Town of Erving

Home , Erving State Forest, Millers River, Wendell State Forest

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of USHER MILLS Prepared for Town of Erving 12 East Main Street Index Erving, MA 01344 introduction and goals 1 context 2 context-history 3 brownfield designation 4 existing conditions 5 existing conditions cross section 6 ACCESS, CIRCULATION, and rare species 7 legal analysis 8 summary analysis 9 common elements OF DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 10 design alternative #1 11 design alternative #2 12 design alternative #3 13 design alternative #4 14 design precedents alternatives #1 & #2 15 design precedents alternatives #3 & #4 16 proposed plant palette 17 recommendations 18

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn FALL 2010 Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS Conway School of Landscape Design1 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 1801341 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. All of the Usher Mills project goals are in harmony with the goals and objectives of the Town of Erving 2002 Master Plan and the 2010 Open Space and Recreation Plan. These guides provide a framework for decisions dealing with land uses that may impact valuable natural resources and the lands that contain unique historical, recreational, and scenic values. Goals and objectives of the two plans that relate to the Usher Mills site include

• Prioritize Town-sponsored land protection projects that conserve forestland, drinking water, streams and ponds, open fields, scenic views, wildlife habitat, river access and wetlands.

• Develop multi-user (walking, hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing) trail systems that tie into existing ones (e.g. the trail connecting Erving Center and Farley along the Millers River in Wendell), which can be safely accessed from publicly owned land or private lands with trail easements.

• Support the Recreation Commission to be more effective in providing needed recreational facilities and programming for all of Erving’s residents, especially teens, adults, and seniors.

• Improve access to parks and open space by the physically disabled and the elderly.

• Identify, promote and help protect historically significant areas and landscapes, such as cemeteries and historic structures.

• Seek to permanently protect from development all lands that contain unusual plant communities and rare and endangered species habitat. Originally developed as a grist mill in 1837, the Usher Mills property has been the site for various manufacturing activities. The oldest buildings on the site were constructed in 1916 by the Heywood Wakefield Furniture Company. The Fred Meers Shoe Company ran the mill complex until the mid-1950s when Erving Paper Mills purchased and operated the Usher plant until 1990.

After fire destroyed two of the three original mill structures in 2007, the complex was designated a brownfield due to asbestos contamination.

Neglected and abandoned, Usher Mills offers an exceptional opportunity for revitalizing the riverfront, community, and region. The Town of Erving is committed to redevelopment of this resource and has identified these goals for the project.

PROJECT GOALS To explore potential uses for the former Usher Mills property that will... •DEVELOP PUBLIC OPEN SPACE •RENOVATE HISTORIC MILL STRUCTURE •STIMULATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INCREASE TOURISM •PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY TO FARLEY & ERVINGSIDE The Millers River looking west

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS 1 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving INTRODUCTION and GOALS 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. “The Town of Erving is unique in the region because it combines an industrial heritage with large tracts of 2 protected forestland. From the Connecticut River Valley in the west, to the steep hills of the Erving State Forest 4 in the east, Erving has much to lose if its combination of historic and scenic resources is not protected for future generations. “ 3 Town of Erving 2002 Master Plan

Bounded by mountains to the north and the Millers River to the south, Erving stretches ten miles east to west but 1 Erving only two miles north to south. The town’s three villages are fragmented due to limited transportation corridors. About 1500 people live in Erving’s 14 square miles. Village of 6 Center Farley The Watershed in Brief 5 • Source: Southern New Hampshire and North Central Massachusetts • Total drainage area: 392 square miles, with 320 square miles in Massachusetts Ervingside • Covers all or parts of 17 towns in north-central Massachusetts Village • Includes parts of 6 southern New Hampshire towns

Millers River Watershed Massachusetts' 28 Watersheds AREA RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE AMESBURY SALISBURY MERRIMAC Power House N EW BU RY PO RT

WEST NEWBURY HAVERHILL VT NEWBURY Northfield Mountain Recreation Area GROVELAND 1 CLARKSBURG NH MONROE METHUEN LAWRENCE PARKER GEORGETOWN ROWLEY ROWE WILLIAMSTOWN LEYDEN NORTH ADAMS HEATH BERNARDSTON FLORIDA COLRAIN ROYALSTON BOXFORD IPSWICH NORTHFIELD WARWICK ASHBY DUNSTABLE MERRIMACK R N O DRACUT O WINCHENDON TOWNSEND PEPPERELL H C G R U T K ASHBURNHAM P RO H TOPSFIELD CHARLEMONT O A O SB N R G ANDOVER D T YN O GILL T LOWELL V G

E L

HUDSON R O HAMILTON

ESSEX U NEW ASHFORD ADAMS TEWKSBURY ERVING C GREENFIELD E GROTON S Mt. Grace State Forest IPSWICH T ORANGE E 2 SAVOY

DEERFIELD R MILLERS MIDDLETON WENHAM CHELMSFORD SHELBURNE HAWLEY BUCKLAND FITCHBURG ATHOL LUNENBURG WESTFORD MANCHESTER GARDNER SHAWSHEEN NORTH READING CHESHIRE DANVERS P BEVERLY SHIRLEY N H TEMPLETON I O L AYER BILLERICA MONTAGUE T L WENDELL L Y I G N P WESTMINSTER S N N I F K T NY M LANESBOROUGH READING I C O E L I L O N D C LITTLETON W PEABODY SALEM N ASHFIELD CARLISLE A PLAINFIELD H WINDSOR DEERFIELD N

CONWAY O NASHUA T LEOMINSTER HARVARD G N I GH BEDFORD L DALTON OU R D R U O B N HUBBARDSTON B ACTON SNORTH COASTAL LANCASTER X WOBURN A BO T L O WAKEFIELD MARBLEHEAD LEVERETT SHUTESBURY LYNN CUMMINGTON R N S E SWAMPSCOTT E A D PETERSHAM U PITTSFIELD H M N CONCORD G Town of Erving A E L Erving State Forest U R R U E M 3 NEW SALEM T O S S S S PRINCETON HE E HINSDALE GOSHEN LEXINGTON INC PERU WHATELY STERLING W BOLTON D

R M EN R A E LD STOW D MA E N LINCOLN NAHANT AR F V Y O BARRE N L E

A I N R T R O G D T T M T IN B O E E L E N R WORTHINGTON C L E WILLIAMSBURG M V RICHMOND O E W HUDSON SUDBURY N CHELSEA Massachusetts CHESTERFIELD T HATFIELD E SOMERVILLE PELHAM RUTLAND S WALTHAM LENOX T BERLIN CA M WASHINGTON B B WINTHROP O R WATERTO ID Y W N GE L D

MIDDLEFIELD N

T A WESTON HARDWICK O N Bay BOYLSTON L HOLDEN O OAKHAM N Y R SuAsCo A T

W CONNECTICUT H MARLBOROUGH B NEWTON BROOKLINE WEST STOCKBRIDGESTOCKBRIDGE LEE NORTHAMPTON AMHERST O R

N O

O U T HADLEY G GH Warwick State Forest P 4 WESTFIELD H PAXTON OU M R FRAMINGHAM A CHICOPEE BO

H H CHESTER N T T NEW BRAINTREE U E O S SO A R E S BOSTON T CHARLES T W W NATICK HOUSATONIC Y H WARE H HULL E E WELLESLEY A SHREWSBURY NEEDHAM BECKET L S B M BELCHERTOWN R D T P O WORCESTER A B WESTBOROUGH D T O O H GRANBY R R HUNTINGTON O K TYRINGHAM N H O F O ASHLAND D C T F E K IE O L D U F H H A L SPENCER O I QUINCY E D A M A S L M D LEICESTER MILTON S

SOUTHAMPTON S O DOVER

SHERBORN E N D T The Usher Mills project area includes roughly 7.5 acres of W T L HOPKINTON ESTW GREAT BARRINGTON G OOD E HINGHAM I BOSTON HARBORBRAINTREE WEYMOUTH O OTIS M HOLYOKE F

K E O GRAFTON R MONTEREY Y WARREN O SCITUATE OCEAN R AUBURN HOLLISTON BLANDFORD LUDLOW B MEDFIELD BROOKFIELD MILLBURY

PALMER S

EGREMONT CHICOPEE A E UPTON BOSTON HARBOR 5 Wendell State Forest RUSSELL R MILLIS NORWOOD A W CANTON N NORWELL D E MILFORD K Erving Tax Parcels 6-04-84 and 6-10-01. O S MEDWAY L O T P O S H R R WALPOLE O WESTFIELD P B

N L R A C

O O IN V K T H G O L

G BRIMFIELD A BLACKSTONE N A F STOUGHTON B N I WILBRAHAM N

I STURBRIDGE E SPRINGFIELD SUTTON HOPEDALE IN HANOVER FRENCH D FARMINGTON NORTHBRIDGE H L G SHEFFIELD D

S NORFOLK T MARSHFIELD NEW MARLBOROUGH SANDISFIELD OXFORD O A CHARLTON

SHARON N

T TOLLAND

N MONSON

U MENDON GRANVILLE M PEMBROKE O A FRANKLIN M E H BROCKTON WHITMAN N A G S OW T QUINEBAUG N T AGAWAM LO I CE N L N G HAMPDEN WALES L VI SOUTHWICK ME HOLLAND E FOXBOROUGH RO W AD SOUTHBRIDGE UXBRIDGE B E P ADO O DUDLEY E A ME W WEBSTER DOUGLAS E N WRENTHAM S

G L Millers River Wildlife Management Area T LON O L B I T W R S E I SOUTH COASTAL V S D L K EASTON T G L C B E HANSON DUXBURY I W A RI 6 M L D A B G TE EW R TRURO MANSFIELD AT PLAINVILLE ER H G U O R O HALIFAX B KINGSTON E TL (MRWMA) T A BRIDGEWATER TH R O NORTON PLYMPTON CT RI N ATTLEBORO TAUNTON WELLFLEET TEN MILE RAYNHAM TAUNTON Cape Cod

E MIDDLEBOROUGH

E PLYMOUTH

K CARVER

K M

Bay A

T Arch Street bridge crosses the Millers River, connecting Erving Center to Wendell State Forest, Millers River WMA, and REHOBOTH S

DIGHTON BERKLEY A

LAKEVILLE

S N

NARRAGANSETT BAY A T E WAREHAM L E S R

O the proposed Franklin County Bikeway, and providing a vital alternative connection to the villages of Farley and Erving- R E M O FREETOWN SWANSEA S ROCHESTER BREWSTER

BOURNE SANDWICH DENNIS FALL RIVER side west of the site. Millers River WMA links wildlife habitat along the southern riparian zone. BUZZARDS BAY HARWICH CHATHAM N ACUSHNET MARION E

W YARMOUTH

CAPE COD B

E F A MATTAPOISETT BARNSTABLE D I F R

O H

R A V D E N

DARTMOUTH MASHPEE

WESTPORT FALMOUTH ay Popular for boating, fly fishing, hiking and skiing, the Millers River and surrounding forests are centrally located in the s B rd za LD z O N S region. Nearly 2,700 acres of land in Erving (29% of the town’s total land area) is permanently protected from develop- u O B G

Y R

U B Nantucket Sound S I T S F F U L B K A Watersheds are interstate resources, d O ment. The Erving State Forest, Mt. Grace Recreation Area, and the Northfield Mountain Recreation Area are within five n nd u WEST TISBURY EDGARTOWN o ou extending beyond the boundaries d S S an rd ISLANDS miles of Usher Mills l a A of Massachusetts and its coastline. QU CHILMARK s y I N I NA e H de in MARTHA'S ho V R VINEYARD 20 NANTUCKET NANTUCKET Miles

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS CONTEXT 2 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. Integration of Land Conservation and Historic Preservation

“Erving contains cultural resources that include historical structures, sites, and landscapes. Tra- ditionally, land conservation and historic preservation have been treated as separate issues. However, the close connections between Erving’s The Town of Erving has a long-standing industrial heritage. natural resources and its historic resources call for an integrated approach to preserving and enhanc- Long before colonists came to America, the Mohawk Trail flanking the Millers River gorge was ing these assets. For example, the long-term in- a major east-west transportation corridor for Native American travel between the Hudson and tegrity of the significant historic landscapes along Connecticut River valleys. Europeans expanded the foot path for carriage trails, railroads, the Mohawk Trail depends both on the viability of and eventually, the Route 2 auto highway around 1914. land preservation efforts and on maintaining the structural and design qualities of the historic build- The Usher Mills property, steeped in history, first developed as a grist mill along the Millers ings and sites.” River in 1837. After that, it was used to manufacture furniture, shoe heels, and paper until 1990. The land has remained vacant and abandoned for approximately 20 years. Enlargement of the Usher Mills site circa 1891. Town of Erving 2002 Master Plan

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS 3 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving CONTEXT-HISTORY 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. In 2003, the vacant and deteriorating Usher Mills complex was evaluated by the Town of Erving for reuse and redevelopment potential. That same year, the town acquired a U.S. EPA Brownfields Grant to complete an assessment of the historic mill. The Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments were completed in March 2004 by Tighe and Bond Consulting Engineers.

After a 10-alarm fire in 2007 destroyed two of the three original historic buildings built in 1917, Usher Mills was designated a brownfield in 2008 due to asbestos contamination.

