Village Hill Phase One EA
1
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
VILLAGE AT HOSPITAL HILL – PHASE ONE
INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND
The Community Builders Inc. is the developer of the residential portion of the Village at Hospital Hill, the
mixed-use redevelopment of the former Northampton State Hospital. Phase One of this project is located
to the north of Route 66 / West Street in Northampton, MA.
Village at Hospital Hill Phase One consists of the rehabilitation of two structures known as the nurses’
dormitory and the south employees’ home. The nurses’ dormitory was constructed in 1928 and provided
accommodations for ninety-nine female nurses; the south employees home was constructed in 1918 and
provided accommodations for sixty-three nurses. Both buildings have been vacant and unused since the
closing of the state hospital. The Community Builders Inc. proposes to complete the rehabilitation of the
nurses’ dormitory and the south employees home and provide a mix of market rate and affordable rental
housing.
Village at Hospital Hill Phase One will utilize the following state, federal and private (bank financing) funding
sources.
DHCD - Low Income Housing Tax Credits
Mass Housing – Affordable Housing Trust funds
DHCD – State HOME Investment Partnership funds
DHCD & Department of Mental Health - Facility Consolidation funds
City of Northampton – CDBG funds
Federal Home Loan Bank – Affordable Housing Program
Peoples Bank – Traditional financing
After rehabilitation the buildings will contain 33 units of mixed income rental housing. The nurses’ dormitory
will contain 22 rental units, the south employees’ home will contain 11 rental units; 75% of the 33 units will
be affordable to households earning less that 80% of area median income for the Springfield MA SMA.
PROJECT INFORMATION
DEVELOPER / The Community Builders Inc.
OWNER: Springfield, MA 01060
322 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01011
PROJECT: Village at Hospital Hill – Phase One
2
LOCATION: Former Northampton State Hospital - North Campus
Route 66 / West Street
Northampton, MA 01060
HUD FUNDING Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
PROGRAM (S): HOME Investment Partnership Program
City of Northampton – CDBG Program
HOUSING Mixed Income Rental Housing / 33 Total Units
TYPE: Sixteen – One Bedroom
Sixteen – Two Bedroom
One – Three Bedroom
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST NARRATIVE
Land Development
Conformance with Comprehensive Plans & Zoning
No Impact Anticipated – Permit Required / The proposed rehabilitation of the nurses’ dormitory and south
employees’ home is part and parcel of the redevelopment of the former Northampton State Hospital site
which is zoned “Planned Village District” under the City of Northampton zoning ordinances. All projects
within this zoning district require a special permit and site plan approval from the Planning Board. The
Northampton Planning Board issued the special permit for phase one activities on July 24, 2004.
The project meets the goals of the City’s “General Development Plan” for the state hospital site which was
completed in 1993 and calls for redevelopment / rehabilitation of existing structures when possible.
Reference: Northampton Zoning Code; Northampton GIS Zoning Maps, Planning Board Decision (site plan
approval) July 28 2004, General Development Plan for Northampton State Hospital 1993.
Compatibility & Urban Impact
No Impact Anticipated / Rehabilitation of the former nurses’ dormitory and south employees’ home as rental
housing represents a change in use from the past several years only to the extent that these structures
have been vacant and unused since the 1980’s. The residential use proposed is consistent with the
historical use of the buildings for housing. At one time approximately 160 nurses resided within these two
buildings.
Rehabilitation of the structures into rental housing is compatible with the zoning district and with the City’s
redevelopment plans for the former state hospital campus. The compatibility and impact of this residential
development is comparable to its former use as nurse and employee residences. The development of
residential units within theses buildings supports the concept of a mixed-use village at the former state
hospital site. Reference: Mass Development / Community Builders Phase One Special Permit
Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004; Planning Board Decision July 28 2004
3
Slope
No Impact Anticipated / No steep slopes shall be impacted by proposed activities. Reference: USGS
Quadrangle; Northampton Geographic Information System (GIS) Topographic Maps
Erosion
No Impact Anticipated / Proposed activities include the substantial rehabilitation of two existing structures;
site work related to the construction of an access road, parking areas, water, sewer and storm water
management systems; and landscaping. Erosion control measures consisting of hay bales and silt fencing
shall be in place where required to prevent run off and siltation of catch basins and adjourning properties.
Reference: Mass Development / Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned
Village District, June 10, 2004; The Community Builders Inc. Project Specifications-Phase One; Planning
Board Decision July 28 2004; Conservation Commission Order of Conditions Jan 22, 2004; Northampton
DPW storm water management requirements
Soil Suitability
Not Applicable / No new building construction, the project includes the rehabilitation of two existing
buildings. Reference: Hampshire County Soil Survey, NRCS
Hazards, Nuisances & Site Safety
No Impact Anticipated / All rehabilitation and construction activities will be undertaken in compliance with all
applicable health and safety requirements and building codes of the City of Northampton and the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Site safety and security will be maintained throughout the course of
rehabilitation / construction work. There are no obvious hazards or nuisances associated with the
structures to be rehabilitated and there are no contaminated sites listed for West Street in Northampton on
the Mass DEP website.
Potentially Beneficial / The former nurses’ dormitory and south employees’ home have been vacant and
unused for many years. Abandoned structures are an attractive nuisance, rehabilitation and reuse of these
buildings removes a hazard and nuisance in the neighborhood.
Potentially Adverse - Requires Mitigation Action / Located in close proximity to the project site is a complex
of buildings known as “Old Main”. These buildings are the oldest and some of the most deteriorated
structures at the state hospital north campus. Site security will be maintained at the project site during
rehabilitation and construction activities. Chain link fencing shall restrict access to the area surrounding
“Old Main” and a 24-hour security guard will be present to deter trespassers. It is expected that these
measures will remain in-place until the “Old Main” complex is demolished. Reference: The Community
Builders Inc. Project Specifications - Phase One; Site visit by M. Owens, Massachusetts DEP
Contaminated Sites / Web Listing
Energy Consumption
4
Potentially Beneficial / Units to be rehabilitated will be energy efficient to the greatest extent feasible
utilizing the most up to date construction methods and practices. Rehabilitation / construction methods
shall meet all existing building codes for insulation and energy efficiency. Reference: Community
Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District, June 10, 2004; The Community
Builders Inc. Project Specifications - Phase One
Noise
Effects of Ambient Noise on Project and Contribution to Community Noise Levels
No Impact Anticipated / The project will result in temporary construction noise only. No significant increase
in ambient noise levels will result from the rehabilitation and full occupancy of the former nurses’ dormitory
or south employees’ home.
Separation distances, building orientation, new windows and doors as well as landscaping buffers will
reduce ambient noise levels associated with vehicular traffic of Route 66 / West Street. Reference: Road
Noise Calculator; The Community Builders Inc. Project Specifications - Phase One Site Plan; Community
Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District, June 10, 2004
Air Quality
Effects on Ambient Air Quality and Contribution to Community Pollution Levels
Potentially Adverse - Requires Documentation Only
Lead Paint - The buildings to be rehabilitated may contain lead paint. Safe work practices shall be followed
during rehabilitation / construction activities and at the conclusion of the project the structures shall be lead
free. Reference: The Community Builders Inc. Project Specifications - Phase One
Asbestos – The buildings contain small amounts of asbestos containing material (ACM). All ACM shall be
treated in compliance with state and federal law, removed by a licensed contractor and disposed of at a
legally permitted landfill that accepts such waste. Reference: The Community Builders Inc. Project
Specifications - Phase One; Documentation to ER file to include DEP notification, contractor license, ACM
disposal manifest, clean air test result
General Air Quality / No significant contribution to community pollution levels is expected as a result of
rehabilitation and construction activities at the project site. The use of the building for residential activities
will not significantly contribute to community pollution levels. The developer shall take measures to
manage and minimize traffic generation from the site and encourage walking, carpooling, bake use and
mass transit by residents and visitors. Such measures shall be outlined in a Traffic Demand Management
(TDM) program to be developed collaboratively by Mass Development and The Community Builders Inc.
Reference: Mass Development / Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned
Village District (as amended); Planning Board Decision July 28 2004
5
Environmental Design / Historic & Cultural Resources
Visual Quality
Potentially Beneficial / The structures have been abandoned, neglected and subject to vandalism for many
years. Rehabilitation of the nurses’ dormitory and south employees’ home will substantially improve the
visual quality of these prominent buildings located on the north campus of the former state hospital.
Parking areas, sidewalks and landscaping will all contribute to the improvement of the area.
Historic Properties
Potentially Adverse – Requires Documentation / The nurses’ dormitory and south employees’ home are
listed on the City’s comprehensive Inventory of historic properties which has been accepted by the Mass
Historical Commission and the SHPO. A submission to the Mass SHPO describing the proposed
renovation work was made in April 2004. A determination of “no adverse effect” was subsequently made
by the SHIPO in May 2004. Reference: City of Northampton – Historic Property Inventory; Nurses’
Dormitory MHC Form B; South Employee Home MHC Form B; Phase One Plans by Dietz Architects;
SHPO Correspondence May 12, 2004.
Socioeconomic
Demographic Changes
No Impact Anticipated / The proposed 33 rehabilitated rental units will not significantly change the
demographic mix of the area. Overtime, demographic changes in the state hospital area will take place as
full build out of the area proceeds.
Displacement
No Impact Anticipated / Structures are unoccupied; no displacement will result in undertaking this activity.
Employment & Income Patterns
No Impact Anticipated / No significant changes in employment patterns are anticipated. The project will
provide mixed income rental housing, 75% of the units will be targeted to households at or below 80% of
area median income.
Environmental Justice
Not Applicable / The project involves the elimination of blighted conditions and the rehabilitation of two
existing building. This work will significantly contribute to the redevelopment of the former state hospital
site. There will be no displacement as a result of the project; the development provides decent, safe and
quality housing for a mix of income levels.
6
Community Facilities & Services
Educational Facilities
No Impact Anticipated / Project involves the production of 16 one bedroom units, 16 two bedroom units and
1 three bedroom unit. Building layout and unit makeup are not designed nor targeted for large families with
children. The project will not dramatically increase housing opportunities to families with school-aged
children. Reference: Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District
June 10, 2004; Planning Board Decision July 28 2004
Commercial Facilities
No Impact Anticipated / Adequate commercial facilities are located within three miles of the project location.
The planned village at the state hospital will be developed over a series of years and calls for the
development of retail and mixed-use space. Reference: Northampton GIS Maps; Community Builders
Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004
Health Care
No Impact Anticipated / Northampton has an established community hospital within six miles of the project
location and has adequate facilities to meet additional needs (Cooley Dickinson Hospital). Reference:
Northampton GIS Maps
Social Services
No Impact Anticipated / The City of Northampton is the county seat for Hampshire County Massachusetts.
Adequate social services exist through various organizations based in Northampton, which meet existing
and anticipated needs.
Solid Waste
No Impact Anticipated / The Community Builders Inc. shall be responsible for household refuse disposal by
contracting with a private refuse contractor. Residents may also select to use the City’s recycling center
located approximately 6 miles from the project location for an annual fee of five dollars. Reference:
Northampton Health Department Code
Waste Water
No Impact Anticipated / Public wastewater infrastructure is available at the project location. The nurse’s
dormitory and south employees’ home will be connected to public sewer; capacity at the Northampton
wastewater treatment plant is adequate to accommodate the project. Reference: Northampton GIS;
Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004;
Planning Board Decision July 28 2004; M. Owens conversation with City Engineer
7
Storm Water
Requires Mitigation - Potentially Beneficial / The project location currently has no storm water detention or
management facilities. The project includes the construction of parking areas and roadway infrastructure
and will require storm water management. Three storm water detention basins are proposed for the north
campus. The system complies with the Massachusetts Storm water Management Policy and meets the
standards of preventing an increase in peak rate of runoff and removal of 80% of total suspended solids.
As no facilities are currently in place the proposed system should significantly improve water runoff quality
at the state hospital site. Reference: Northampton Zoning Code; Northampton DPW storm water
regulations; Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10,
2004; Planning Board Decision July 28 2004; Mass Stormwater Management Policy
Water Supply
No Impact Anticipated / Public water supply is available at the project location. City water supply capacity
is adequate to meet the needs of the project. The project location is not within a public water supply aquifer
or public water supply protection district. Reference: Northampton GIS Maps; Community Builders Phase
One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004; Planning Board Decision July 28
2004
Public Safety (Police, Fire, E-Medical)
No Impact Anticipated / Adequate police and fire services exist to accommodate the project. Emergency
vehicle access shall be provided from a temporary driveway / hammerhead from Village Hill Road.
Reference: Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10,
2004; Planning Board Decision July 28 2004
Open Space
Not Applicable / The project involves the rehabilitation of two existing structures and the addition of parking
areas and roadway. At this time no significant change in lot coverage will result; at full build-out the north
campus will meet or exceed open space requirements for the Planned Village District zoning. Reference:
Community Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004;
Planning Board Decision (site plan approval) July 28 2004
Recreation
No Impact Anticipated – Potentially Beneficial / Recreational facilities are adequate to meet existing and
projected needs. Veterans Field, a neighborhood park with active recreation facilities (basketball, baseball)
is located approximately two miles from the project site. Athletic fields and hiking trails rails are located
adjacent to Buts Pit Road within one half mile of the project site. The sate hospital development will
encourage bike use by installing nine bike stands and establishing bike access from the site to nearby rail
trails to downtown Northampton and Easthampton. Reference: Community Builders Phase One Special
8
Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004; Northampton GIS maps
Cultural Facilities
No Impact Anticipated / Cultural facilities are adequate to meet existing and projected needs. Forbes
Library, the public library in downtown Northampton as well as other cultural resources, are located within
three miles of the project site. Reference: Northampton GIS maps
Transportation
No Impact Anticipated / Transportation infrastructure is adequate to meet existing needs and those needs
projected by phase one activities i.e. exclusively the production of 33 rehabilitated rental housing units.
Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access have been separated to the greatest extent possible, sidewalks
have been provided to the street and nine bike loops provided to serve the two buildings. Route 66 / West
Street was recently reconstructed by Mass Highway; work included roadway realignment and widening.
Village Hill Road, to be constructed at part of this project, will provide safe vehicular access to the site.
Phase one activities comprise approximately 31% of full build out conditions for the Village at Hospital Hill.
As a result no traffic mitigation actions are to be undertaken at this time. As the development builds out
(north and south campus) mitigation actions will be identified and undertaken. Reference: Community
Builders Phase One Special Permit Application – Planned Village District June 10, 2004; Planning Board
Decision (site plan approval) July 28 2004
Natural Features
Water Resources & Surface Water
Not Applicable / No water resources or surface water bodies will be impacted by proposed actions.
Reference: USGS Quadrangle & Northampton GIS Maps
Floodplains
Not Applicable / The project site is not located within a floodplain. Reference: Northampton GIS& Flood
Insurance Rate Map # 250167 – Zone C.
Wetlands Protection
Potentially Adverse – Permit Documentation Required / No wetland resources exist at the project site;
wetland resources are located in some areas of the former state hospital campus as well as adjacent to the
campus. Northampton Conservation Commission issued an Order on Conditions on Jan 22, 2004 requiring
the protection of wetland resources through erosion protection measures during constructionand
rehabilitation activities. The Order of Conditions also requires regular maintenance of the stormwater
management system to ensure optimal performance. Reference: USGS Quadrangle, Northampton GIS
wetland maps, FIRM Floodplain Map, Conservation Commission Order of Conditions Jan 22, 2004
9
Coastal Zone Management / Not Applicable – Inland area of Massachusetts
Unique Natural Features and Agricultural Land / Not Applicable / Rehabilitation of existing
structures.
