RRP_Northampton_SME_Request_Recruit_Redevelopment.RRP Rubric for Proposed Project*
Last Updated 6/8/2021
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Project Title
Technical and fiscal support for the redevelopment and re-use of underutilized buildings or properties
Origin
City of Northampton
Historic Northampton
Location/Census Tract
Downtown Northampton (See map attached)
Budget & Sources of Funding
Budget: Large($200k+)
Sources of Funding: MassDevelopment (need to ID specific program)
Timeframe
Medium (5-10 years) or Long-Term (10+ years)
Risks
Medium
Ensuring effective public-private partnership
Lack of support from property owners
Key Performance Indicators
Successful partnership toward the redevelopment of several "difficult" sites in the downtown study area, including 33 King Street, historic Hampton County Courthouse, vacant properties
adjacent to the Roundhouse parking lot, and properties on Pleasant Street
Partners & Resources
City of Northampton Planning & Sustainability and Mayor's office
Valley CDC
Diagnostic/ COVID-19 Impacts
Two former County buildings, 33 King Street and the historic Hampton County Courthouse, are currently vacant, occupying approximately 57,000 square footage total, 800 square feet of
street frontage in the downtown area within a block of each other.
33 King Street will shortly be transferred to City ownership to advertise and sell for redevelopment (with the proceeds then split with the Commonwealth)
Action Item
Identify organization (such as Storefront Startup in NYC) to partner with (Valley Community Development and?) the City of Northampton
Determine the level of interest of property owners, identify incentive to participate and fill vacant spaces
Determine timeframe/goals for redevelopment- temporary tenants or long term?
Identify guidelines and business priorities for matching spaces and tenants
Process
Identify partnering organizations
Identify scope of program and who primarily “owns” the program (property assessment, business recruitment, tenant placement guidelines)
Create database of interested property owners and business owners
Create agreement between the organization, property owner and business owner around timeline of occupancy, utility costs, etc.
Identify support needs for transitions in and out of the space