March 4 2015 Community Preservation Committee Minutes.pdfNorthampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1
March 4, 2015
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes
March 4, 2015
Time: 6:30 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street
Members Present: Downey Meyer, Glenn Connly, Brian Adams, Dave Rothstein, Debin
Bruce, Linda Morley , David Drake (7:00), Toni Hochstadt (7:00) Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Downey called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM General Public Comment
None
Community Preservation Coalition 2015 Dues
Coalition dues for 2015 are $4350.
Update on Housing Supportive Services Project Gordon Shaw distributed a draft performance measurement matrix, and stated that the Center for
Human Development was the selected vendor. The position should be filled within three
months.
Dave asked if the Committee retained approval authority over the performance standard. Sarah
replied that only a presentation regarding selection is required, but that the reporting matrix
sill need to be approved.
Linda noted that the number of intakes and successful conclusions would be helpful.
Chair’s Report
None
Meetings with Applicants for Round 1 2015 CPA Funds
Union Street Jail Rehabilitation, Coolidge Park Condo Association
Lucia Miller provided an overview of the project, noting that the Historical Commission
determined the Jail to be significant to the history of Northampton as required, making it eligible
for CPA funds since it is not Register listed.
The project will include rehabilitation of the steps, and a long-term master plan for future work.
Emergency shoring of the steps has already been completed by the homeowners. Richard Groening provided a historical narrative and talked about the role of the jail to the
community and to the prison reform movement. The building was initially determined eligible
for National Register listing in 1975 and condo owners are now completing a full nomination. Margaret Humboldt provided additional letters of support from unit owners, and stated that
more will be provided later.
Linda asked if a reserve was set up when the association was originally formed. The property manager replied that there was not, but this is beginning to be done annually. The recent roof
replacement will be paid off in 2019.
Linda asked for additional information regarding the temporary stabilization. The property manager stated that the engineer will return each year to inspect, and the fix will likely be good
for five years. Dave noted that the budget indicates that the stage 2 engineering has already been funded. the
applicant was not sure if that was the case and offered to clarify it before the next meeting.
Brian asked if there is a public meeting space. Lucia replied that there is not. Interactive Online Map, Historic Northampton
Nancy Rexford provided an overview of the project. There are a great deal of issues with the physical campus at Historic Northampton, and provided an update on rehabilitation work. The
other side of the Museum is programming, including lecture series, art exhibits and expanding membership. The CPA request is an initial estimate for development of a map. Foundation grants will also be applied for.
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March 4, 2015
Sarah emailed the presentation to Committee members and placed it on the web, following
projector difficulties.
Broad Brook Greenway Acquisition, Northampton Conservation Commission and Office of Planning and Sustainability
Wayne Feiden stated that Fitzgerald Lake is the City’s largest conservation area, this acquisition
will add 25 acres ¼ mile north of the former Moose Lodge along Boggy Meadow Road. Debin asked if the project could be postponed. Wayne replied that it needs to move forward as
the seller is now willing, and they have already asked about a shorter time frame.
Dave asked about access and trails. Wayne stated that access is from the end of Cooke Avenue, with parking at the old Moose Lodge. There are no current trails, and the Commission will defer
to Broad Brook Coalition for trail development.
Downey noted that Boggy Meadow Road bisects a wetland, and asked if there could be a different
strategy for dealing with beaver issues there.
Wayne replied that the long-term strategy is to discontinue.
Seth Thomas Clock Restoration, Northampton Historical Commission and Office of Planning and Sustainability
Wayne stated that CPA funds were provided for purchase of the clock, and restoration funds are
now being sought to fix the Clock and install it at the entrance to the rehabilitated Pulaski Park.
Conservation Fund, Northampton Conservation Commission
Wayne stated that the fund, which the CPC has funded several times previously, allows the
Commission to move quickly on possible acquisitions and complete necessary due diligence.
Brian asked how much is remaining in the fund. Wayne replied that there is less than $10,000
remaining, and all is committed to planned acquisitions. Some opportunities for projects will
certainly be lost if the project is not funded.
Downey asked if there are other sources,nd Dave asked for an explanation of other available
funds. Wayne stated that there is a separate Conservation Fund that is funded completely through donations and other grants. The Planning Office budget is also available for very limited
groundskeeping items.
Public Comment Session on Round 1 2015 CPA Applications
Union Street Jail
Ed Skroski thanked the CPC for the time spent on their review of applications, and asked if the
Union Street project had been determined eligible. Downey replied that the building was found to be significant by the Historical Commission, making it eligible for CPA funds since it is not
Register listed. Ed stated that he hopes the Committee will consider that the building is private,
and will not fund its repair with public tax funds.
Historic Northampton Online Map
Fred Zimnoch stated that the project will educate the public about Northampton’s history.
Jane Slattery suggested that it could tie-in with the Bridge Street Cemetery project.
Kim Graham expressed support.
Kimi Smith, President of Historic Northampton Board, encouraged funding.
No comment on any other projects Review and Approve Contracts and MOU for Projects Funded Round 2 2014
Linda abstained from all votes
Bridge Street Cemetery
Brian moved to approve as presented, seconded by Glenn. The motion carried unanimously.
Historic Northampton Rehabilitation
Debin moved to approve as presented, seconded by Brian. The motion carried unanimously.
Jackson Street School Playground
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March 4, 2015
Debin moved to approve, with an additional requirement for permanent signage. Seconded by
Brian, the motion carried unanimously.
Lumberyard Affordable Housing Debin moved to approve as presented, seconded by Dave. The motion carried unanimously.
HAP Pleasant Street Affordable Housing Dave moved to approve as presented, seconded by Debin. The motion carried unanimously.
Pulaski Park Dave moved to approve, with an additional requirement for permanent signage when the Park is
complete. Seconded by Brian, the motion carried unanimously.
Saw Mill Hills
Brian moved to approve as presented. Seconded by Dave, the motion carried unanimously.
Seth Thomas Clock Acquisition
Glenn moved to approve, with an additional requirement for permanent signage. Seconded by
Debin, the motion carried unanimously.
Pomeroy Terrace National Register Dave moved to approve, with an additional requirement for inclusion in the permanent signage if
the District is approved. Seconded by Glenn, the motion carried unanimously.
Adjourn
On a motion and second, with unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM