
West Farms
Rd to
Florence Rd
Utilize traffic
calming elements
Despite posted 35 MPH
signage, many motorists
speed here regularly
19 $$
20
Trail
Connection
At rear of
RK Finn
Ryan Road
school
Establish trail
connection between
neighborhood
and school on
Birchwood Dr on
Austin Cir
There is currently no way for
students walking and biking to
school from this neighborhood
to reach school grounds
safely and comfortably without
utilizing Ryan Rd
24 $$$
Project Description Citywide
283Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan FLORENCE INSET Manhan R a il T ra ilC
O
N
N
E
C
T
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C
U
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R
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M
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HADLEY
WESTHAMPTONHATFIELDWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Look Memorial
Park
Childs Park Sheldon
Field
Veterans
Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Maines
Field
Smith Vocational High School
JFK Middle School
Ryan RdBrid
g
e
R
d
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StFlorence RdPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
StSylvester RdS
p
r
i
n
g
S
t
Chestereld
R
d N Farms RdN
M
a
i
n
S
t
N
M
a
i
n
S
tKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN Elm StSouth StBridge StNook R
dRiver RdReservoir RdA
u
d
u
b
o
n
R
d
State StPleasant StRiverside Dr
Milton StHaydenville RdProspec
t
S
t
H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
o
n
R
dN Maple StEasthampton RdRocky Hill Rd
Locust
S
t Coles Meadow RdVal
ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair St
P
a
r
s
o
n
s
S
t
Union StMain StPine St
W Center St
Middle St
Nonotuck St
Webbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal St
West St
Burts
P
i
t
R
d
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StHigh St
Grove St
Ra
i
n
b
o
w
R
d
Co
n
z
S
tJackson StChestnut StRi
v
e
r
b
a
n
k
R
d
Old Wilson RdMeadow
St
Ly
m
a
n
R
d
Florenc
e
S
t
Hateld StProspect AveC
u
r
t
i
s
N
o
o
k
R
d
Arch St
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd Hinck
ley
St
Barrett St
Old Ferry Rd
Franklin StBliss StLandy AveP
y
n
c
h
o
n
M
e
a
d
o
w
R
d
Rick
D
r
Willow St
Overlook D
r
Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdHillcrest DrFort Hill RdFor
t
S
t
You
n
g
R
a
i
n
b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash Rd
Oxbow R
d
In
d
u
s
t
r
i
a
l
D
r
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
t
Dunphy DrClark StMarian St
Crosby StOld
Qua
r
ry
RdCooke Ave
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnDimock StWoodland DrCarolyn
St
Country W
a
y
Oliver StHolyoke StPomeroy
Te
r
r
Williams StL
a
d
d
A
v
e
Burncolt Rd
Fern St
N
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdBurts Pit
R
d Fair
St
S
M
a
i
n
S
t
91
91
9
66
10
5 Mass Central/Norwottuck Rail TrailManhan Rail TrailM
a
s
s
C
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t
r
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a
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r
a
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Manhan Rail
Trail
Smith College
0 0.5 1.0 Miles
**
0 0.5 1.0 Mile
*
*
Improve path through
park + S. Main sidewalk
Bump-out needed
at key crosswalk
Painted buer and
delineator posts
recommended in
bike lane
Median refuge island
Tighten sidewalk
corner radius
Inll sidewalk gap and add
crossing at intersection
Raised crosswalk to provide
access to Florence common
Reduce turning radius and add
crosswalk to Florence common
Pave connection from
Fern St to rail trail
Utility pole relocation
may be required for ADA
Terminate sidewalk at
Broad Brook Greenway
trailhead
City cemetery fence
needs pedestrian gatesRamp connection and sidepath
from Florence St to rail trail
Potential path connection
Reorient crosswalk
and add signage
Median refuge
island
Trailhead to Robert Hills
section of Saw Mill Hills
conservation area needed
Long term plan needed to improve
intersection for pedestrian and bike safety
Reduce large
turning radius
Reorient
crosswalk
Because of wetland, will
need to be boardwalk
On private street,
create ush, painted
walk zone on roadway
*
B
Bike detector
loop needed
Upgrade with enhanced
SLM and additional signage
Potential location for
advisory bike lane pilot
Two-way bike travel to be
allowed on Scanlon Avenue
(signs and possible
contra-ow lane)
Consider small
roundabout with
sidewalks and bike
facilities
Stripe 11’ foot lanes and
shoulder to N. Main St
B
B2016
Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONRail Trail or Path
Bike Lane
Sidewalk (with buer)
Sidewalk (no buer)
Funded Sidewalk
Crosswalk
Foot Trails
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Sidewalk
Rail Trail or Path
Bike Lanes or Shoulder
Signage + SLM
Trac Calming Elements
Intersection Change
New/Improved Crosswalk
Spot Improvement
New Access Link to Rail Trail
Location for High Capacity
Bike Parking
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS
*
B
(Shared Lane
Marking)
284Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of Cost:
($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
1 Crosswalk Beacon St At Pine St Reorient crosswalk Awkward geometry 25 $
2 Sidewalk Bliss St
Between Willow
St and Mill
River bridge
New sidewalk and
crosswalk Gap in pedestrian network 25 $$
3 On-Street
Bike Facility Bridge Rd From N. Maple
St. to Main St.Stripe bike lanes
Important bicycle
improvement for JFK Middle
school students
29 X $$
4
Traffic
Calming Bridge Rd From N Maple
to N Main
Utilize traffic calming
elements on this portion
of road, ranked #5 on
DPW's Top 5 list of
roadways in need of
traffic calming, includng a
new sidewalk
Proxmity to JFK Middle
School 25 $$
5
Trail
Connection Childs Park
From Prospect
St to
Elm St /
Northampton
High School
Create path inside
Childs Park adjacent to
Woodlawn Ave
28 $$$
6
Trail
Connection City Cemetery Along N Maple
Install pedestrian gates
at north and south end
of existing cemetery fence
18 $$$
7 Sidewalk
Cooley
Dickinson
Property
At north end of
Hospital Rd
Work with Cooley
Dickinson to provide
better pedestrian access
from Hospital Rd to the
main hospital entrance
Lack of sidewalks prohibits
pedestrian access the south 27 $$
8
Trail
Connection Dimock St At Arch St
Provide mountain bike
and hiker access to
conservation land just
west of intersection
Pedestrian demand 24 $$
9 Sidewalk Fern St Entire length Install sidewalk along
Fern St
Proximity to JFK Middle
School 28 $$$
10 Intersection Florence Rd At Spring St /
Pine St
Consider small
roundabout for safety of
all users
Challenging intersection
would benefit from a
roundabout
17 $$
11 Crosswalk Florence St
Between
Warner Row
and Leeds
Elementary
School
Re-orient crosswalk and
add warning signage
Limited sight lines at curve
in road and motorists
speeding makes crosswalk
uncomfortable for school
children
27 $
12 Sidewalk Florence St At Warner Row Install curb-cuts to
sidewalk
Current sidewalks non
ADAcompliant 25 $$
Project Description Citywide
285Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of Cost:
($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
13 Trail
Connection Florence St At N. Main St -
Leeds
Connect Florence St to
MassCentral Rail Trail
with sidepath and ramp up
embankment
Pedestrian / bike demand 31 X $$$
14
Traffic
Calming Front /
Leonard St
Between
Florence St
and Rt 9
Utilize traffic calming
infrastructure
Leonard St is used as a
commuter cut through from
Florence Rd to Haydenville
Rd / Route 9
21 $$
15 Sidewalk Hospital Rd
From Elm
St to Cooley
Dickinson
Hospital
Stripe flush painted
walkway zone along edge
of roadway
Currently there is no
pedestrian access to the
Hospital from Elm St
27 $$
16 On-Street
Bike Facility Jackson St
From Prospect
St to Bridge
Rd (entire
length of
Jackson St)
Stripe Shared Lane
Markings
To create more comfortable
road conditions for cyclists 22 $$
17 Bike Parking JFK Middle
School
Install APBP-approved
bicycle racks
APBP approved racks are
more secure and organize
bikes in an aesthetically
pleasing fashion
21 $
18 Sidewalk Landy Ave
From
Nonotuck St to
Maines Field
Install sidewalks on Landy
Ave Proximity to park 27 $$$
19 Intersection Leonard St At Route 9 /
Haydenville Rd
Rebuild intersection with
new geometry to include a
90 degree intersection
Oblique angle of current
intersection encourages
high speed turns
29 X $$$
20 On-Street
Bike Facility Locust St From N Main
St to N Elm St
Stripe travel lanes / bike
lanes, include painted
buffer and delineator posts
No striping or lane
desination causes
discomfort among cyclists
and pedestrians
31 X $$$
21 Intersection Locust St At Hatfield St Install refuge island in
median area
This is currently an
unnecessarily wide roadway
with no shoulder or bike
lane striping resulting in
long pedestrian crossing
distances
28 $$
22 Bike Parking
Locust Street
& Bridge
Road
At Smith
Vocational
School and
JFK Middle
School
Install ABPB-approved
bicycle parking at these
schools
Lack of bike racks that meet
APBP-approved standards 21 $ - $$
23 Sidewalk Maple St
From W
Center St to
Middle St
Install sidewalk to close
this sidewalk gap along the
west side of Maple St
23 $$
Project Description Citywide
286Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High Scoring
Projects:
(Score above
28)
Range of Cost:
($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
24 Intersection Meadow St At Park St Long term plan to
redesign needed
Wide intersection creates
unnecessarily long crossing
distances for pedestrians
and encourages motorist
speeding
28 $$
25 Sidewalk Meadow St
From N. Main
St to Corticelli
St
Replace existing north
sidewalk to better
connect Downtown
Florence to the path
west of the Mill River
Ball Fields
Existing sidewalk is narrow
and the asphalt is well worn
and in need of maintenance
29 X $$$
26 Crosswalk Meadow St Near N Main
Install raised crosswalk
to park in Florence
Center beyond the
path from Spring St to
Corticelli St.
This is an ideal location for
a raised crosswalk as motor
vehicle traffic approaches a
yield sign
28 $$
27 On-Street
Bike Facility Meadow St
From N Main
to existing path
on Meadow St
at Corticelli St.
Stripe Shared Lane
Markings 22 $
28 Sidewalk Meadow St
From Park
St/N Main to
Spring St
Replace broken /
damaged sidewalks Gap in pedestrian network 26 $$
29
Trail
Connection Morningside
Dr.
From
Morningside
Dr. to JFK
Middle School
Trail connection to
improve access to the
JFK Middle School
26 $$$
30
Traffic
Calming Multiple At all rail trail
crossing
Include standard
signage on approach to
all rail trail crossings
Current roadway crossings
lack Trail Crossing / Yield to
Peds signage
29 X $
31 On-Street
Bike Facility N Elm St From Locust to
Prospect Ave.
Reduce width of travel
lanes and flush median
to provide space for
bike lanes
25 $$
32 Bike Parking N Main St
From N. Maple
St to Chestnut
St
Install bike parking
A lack of bike parking in the
Florence commercial district
may cause fewer bicycle
trips to town and increase
the number of single-
occupant motor vehicle trips
19 $
Project Description Citywide
287Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High Scoring
Projects:
(Score above
28)
Range of Cost:
($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
33 On-Street
Bike Facility N Main St
From N.
Maple St to
Chestnut St
Install enhanced
Shared Lane Markings
or bike lanes
A lack of bike lanes in the
Florence commercial district
results in less confident riders
cycling on the sidewalk,
causing potential coflicts
between pedestrians and
cyclists
31 X $
34 Crosswalk N Main St
Between
Look
Memorial
Park and
JFK Middle
School
Install median refuge
island and boardwalk
/ sidewalk (due to
presence of wetlands)
on east side of N Main
St to Bridge Rd
Proximity to JFK Middle School 26 $$$
35 Sidewalk N Maple St At Arcanum
Field
Install sidewalk
adjacent to Arcanum
Field (utility pole
relocation may be
required for sidewalks
to meet ADA standards)
Major gap in sidewalk
network to and from Arcanum
jeapordizes pedestrian safety
29 X $$
36 On-Street
Bike Facility N Maple St
From Bridge
Rd to Main
St.