Historic Power House built in 1917

Brownfields: Abandoned, idled, or under-used Remnants of the historic mill complex destroyed in a 2007 fire await remediation. industrial and commercial facilities Cleaning up and reinvesting in brownfields protects the environment, reduces blight, and takes development pressures off greenspaces and working lands. where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Results of the Phase I and Phase II Assessments indicate that no major contamination has been found during soil and groundwater tests. Pollutants on the site include asbestos from building materials and elevated levels of lead and Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) found in the soils from added coal ash.

The next step in the cleanup process, the Phase III Assessment, will involve the physical removal of any barrels, drums, or containers of hazardous waste. Potential contaminants to aquifers, streams or rivers will be eliminated. The cost of this phase is estimated to be in excess of $650,000.

All structures with the exception of the Power House will be demolished as a component of the brownfield clean up effort. The town hopes to restore the only remaining historic building if it is structurally sound. Where possible, existing foundations will remain in place to be considered for reuse.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS Brownfield Designation 4 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. 1 PROJECT BOUNDARY 10 ARCH STREET BRIDGE The 7.5-acre site is part of Tax ID Parcels 6-04- Northern entrance links Erving to Wendell 84 and 6-10-01 (based on the Tighe and Bond State Forest and Millers River Wildlife Inc. boundary survey of the March 2004 Phase Management Area. I and II Environmental Site Assessment and 4 Response Action Outcome). This project focuses 11 WENDELL STATE PARK on the 5-acre brownfield area south of the Boston Usher Mills Cross Section Looking Northwest Located south of the Millers River, Wendell & Maine Railroad, west of Arch Street and State Forest covers 7,566 acres of rolling bounding the Millers River to the south. 5 Millers River forested hills, streams, ponds, and trails.

2 DEBRIS TO BE REMOVED 12 MILLERS RIVER WILDLIFE Brownfield clean-up includes asbestos-laden MANAGEMENT AREA demolition materials resulting from a 2007 fire Renowned for fishing and hiking, this that destroyed two of the 1917 historic mill 66-acre sliver of the management area buildings. provides access to over a mile of riverfront POWER HOUSE and to the abutting Wendell State Forest. 3 Property Boundary 1 Built in 1917 to generate electricity, the 3 13 TOWN OF ERVING PUMP STATION 9,500-square-foot building is the sole survivor of Power House Historic Building 6 Gravity-fed sanitary sewer line runs under the historic mill complex. 16 Buildings to be Removed Arch Street. Wastewater collected from 4 BOSTON & MAINE RAILROAD north of the Usher Mills site is pumped to Debris to be Removed Elevated 20 feet above existing grade, two the Erving Center Wastewater Treatment active rail lines flank the northwest property Mid to Mature Deciduous Trees Plant one half mile upriver. boundary and Route 2. Hemlock Stand 2 15 14 UNDERGROUND CISTERN BUILDINGS TO BE REMOVED Previously utilized for fire protection 5 Pavement Asbestos-contaminated corrugated metal at Usher Mills and additional hydrants 7 warehouses circa 1940 to be dismantled and Gravel in Erving Center, the 100,000-gallon removed. 9 reservoir is recharged by Keyup Brook. Grass/Low Vegetation RIPARIAN ZONE 14 6 Chain Link Fence 15 WATER TOWER Stone remnants of early 1800s canal system Currently abandoned, the 35,000-gallon forms a steep berm running parallel to the Sanitary Sewer capacity water tank conveyed water for riverbank. Naturally succeeding overgrowth of 12 8 Catch Basin fire protection at the mill and surrounding mid to mature deciduous forest entangles the properties in Erving Center. riverbank area. Utility Pole 13 7 BROWNFIELD ASSESSMENT PERIMETER 11 16 ARCH STREET RAILROAD BRIDGE Boulders 10 The 8-foot-high chain-link fence delineates and The one-lane historic bridge is the secures the extent of remediation area. only access to the site. The height of underpass is 12’6”. 9 MILLERS RIVER RIVERFRONT AREA 8 Having key Core Habitats and Living Waters designated by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, the Millers River contains Informal, moderately sloped path accesses the a variety of unusual natural communities that support a diversity of plants and animals. The river is also on the Massachusetts Department of water. Environmental Protection’s list of Impaired Waters requiring implementation of a Watershed Management Plan to address sources of pollution.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS EXISTING CONDITIONS 5 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. 4 3