Vegetation & Wildlife / Not Applicable
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS
The overall impact of rehabilitation and full occupancy of the former nurses’ dormitory and south
employees’ home at the former Northampton State Hospital will not have a significant effect on the quality
of the human environment. The project will provide 33 units of mixed income rental housing.
The project includes the following components:
Interior building demolition, rehabilitation and reconstruction
Limited exterior building demolition and reconstruction
Construction of an access roadway (Village Hill Road), parking areas, sidewalks, landscaping and
lighting
Construction of a stormwater management system, public water and sewer connections; electrical
system and telecom infrastructure
The two buildings to be rehabilitated shall meet HUD housing quality standards; the overall visual /
aesthetic quality of the buildings will be greatly improved, the access roadway, sidewalks and parking areas
will provide safe access, the project promotes the harmonious relationship between structures, open space
and the landscape. The project will not decrease the level of service of roadways and intersections in the
immediate project area; at this time the project does not meet threshold requirements for traffic mitigation
actions required by the special permit.
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION ACTIONS
No environmental conditions exist at the project site that require significant project changes or
modifications.
The following environmental conditions are present and require mitigation action and/or determination of
consistency with federal or state law.
Hazards and site safety – Site safety and security will be maintained throughout rehabilitation and
construction activities. The close proximity of the “old main” complex presents a hazard. Chain link
fencing and on site security shall restrict access to the area immediately surrounding “old main”
Lead paint – Safe work practices shall be followed to limit dust exposure during demolition and
rehabilitation activities; residential structures shall be certified lead free at project conclusion
Asbestos – Asbestos containing material (ACM) is present within the structures shall be removed by a
10
licensed contractor and disposed of at a facility legally permitted to accept such waste; documentation
demonstrating compliance shall be included in the environmental review record
Erosion / Stormwater Management – Erosion control measures consisting of hay bales and silt fencing
shall be erected where required to control runoff and siltation during construction activities. A
stormwater management system that complies with state and local requirements shall be constructed
as part of phase one activities
Wetlands / Floodplains – An Order of Conditions issued by the Northampton Conservation Commission
requires measures to protect wetlands and floodplains from siltation and runoff
Historic Resources – The nurses’ dormitory and south employees’ home are listed on the City’s Historic
Property Inventory; a Section 106 review process was initiated in April 2004; the Mass SHPO
determined that the project would not have a negative impact on the buildings (May 2004)
ADDITIONAL STUDIES / DOCUMENTATION
The following documentation is referenced herein; copies are located in the EA file for this proposed
activity.
- USGS Quadrangle Map; Flood Insurance Rate Map # 250167; Northampton GIS
- Zoning Permit Application; The Community Builders June 10, 2004
- Planning Board; Special Permit Site Plan Approval July 28, 2004
- Nurses’ Dormitory; Mass Historic Form B
- South Employees’ Home; Mass Historic Form B
- Section 106 Review; SHPO Correspondence May 2004
- Conservation Commission; Order of Conditions Jan 22, 2004
CONCLUSIONS
1. Is the project in compliance with applicable laws and regulations?
Yes X No __
2. Is an Environmental Impact Statement required? Rehabilitation of the nurses’ dormitory and south
employees’ home and conversion to 33 mixed income rental units does not require an EIS.
Yes ___ No _X_
3. Can a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) be made? The Project will not significantly affect the
quality of the human environment.
Yes X No ___
11
________________________________ __________________
Michael T. Owens Date
Community Development Administrator
Environmental Review Officer
Mto/Opd 02-23-05