Stripe Shared Lane
Markings OR advisory
bike lane markings
Potential location for advisory
bike lane pilot 22 $
37
Traffic
Calming Nonotuck St
(and Elm St)
From the
southern
tip of Childs
Park to Pine
St
Utilize traffic calming
elements on this portion
of road, ranked #4 on
DPW’s Top 5 list of
roadways in need of
traffic calming
24 $$$
38
Traffic
Calming Nonotuck St
(and Elm St)
At Hinckley
St
Tighten turning radius
in southwest corner
Wide geometry creates
intersection with high conflicts 31 X $$
39
Traffic
Calming Nonotuck St
(and Elm St)
At S. Main
St
Install two crosswalks
at this location
Crosswalks and sidewalks are
inadequate at this location 27 $
40
Traffic
Calming Nonotuck St
(and Elm St)At Bliss St
Reduce large turning
radius and add
crosswalk across
Bliss St
Large turning radii encourages
high speed traffic and creates
unnecessarily long crossings
for pedestrians
24 $$
41 Intersection Park St At N Main St
Reduce turning radius
dramatically to slow
traffic and provide
opportunity to add a
crosswalk
Tightening the turning radius
of this intersection will reduce
an unnecessarily long crossing
distance for pedestrians and
discourage speeding
28 $$
Project Description Citywide
288Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of Cost:
($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
42 Sidewalk Pine St
Between
Nonotuck and
Corticelli St
Install sidewalk on south
side and crosswalk at
Nonotuck intersection
There is currently a wide,
unmarked crossing 26 $$
43
Trail
Connection Prospect Ave
From rail trail
intersection with
Prospect Ave
along N. Elm
St to Elm St /
Northampton
High School
Install on-street bicycle
facility and refuge island
This is a key connection for
Northampton High School
students and faculty to use
the MassCentral Rail Trail to
travel from neighborhoods
East, North, and West of
this area
29 X $$$
44 Sidewalk Riverside Dr Along edge of
Maines Field
Install sidewalk or path
along edge of park Proximity to park 32 X $$
45 Crosswalk S Main St At Pine St
Add curb extension
and typical Pedestrian
Crossing signage
This is a key crosswalk
that has low visibility for
approaching motorists
25 $$
46 Sidewalk S Main St From Pine St to
Berkshire Terrace
Make path through
triangle park ADA
accessible (minimum
five feet) and install
sidewalk along south
side of South Main St
30 X $$
47 On-Street
Bike Facility Scanlon Ave Florence Ave
Install "except bicycles"
plaque to Do Not Enter
sign
One way street inconvenient
for cyslists 25 $
48 Sidewalk Sheffield Ln Update / repair
sidewalks Pedestrian demand 25 $$
49 Sidewalk Willow St New sidewalk and
crosswalk Gap in pedestrian network 25 $$$
Project Description Citywide
289Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDOWNTOWN INSET
Summary of Pedestrian Network Recommendations
C
O
N
N
E
C
T
I
C
U
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R
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E
R
M
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L
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R
HADLEY
WESTHAMPTONHATFIELDWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Look Memorial
Park
Childs
Park
Sheldon
Field
Veterans
Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Maines
Field
Smith Vocational High School
NorthamptonHigh School
JFK Middle School
Ryan RdBrid
g
e
R
d
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StFlorence RdPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
S
t
Sylvester RdS
p
r
i
n
g
S
t
Chestereld
R
dN Farms RdN
M
a
i
n
S
tKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN E
lm
S
t
South StBridge StNook R
dRiver RdReservoir RdAudubon Rd
State StFinn St
Summer St
Pleasant StRiverside DrHaydenville RdProspec
t
S
t
H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
o
n
R
dN Maple StEasthampton RdLocust
S
t Coles Meadow RdVal
ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair StP
a
r
s
o
n
s
S
t
Union StMain StPine St
Nonotuck St
Webbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal St
West St
Burts
P
i
t
R
d
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StHigh St
Grove St
Ra
i
n
b
o
w
R
d
Co
n
z
S
tJackson StChestnut StR
i
v
e
r
b
a
n
k
R
d
Old Wilson RdMeadow
St
Ly
m
a
n
R
d
Florence St
Hateld StHateld StC
u
r
t
i
s
N
o
o
k
R
d
Arch St
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd
Warner StHinck
ley
St
Barrett St
Old Ferry Rd
Franklin StBliss StP
y
n
c
h
o
n
M
e
a
d
o
w
R
d
Rick Dr
Willow St
Overlook D
r
Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdHillcrest DrFort Hill RdFor
t
S
t
You
n
g
R
a
i
n
b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash R
d
Oxbow R
d
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
t
Dunphy DrClark StMarian St
Crosby StOld
Qua
r
ry
RdCooke Ave
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnDimock StWoodland DrCarolyn
S
t
Florence Pond Rd
Florence Pond Rd
Country Way
Oliver StHolyoke StPomeroy
Te
r
r
Williams StBurncolt Rd
N
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdBurts Pit
R
d Fair
St
91
919
66
10
5
Mass Central / Norwottuck Rail TrailM
a
s
s
C
e
n
t
r
a
l
R
a
i
l
T
r
a
i
l
Manhan Rail
TrailNew Haven & Northampton Canal Line Trail
Smith College
0 0.5 1.0 Miles
No crosswalks with heavy
turning movements
Currently no sidewalks
on Damon Rd
Awkwardly located crosswalk
in relation to stop signs
King / Main / Pleasant intersection:
• Lacks diagonal crosswalk + ramps
• Lacks countdown timers
Sidewalk terminates
without crosswalk
Wide intersection
with no crosswalk
Underlit
crosswalk
Long stretch
with no crosswalks
with speeding
concerns
Desire line from rail
trail to North St
No distinction between
sidewalk and parking lot
Undened sidewalk
adjacent to parking lot
Uncontrolled
crosswalk to a school
Limited sight lines
North sidewalk not
ADA compliant due to
utility pole placement
Trac speeds and turning
movement make for dicult
pedestrian crossing of Pleasant St
Long stretch with no
crosswalk across State St
South St suers from
speeding trac
Cut-through
trac issues
Pedestrian conicts at Cracker
Barrel Alley (creates awkward
geometry for City Hall crosswalk)
Pedestrian crossing
phase needed
Large turning radii
+ long crosswalks
No crosswalk
between New
South and Bedford
Terrace
Narrow cut in median
is tripping hazard
No sidewalk connection
to/from Paradise Rd
Complex intersection with long
crosswalk and blind spots
Large curb cuts
compromise sidewalk
Long crosswalk and
pedestrian blindspot
Downhill bikes at high
speed can create
pedestrian conict
Narrow, damaged
sidewalks with no
ADA curb ramps
Poorly lit
crosswalk
No crosswalk at intersection
Sidewalk gap between
signal and bridge
Path gap between park
path and crosswalk
Wide crosswalk
across Elm St Intersection not ADA
accessible (no curb cuts)
No crosswalks at
complex intersection
Narrow street
without sidewalks
Signal lacks bicycle
detector loop No curb cut at
crosswalk
No crosswalk
Narrow
sidewalk
No crosswalk
with narrow
sidewalks
No trac
control
Crosswalk needed at
Allen Pl intersection
Right turns create
conict with pedestrians
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
92016
Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONText
CHALLENGES
Explanation of Challenge
Linear / Corridor Gap
Trac Cut Through
Spot / Area Challnge
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Point of Interest
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
Rail Trail or Path
Sidewalk (with buer)
Sidewalk (no buer)
Funded Sidewalk
Crosswalk
Foot Trails
EXISTING FACILITIES
See corresponding
photographs on next
page
PHOTO TOUR
#
290Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDOWNTOWN INSET
Summary of Bicycle Network Recommendations
C
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HADLEY
WESTHAMPTONHATFIELDWILLIAMSBURG
EASTHAMPTON
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
Look Memorial
Park
Childs
Park Sheldon
Field
Ray Ellerbrook
Rec Field
Maines
Field
Smith Vocational High School
NorthamptonHigh School
JFK Middle School
Ryan RdBrid
g
e
R
d
Burts Pit Rd
Elm St N King StFlorence RdPark Hill Rd
Westhampton Rd King
StSylvester RdS
p
r
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Chestereld
R
dN Farms RdN
M
a
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S
tKennedy RdMt Tom
RdN E
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S
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South StBridge StNook R
dRiver RdReservoir RdAudubon Rd
State StPleasant StRiverside DrHaydenville RdProspec
t
S
t
H
o
c
k
a
n
um
R
d
Da
m
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R
dN Maple StEasthampton RdLocust
S
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ley
F
ie
ld
RdOld Springeld RdFair St
P
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s
o
n
s
S
t
Union StCenter
S
tMain StPine St
Nonotuck St
Webbs Ho
l
low
Rd
Hunts Rd
Federal StMilton StWest StBurts
P
i
t
R
d
W Farms RdGlendale RdIsland RdNorth StHigh St
Grove St
Ra
i
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b
o
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R
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Co
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z
S
tJackson StChestnut StRi
v
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r
b
a
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k
R
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Old Wilson RdMeadow
St
Ly
m
a
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R
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Florence St
Hateld StHateld StC
u
r
t
i
s
N
o
o
k
R
d
Arch St
Drury LnTurkey Hill Rd
Warner StHinck
ley
St
Barrett St
Old Ferry RdFranklin StBliss StP
y
n
c
h
o
n
M
e
a
d
o
w
R
d
Rick Dr
Willow St
Overlook D
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Ventures Field RdRound Hill RdWoods RdHillcrest DrFort Hill RdFor
t
S
t
You
n
g
R
a
i
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b
o
w
R
dLeonard StClement StPotash Rd
Oxbow R
d
Green
lea
f
D
r College LnLaure
l
S
t
Dunphy DrClark StMarian St
Crosby StOld
Qua
r
ry
RdCooke Ave
Ward Ave
Whitti
e
r
S
tLadyslipper LnDimock StWoodland DrCarolyn
St
Florence Pond Rd
Florence Pond Rd
Country Way
Oliver StHolyoke StPomeroy
Te
r
r
Williams StBurncolt Rd
N
L
o
u
d
v
i
l
l
e
R
d
School St
Ridge View RdBurts Pit
R
d Fair
St
91
919
66
10
5
Mass Central / Norwottuck Rail TrailM
a
s
s
C
e
n
t
r
a
l
R
a
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T
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Trail
New Ha
v
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n
&
N
ort
h
a
m
pt
o
n
C
a
n
al
Li
n
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Tr
ail
Smith College
Finn St
Hayes St
Summer St
B
Rail Trail or Path
Separated Bike Lane / Cycle Track
Bike Lanes or Shoulder
Signage + SLM
Trac Calming Elements
Intersection Change
New/Improved Crosswalk
Spot Improvement
New Access Link to Rail Trail
Location for high capacity bike parking
(Shared Lane
Marking)
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS
*
B
*
Funded roundabout
project (2016-17)
Warning signage
for trail users
B
0 0.5 1.0 Mile
Potential long term ramp connection
from Hebert Ave to Rail Trail
Repaving + restriping of portions
or the entire length of South St
Crafts Ave southbound
bike lane on east curb only
Bike Boulevard-style
treatment: Holyoke / Hawley /
Market / North / Woodmont
Widen east sidewalk between
rail trail connections
Path connection below
Bridge St to Riverbank Rd
Fix bumps and potholes on
rail trail by Stop n Shop
Install broken
bike lane lines
Space may be available
for 4’ bike lane
Potential restriction
of south bound trac
south of Center St for
bike lanes
Restrict parking to north side
only to accommodate bike lanes
Consider separated
bike lanes along Elm St
Consider removing
right turn lane
Funded switchback
ramp to Pulaski Park
under construction
Narrow median and travel lanes
to provide space for bike lanes
Locust St bike lanes
Widen sidewalk
to 8’ to 10’ path
Paved upgrades to
current crushed
stone/dirt trail
New trail bridge
over Mill River
Install cycle track and curb
ramps within vacated ROW
Remove parking
for bike lane
Hospital
Hill trail
Proposed trail from
Musante Dr to west
side of hairpin turn
on Burts Pit Rd
Trail connection from Village
Hill to river (per 2011 Open
Space, Recreation & Multi-Use
Trail Plan) )
Make 2-way
for bikes
New bike lanes extend
to Old Wilson Rd.2016Authors: SP, CCSources: City of Northampton, MassGIS, ESRIWALKBIKENORTHAMPTONEXISTING CONDITIONS
Rail Trail or Path
Bike Lanes
Foot Trails
Crosswalk
Point of Interest
Trac Signal
Signalized Trail Crossing
291Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$
= 20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
1 Crosswalk Allen Pl At Gothic St Install crosswalk This is a difficult place for
pedestrians to cross 29 X $
2 Sidewalk Atwood Dr Entire length
Roundabout project on
Pleasant Street (under
construction) will extend
sidewalks to Dike Road
and MassDOT has
begun the planning for
extending sidewalks
from there to Atwood
Drive.
This is a difficult place for
pedestrians to cross 22 $$
3 On-Street
Bike Facility Barrett St From King St
to Jackson St
Add Shared Lane
Markings and signage
This is a key bicycle route
through the city and offers
direct connections from
neighborhoods west to the
Jackson Street School
28 $
4
Traffic
Calming Bridge St
Between
Orchard St
and Lampron
Park
Utilize traffic calming:
refuge island / curb
extensions / raised-
table crossing
Traffic frequently does not stop
at crosswalks 30 X $$$
5
Traffic
Calming Bridge St
Between Fair
St and Old
Ferry Rd
Enforce no parking on
sidewalk Pedestrian demand and safety 24 $
6 On-Street
Bike Facility Bridge St
From Market
St to Orchard
St
Stripe bike lanes To create more comfortable
road conditions for cyclists 29 X $
7 Crosswalk Bridge St At Parsons St
Install Rectangular
Rapid Flash Beacon or
other device to control
crosswalk across from
school
Uncontrolled crosswalk across
from elementary school is
inadequate for young school
children who want to bike or
walk to school
30 X $$
8 Sidewalk Conz St
Between
Service center
Rd and Wilson
Ave
Relocate utility poles
for sidewalk ADA
compliance
Utility pole placement makes
sidewalks non ADA compliant 21 $$ - $$$
9 Intersection Conz St At Old South
St
Install countdown timers
and audible signals Pedestrian safety and comfort.28 $$
10 Intersection Cracker
Barrel Alley At Main St
Convert Cracker Barrel
Alley to pedestrian / bicycle
access only, utilize curb
extensions on Main Street
to signify change
Low visibility, high crash / conflict
area 29 X $$
Project Description Citywide
292Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of Cost:
($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
11 Crosswalk Cracker
Barrel Alley
Behind
Main Street
businesses and
at Main St
Install crosswalk in rear
of buildings. Re-align
crosswalk extending
across Main St from
Cracker Barrel Alley to
reflect change in Cracker
Barrel Alley access
Current awkward crosswalk
geometry will be out of date
when Cracker Barrel Alley
access changes take place
26 $
12 On-Street
Bike Facility Crafts Ave From Main St to
Old South
Install bike lanes on left
side of Craft St
This will relocate bicycles
further away from angled
parking which may create a
potential conflict
26 $
13 On-Street
Bike Facility Earle St From South St
to Grove St
Stripe Shared Lane
Markings
To create more comfortable
road conditions for cyclists 21 $
14 Intersection Earle St At West St
Earle St should be
narrowed on the
approach to West St,
consider dopping the
turn lane
19 $$$
15 Intersection Elm St At West St
Examine intersection
for long term redesign
including potential
removal of right turn lane
from Elm St to West St
Intersection prone to condlicts
due to awkward geometry and
traffic signal phasing
27 $$ - $$$
16 Intersection Elm St N. Elm and
Woodlawn Ave
Build new curb
extensions (may require
relocation of fire hydrant)
Long crosswalks used by High
School students 30 X $$$
17 Sidewalk Elm St At N. Elm
crosswalk
Path connection from
Elm St sidewalk to path
within Childs Park
26 $
18 On-Street
Bike Facility Elm St
From Child’s
Park to Prospect
St (at John M
Greene Hall)
Swap parking with bike
lane to create a protected
facility
Create comfortable riding
conditions for a broad range
of cyclists
30 X $$
19 On-Street
Bike Facility Elm St
From Prospect
St to Bedford
Terrace
Remove parking on the
south side of street to
accommodate bike lane
(loss of 10 spaces)
Create comfortable riding
conditions for a broad range
of cyclists
26 $
20
Trail
Connection Elm St
n front of
Northampton
High School,
where Elm turns
to N Elm back
to Elm
Install cycle track along
vacated ROW
Encouraging cycling to and
from school by providing new
facilities will encourage bicycle
use over single occupancy
motor vehicle trips
29 X $ - $$
Project Description Citywide
293Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
21 Sidewalk Federal St
Between
Riverside and
Elm
Install sidewalks east
side of street
This is a narrow street
currently without sidewalks,
and has close proximity to
schools and parks
29 X $$
22 On-Street
Bike Facility Finn St Between King St
and Prospect
Where possible, narrow
travel lanes to 10' and
install bike lane stencils
in existing or new
shoulder zones
This defacto bike lane area
would benefit from a formal
designation as a bike lane by
adding traditional bike lane
stencils
26 $
23 Sidewalk Franklin St Between Bancroft
St and Elm St Install curb cuts Pedestrian demand / current
sidewalks non ADA compliant 24 $$
24 On-Street
Bike Facility
Gothic and
Trumbull St
Gothic: Entire
Length. Trumbull:
From Gothic
intersection to
State St.