1 2 Scale in Feet

The Millers River plays a vital role in the region’s Successional riparian forest is reclaiming As part of the brownfield Phase III Assessment, existing piles of asbestos-laden debris from two Bounded by the elevated Boston and 1 2 3 4 economy, ecology, and social fabric. It supports remnants of an historic 1830s canal. The burned historic buildings and five dilapidated corrugated metal warehouses will be removed from the Maine Railroad tracks to the north, Usher four of the state’s twelve freshwater mussel Riverfront Area helps keep water clean, site. The cost for the cleanup is estimated to be in excess of $650,000 and must be completed within Mills is isolated and buffered from the species, including the rare Triangle Floater, preserves wildlife habitat, and provides open one year of initiation. If structurally sound, the historic Power House will be rehabilitated for reuse. busy Route 2 corridor. according to the NHESP Living Waters Core space corridors. Habitat (LW 307) report.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 EXISTING CONDITIONS USHER MILLS 6 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving CROSS SECTION 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. NATURAL HERITAGE & ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAM ACCESS AND CIRCULATION Access to and circulation on the site presents both challenges and opportunities. The Millers River is a designated Living Waters Core Habitat supporting four of the • Route 2, the major east – west thoroughfare in northern • Erving Center is located within 1000 feet of the property. state’s twelve freshwater mussel species. Core Habitat LW 307 includes the Riverfront Massachusetts carries more than 8500 vehicles per day. • A disconnected B&M rail spur lying north of the buildings hides under Area of the site but excludes the Usher Mills complex building footprints. Any • There is only one point of road access to the Usher Plant from thick overgrowth. redevelopment in the Core Habitat area may require that a Notice of Intent (NOI) be Route 2, via Arch Street underpass. • Arch Street continues south crossing the Millers River into the Wendell filed and reviewed by NHESP. • The site’s setting tucked between the Boston and Maine Railroad State Forest and Millers River WMA. tracks and the Millers River segregates it from Erving’s • The proposed Franklin County Bikeway will follow the Millers River and commercial hub. terminate at Usher Mills.

USHER MILLS 0 500 1000

ARCH STREET ERVING CENTER

USHER MILLS SITE B & M Railroad Wendell StateUSHER Forest MILLS RR UNDER PASS

Millers River WMA Millers River

CHALLENGES OPPORTUNITIES • The traffic volume and speed on Route 2 • The secluded setting buffers the Route 2 noise and traffic. endanger pedestrians and bicyclists. • The traffic on Route 2 encourages economic activity. The Triangle Floater mussel is a species of Special Concern found in the Millers River • Arch Street passes under a narrow (11’ wide) • Erving Center is within walking distance of the site. www.ct.gov trestle rail bridge with a low underpass (12’6” • The rail spur could be re-established to provide rail access. high) prohibiting some emergency vehicles from • Arch St. access to the Millers River WMA and Wendell State Forest entering the site. offers existing and future recreational opportunities.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS ACCESS, CIRCULATION, and 7 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving RARE SPECIES 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. FEMA -NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Most of the property is located within Usher Mills is designated as a Historic Mill Complex and is listed a FEMA-designated floodplain Zone on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s Historic Inventory. A5 (1% annual chance of flooding) as depicted on Flood Insurance Rate Map Community-Panel Number 250116 0017B, extending from the Millers River to the Boston and Maine Railroad right- of-way. Any redevelopment of the site will be subject to local, state, and federal flood regulations.