Utilize bike-boulevard
style treatments: Install
Shared Lane Markings
/ utilize traffic calming
elements
Provides an alternative to
biucycling on State to access
Main St
29 X $$ - $$$
25 Crosswalk Hampton Ave
At Kirkland Ave
OR in front of
Hampton Court
Apartments
Install new crosswalk at
either location
A crosswalk is needed to
improve pedestrian access
across Hampton Ave, either
at Kirkland Ave or further east
towards Pleasant St at the
primary entry to a parking
lot which is similar to being
located at a cross street.
21 $
26 Sidewalk Hawley St From Holyoke St
to Bridge St
Add 5' sidewalks and
ADA curb ramps,
make bike boulevard
improvements
Bumpy, deteriorated
sidewalks along Hawley St 31 X $$$
27
Trail
Connection Hayes Ave At rail trail
crossing
Install spur connection/
ramp from Hayes to
rail trail
Clear desire line shows
existing path through woods
that should be formalized with
a paved ramp
26 $$$
28
Trail
Connection Hebert Ave
From intersection
of South St
and Hebert Ave
(oppositve Olive
St) to New Haven
and Northampton
Canal Line Trail at
end of Hebert St
Establish formal
connection by
installation of ramp at
end of Hebert St and
signage along Hebert St
and South St directing
cyclists and pedestrians
towards rail trail
Important connection
opportunity on busy roadway
to divert cyclists and
pedestrians onto separated
trail facility
28 $
29 Intersection Hockanum Rd At intersection
with Pleasant St
Make intersection a
"T" right angle, narrow
Hockanum Road at
intersection approach
Wide turn radii creates
unnecessarily long crossing
for pedestrians and
encourages motorist speeding
26 $$
Project Description Citywide
294Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
30 On-Street
Bike Facility
Holyoke /
Hawley /
Market / North
/ Woodmont
From Pleasant
St to Norwottuck
Rail Trail
Bike boulevard style
treatments from end to end,
using enhanced Shared
Lane Markings and signage
Alternative bike route to
Pleasant and Main St 31 X $$$
31
Traffic
Calming Holyoke St At Pleasant St Utilize traffic calming
devices 26 $$
32
Trail
Connection Hospital Hill
Trail
Frrom Village
Hill development
to Northampton
High School
Extend and pave existing
Hospital Hill path
This path is currently
neglected and in disrepair 24 $$$
33
Traffic
Calming King St At Hotel
Northampton
Install curb extensions at
this unsignalized crosswalk 28 $$
34
Traffic
Calming King St At Trumbull Rd Install curb extensions 23 $$
35 Traffic Signal King St At Finn St
Install pedestrian signal
heads, count-down timers
and audible signals (for both
crosswalks)
29 X $$
36 Traffic Signal King St At Summer St
and North St
Install pedestrian crossing
signal, countdown timers
and audible signals
No pedestrian signal exists 28 $$$
37 Sidewalk King St At rail trail
crossing
Install wider sidewalk on
east side of King St.
Existing sidewalk is too
narrow 27 $$
38 Intersection King St At Main St /
Pleasant St
Install pedestrian
countdown timers on traffic
signals downtown
30 X $$
39
Traffic
Calming King St
From rail trail
crossing at King
St to North St
Implement road diet (per
2010 charrette)22 $
40 On-Street
Bike Facility King St From Finn to
North St Stripe bike lanes
To provide bike facility
between Finn St bike lanes
and North St connection to
rail trail
28 $
Project Description Citywide
295Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street
Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k,
$$ = 20k -
50k, $$$ =
> 50k)
41 Alley Repair Kirkland
Ave. Alley
Between
Pleasant St.
and Armory
St. lot
Improve surface materials, lighting,
and street furniture within the alley
Alley is not a comfortable
place for pedestrians, though it
provides a convenient connection
to Pleasant St.
30 X $$$
42 Intersection Locust St At N Elm /
Prospect St
Make intersection two-way for
bikes
Bicyclists traveling from Cooley
Dicknson to points north from
Propsect Ave are currently forced
to make difficult left against traffic
on Prospect St
23 $$
43 On-Street
Bike Facility Main St
From State
at South to
Hawley at
Market
Install separated bike lane
Plenty of space exists within
existing right of way to create
separated bicycle facility.
30 X $$$
44 Sidewalk Main St
North
side, from
Cracker
Barrel Alley
to Center
Widen sidewalk
High pedestrian demand with
numerous adjacent eating
establishments
21
45 Traffic
Calming Main St All Main St
Crosswalks
Install curb extensions and median
islands at all Main St crosswalks
Main streets width creates
unnecessary long crossings for
pedestrians
29 X $$
46 Trees Main St
Main / State
/ South
to Main /
Hawley /
Market
Install new street trees and
landscaping
Bolstering the already
established urban tree canopy in
this core downtown streetscape
will provide a comfortable
pedestrian experience on hot
summer days.
23 $$
47 Crosswalk Main St At Cracker
Barrel Alley Re-align crosswalk geometry 27 $
48 Trail
Connection Main St Behind
Fitzwilly's
Install signage to Main St at ramp
behind Fitzwilly's
Lack of signage may confuse
trail users 26 $
49
Trail
Connection
Mill River
/ Hospital
Hill Trail
New paved trail from current
terminus near Olander Dr to high
school
Need to connect New Haven +
Canal Line Trail to High School
+ Elm St 27 $$$
50
Trail
Connection Musante
Dr
To Burts Pit
Rd (north
side of road)
Install trail from Musante Dr to the
west side of the hairpin turn on
Burts Pit Road, on the north side of
the road partially to avoid both the
steep grade of the hairpin turn
23 $$$
Project Description Citywide
296Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score:
(Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k,
$$ = 20k -
50k, $$$ =
> 50k)
51 On-Street
Bike Facility N Elm St
Just north of Elm St
intersection / just
west of the southern
tip of Child's Park
Remove six parking spots for
continual bike lane
Removal of the parking
establishes a more
complete connection along
Elm St's established bike
facility in front of the high
school
30 X $
52 Intersection N Elm St At Locust St Install bicycle loop detector
or video 21 $
53 Intersection
New Haven &
Northampton
Canal Line At Earle St
Install signage instructing
cyclists to approach
intersection slowly
This intersection is at
the bottom of a hill and
the rail trail approach is
on a diagonal path with
significant blind spots
18 $
54 Crosswalk North St
Where North St
meets Day Ave /
Bates Ave
Update crosswalk geometry Crosswalk is poorly aligned 30 X $$
55 Intersection North St
At Rail trail bridge at
North St (between
Market and King)Upgrade underpass Sidewalks below underpass
are in poor condition 25 $$
56 On-Street
Bike Facility North St
North St between
theKing St and Day
Ave
Install on-street bicycle facility
(mix of bike lanes and shared
lane markings)
25 $$
57 Trees North St
North St between
the intersection of
North and Market
and the intersection
of North and Lincoln
Install street trees Newly widened roadway
has many fewer street trees 20 $$$
58 Trail
Connection North St At Edwards Square
Ramp to rail trail from the
east end of the parking lot at
corner of North and Edwards
Sq
Important desire line
currectly used by many
walkers and bicyclists
29 X $$$
59 Bike Parking Northampton
High School Front entrance
Replace wheel bender bicycle
racks with APBP approved
racks
“Wheel bender” bicycle
racks are less secure than
APBP approved racks
18 $
60
Traffic
Calming Pleasant St
New Haven &
Northampton Canal
Line Trail crossing
Utilize traffic calming: refuge
island / curb extensions /
raised-table crossing
Cars frequently don’t stop
for crossing cyclists or
pedestrians
29 X $$$
61 On-Street
Bike Facility Pleasant St Between Conz St
and Main St
Install bike lanes from Conz
to Holyoke and Shared Lane
Markings to Main St
Bicycle safety and access 31 X $$
Project Description Citywide
297Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above 28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$
= 20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
62 Intersection Pleasant St At Holyoke
St
Reduce size of turning radius to
slow turning traffic
This is a tough crossing
for pedestrians due to
intersection geometry 29 X $$
63 Sidewalk Pleasant St Close excess and historic curb
cuts on Pleasant St
These redundant curb cuts
create unnecessary hazards
for pedestrians
29 X $$
64 Trees Pleasant St /
King St
From new
roundabout
at Conz St
to Finn St.
Install additional street trees
This area represents a gap
in the established urban
tree canopy 22 $$$
65 On-Street
Bike Facility Propsect St At Finn St Install bike guide lines (dashed
lines) through intersection
White dashed lines will
help to continue and define
the eastbound bike lane
as it passes through the
intersection
25 $
66 Intersection Prospect St At Finn St All way stop signs needed
Motorists don't always stop
for people crossing Finn St
on foot
20 $
67 Traffic
Calming Prospect St
Between
Childs Park
and Finn St
Utilize traffic calming: narrow
roadway width
Road is too wide, causes
speeding 25 $$
68
Trail
Connection
Rail trail at
Stop n Shop Near State
St
Address bumpy conditions
and potholes on rail trail at this
location
Bicyclist and skater safety
and comfort while using
trail.
20 $
69 On-Street
Bike Facility
Rainbow Rd
/ Hockanum
Rd
Install Shared Lane Markings
and/or signage
To designate this as a
bicyclefriendly route around
downtown
19 $$
70 Intersection Riverside Dr At Elm St /
Milton St
Improve crosswalk by “T-ing”
Milton into Riverside Dr via the
existing parking lot or installing a
mini roundabout
This intersection has
an unnecessarily long
pedestrian crossing
30 X $$$
71 Traffic
Calming Riverside Dr From Elm to
Maple
Utilize traffic calming elements
on this portion of road, ranked
#2 on DPW's Top 5 list of
roadways in need of traffic
calming
23 $$
72 Crosswalk Roundhill Rd At Crescent
St Install curb cuts Current sidewalks non ADA
compliant 23 $$
Project Description Citywide
298Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION &
SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High
Scoring
Projects:
(Score
above
28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$
= 20k -
50k, $$$ =
> 50k)
73 Traffic
Calming South St
Between
Cedar St
and Fort St
Utilize traffic calming:
refuge island / curb
extensions / raised-
table crossing
High speeding traffic and tractor
trailers, many motorists do not yield to
pedestrians waiting in crosswalks 26 $$$
74 Traffic Signal South St At Old
South St
Install additional
crosswalk signage Long crosswalk geometry 19 $
75 On-Street
Bike Facility South St
1,000 feet
from Main St
intersection
Install bike lane
(continue existing bike
lane)
The existing bike lane peters out in a
high-traffic volume area along South St 30 X $
76 On-Street
Bike Facility South St
Between
Earle St and
Old South St
Repave South St,
continue rumble strip
between bike lane and
travel lane
Multiple instances of debris in the bike
lane results from deteriorated pavement
and sidewalks
22 $$$
77 Sidewalk South St
Between
Earle St and
Dewey Ct
Update some or all
sidewalks and curb cuts
along South St corridor
Existing sidewalks and curb cuts in
disrepair, non ADA compliant; no
sidewalks between S. Park Terrace and
Earle St.
26 $$
78 On-Street
Bike Facility South St
Spring sweeping and
debris removal of bike
lane is critical
25 $
79 On-Street
Bike Facility
South St /
Pleasant St
/ Rt 9
Entire
corridors
of all 3
roadways
Install LED crosswalk
lighting Difficult lighting at numerous crosswalks 24 $$
80 Sidewalk State St
Between
Finn St and
MassCentral
Rail Trail
Repair and widen
sidewalks
High pedestrian demand area,
sidewalks are narrow and in disrepair 29 X $$
81 On-Street
Bike Facility State St
Between
Main St and
Finn St
Utilize traffic calming
devices / Stripe
bike lanes (requires
potential restriction
of southbound traffic
south of Center St) for
bike lanes. State St is
ranked #1 on DPW's
Top 5 list of roadways
in need of traffic
calming.
Currently bikes ride on the sidewalk
along this portion of State St causing
uncomfortable situations for pedestrians.
Investigate opportunity for raised
crosswalks along entire length of State
St.
32 X $$$
82 Sidewalk State St
Between
Center St
and Main St
Install sidewalk along
west side of State St
This is a high demand pedestrian area
with inadequate sidewalks 33 X $$$
83 Sidewalk State St At Stoddard
St Install curb cuts
Existing sidewalks do not have curb cuts
and therefore are not ADA compliant 26 $$
Project Description Citywide
299Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPROJECT DESCRIPTION - CITYWIDE EVALUATION & SCORE COST
Project #Project Type Street Name Extents Project Description Reasoning
Evaluation
Score: (Max.
33)
High Scoring
Projects:
(Score above
28)
Range of
Cost: ($
= < 20k, $$ =
20k -
50k, $$$ = >
50k)
84 On-Street
Bike Facility Summer St Between King
St and State St
Relocate parking to
south side and install
west-bound contraflow
bike lane
Bicycle desire line 29 X $$
85 Street
Furniture
The parking
lot west of
Roundhouse
Plaza
Between
Roundhouse
Pl and the New
South overpass
Install edge lines at the
south end of the parking
lot
This will disourage motorists
from parking with their
bumpers extending into the
rail-trail zone
23 $
86 Intersection Village Hill Rd At West St
Reduce size of all
corner radii for slower
traffic speeds
Overly wide intersection
invites speeding and creates
uncomfortable crossing
distance for pedestrians
23 $
87 On-Street
Bike Facility
West / Chapel
/ Rocky Hill
Rd.
Between Elm St
and Old Wilson
Road
Add shared lane
markings and signage
from Elm to Belmont
and bike lanes from
Belmont to Old Wilson
Rd
27 $$
88 Intersection West St At Green St
Utilize traffic calming:
refuge island / curb
extensions / raised-table
crossing
Crosswalk is too long,
telephone pole restricts sight
lines
31 X $$$
89 Intersection West St At Earle St Install refuge island in
median area
A refuge island will aid
crossing pedestrians at this
wide roadway
22 $
90 Traffic Signal West St At Village Hill
Rd
Install pedestrian signal
phase at existing traffic
signal
24 $
91 Crosswalk Woodmont Rd At Norwottuck
rail trail crossing Install new crosswalk
Existing crosswalk is faded.
High cyclist and pedestrian
presence.
28 $
Project Description Citywide
300Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMAP OF ALL CURRENT & FUTURE
FUNDED PROJECTS
301Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanCROSSWALK RECOMMENDATIONS
This section describes crosswalk design guidelines, inventories the existing types of crosswalks and
their locations in Northampton, and provides a toolkit of design elements for safe crosswalks. More
detailed design standards for crosswalks can be found in the appendix. The general guidelines below
and the detailed design standards in the appendix are based on the AASHTO Guide for Planning,
Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, the MassDOT Project Development & Design Guide
(2006), the NACTO Urban Streets Design Guide and Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), including the MA MUTCD Amendments, section 3B.18, Crosswalk Markings.
7. Crosswalk Planning & Design
7.1 General Guidelines
Installation of any new crosswalks should be
preceded by an engineering study that will
need to consider the number of traffic lanes,
the presence of, or potential for, a median, the
distance from signalized intersections, pedes-
trian volumes, roadway geometry, availability of
street lighting, traffic volumes and posted and/or
85th percentile speed.
• Crosswalks are not required at all
intersections; crosswalks should be
considered at street intersections where
the primary roadway has volumes of
>3,000 vehicles per day, speeds typically
exceed 25 MPH or where schools, parks
and senior centers are present.
• Land use, crash history, and present and
future pedestrian demand to be expected
can impact crosswalk design and location.
• Crosswalks shall be supplemented with
curb ramps, stop bars, and signage to
improve access, pedestrian convenience,
and safety. In addition, crosswalks may be
supplemented with curb extensions, refuge
islands, raised crossings, advanced yield
lines, pedestrian crossing bollard signs, and
pedestrian signals with countdown timers in
locations where pedestrian traffic is heavy,
or near schools, parks, and senior centers.
• Compelling reasons should be found to
not include crosswalks on all legs of an
intersection, e.g. missing sidewalk(s), high
turning volume and/or low traffic volume.
• The minimum crosswalk width at side
streets with a 5’ sidewalk is 8’, with 12’
preferred. Across busier streets and
downtown, the minimum crosswalk
width is 12’ or the width of the adjacent
sidewalk, whichever is greater.
302Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• On 4-lane roads or where 85th percentile
speeds exceed 35 MPH, medians,
flashing beacons or a pedestrian signage
and overhead lighting.
• Any mid-block crossing requires
appropriate signage and overhead lighting.
• Per MUTCD, Section 4D.01, mid-block
crosswalks should not be signalized if
within 300’ of the nearest traffic signal,
or within 100’ of a side street controlled
by a stop or yield sign, unless a study
indicates the new signal will not restrict
progressive movement of traffic
7.2 Existing Crosswalk Typologies
There are a variety of crosswalk typologies within
the City of Northampton. Five distinct types of
crosswalk are displayed in the photos to the
right, along with a synopsis of those that are
preferred versus those in need of improvement.
Existing Crosswalks
Crosswalk Type Quantity
Ladder / Continental Crosswalks 340
Parallel Crosswalks 8
Street Print 23
Zebra-style Crosswalks 1
Total Number of Crosswalks 373
Map of existing crosswalk typologies
303
Continental Style Crosswalk
Continental
Stop Line
Curb Ramps
Advanced Yield Line
In-Street Yield to Pedestrian Sign
(Uncontrolled crossing only) Advanced yield
lines placed 20 to 50 feet prior to a crosswalk
can reduce likelihood of crashes at un-signal-
ized mid-block crossings. The line encourages
drivers to yield far enough away so a pedestrian
can see if a second motor vehicle is not stop-
ping a multi-lane roadway.
The in-street yield to pedestrian crosswalk sign
provides a reminder to alert motorists at un-sig-
nalized intersections to laws concerning yield-
ing or stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks.
These signs are also more visible to motorists
than signage posted to sign poles.
Stop lines should be located a minimum of 4 feet
(10’ preferred) in advance of the crosswalk to rein-
force yielding to pedestrians. Stop bars should be
perpendicular to the travel lane, not parallel to the
adjacent street or crosswalk. Stop lines can be
painted where there is a stop sign (MUTCD 3B.16),
and at traffic signals.
ADA compliant curb ramps contain Pedestrian
Warning Strips (truncated domes) to alert mobility
impaired individuals utilizing walking canes to the
presence of a road crossing.
Continental style crosswalks are highly visible
to motorists. They are cost-effective by placing
gaps in established tire tracks, reducing the
level of wear over time. Continental crosswalks
are the preferred crosswalk design standard.
Crosswalk signage at unsignalized crossings
can alert motorists to the presence of pedestri-
ans at these locations.
7.3 Recommended Crosswalk Design Features Toolkit
Lower Cost Elements
Pedestrian infrastructure that may not be old
enough to require full replacement, or where
funding is limited should consider these improve-
ments. Low cost fixes to calm traffic and enhance
safety for all users of the road and sidewalk
are likely to be adopted and completed sooner
than more expensive projects, and can serve as
catalysts for long-term change. Additionally, low-
cost, context-sensitive retrofits can enable safety
improvements to an area pending a more robust
or significant future redesign. These are some of
the design features illustrated in the crosswalk
design standards found in the appendix.
304
Higher Cost Elements
Pedestrian crossing facilities are higher cost
improvements, but generally have higher
compliance rates and create a more comfortable
environment for pedestrians. They should be
installed at locations where there have been
crashes involving pedestrians, or where heavy
levels of traffic calming is needed. In order to
absorb the costs, these improvements can be
included in larger capital projects or redevelop-
ment plans. Many of these elements are featured
in the crosswalk design standards found in the
appendix.
Curb Extension
Raised Crosswalk - Shallow Raised Crosswalk - Steep Pedestrian Signal With Countdown Timer
The countdown timer shows how many seconds
remain for the clearing phase. The MUTCD
requires countdown signals be used at all sig-
nalized intersections with pedestrian clearance
intervals longer than seven seconds.
Pedestrian refuge islands limit pedestrian exposure in the intersection. They are recommended where
a pedestrian must cross more than two lanes of traffic in one direction, locations with high pedestri-
an-collision rates, and locations where there are high traffic volumes and speeds. Medians or safety
islands create a two-stage crossing for pedestrians, which is easier and safer.
A steeper crosswalk is ideal for some college
campus or downtown core locations where traffic
calming goals stem from significant pedestrian
crossings occur regularly or frequently. One
result of a steeper crossing is motor vehicle
traffic slowed to approximately 10 MPH or less.
Mobility-impaired individuals have an easier time
crossing as they do not have change in grade.
Curb extensions include both mid-block exten-
sions (known as pinchpoints or chokers) that
may include cut-throughs for bicyclists, and
intersection curb extensions that align well on
streets with parallel parking. Curb extensions
shorten crossing distance for pedestrians and
increase sight lines for motorists by reducing
parked car obstacles near crosswalks.
Raised crossings calm traffic, increase visi-
bility and yielding behavior, and create a safer
pedestrian crossing environment, especially
for mobility-impaired individuals. Shallow
crossings may have a longer ramp leading
to the raised crossing and / or are shorter in
height than a steep raised crossing.
Refuge Island - Raised
305
• While there is no specific guidance
from MUTCD on material use, epoxy,
thermopastic or similar durable
materials should be used; brick or unit
paver crosswalks are allowed but not
recommended, except at signalized
intersections in specific districts.
• Crosswalks should either be located
where street lighting is pletiful, or new
lighting should be installed concurrently.
Mid-Block Crossings
Because mid-block crosswalks can create a safer
and more direct route for pedestrians hoping to
avoid significant out-of-direction travel to the nearest
signalized intersection, they are recommended. All
sites will require an engineering study and approval
by the City Engineer and follow these guidelines:
• On low-volume roadways with 85th
percentile speeds up to 30 MPH, the
City’s standard crosswalk design will
suffice (see Appendix)
Parallel
Continental Ladder Street Print
CRAFTS AVE AT OLD SOUTH ST: There are only 8 instances of parallel-line
style crosswalks in Northampton. These are the least preferred style of
crosswalk due to their lower levels of visibility. Due to the inherent design
of striping perpendicular to the flow of traffic, these crosswalks wear down
faster due to motor vehicle tires. Parallel-style crosswalks should be updat-
ed to the preferred standard, except at locations with decorative pavers or
brick, in which parallel style will be needed at the edges.
MUSANT DR. AT MOSER ST: Throughout the
Village Hill Development, more decorative street
print duratherm crosswalks are used..
DAMON RD. AT RAIL TRAIL CROSSING: There
are relatively few ladder crosswalks in Northamp-
ton. Ladder and Continental-style are the most
preferred due to their high visibility and are
recommended as the standard for new crosswalk
striping in the future.
MAIN ST AT CRACKER BARREL ALLEY: The
most dominant style of crosswalk in Northamp-
ton, continental style crosswalks are highly vis-
ible to motor vehicle traffic. These and ladder
crosswalks are the preferred standard.
306Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanIntroduction
Dozens of cities in North America have recognized the health, environmental, and economic benefits
of bike sharing. Northampton is well positioned as a bike friendly city in the Pioneer Valley That serves
as the coordinator and project manager for the eight-municipality (Amherst, Chicopee, Easthampton,
Holyoke, Northampton, South Hadley, Springfield, and West Springfield) regional ValleyBike share
program, with 65 stations and over 600 electric pedal assist bikes..
The program is designed for short trips within the city, though intrepid bicyclists would be allowed to
ride between any of the participating cities and towns in the network.
8. Bike Share
307Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan9. POLICY & PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Northampton's commitment to improving bicycling and walking in the community is clearly expressed
through existing policies and programs that, on the whole, strongly support access and safety for bicy-
clists and pedestrians. As part of the process for developing this plan, the project team reviewed and
analyzed the existing policies and programs in the areas of Education, Encouragement, Enforcement,
Engineering, and Evaluation, including local ordinances regulating bicycling and walking, zoning and
site plan review ordinances, subdivision regulations, driver behavior, Safe Routes to School, and more.
Input was gathered from the public via meetings and email from local officials and published infor-
mation, and from research into best practices. Gaps in existing policies and programs, and potential
additions or improvements, were identified. The following tables contain the policy and program
recommendations resulting from this process.
308
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Education Bicyclist
Behavior
Some bicyclists exhibit
unsafe or illegal behavior.
Laws specific to
bicyclist behavior
are in MGL Chapter
85, Section 11B.
Provide education and public
outreach resources on (1) the
state laws and local ordinances
related to bicycling, and (2) safe
bicycling practices. Resources
include MassBike, League of
American Bicyclists Smart Cycling
Program, and CyclingSavvy.
Parks & Recreation
Police
Schools
Education Bike/Transit
Integration
Integration between
bicycling and transit could
be better, and could
extend range of potential
trips.
PVTA has web-
based information
and video on using
bus bike racks.
Promote existing PVTA information
resources, and coordinate
demonstration events where
people can try our bus bike racks.
PVTA
Education Children’s
Education
MA Safe Routes to School
offers bike and pedestrian
safety training free-of-
charge to partner schools.
All elementary and
middle schools are
Safe Routes to
School partners, but
do not participate in
SRTS educational
components.
Fully participate in MA Safe
Routes to School program each
year.
Schools
Education Children’s
Education
Many children do not
receive adequate
education and practical
experience about
traffic safety, especially
interactions among
motorists, bicyclists, and
pedestrians.
Summer-only
Safety Village
program.
Create in-school “transportation
literacy” program that teaches and
repeatedly reinforces traffic safety
and safe interactions; extend
time period for the Safety Village
program.
Parks & Recreation
Education Driver
Behavior
Many motorists, bicyclists,
and pedestrians lack basic
information about safely
interacting as the mix of
roadway users evolves;
also motorists often fail
to yield to pedestrians in
crosswalks.
None.
Public outreach, such as mailings
and PSAs, to educate all roadway
users about safe interactions with
each other, but particularly motorist
interactions with vulnerable users.
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Police
Education Driver
Behavior
Vulnerable road users,
particularly bicyclists, are
at risk from drivers of
buses, large trucks, and
other commercial vehicle
who do not know how
to safely interact with
vulnerable road users.
None.
Require training on safe
interactions with vulnerable road
users, and for all city employees
or contractors who operate trucks
or other motor vehicles on the
job; work with PVTA to enhance
training for bus drivers.
Public Works / PVTA
Transportation &
Parking Committee
Education Equity
Residents in public
housing often lack access
to traffic safety information
and other information
on vulnerable users as
described above.
None
Distribute traffic safety information
through Northampton Housing
Authority.
Northampton
Housing Authority
Bicycle and
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Education Infrastructure
Some bicyclists and
motorists are confused
about what new roadway
markings and signage
mean, and how to use
new types of facilities.
None
Pictorial and video resources to
demonstrate how new bicycle and
pedestrian facilities are intended to
be used, and pop-up installations
for people to try out.
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Education &
Encouragement
Nighttime
Visibility
Difficult to see pedestrians
at night on paths and in
crosswalks and bicyclists
on paths and roads.
Pedestrians: None.
Bicyclists: Bicycle
lights and reflectors
required at night
(MGL Chapter 85,
Section 11B).
Education campaign on using
lights and reflective gear at night;
possible reflective vest giveaways.
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Police
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Education & Encouragement
309
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Education Signage
Rail trail users lack
information about
rules and etiquette,
leading to unsafe
conditions and user
conflict.
City Ordinances: Bikeway
regulations (§312-78)
include several usage rules,
but nothing related to user
interactions or etiquette; and
bikeway users must keep right
(§312-78).
Signage at trail entrances and
along trails, emphasizing rules and
courtesy.
Parks &
Recreation
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Education Snow removal
Sidewalk snow
clearance not
done consistently,
particularly issue
with crosswalks in
Central Business
District formerly
cleared by BID.
Sidewalk snow clearance
ordinance (§285-17).
Outreach to residential and
commercial building owners to
ensure they understand their snow
clearance responsibilities.
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Education User conflicts
Bicyclists and
skateboarders ride
on the sidewalk,
conflict with
pedestrians.
Sidewalk bicycling is legal
except on specifically
designated streets in the
Downtown Business District
and the Florence Business
District (§285-12.B). Bicyclists
legally riding on sidewalks
must yield to pedestrians and
warn them before passing
(MGL Chapter 85, Section
11B).
Outreach and signage to
discourage sidewalk bicycling
where prohibited and to encourage
courteous interactions on
sidewalks. (Note that sidewalk
bicycling can be an indicator of
inadequate bicycle infrastructure.)
Consider enforcement in high
conflict areas, ideally with
education stops and warnings,
except where behavior is
egregious.
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Police
Education &
Encouragement Bike Parking
More bike
parking needed
throughout city,
particularly popular
destinations and
nearby trailheads.
City Ordinance: Zoning
ordinance requires bike
parking for new construction,
additions and enlargements
(§350-8.11), but no general
bike parking requirement.
Add bike parking at key
destinations, crowdsource bike
parking locations, encourage
business sponsorship of bike
racks.
Parks &
Recreation
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Bike Parking
Improve bike
storage in multi-
family housing
Zoning ordinance requires bike
parking for new construction,
additions and enlargements
(§350-8.11), but not existing
structures.
Provide information about
acceptable bike parking (such as
Northampton bike parking guide)
to multi-unit residential owners.
Consider incentives for improving
bicycle parking in existing
buildings.
Planning Board
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Bike Parking
Limited and
substandard
bike parking at
Northampton High
School and Smith
Voc-Ag. At the
same time, vehicle
parking is free or
extremely low-
cost, incentivizing
students to drive to
school rather than
considering biking,
walking, or transit.
Vehicle parking permit required
for lower lot adjacent to NHS
(purchased by $25 “donation”
to student group), with
violators subject to towing. In
practice, no one has ever been
towed, but might be asked to
move to the athletic field lot.