Brownfields Designation - MA Historic Commission Listed Historic Mill Complex MA Rivers Protection Act 1996 - 200’ Riverfront Area and MA Wetland Protection Act 310 CMR - 10.58 Riverfront Area FEMA Special Flood Hazard 1% Annual Chance Flood (100 Year) Flood Insurance Rate Map-Community Panel # 250116 0017B Town of Erving CV-Central Village Zoning District NHESP Priority Habitat of Rare Species & Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT MASSACHUSETTS DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE NATURAL HERITAGE & Feet ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAM OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION- ZONING WETLANDS PROTECTION ACT MASSACHUSETTS ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT NHESP is responsible for the conservation and protection of hundreds of species that are REGULATIONS: All development is subject to the Town of Erving zoning bylaws 310 CMR 10.00 not hunted, fished, trapped, or commercially harvested in the state.The Program's highest The Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (M.G.L priority is protecting the 176 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals and 259 species adopted June 27, 2005. The entire property is located within the c.131A and regulations 321 CMR 10.00) protects rare Central Village (CV) zoning district. This district allows a variety RIVERS PROTECTION ACT OF 1996 (RPA) of native plants that are officially listed as Endangered, Threatened or of Special Concern in species and their habitats by prohibiting the "Take" Massachusetts. of residential, agricultural, recreational, community services, and of any plant or animal species listed as Endangered, The RPA was enacted to protect rivers and business uses by right including single family residences, bed and Threatened, or Special Concern by the MA Division of their ecosystems by limiting development breakfast establishments, commercial greenhouses, business and close to rivers and prohibiting stormwater The Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas shows Priority Habitats, which are used Fisheries & Wildlife. for regulation under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and Massachusetts professional offices, farm stands, certain educational uses, banks, run-off from entering into streams. The RPA and retail uses up to 5000 square feet. Other uses may be approved determines if an area is a Riverfront Area, Environmental Policy Act (M.G.L. c.30) and Estimated Habitats, which are used for Although the Usher Mills building footprint is excluded regulation of rare wildlife habitat under the Wetlands Protection Act. by Special Permit issued by the Erving Planning Board including from the Priority Habitat, some of the property falls defined as a 200-foot riparian zone from multi-family residential, commercial recreation, day care centers, within the regulated zone. Any future development that each side of a perennial river’s annual high nursing homes, inns and hotels, theaters, and retail uses greater water mark. However, certain redevelopment The Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c.131, s.40 and regulations 310 CMR 10.00 protect falls within Priority Habitat of Rare Species, must file a rare animal species by prohibiting alterations that would have short or long term adverse than 5000 square feet. project review with the NHESP. within previously developed riverfront areas is exempt from the regulations, including effects on the wetland habitats of rare wildlife species. The regulations require that proposed Further information can be accessed at the MESA alterations to wetland habitats of rare wildlife be reviewed by the Natural Heritage & While the current bylaws allow for mixed uses in the Central Village website: activities on land occupied by historic mill District, zoning regulations requiring that no more than one principle complexes (Section 10.58(6)(k)). Endangered Species Program. http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/regulatory_ If a project is within Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife and a Notice of Intent (NOI) is structure be erected on a lot and the Dimensional Schedule of lot review/mesa/mesa_home.htm required, a copy of the NOI must be sent to the NHESP for review. sizes may restrict future development at the Usher Mills site.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS 8 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving LEGAL ANALYSIS 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. LOCATION, ACCESS, AND CIRCULATION ENVIRONMENTAL

• Route 2 is the only direct east-west route in Erving • Designated a brownfield in 2008 and vehicular access for site • Contaminants include asbestos and soils with • Route 2 traffic volume and speed limit are elevated lead and PAH hazardous for pedestrians and bicyclists • According to the Tighe & Bond Phase I • Narrow (11’) w/ low underpass (12’6”) B&M Environmental Site Assessment and Railroad trestle bridge may restrict some Report (March 2004), condition of the site emergency vehicles, limiting certain land uses after remediation occurs will pose no health threat but may potentially exclude residential • Site has a disconnected B&M rail spur that could be land uses and community gardens re-established to provide rail access • Portion of the site is designated Priority • Arch Street crosses the Millers River, directly Habitat of Rare Species and accessing the Millers River WMA and Wendell Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife and is State Forest, offering recreational opportunities subject to Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and Massachusetts • Usher Mills is terminus of proposed Franklin County Environmental Policy Act Bikeway, which will provide a vital alternative connection to the villages of Farley and Ervingside • Most of the property is located in a FEMA designated flood zone A-5 -Areas of 100-year • Usher Mills is within 1000 feet of Erving Center flood but existing pedestrian infrastructure on Arch Street and Route 2 restricts walkability 200’ Rivers Protection Act Boundary VEGETATION Section 10.58 (6)k-Redevelopment • Riparian zone is secondary succession mid MA Wetlands Protection Act HISTORICAL to mature deciduous trees including white • The designated Historic Mill Complex is FEMA 100 Year Flood Zone A5 ash, gray and white birch, red maple, red Community Panel # 2501160017B on Massachusetts Historical Commission’s oak, and black willow. A small hemlock stand borders the developed area Historic Inventory Priority Habitat of Rare Species Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife • Historic mill complexes are exempt from • The property east of Arch Street and Rivers Protection Act of 1996 Existing Views along the roadside is characterized as old field succession with pioneer River Access • Exemption allows redevelopment of the site communities of annuals, grasses, and perennial plants