No permit is required to park
in the athletic field lot. Vehicle
parking is entirely free at Smith
Voc-Ag.
Consider raising parking fees
(subject to need-based exceptions)
at the two high schools to
subsidize improved bicycle parking
facilities at the schools. Conduct a
study of student travel modes and
preferences to determine potential
for mode shift.
Schools
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Education & Encouragement
310
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Encouragement
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Encouragement Bikeway
Ordinance
Nighttime bikeway
closure is inconsistent
with transportation needs.
Bikeway is officially
closed from dusk to dawn
(§312-78).
Consider repealing nighttime bikeway
closure, or extend hours to mid-
evening, e.g. 9:00 or 10:00 pm
Planning Board
Police
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Children’s
Education
Northampton schools
do not take advantage
of Safe Routes to
School educational or
encouragement services.
Northampton schools are
SRTS partners, but do
not actively participate.
Work with MassRIDES to bring
bicycling and walking safety training
and activities to schools.
Schools
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Children’s
Education
Encouraging children and
youth to bike and walk
has proven benefits for
public health.
Northampton schools are
SRTS partners, but do
not actively participate.
Use school-based encouragement
programs to engage children and
youth in biking and walking. Examples:
walking school buses and bike trains;
targeted encouragement/incentives
for high school students; adapt/
expand Safety Village bike/ped safety
components to in-school curriculum.
Schools
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Facilities
People who cannot afford
repairs at traditional bike
shops or who do not
know people to ride with
have no place to go.
Smith Bike Kitchen
serves this purpose
for the Smith College
community.
Create a community bike hub (similar
to Smith Bike Kitchen) that can
provide low-cost or self-service bike
repair facilities and a location for
organizing rides.
MassBike PV
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Facilities
Convenient bike
maintenance stands on
rail trails and elsewhere.
MassBike PV purchased
one bike maintenance
station, which was
installed.
Install (and maintain) additional
publicly-accessible bike maintenance
stations and water sources at key trail
locations.
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Facilities
Bicycle use on school
grounds and recreational
facilities is broadly
prohibited and treated the
same as motor vehicles.
City Ordinance: Operation
of vehicles (§233-1).
Amend §233-1 to allow use on school
grounds and recreational facilities to
the extent needed for transportation
and bike parking.
Parks &
Recreation
Schools
Encouragement Open Streets
Open Streets (aka:
“ciclovia”) or tactical
urbanism events engage
more people in biking,
walking, and other
outdoor activities in a safe,
social, car-free space,
and emphasize that the
streets are for everyone
by closing busy streets to
motorized vehicles.
None.
Pilot an Open Streets event or
continue the demonstration project on
Main Street on regular intervals, such
as monthly from April to October.
Parks &
Recreation
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
MassBike PV
Encouragement Recognition
Goal: Silver (or higher)
Bicycle Friendly
Community
Bronze Bicycle Friendly
Community
Adopt this plan and Implement “Key
Steps” in Bicycle Friendly Community
Report Card.
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
PVPC
Encouragement Recognition Goal: Silver (or higher)
Walk Friendly Community
Bronze Walk Friendly
Community
Adopt this plan and use WFC
assessment tool feedback to improve
the City’s standing.
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
311
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Encouragement
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Encouragement Seniors
Bicycling is a viable
but under-utilized
transportation and
recreation option
for seniors, with
Northampton’s compact
downtown and trail
network.
None.
Provide education and
training resources to
encourage seniors to
bike (or tricycle) for
transportation or recreation.
Senior services
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Snow
Removal
Path network is
essential transportation
infrastructure, and lack
of clarity and consistency
with snow removal
impacts bicycle and
pedestrian transportation
in the winter. Snow
removal policy for
paths is not included in
DPW’s Snow Removal
Procedures document.
The city’s objective is to plow
the trails from West Street
to Florence/Mulberry Streets
because these are areas with the
highest volumes and serve the
village centers, downtown, dense
neighborhoods, and schools. The
former Business Improvement
District used to plow the section
from Main Street to State Street.
Restore plowing on rail
trail from Main Street to
State Street. Formalize and
publicize path snow removal
policy to inform public and
set expectations.
Planning &
Sustainability
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Encouragement Wayfinding
Wayfinding signage
assists people to find
key destinations, and
encourages them to bike
or walk.
Bike path kiosks, graphic art sign
on rail trail bridge, WalkBoston
signage, path mileage markers
(planned).
Continue existing wayfinding
efforts, and evaluate
effectiveness. Consider
need for bilingual or multi-
lingual signage.
Planning &
Sustainability
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Public Works
Encouragement Snow
Removal
Seniors may be unable
to comply with snow
removal ordinance due
to physical or financial
limitations.
City Ordinance: Removal of snow
and ice from sidewalks (§285-17)
Provide financial and/or
manpower to assist seniors
with residential snow
removal.
Public Works
Senior Services
Publicly accessible bicycle repair
stands reduce barriers to riding
by providing convenient and
free access to tools necessary to
keep a bicycle working properly.
Walking School Bus program encourages
students to walk to school by banding
together in groups similar to a school bus.
A parent or teacher volunteer often leads
the effort.
This Ciclovia in Bogota in 2009 is an example of a successful Open
Streets policy. Each Sunday and public holiday from 7:00am to
2:00pm certain main thoroughfares are closed to motor vehicles and
opened for any form of non-motorized active transportation.
312
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Enforcement Bikeway
Ordinance
Unclear which
bikeways or paths
the bikeway
ordinance applies
to, as it refers to a
singular bikeway.
City Ordinance: Bikeway
(§312-78)
Clarify which bikeways and paths
this ordinance applies to.
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Enforcement
Bikeway
Ordinance /
E-Bikes
Ban on use of
“motorized vehicles”
on bikeway
prohibits use of
electric-assist
bicycles (e-bikes).
City Ordinance: Bikeway
(§312-78)
Consider whether use of e-bikes
should be permitted on bikeways,
and how such use would be
regulated.
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Police
Enforcement
Bikeway
Ordinance
/ Motorist
Behavior
Bikeway ordinance
currently requires
all users to yield
to vehicles in the
road at crossings.
This may be
inconsistent with
MGL Chapter 89,
Section 11 that
requires vehicles
in road to yield to
pedestrians at all
marked crosswalks.
City Ordinance: Bikeway
(§312-78)
Consider amending ordinance to
require vehicles on roadway to
yield to all bikeway (or trail) users
at marked crossings (and all path
crossings should be marked).
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Police
Enforcement Driver
Behavior
Motorists often
fail to yield to
pedestrians in
crosswalks.
Motorists required to yield
to pedestrians in crosswalks
(MGL Chapter 89, Section 11).
Additional enforcement,
educational stops, and decoy
operations.
Police
Enforcement Driver
Behavior
Motorists
sometimes park in
bike lanes, which
is prohibited by city
ordinance.
City Ordinance: Bike lanes
(§312-80)
Additional enforcement, motorist
education and outreach.Police
Enforcement E-Bikes
Current definition
of “motor vehicle”
in zoning
ordinance could
potentially apply
to and limit use
of electric-assist
bicycles (e-bikes).
City Ordinance: Zoning,
General (§350-2.1)
Amend zoning ordinance to
differentiate e-bike from motor
vehicle, consistent with any other
policy changes related to e-bikes.
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Planning Board
Enforcement Personal
Safety
Concerns over
personal safety
and crime on rail
trails, particularly
at night.
None.Consider additional patrols on rail
trails.Police
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Enforcement
313
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Enforcement Police
Education
Law enforcement
officers may not have
the latest information on
laws and safety issues
relating to bicyclists and
pedestrians.
None.
Use available training
resources, such as MassBike
and WalkBoston training
videos, supplemented
with information on local
ordinances.
Police
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Enforcement Snow
Removal
Property owners do not
consistently clear snow
from the sidewalks in
front of their properties,
in violation of city
ordinance. Crosswalks
and curb ramps in
Central Business District
formerly cleared by BID
no longer cleared.
City Ordinance: Removal of
snow and ice from sidewalks
(§285-17)
Issue citations to non-
complying building owners
and/or DPW does work and
bills owner. DPW should clear
crosswalks in CBD.
Police
Public Works
Enforcement Speeding
Speeding by motorists
endangers bicyclists
and pedestrians,
particularly downtown.
City Ordinances:
Speed regulation (§312-79)
Speed limits (MGL Chapter 90,
Section 17)
Identify areas where speeding
is most dangerous to bicyclists
and pedestrians, and target
enforcement.
Police
Enforcement Truck Safety
Large trucks present
a particular hazard
for bicyclists and
pedestrians, and most
trucks lack safety
measures designed to
protect vulnerable users.
None.
Establish an internal policy
requiring side guards, convex
mirrors, and cross-over mirrors
on all large trucks owned or
operated by the City.
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Police
Public Works
Enforcement Truck Safety
Operation of trucks
can be unsafe in areas
of high bicycle and
pedestrian activity. (e.g.,
Main Street)
None.
Consider a long-term plan
for appropriate delivery and
loading locations for Main St.
businesses.
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Police
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Enforcement
TRUCK SIDE GUARD GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY HTTP://WWW.CITYOFBOSTON.GOV/IS/PDFS/TRUCKSIDEGUARD_HANDOUT_VF2.PDF
max. 21.5” above ground
max. 14” below structure of vehicle
SIDE GUARD
max. 21.5” above ground
max. 14” below structure of vehicle
SIDE GUARD
314
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Encouragement
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Engineering Bike Lane
Ordinance
Existing ordinance does
not contemplate a wider
range of possible bicycle
facilities than striped bike
lanes, and specifically
does not allow separated
bike lanes for exclusive
non-motorized use.
City Ordinance: Bike
lanes (§312-80)
Amend ordinance to allow the full
range of bicycle facilities, including
separated bike lanes that are intended
for the exclusive use of non-motorized
users.
Planning &
Sustainability
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Bike Lane
Ordinance
Streets with bike lanes
are specifically listed in
the ordinance, which
is unnecessary for
designating a bike lane,
burdensome to keep up-
to-date, and unclear what
the legal consequences
are if a bike lane is or is
not listed.
City Ordinance: Bike
lanes (§312-80)
Consider removing specific list of bike
lanes from the ordinance.
Planning &
Sustainability
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Bike/Transit
Integration
Integration between
bicycling and transit could
be better, and could
extend range of potential
trips by enabling bike use
at beginning and/or end
of transit trip.
None
Ensure adequate bike parking exists
in proximity to key transit stops,
and communicate the locations of
integrated bus/bike stops to the public.
Planning &
Sustainability
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
PVTA
Engineering Funding
The city does not
currently designate
any Chapter 90 funds
specifically for bicycle or
pedestrian projects, nor
does the state expressly
require that Chapter
90 projects comply
with Complete Streets
standards.* (See note by
City Traffic Engineer.)
None
Consider allocating a specific
percentage of Chapter 90 funds for
bicycle and pedestrian projects, in
proportion to mode share or another
metric. Apply the city’s Complete
Streets Policy to all Chapter 90
projects.
Planning &
Sustainability
Public Works
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Funding
MassDOT offers funding
for Complete Streets
projects.
Complete Streets Policy
adopted.
Continue MassDOT Complete Streets
funding process, with the goal of
receiving up to $400,000 in project
implementation funds.
Planning &
Sustainability
Public Works
Transportation
& Parking
Committee
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Grates
Grates are not
consistently bicycle-
safe in either design or
orientation. Ordinance
does not include bicycle
safety requirements.
City Ordinance: Gratings
in streets (§285-24)
Although the DPW does install bike-
friendly castings for upgrades and new
projects, formalize by amendment
to specify bicycle-safe design and
orientation of grates on all streets and
sidewalks.
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
*Bicycle and pedestrian access is considered for City projects. Full reconstruction projects consider the
addition of sidewalks. Most resurfacing projects require the reconstruction of wheelchair ramps and bike lanes
are considered where there is sufficient pavement width.
315
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Encouragement
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Engineering Maintenance
Some crosswalks and
bike lanes are faded and
hard to see, reducing
their safety effectiveness.
Crosswalks repainted
annually over the summer
by Public Works with
bike lanes painted by a
contractor
Crosswalk inventory is part of
this plan. Bike lanes are listed
in the bike lane ordinance, but
bicycle facilities should be tracked
independent of the ordinance.
Ensure maintenance status is
tracked as part of inventory.
Public Works
Engineering Maintenance
Trail cleanup (brush
cutting and trash cleanup)
is not done consistently
throughout the network.
DPW cuts brush twice a
year on the Northampton
Bikeway, once a year on
other paths.
Expand twice-a-year brush cutting
beyond the core Northampton
Bikeway to other trails. Consider
options for regular trash cleanup.
Continue to seek “Adopt a
Trail” sponsors for additional
maintenenance.
Public Works
Engineering Maintenance
Street maintenance or
construction operations
can create hazardous
conditions or block
access for bicyclists,
pedestrians, and people
with disabilities.
City follows MassDOT
guidelines for construction
zone management.
Consider adopting a city policy
detailing requirements for
maintaining safe access through
construction zones for bicyclists,
pedestrians, and people with
disabilities.
Public Works
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Trails Consistency of signage at
trail crossing of roadways.
Some roadway crossings
include W11-2 and W16-
7P signs currently.
All crossings should include
MUTCD W11-15P signs.Public Works
A bicycle-unfriendly sewer grate design
in Nashville, TN. These should be avoid-
ed at all costs.;
A bicycle-friendly sewer grate in
Cambridge, MA. Note the direction of
travel and the small opening size.
Covered bicycle parking racks near key destinations and adjacent
to transit stations increase the likelihood of users completing a
multi-modal transit journey.
316
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Engineering Snow
Removal
Rail trail network is essential
transportation infrastructure,
and lack of clarity and
consistency with snow
removal impacts bicycle and
pedestrian transportation in
the winter. Snow removal
policy for paths is not
included in DPW’s Snow
Removal Procedures
document.
DPW plows the Northampton
Bikeway from Stoddard Street
to Florence Street in Leeds.
The section of the bikeway
from King Street to Earle and
Grove Streets (Manhan Rail
Trail) used to be plowed by the
former BID, by is now plowed
by the Parking Maintenance
Division. Plowing starts after a
storm has ended, not during.
Formalize and publicize
path snow removal policy
to inform public and set
expectations. Consider
plowing during storms of
sustained duration.
Planning & Sustainability
Public Works
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Snow
Removal
Previously the work of
the downtown BID, snow
clearance at crosswalks in
Central Business District is
inconsistent.
None.
City should include
crosswalks and curb
ramps in snow removal
operations, particularly
in the Central Business
District.
Public Works
Engineering Subdivision
Regulations
Any point along a street
(measured at the center
line) must be less than
500 feet away from the
nearest connected street;
this applies to cul-de-sac or
dead-end streets as well.
City Ordinance: Cul-de-sac or
dead-end streets (§290-29.B)
Amend regulation to
require that in the case of
a cul-de-sac or dead-end
street, if a non-connected
public street that is not
a dead-end is within 250
feet, and an alternative
bicycle and pedestrian
connection to that
street is feasible, such
connection is required.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Subdivision
Regulations
Bicyclist and pedestrian
access and safety not
expressly part of Purpose,
while motor vehicle safety is
emphasized.
City Ordinance: Purpose
(§290-2)
Add bicyclist and
pedestrian access and
safety to Purpose section
of subdivision regulations.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Subdivision
Regulations
Bicycle peak-hour and daily
trips not included in traffic
analysis.
City Ordinance: Additional
subdivision submittal
requirements (§290-23)
Include bicycle trips in
traffic analysis.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Subdivision
Regulations
No existing requirement of
interior circulation plan for
bicycles.
City Ordinance: Additional
subdivision submittal
requirements (§290-23)
Require interior bicycle
circulation plan.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Engineering
317
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Engineering Subdivision
Regulations
Street design is expressly
focused on “safe vehicular
travel”.
City Ordinance: Location
(§290-29.A)
Broaden street design focus
from “safe vehicular travel” to
“safe travel for all road users.”
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Engineering
A.
Subdivision
Regulations
B. Zoning
Ordinances
Subdivision Regulations
and Site Plan Review
crtieria does not permit any
decrease in roadway Level
of Service, limiting potential
for biking and walking
improvements.
A. City Ordinance:
Additional subdivision
submittal requirements
(§290-23)
B. City Ordinance:
Approval criteria (§350-
11.6)
Adopt more flexible and
context-sensitive Level of
Service analysis, and require
that project reduce (or at least
not increase) Bicycling Level of
Traffic Stress.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
No requirement to orient
new buildings to street
frontage, limiting access for
non-vehicular users.
City Ordinance:
Procedures (§350-11.5),
Approval criteria (§350-
11.6)
Amend site plan procedures
and approval criteria to require
new buildings to be oriented to
street frontage.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Fixed minimum off-street
vehicle parking currently
required for all structures,
based primarily on
square footage (seats for
restaurants), with no limit
on commercial parking, and
reductions only possible
through shared parking or
payment-in-lieu (for CBD).
City Ordinances:
Off-Street parking
requirements (§350-8.1),
Shared parking (§350-
8.6), Special provisions in
Central Business District
for meeting off-street
parking requirements
(§350-8.10 )
Dynamically set off-street
vehicle parking requirements
by requiring Transportation
Demand Management Plan
that maximizes bicycle,
pedestrian, and transit trips,
and then calculates minimum
off-street parking needed (not
to exceed statutory minimum).
Allow reduction of off-street
vehicle parking for exceeding
bicycle parking requirements.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Crosswalks not expressly
required, even when
sidewalks are required.
City Ordinances:
Procedures (§350-11.5),
Approval criteria (§350-
11.6), Highway Business
District Design Standards
attachment
Expressly require crosswalks
at intersections, transit stops,
building entrances, and other
key locations within and
adjacent to site, subject to
engineering review.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Bicycles and pedestrians
not included in trip estimates,
only vehicles.
City Ordinance:
Procedures (§350-11.5
Require bicycle and
pedestrian trip estimates,
based on anticipated demand
assumption and/or nearby ped/
bike counts.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Bicycles not included in
traffic pattern analysis.
City Ordinance:
Procedures (§350-11.5)
Expressly add bicycles to
traffic pattern analysis.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Engineering
318
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Engineering Subdivision
Regulations
Street design is expressly
focused on “safe vehicular
travel”.
City Ordinance: Location
(§290-29.A)
Broaden street design focus
from “safe vehicular travel” to
“safe travel for all road users.”
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Engineering
A.
Subdivision
Regulations
B. Zoning
Ordinances
Subdivision Regulations
and Site Plan Review
crtieria does not permit any
decrease in roadway Level
of Service, limiting potential
for biking and walking
improvements.
A. City Ordinance:
Additional subdivision
submittal requirements
(§290-23)
B. City Ordinance:
Approval criteria (§350-
11.6)
Adopt more flexible and
context-sensitive Level of
Service analysis, and require
that project reduce (or at least
not increase) Bicycling Level of
Traffic Stress.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
No requirement to orient
new buildings to street
frontage, limiting access for
non-vehicular users.
City Ordinance:
Procedures (§350-11.5),
Approval criteria (§350-
11.6)
Amend site plan procedures
and approval criteria to require
new buildings to be oriented to
street frontage.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Fixed minimum off-street
vehicle parking currently
required for all structures,
based primarily on
square footage (seats for
restaurants), with no limit
on commercial parking, and
reductions only possible
through shared parking or
payment-in-lieu (for CBD).
City Ordinances:
Off-Street parking
requirements (§350-8.1),
Shared parking (§350-
8.6), Special provisions in
Central Business District
for meeting off-street
parking requirements
(§350-8.10 )
Dynamically set off-street
vehicle parking requirements
by requiring Transportation
Demand Management Plan
that maximizes bicycle,
pedestrian, and transit trips,
and then calculates minimum
off-street parking needed (not
to exceed statutory minimum).
Allow reduction of off-street
vehicle parking for exceeding
bicycle parking requirements.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Crosswalks not expressly
required, even when
sidewalks are required.
City Ordinances:
Procedures (§350-11.5),
Approval criteria (§350-
11.6), Highway Business
District Design Standards
attachment
Expressly require crosswalks
at intersections, transit stops,
building entrances, and other
key locations within and
adjacent to site, subject to
engineering review.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Bicycles and pedestrians
not included in trip estimates,
only vehicles.
City Ordinance:
Procedures (§350-11.5
Require bicycle and
pedestrian trip estimates,
based on anticipated demand
assumption and/or nearby ped/
bike counts.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Bicycles not included in
traffic pattern analysis.
City Ordinance:
Procedures (§350-11.5)
Expressly add bicycles to
traffic pattern analysis.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Transportation & Parking
Commission
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Engineering
319
E Policy
Area Need Current Policy Recommendation Potential
Leadership
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Insufficient bike parking at
commercial and residential
buildings.
City Ordinances: Bicycle
parking (§350-8.11),
Chapter 350 Attachment
10, Chapter 350
Attachment 12
Increase bike parking
requirements relative to
current measures, and require
bike parking even when
no additional car parking is
required. Require bike parking
demand analysis.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering Zoning
Ordinances
Lack of end-of-trip facilities
(e.g., showers, lockers,
changing rooms) in office/
commercial buildings is an
obstacle to bike commuting.
City Ordinance: Bicycle
parking (§350-8.11 )
Require end-of-trip facilities for
commercial buildings.
Planning & Sustainability
Planning Board
Bicycle & Pedestrian
Subcommittee
Engineering DPW Policy
Refine the process for public
comments for DPW street
projects
n/a
The DPW City Engineer or
Traffic Engineer should come
before the transportation
and parking committee on
the Pedestrian Bicycle Sub-
Committee early enough
in the decision process for
substantive comments on any
new or proposed projects.
Public Works
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Engineering
320Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanPrevious Planning
Past plans undertaken to redesign Main Street in Northampton include the Main Street and King
Street Transportation Charrette (March 2011) and the Main Street / State Street / Elm Street / West
Street / New South Street Preliminary Intersection Design (July 2010.) Both of these plans by Nelson/
Nygaard involved working to identify issues and opportunities along the Main St and King St corridors
in Northampton and to analyze the State / Main / New South intersection to develop recommendations
for redesigning the intersection to better accommodate traffic flow and pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The impetus for these studies was Northampton’s desire to enhance the bicycle and pedestrian
environments without decreasing the vehicle throughput, as well as preserve or improve access to
downtown businesses.
10. Main Street Design
Some of the key findings and recommendations
are summarized below:
• Critical issues identified: 1) over-
designed 4-lane cross sections, 2) large
intersections, 3) inhospitable bicycling
environment. An over-designed street
is defined as one that is “over-scaled
as compared to the needs of traffic
volumes and adjacent land uses. The
cross-section of these roads is too wide,
allowing cars to travel at excessive
speeds and creating unsafe conditions for
bicyclists and pedestrians.”
• Lowering speeds through a road-diet
identified as critical solution during
charrette
• Studies referenced that show a direct
correlation between street width and rate
of injury in collisions. “with a very steep
upward curve for streets wider than 44
feet.”
• Shrinking the intersection size and width
with compact design treatments have
a number of benefits: “reducing vehicle
speeds, particularly at the end of signal
phases; less wasted space, especially
where right-turn lanes are poorly utilized
today; stretching of vehicle queues
away from multiple approach lanes
linearly towards mid-block areas, with no
additional vehicle delay; far more frequent
pedestrian crossing phases, which are
also longer in duration; significantly
shorter crossing distances that reduce the
barrier of intersections like Main & King;
321Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planand more predictable driver and bicyclists
expectations through clearly channelized
movements.”
• Long street widths and large intersections
create “very long crossing distances for
pedestrians, putting them in the path of
cars for a long period of time.”
• Large intersections result in additional
time required for each car to pass
through, reducing the number of cars that
can pass through in each signal cycle.
• Pull-in angled parking spaces on Main St.
limit drivers’ field of view when backing out
• Additional connections are needed in
places where bicycle facilities do exist
but are lost at street crossings and
intersections
• There is a general lack of quality bicycle
parking in Northampton
• Solutions offered include road diets of
four lanes to two lanes, shared bicycle
boulevard style treatments, reverse
angled parking on Main St, raised
crossings on slip lanes, a textured
crossing plaza in front of City Hall, curb
extensions, new sidewalks under rail
trail crossing, and widened sidewalks
elsewhere
Alternative A:
• Right turn “boulder style” slip lanes
• New NB left-turn lane
• Single EB through lane
• Lengthened storage
• New on-street parking
Alternative B:
• Right turn “Boulder style” slip lanes
• New NB left-turn lane
• Single EB through lane
• Lengthened storage
• New on-street parking
• Two EB receiving lanes retained
• No northwest curb extension on Main St
Alternative C:
• Right turn “Boulder style” slip lanes
• New NB left-turn lane
• Two EB through lanes
• Lengthened storage
• Two EB receiving lanes retained
• No northwest curb extension on Main
After the completion of the three design options
the City of Northampton decided to hold back
on moving forward with final design due to
issues related to truck turning movements and
to await the recommendations on the redesign
of Main Street developed during this Walk / Bike
Northampton effort.
2016 Public Involvement
On May 10th, the consultant team hosted a Main
Street Design Workshop that solicited public
input regarding design ideas for Northampton’s
Main Street. Over 40 attendees engaged with
cross sections of Main Street at three locations
of varying width to inspire more than one option
among the participants. The consultant team
recognized that Northampton’s Main Street rede-
sign will likely not be solved by a one-size-fits-all
approach, which resulted in the development of
an exercise where attendees could lay out Main
Street in a manner that they thought best suited
everyone’s needs. A range of graphics were
created including sidewalk extensions, furniture
zones, pedestrian through zones, travel lanes
for vehicles, transit-only travel lanes, protected
bicycle lanes and traditional bicycle lanes. Each
section completed by a workshop attendee was
photographed and recorded in the appendix of
this report. Additionally, a brief synopsis of the
results are listed below. This exercise helped to
inform the consultant’s final Main Street design
options and final recommendations.
Specific items the community wanted to see in a
Main Street redesign included:
322Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanTravel Lanes:
• One travel lane in each direction
• Left turn lane pocket within median
Parking:
• 8’ parallel parking
• 18’ angled parking
Bicycle Facilities:
• Separated bike lanes (located between
sidewalk and parking)
Sidewalks:
• Generous planting zone
• Sidewalk cafes
Demonstration Project
On June 18th, the consultant team led a demonstration project on Main Street in front
of City Hall that involved temporarily striping a separated bicycle lane between the angled
parking and the curb. Curb extensions were also temporarily placed in front of City
Hall and at Crackerbarrel Alley to reduce the crossing distance, and to create space for
land-scaping, cafe tables and seating.
323
People seeking a shady place to have lunch
enjoyed the outdoor seating provided during the
demonstration project.
A cyclist takes a video of the temporary separated
bicycle lane on Main Street.
10.1 Design Options
As part of the public involvement and demonstration project effort, the
design team created four design options for community evaluation. The four
options were based on key design themes that included wider sidewalks,
separated bike lanes, transit priority lanes, medians of various widths and a
two-way cycle track within the median. Highlights of the design and the Pros
and Cons of each option are presented on the following pages.
Views of the demonstration project set up that expanded the sidewalk space in front of City Hall and
reduced the length of the crosswalk.
The Main Street demonstration project included
large printed maps for the public to view and
comment upon
324
MAIN STREET DESIGN OPTION 1
Wide Sidewalks with Separated Bike Lanes
Option 1 included:
• Parking protected bike lanes on south
side of Main from Strong Ave to Pleasant
King.
• Sidewalk expansion, curb extensions,
and raised crosswalk from Gothic to New
South.
• Addition of median refuge islands and
turn pockets.
Following community comment and consultant
analysis, Option 1 evolved into the concept plan.