• Some invasive species lie along the railroad Slopes ZONING right-of-way and near the riverbank including • Most of the developed property has 2%-5% slopes. Slopes along the • Entire site zoned CV-Central Village zoning district allowing variety of residential, autumn olive, buckthorn, Japanese barberry, riverbank are greater than 15% due to the historic canal structure. A narrow and agricultural, recreational, community services, and business uses by right multiflora rose, Oriental bittersweet, and informal access path leading to the Millers River has moderate 5% to 14% slopes Japanese knotweed

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS 9 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving SUMMARY ANALYSIS 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. PARK AMENITIES MULTI-USE TRAIL SYSTEM BIORETENTION AND WATER CAPTURE Recreation facilities in all of the design alternatives that follow include universally Tails provide fundamental services to the public and should be designed to meet Rainwater from roofs, parking areas, and other impervious surfaces is channeled accessible picnic and parking areas, rest rooms, trail-side benches, and a self- the needs of the maximum number of potential users including the needs of people into rain gardens to infiltrate and slow runoff. Bioswales remove silt and pollutants guided interpretive trail. Facilities should be selected to maximize their usefulness with disabilities, who constitute nearly one-fifth of the American population. The path through filtration, absorption, adsorption, plant uptake, microbial action, and sunlight. to the community. All potential users, including people with disabilities, should be accommodates two-way travel and activities may include walking, hiking, jogging, Underground cisterns collect the stormwater for non-potable use such as irrigation, included in the public planning process. skiing, and bicycling. landscape maintenance, and vehicle washing. Cisterns reduce the stormwater footprint, preventing harmful pollutants from flowing into the river.

RIVER VIEWING PLATFORMS INTERPRETIVE TRAIL Complete streets The secluded river view trail meanders along the crest of the historic canal featuring A natural surfaced foot trail threading through the wildlife habitat and riparian The entire road right-of-way is planned, designed and operated to provide safe several prominent viewing areas along the Millers River. The ADA compliant environment of the Millers River utilizes interpretive signs to educate the visitor about access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit, and travelers of all ages platforms extend beyond the wooded riverfront, offering ideal wildlife watching and the area’s natural resources and settlement history. It focuses upon the ecological and abilities. The sidewalks and trails serve as a critical link in the transportation river views. succession specific to the riverfront area. network providing pedestrian access to the commercial district, school, businesses, government offices, and recreation areas.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS COMMON ELEMENTS OF 10 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. Reincarnation A stepping-stone for redevelopment and natural succession

After removal of all structures and debris, the brownfield’s landscape yields to ecological succession. Bare ground is colonized by pioneer communities of native grasses, woody-stem perennials, shrubs and deciduous trees. A restoration seed mix boosts the progression, preventing erosion of the disturbed ground. Public open space awards residents with passive recreation while awaiting redevelopment. 1 permeable parking area 7 river bank access Tucked beside the railroad tracks, off-street spaces Nearly 1000’ of riverfront await boating, fishing, and for 15 autos including 1 accessible space concentrate Assumptions: nature-loving enthusiasts. The existing footpath, vehicular traffic away from the Riverfront Area. • All buildings have been removed 4 stabilized with permeable floodplain-tolerant materials, including the historic Power House. winds through riparian woodlands. stormwater management • Existing foundations and footings remain. 2 Bioswales collect and filter rainwater in underground cisterns constructed from historic mill foundations. 8 butterfly sanctuary Reclaimed water irrigates vegetation, reducing the Purple, yellow, pink, and white native perennial need to draw from local aquifers. wildflowers and grasses give way to successional shrubs and trees, reestablishing vital habitat for insects. Comfort station 4 3 old farley connector A 30’ X 40’ public restroom facility and park office. 9 The proposed Franklin County Bikeway meanders beside the Millers River through Wendell State 3 Forest terminating at Usher Mills. The multi-modal trail links Erving Center to the villages of Ervingside 4 life on the wild side and Farley. Successional native plants restore disturbed areas and 1 welcome the many species of regional and migratory 5 12 10 large vehicle and Over-flow parking birds and small mammals. Interpretive trail describes Situating parking away from critical Riverfront Areas history, ecology, and native vegetation. 6 2 11 and providing stormwater best management practices safeguards water quality. 10 5 EXPANSIVE picnic area & Exercise trail 8 11 towering greetings Shelters scattered along the native perennial meadows Reaching high above the B&M railroad tracks, the trail provide refuge for the visitor. 35,000-gallon water tank is restored to a functional public fire fighting resource and landmark. 7

6 relaxing river view trail 12 complete streets Viewing platforms reward the explorer with panoramic The entire right-of-way is planned, designed, and mountain and river vistas. The hard-packed interpretive 9 operated to provide safe access for pedestrians, trail hugs the pinnacle of the historic canal system bicyclists, motorists, transit, and travelers of all ages carved nearly two centuries ago to generate power. and abilities (see Common Elements of Design Alternatives sheet).