PROS
• Narrower roadway makes cars less dominant, provides a more
welcoming environment for walkers and less pavement that
needs plowing
• Provides a space for bicyclists separated from moving traffic
and parked cars
• Textured, flush median provides additional space for cars to
pass others who are waiting to park and for enhanced emer-
gency vehicle access
CONS
• Separated bike lane takes up more space than standard
bike lanes which could otherwise go into wider sidewalks or
landscaping
• In order to provide appropriate visibility for cyclists on the
approach to intersections, some parking spaces may need to
be removed
• Limited opportunities to add significant landscaping or sustain-
ability features within the median
Detail plan view graphic location between Center St and Old South St
325
PROS
• Provides dedicated space for buses to avoid traffic back ups
along Main Street, saving transit riders time
• Lack of space to maintain bus lanes through signalized inter-
sections minimizes their utility
• The shared bus/bike lane provides a lot of dedicated space for
bicyclists during off-peak hours when bus traffic is light
• During peak hours especially, many novice bicyclists and/or
families riding with children will not feel comfortable sharing
space with buses
• Curb to curb width is generally maintained, along with the
current number of parking spaces (approximately)
CONS
• Lack of space to maintain bus lanes through signalized inter-
sections minimizes their utility
• During peak hours especially, many novice bicyclists and/or
families riding with children will not feel comfortable sharing
space with buses
• Traffic and transit movement continues to be the dominant
theme along Main Street
Detail plan view graphic location between Center St and Old South St
MAIN STREET DESIGN
OPTION 2
Transit Priority Lanes
Option 2 included:
• Median refuge islands in front of City
Hall, between Center and Gothic, and
between King and Gothic
• Narrow width of Main St to one traffic
lane in each direction between Center
and Gothic
• Curb extensions at 9 locations
• Traditional striped bike lanes outside of
transit priority lane area
326
MAIN STREET DESIGN
OPTION 3
Wide Median with Parking
Option 3 included:
• Traditional striped bike lanes
• Raised median area with landscaping,
crosswalks, angled parking, and a
central sidewalk
• Existing angled parking on side of street
transitions into a mixture of parallel
parking and curb extensions
PROS
• Wide median provides much flexibility to provide public space
and greenery that is not simply associated with the adjacent
businesses
• Trees within the median will, in time, break down the scale of
the widest blocks of Main Street
• Parallel parking is a more “urban” aesthetic than angled
parking and provides consistent treatment along the edges
from end to end
CONS
• Wide median creates a less flexible street space for parades
and large-scale community events
• Trees within the median make for a less-conducive space for
winter snow storage
• The additional angled parking in the median does not make up
for the curb-side parallel parking, equating to a 15-20% loss in
on-street parking
Detail plan view graphic location between Center St and Old South St
327
MAIN STREET DESIGN
OPTION 4
Median Cycle Track
Option 4 included:
• Two-way raised cycle track in center
of Main Street, protected by landscaping
areas and curb in narrower portions
• Curb extensions at approximately
twelve locations
• The addition of turn pockets at
two locations
PROS
• Bicycles within the central median avoid conflicts with parked
cars and minimizing cuts in the median reduces intersection
conflicts
• A median bikeway flanked by landscaping on each side would
provide a unique and interesting experience for people riding
bicycles
• The potential landscaping and bikeway within the median
would break down the scale of the overly-wide portions of
Main Street
CONS
• The transition from the existing bike lanes on Elm and the
median bikeway will be awkward and require an exclusive
bike crossing phase at the Main/Elm/State and Main/King
intersections
• There are few precedents for such a configuration, which
would make success hard to predict
• People bicycling within the median may find it less convenient
to access adjacent businesses and side streets
Detail plan view graphic location between Center St and Old South St
328Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan10.2 Recommended Concept Plan
After receiving feedback from the community and City staff, a recommended concept plan was
created. The following synopsis explains each design feature, beginning at the Market / Hawley
intersection and ending at the Main / State / New South intersection (from east to west.)
Key Features of the Design
From Market / Hawley to Strong:
• White intersection crossing markings with
solid green paint in the middle will be used
to highlight to cross traffic on Hawley and
Market that bicyclists are crossing the
roadway along Main Street.
• Traditional bike lanes carry the cyclists up
to the intersection of Strong Avenue.
From Strong to King / Pleasant:
• A curb extension on both sides of Main Street
will reduce crossing distances for pedestrians
and reduce motor vehicle speeds. The
protected bicycle facility begins here on
the south side of Main Street, while on the
north side of Main Street a traditional bike
lane carries cyclists up to the intersection
of Pleasant and King. At this intersection
the bicycle lane will be between the right
turn lane and the through lane, reducing the
likelihood of ‘right hook’ crashes.
From King / Pleasant to Center:
• The separated bike lane begins on the
north side of Main Street and continues to
Masonic Street.
• The bus stop on the north side of Main
Street between King and Gothic will remain.
Crosswalk markings shall be used to remind
cyclists riding between the sidewalk and the
bus stop to yield to transit users entering or
exiting the bus waiting area.
• A curb extension on the west side of Gothic
Street on both the north and south sides of
Main Street will reduce the crossing distance
for pedestrians. The curb extension on the
south side of Main Street opposite Gothic
Street will allow cyclists to transition into a
short stretch of standard bike lane between
the right turn lane and the though lane to
minimize conflicts with turning vehicles.
• The King / Pleasant intersection design
should consider a special paving pattern or
public art to highlight the critical nature of
the intersection in the heart of downtown.
• A small additional raised median will act
as a traffic calming measure for motorists
queueing to make a left from Main onto
King Street.
• Raised crossings for both pedestrians and
bicyslists at both Gothic and Center Streets
will slow turning traffic.
From Center to Old South:
• The crosswalk across Main Street just west
of Center Street will be relocated to just east
of Center Street to accommodate a left turn
pocket to Center.
• Northampton’s rainbow crosswalk will be
shortened by curb-extensions on both sides of
the street, resulting in a loss of two diagonal
spaces on the north side of the street. The
curb extension on the south side will be
elongated towards the west to accommodate
passengers waiting for the bus. The larger
area will allow pedestrians, transit riders, and
cyclists to have their own dedicated space.
From Old South to New South:
• The existing crossing at Crafts Avenue will
be replaced by a raised crossing.
• Space in front of City Hall will be reclaimed
to make room for a small urban parklet (per
Open Space, Recreation & Multi-Use Trail
Plan (2011)) and reduce crossing distances
from City Hall to the pedestrianized
Crackerbarrel Alley.
329Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan• A curb extension on the parklet side of
the street will complement the urban park
in front of City Hall as well as to reduce
crossing distances.
• Parallel parking and a small buffer will
separate the protected bicycle facility west
from City Hall to Masonic.
• The existing bus stop and PVTA pulse point
on the south side of Main Street between
Masonic and New South will remain.
New South intersection:
• Refuge island at New South and Main Street
will be expanded and relocated slightly
to the east. Complimentary pedestrian
refuge island with raised crossing will be
constructed to the west of the existing
island, slowing the turning speed of motor
vehicles from Elm St. to New South.
• An additional refuge island will be
constructed at the northwestern corner of
State and Main Street to slow right-turn
movements for motor vehicles.
General:
• The general existing mix of angled and
parallel parking types will remain. A
small number of parking spaces will be
lost to accommodate curb extensions
and crosswalks. The few parking spots
that will be lost are currently too close
to the pedestrian crossings, creating
uncomfortably short sight lines.
• Reverse-angled parking should be
considered for the corridor. However, the
separated bike lane design will mitigate the
concerns that typical angled parking create
from a bicycle safety point of view.
• Additional engineering analysis and public
involvement will be required to move the
concept plan into design development and
implementation in the near future.
Photo-simulation of sidewalk-level protected bicycle facility, looking east on Main Street in front of Faces and TD Bank.
image
damaged
330Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanMAIN STREET DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
331Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan1
1
Section 1
Main Street
at Masonic Street
Separated bike lanes pro-
vide comfortable facilities
for cyclists of all ages
and abilities. A 3' buffer
between the separated
bike lane and curb allows
space for motor vehicle
doors and other potential
obstacles entering the
bicycle lane to be avoided.
The median area remains
flush for emergency
vehicle passage and
potentially for short term
delivery vehicle parking.
Existing conditions, looking westExisting conditions, looking East
332
Section 2
Main Street at
Center Street
An expanded sidewalk
along the north side of
Main Street reinforces this
area as a lively pedestrian
plaza and provides space
for future civic events
and outdoor seating. In
this section the tapering
median reflects the need
for a left-turn pocket for
motorists traveling up
Center Street.
Existing conditions, looking east
2
2
333Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSection 3
Main Street at
Strong Avenue
A bicycle lane on the
south side of Main Street
is separated from parked
cars by a painted buffer,
preventing the ‘dooring’ of
cyclists by drivers exiting
their vehicles. A sidewalk
extension on the right side
of Main Street allows space
for a separated bicycle
lane with a 3’ buffer. A
small flush median retains
the one travel lane in each
direction prior to the left
turn pocket from Main St to
Pleasant St.
Existing conditions, looking southeastExisting conditions, looking east
3
3
334Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanSection 4
Main Street at
Rail Trail Trestle
Nine foot wide parking
lanes provide a
small buffer between
car doors and the
5’ bike lane passing
underneath the bridge.
The bike lane is
accoommodated by
narrowing the existing
wide travel lane.
Existing conditions, looking west
4
4
Existing conditions, looking east
335
10.3 Main Street Engineering Constructability Review
The design of any streetscape retrofit presents numerous challenges that require careful consideration
during design in order to ensure a quality design, regulatory compliance and constructability. During the
concept-level design of Main Street, the consultants considered these potential issues and attempted to
use all available information to ensure that the final recommendation would be implementable.
Roadway Geometry
The roadway reconfiguration being implemented in
this recommendation maintains the existing road-
way alignment of Main Street and does not exceed
the current ROW or impose any new substandard
geometry. A travel lane width of 11 feet was
chosen to ensure compliance with the MassDOT
Project Development and Design Guide. This
lane width will allow adequate space for vehicles
without encouraging excessive traffic speeds. The
existing roadway consists of a single wide lane in
each direction that varies from approximately 24’
to 35’ in width. Despite being striped as only one
lane in each direction, the roadway often operates
as two unmarked lanes in each direction. The
recommended conceptual design maintains one
lane, albeit a much narrower lane than currently
exists. The addition of left turn lanes at unsignal-
ized intersections will help to ensure smooth traffic
operations despite the narrowed pavement width.
Separated Bike Lane Geometry
The separated bike lanes in the conceptual
design recommendation have been designed
to comply with the MassDOT Separated Bike
Lane Planning & Design Guide. As the project
progresses from this conceptual design to
contract documents it will be the responsibility of
the designer to ensure full compliance with the
design guide as the overall design evolves.
Intersection Geometry & Signalization
There are three signalized intersections present
in the corridor:
1. Main Street & New South Street/State Street
• This intersection will be fully designed
under a separate project and will be
coordinated with Pedestrian and Bicycle
Comprehensive Plan’s conceptual design
106’
Curb-to-Curb
35’18’35’Travel LaneTravel LaneParkingParking18’16’SidewalkBucciAT&T18’SidewalkExisting cross section of Main Street between City Hall
and the Masonic Street intersection, where the ROW
width is 90'
Existing cross section of Main Street near the inter-
section of Center Street, where the ROW width is 140'
336Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Planfor Main Street to ensure compatibility.
The current concept developed by Nelson/
Nygaard does not provide adequate
accommodation for trucks turning left from
Main Street onto New South Street.
• The designer will need to explore options
to accommodate this movement during
the development of contract documents.
2. Main Street & Pleasant Street/King Street /
US Route 5/MA Route 10
• The configuration of this intersection
will remain largely unchanged. All
approaches will be maintained, with
one minor exception: the de facto thru/
right lane on Main Street’s westbound
approach to the intersection will
be changed to a right-turn only to
accommodate safe bicycle connectivity.
In the next stage of design, a thorough
traffic analysis of this change will be
needed to confirm its viability
• Due to the construction of wide sidewalks
to accommodate the separated bike lane
and curb extensions along Main Street, the
crossing of Main Street will be shortened,
potentially allowing signal retiming in order
to improve traffic operations.
• Vehicles and bicycles will move through
the intersection simultaneously; major
signal modifications are not anticipated.
3. Bridge Street & Hawley Street/Market Street
• The configuration of the approaches to
this intersection will remain unchanged.
Traffic operations at this intersection
should remain unchanged.
• Vehicles and bicycles will move through
the intersection simultaneously; major
signal modifications are not anticipated.
All turn lane lengths and tapers for all inter-
sections (signalized and unsignalized) require
further traffic analysis which will occur during
preparation of the Functional Design Report,
which is beyond the scope of this project.
Drainage and Utilities
Two major components of the conceptual design
are sidewalk-level separated bike lanes and curb
extensions. Any time that these features are pro-
posed, drainage and utility modifications become
a major point to be considered.
By widening the sidewalks to create sidewalk
level separated bike lanes, the gutter elevation is
raised and drainage must be carefully examined
to prevent ponding along the sidewalk and flood-
ing into doorways. In extreme cases, full depth
reconstruction and lowering of the roadway may
be required in order to ensure positive drainage.
The construction of curb extensions provides
great benefit to pedestrians by reducing crossing
distances, but by extending the curb line,
stormwater runoff is inevitably trapped requiring
the installation of new drainage structures.
The changes to finished grade and drainage
modifications resulting from the proposed improve-
ments must be coordinated with the existing
utilities present to minimize conflicts. Any conflicts
will need to be resolved, which may include utility
relocation. A detailed field survey is required to
perform this analysis. Significant utility coordina-
tion will likely be required and could be a major
component of the design work for this project.
Accessibility
Compliance with Massachusetts Architectural
Access Board (AAB) standards will be critical
during design and construction of this project.
There are numerous wheelchair ramps along
the corridor that will require detailed design
to ensure that they meet all aspects of the
Future curb
extensions on
Main Street
will need to be
carefully designed
to ensure good
drainage and can
potentially include
stormwater reten-
tion features.
337
AAB rules and regulations. Implementation of
this conceptual design will improve access to
pedestrians of all ages and abilities by resolving
existing deficiencies including: excessively steep
curb ramps, lack of detectable warning panels,
and exceptionally long crossing distances.
Loading Zones
Due to the existing pavement width on Main
Street, trucks loading and unloading typically
park in the roadway since there is ample room
for other vehicles to pass. The recommended
single through lane design will prevent this from
happening. In order to accommodate loading
vehicles, additional consideration will need to
be given to the implementation of loading zones
during the transition from concept to contract
documents. Conceptually, deliveries will occur in
designated curb-side loading zones (TBD) and
informally within extended-length turn lanes and
portions of the recommended flush median.
Snow Removal
The current excessive width of Main Street
allows Public Works staff to plow snow to the
center of the roadway and haul off-site after
the storm has concluded. The recommended
conceptual design will require that the City
modify their snow removal plan to ensure that
the roadway remains passable during storms
due to the minimal space in the center of the
roadway to store snow. In order to alleviate
some issues with snow removal, Main Street’s
final design should incorporate features that are
easily accessed by forward moving snow plows,
since reverse maneuvers slow down the process
of snow removal and can be hazardous to users
of the roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities.
This is of primary concern at the curb extensions,
as they present unique snow removal challenges
if not designed properly. Two key design compo-
nents will help aid snow removal efforts:
• Eliminate acute curb line angles since obtuse
angles allow easier access by snow plows.
• Utilize a flush median to the maximum
extent practical to temporarily store snow
during storms.
Proper design of hardscape elements ensures
that snow removal will be more efficient and less
likely to damage the streetscape.
Transit
The recommended conceptual design shows bus
stops along the corridor to encourage transit use.
In order to allow buses to stop without impeding
traffic flow, designated pull-offs are included. Bus
stops located adjacent to the separated bike lane
will be designed according to the standards in the
MassDOT Separated Bike Lane Planning & Design
Guide in order to provide safe access for transit
users while maintaining the integrity of the bicycle
facility. It will be the responsibility of the designer
to coordinate the details of all bus stops with the
Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) to ensure
their concurrence with the design and location.
Cost
The cost estimate for the Main Street project
based on current unit prices is approximately
$5.8 million, which asumes two years of inflation.
For a detailed cost estimate, see Appendix 2 in
the Annex of this report.The recommended
conceptual design
for Main Street
includes some
stretches on flush
median to help
accommodate snow
storage where
Main Street is at its
widest
338Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDesign Toolkit
Key Features
The following graphics illustrate design-feature precedents for Northampton to consider in the
future planning and design of Main Street
Flush Median and Pedestrian Refuge Islands
Wide Sidewalks
Along Mass Ave in East Arlington, a flush median articulated in red “street-
print” surface seamlessly gives way to raised island that provides a safe
refuge for pedestrians crossing the formerly four-lane roadway
Similar to the sidewalks in Central Square Cambridge, the future sidewalks
along Main Street can be designed to incorporate a generous walking
zone and provide a wide, varied-material furniture zone to accommodate
outdoor seating, cafes, bike racks and street trees.
In conjunction with a green separated bike lane crossing, raised cross-
walks slow turning motorists and emphasize that safe pedestrian and
bicycle connections are the higher priority at low-volume cross streets.
As illustrated in MassDOT’s Separated Bike Lane Planning & Design
Guide, “floating” bus stops can be incorporated at PVTA stops in order to
maintain the integrity of the separated bike lane, while accommodating a
comfortable waiting area for transit users.
Raised Crossings at Side Streets
Floating Bus Stop - Mid Block
339Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanINTRODUCTION
The purpose of this guide is to provide developers, property owners, and City officials with a set of
recommended practices regarding the design of the public realm in the City of Northampton’s primary
commercial areas. The guidelines are designed to establish standards that will unify the visual
environment along the major entries to the downtown, create pedestrian spaces that are consistent
and inviting, and provide a vocabulary of materials and components that will create uniqueness and
consistency to the City.
The guidelines are focused on the following zoning districts:
Public Realm Design Guide
CB – Central Business:
Primarily along Main and Bridge streets from the
Main / State / New South intersection of Main
and West streets to the Historic Northampton
Museum, and also along King and Pleasant
Streets from Summer Street to Holyoke Street;
EB – Entranceway Business:
Along King Street from Summer Street to the
MassCentral / Norwottuck Rail Trail;
GB – General Business:
Along Pleasant Street from Holyoke Street to the
former dike; and
HB - Highway Business:
Along King Street from the MassCentral Rail Trail
to the I-91 interchange.
In general, these zones follow the primary streets
identified above, and are typically only the
depth of the properties immediately along those
streets. The exception to this is the CB zone,
which includes several side streets off of Main
Street in the downtown, including portions of
State, Masonic, Center, New South, Old South,
and Pearl streets.
The GB and HB zones also cover other areas
within the City, such as the businesses along
Damon Road east of I-91 and in the business
district of Florence. While these guidelines
may have applicability to these areas, they are
primarily written for the core business districts
of Northampton.
340
Description of Zones
While the zones under study in this document
generally represent the majority of the commercial
districts of the city, they are very different in
character based on both the zoning parameters
provided in the code and the actual development
of the areas. The following table captures some of
the key criteria and characteristics of each zone:
The zones under study work as a progression
into the center of Northampton from the north
and south, increasing in density towards
the central business district. Along with the
increase of density of buildings, the proximity of
structures to the public realm and the presence
of parking both decrease, ultimately forming
the continuous street wall of Main Street. One
outcome of this increasing density is a more
prominent presence of pedestrians along the
streets, requiring greater attention to the devel-
opment of an appropriately scaled and furnished
sidewalk environment. Sustainable NorthamptonCB, EB, GB, HB ZONING MAP
341Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe zones also create a framework for the aes-
thetic approach to these major streets, requiring
consistent landscape treatment and building
presence which transitions along with the density
of development. By establishing guidelines for
the public realm design in all of these zones, a
consistent and a pedestrian zone that is inviting
and habitable from their readable framework can
be created to bring greater unity and imageability
to the city center and its approaches.
Design Intent
The intent of the Public Realm Design Guide is to
respond to this increasing intensity of use while
also creating a consistent vocabulary of materials
and furnishings that is readable and understand-
able throughout the entire business district. To
reinforce the progression and transition from
edge to center, the following goals for the streets-
cape in each zone have been established:
HB – Highway Business:
• Separate pedestrians from traffic
• Provide only modest sidewalk capacity
• Buffer parking and development areas from
roadway views
• Establish street trees as dominant street
element
GB – General Business:
• Separate pedestrians from traffic
• Provide comfortable sidewalk capacity
• Buffer off-street parking from roadway views
• Bring street trees closer to roadway to
reduce scale
EB – Entryway Business:
• Encourage pedestrian use by providing
broad, comfortable sidewalks
• Incorporate amenities into sidewalk zones
such as seating, tables, area lighting
• Provide variety of materials and colors to
enliven pedestrian environment
• Maintain strong street tree presence
CB – Central Business
• Reinforce existing pedestrian activity with
broad, comfortable sidewalks
• Incorporate amenities into sidewalk zones
such as seating, tables, lighting, kiosks,
clocks, etc.
• Provide a variety of materials and colors to
enliven pedestrian environment
• Maintain strong street tree presence; provide
understory plantings where appropriate
• Permit access between on-street parking
and businesses
Zone Allowed Uses Building Height Setbacks Parking Landscaping
CB:Central
Business
Commercial (retail, office),
residential (second floor or
back of first)
30' min.
70' max.
Front: 5' max.
Side: 0'
Rear: 0'
No new parking --
EB:
Entranceway
Business
Retail, wholesale, office,
residential (above first floor)
20' min.
65' max.
Front: 0'
Side: 0'
Rear: 0'
No parking within
10' of front lot
line. One curb cut.
Bicycle parking
required.
8' buffer if building does
not abut sidewalk; 10'
buffer in front of parking.
GB: Greater
Business Any use 60' max.
Front: 0'
Side: 0'
Rear: 0'
No parking between
building and front
lot line
Landscaping, pedestrian
malls or plazas required
between building and front
lot line
HB: Highway
Business
Retail, wholesale, office,
drive-throughs, residential
(above first floor)
20' min.
65' max.
Front: 0' beyond
required buffer &
sidewalk
Side: 0'
Rear: 0'
Quantity and
layout by site plan
review. Bike parking
required.
10' tree belt plus 6'
sidewalk.
Business Districts: Comparison of Zoning Parameters
342Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanThe goals can be translated into specific dimen-
sional criteria to establish the framework of the
street system. For consistency, the sidewalk is
divided into four different components:
1. Greenscape/Furniture Zone
This is the area of the sidewalk immediately
adjacent to the curb. Its primary role is to
provide a buffer between vehicles moving
in the street or parked at the curb and the
pedestrians walking within the sidewalk. In the
densely developed zones, this area can be
paved and used for activities supporting the
adjacent businesses, such as benches and
tables, bicycle parking, information kiosks, and
other furniture. In the less densely developed
districts, where pedestrian traffic across it is
minimal, this area becomes a green buffer
forming an edge to the roadway and begins to
soften the street. In both high and low density
areas, the inclusion of street trees is critical to
forming an edge to the roadway corridor and
creating shade. Green infrastructure, in the
form of infiltration planters that collect runoff
from the roadway and infiltrate it back into
the groundwater, is an important function that
provides both softening and cooling and is an
appropriate use of the greenscape zone as
well. Other utilities, such as street lights, traffic
signals, equipment cabinets, etc., also should
be placed in this zone.
2. Pedestrian Zone
The pedestrian zone is the primary travel zone
of the sidewalk. The primary criteria for this zone
is the width: it must be wide enough to comfort-
ably accommodate the volume of pedestrians
expected to use the length of sidewalk in ques-
tion; at a minimum, it must meet ADA standards.
The pedestrian zone must be clear vertically to
a comfortable dimension as well – branches,
utilities, canopies, and other structures must not
protrude into the envelope above the sidewalk; a
minimum height of 6’ – 8” must be kept clear to
meet accessibility standards.
3. Frontage Zone
This zone is particular to the CB and EB districts,
and essentially provides a clear space in front
of stores where merchants can display goods
for sale or place outdoor seating for restaurants
and cafes. While it is desirable for this zone to
be consistent with the adjacent pedestrian zone,
it does not necessarily have to be identical:
different paving materials and furnishings can
distinguish this use area from the circulation
function of the pedestrian zone. Where this zone
is not populated by uses supporting the adjacent
businesses, it provides a shy zone from the
building wall, making pedestrian circulation more
comfortable.
The Central Business District sidewalks should be broad, comfortable, and
well equipped with amenities for shoppers and strollers.
Central Business Zone
Sidewalks in the Entranceway Business District should be attractive and
comfortable to encourage pedestrian usage in this emerging area.
Entranceway Business Zone
343Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan4. Buffer Zone
For the GB and HB districts, the buffer zone is
the equivalent of the frontage zone. While it can
be used in manners similar to the frontage zone,
the adjacent land uses tend to be less supportive
of those types of activities. Its primary function
therefore becomes more focused on creating an
aesthetically pleasing space in front of the build-
ing wall that incorporates the pathway leading to
the building entrance. In areas outside buildings,
it provides critical screening of parking and other
uses beyond the parcel’s lot line, contributing
to a more consistent and harmonious street
environment.
Dimensional Characteristics
& Materials
The tables on the following pages indicate
recommended widths for each zone and also
provide guidance on materials and furnishings
to be provided within each zone. Guidelines are
provided for both primary and secondary streets:
The primary streets are the main streets through
the zone, as identified above in the introduction
to the design guide. The secondary streets are
any streets that branch off the primary streets. In
most instances, the secondary street standards
will apply to a very short length of the street, as
the zones are typically only one parcel deep, but
in the Central Business zone, there are several
side streets that lie entirely within the zone. The
reduced dimensional standards recognize that
these side streets are typically narrower in right-
of-way and cross-section, they typically carry
less pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and they
must blend back into portions of the street grid
that do not have established design standards.
The following section (continued on page
3-91) provides some do’s and don’ts for proper
application of and design for specific streetscape
elements:
In the Highway Business District, the emphasis is on providing buffering
and protection for pedestrians while creating a strong identity for the street
through the use of street trees.
Highway Business Zone
The General Business District should provide adequate buffering of pedes-
trians from cars, both on the street and in parking lots for businesses.
General Business Zone
344Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan*Optional, if sidewalk space is available.
Greenscape / Furniture Zone Pedestrian Zone Frontage Zone
Zone Street Type Minimum Preferred Minimum Preferred Minimum Maximum
Central
Business
Primary 4’10’8’12’2’5’
Secondary 4’*6’6’8’2’5’
Entryway
Business
Primary 6’10’8’12’2’5’
Secondary 4’6’6’8’2’5’
Materials Criteria
Central
Business All
Street tree planting, permeable
pavement (unit pavers, etc.);
Infiltration planters. Street
furniture including benches,
bike racks, trash receptacles,
lighting, tables, etc. Must be
pedestrian accessible.
Concrete with saw-cut joints for a
minimum of 5’ of sidewalk width;
ADA-compliant unit pavers (no
mortar joints)
Same as pedestrian zone.
Entryway
Business All
Street tree planting, permeable
pavement (unit pavers, etc.);
Infiltration planters. Street
furniture including benches,
bike racks, trash receptacles,
lighting, tables, etc. Must be
pedestrian accessible
Concrete with saw-cut joints for a
minimum of 5’ of sidewalk width;
ADA-compliant unit pavers (no
mortar joints greater than 1/4”)
Same as pedestrian zone.
DO’S & DON’TS
345Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanDO’S & DON’TS
Greenscape / Furniture Zone Pedestrian Zone Buffer
Zone Street Type Minimum Preferred Minimum Preferred Minimum Preferred
General
Business
Primary 6’10’6’8’4'10'
Secondary 6’6’5’6’4'6'
Highway
Business
Primary 10’--6’8’12’--
Secondary 10’--5’6’4’6'
Materials Criteria
General
Business All
Street tree planting; lawn
or low-maint. shrubs and
groundcovers, max. 24” ht. above
sidewalk. Infiltration planters
are encouraged. Only roadway
lighting may be included within
this zone; all other street furniture
to be placed in the buffer zone.
Concrete with saw-cut
joints.
Provide a planted buffer to screen parking.
Planting design shall be consistent with the
highway business district landscaping standards
for the front buffer planting. Street furniture such
as benches and bike racks may be included.
Highway
Business
All Refer to highway business district
landscaping standards - tree belt.
Concrete with saw-cut
joints.
Refer to highway business district landscaping
standards - front buffer.
346Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive PlanStreet trees:
• Don’t plant trees in an area less than 5’ by 5’.
• When planting in areas surrounded by
pavement (such as in the Central Business
District), use structural soil or a suspended
sidewalk to create at least 800 cubic feet of
planting soil underneath the pavement.
• Provide irrigation, aeration and underdrainage
for all street tree plantings. Automatic
irrigation is preferred, but manual irrigation
is acceptable if an automatic system is
not feasible and a strong commitment to
perform the hand watering can be obtained.
And remember, more street trees die from
drowning than lack of water, so underdrainage
and soil design are critical.
• Plant street trees at sidewalk level, not
in raised planters or within walled areas.
It makes maintenance and watering
simpler, and promotes better growth and
development of the trees.
• Don’t use tree grates unless no other
option is available. Tree grates can become
maintenance problems over time, and can
create tripping hazards and other problems.
Use a pervious stone (such as decomposed
granite) or bark mulch to fill in the tree pit at
the surface.
• Select street tree species for hardiness in
the local microclimate. Native species are
generally preferred for this reason, but exotics
can be used if chosen carefully. Make sure
the tree’s mature crown size and shape will
fit into the space available. Where overhead
utility lines cross the planting area, choose
species that will stay well below them.
Infiltration Planters:
• Infiltration planters are typically located
between the curb line and the sidewalk,
in the greenscape or furniture zone. They
can be located at low points in the road or
along the curb between the high and low
points. Be sure to consider the location of
crosswalks to prevent water from puddling
within the pedestrian area.
• Size infiltration planters to accommodate
the first 15 minutes of a rain event at a
minimum. This “first flush” will carry with it
all the oil, grit, and other contaminants that
have collected on the road.
• Additional capacity can be provided in
underground galleries to maximize the
removal of stormwater from the drainage
system.
• Make sure the soils used within the planter,
including the growing medium for the plants,
allows percolation of the water into the soil
at an appropriate rate: too fast prevents
the soil from filtering out contaminants; too
slow means a larger reservoir is required to
process the water.
• Make sure plants used in the planter are
adaptable to both extremely wet and
extremely dry conditions. On occasion,
irrigation can be used to help plants survive
through periods of drought.
Street Furniture:
• Keeping the design of all street furniture
within a consistent family (for example, steel
painted black, or natural wood with brushed
steel accents) will provide a more uniform
appearance, even if some of the details of
each piece vary.
• Locate all street furniture so there is
sufficient space around it for people to use
it without interfering with other sidewalk
functions. For instance, hold benches back
two to three feet from the sidewalk to prevent
sitter’s legs from tripping walkers, and locate
bike racks so there is plenty of room for a
bike with a tag-along attached to be parked
without blocking the pedestrian zone.
• Anchor furniture solidly to the ground to
prevent it from tipping over.
• Keep a ready supply of replacement parts
and paint to repair and touch up damage
quickly.