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS DESIGN 11 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 ALTERNATIVE #1 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. #2 Renew: Brown to Green The Environmental Education and Research Center is a collaborative satellite resource facility designed, engineered, and maintained SUNNY OUTLOOK 1 by area community colleges and universities. Diverse programs specializing in cultural history, alternative energy, sustainability, 9 WATER CAPTURE AND REUSE Southeast-orientated pit greenhouses formed from ecosystem restoration, and outdoor education are offered. Underground cisterns collect and contain existing foundations yield locally grown crops. stormwater runoff for landscape and greenhouse irrigation systems. 2 FRESHWATER FARMING Tanks built into existing foundations provide edible 10 RIVER ACCESS plants and animals year-round using aquaculture/ Assumptions: Stabilized foot path leads to a water quality hydroponic techniques. • Restored Power House is focal point of design. monitoring station and riverine recreational • Existing foundations incorporated into design elements. opportunities. 3 POWER HOUSE REGENERATED The 9,500-square-foot restored historic mill building 11 UNDERCURRENTS accommodates the education and research facility, Microhydro demonstrations present a current a tourist information kiosk, community meeting spaces, generation of power on the Millers River. satellite police station, and restaurant preparing foods 6 harvested on site. Photovoltaic panels (PV) poised on 12 GATEWAY TO THE FOREST the rooftop convert solar radiation into direct current to 4 Old Farley Road and the proposed Franklin County generate electrical power for the complex. 5 Bikeway connects Usher Mills and Erving Center to the Wendell State Forest and the western villages of 4 PERVIOUS PAVEMENT DEMONSTRATION 8 Farley and Ervingside. 20-bay parking area uses permeable demonstration 7 materials. 3 13 JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT 1 Bicycle rental and repair shop. 5 THE PRACTICALITIES OF BMPS On-site stormwater structures are used as teaching aids 2 9 14 for stormwater best management practices construction, SCHOOL BUS, OVER-FLOW, AND COMMUTER inspection, and maintenance certification programs. 15 PARKING Transit stop for Franklin Regional Transit Authority 16 6 LET IT GROW Park and Ride. Situating parking away from critical An outdoor interpretive trail describes regenerative Riverfront Areas and providing stormwater best 13 14 secondary succession of native grass, perennial, management practices safeguards water quality. 10 and shrub species. Wildlife habitat restores linkage to the riparian forest. 15 Towering greetings Reaching high above the B&M railroad tracks, the 7 WILDLIFE WALK 35,000-gallon water tank is restored to a functional Universally accessible viewing platforms and public fire-fighting resource and landmark. interpretive trail offer Millers River vistas and wildlife 11 12 viewing. 16 complete streets The entire right-of-way is planned, designed, and 8 KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS operated to provide safe access for pedestrians, An outdoor classroom and amphitheater is built into bicyclists, motorists, transit, and travelers of all ages the historic mill landscape. and abilities (see Common Elements of Design Alternatives sheet).

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 DESIGN USHER MILLS 12 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving ALTERNATIVE #2 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. #3 Regeneration The community and wellness center offers facilities and programs for all ages and abilities, especially filling a void for teens and seniors. Regional in scope, the development is ideally suited for a non-profit/public partnership. Complementary small-scale offices and studios complete the multi-phased project. Assumptions: 1 HISTORIC MILL DESIGN • Restored Power House is focal point of design 9 ENCIRCLING TRACK Offices and studios designed to compliment the historic • New construction for wellness center and office A walking track encompasses the multi-purpose Power House. New construction incorporates principles buildings preserve historic mill architecture skating rink. of energy and resource efficiency. • Existing foundations incorporated into design elements of 9 10 LAWN GAMES o Skateboard park, ice rink, track 2 COMMUNITY COURTYARD Outdoor sports include shuffleboard, bocce, and Tot lot and outdoor space for eating and relaxing. o Indoor/outdoor soccer fields horseshoes, and croquet.

11 RIVER VIEW PERIMETER TRAIL 8 3 DROP OFF/PICK UP (See Common Elements of Design Alternatives Pervious ADA-compliant parking and convenience area. 10 sheet). 12 GATEWAY TO THE FOREST Accessed by Arch Street, the Wendell State Forest 4 POWER HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 7 Public spaces for municipal, social, and cultural offers outdoor recreation include hiking, skiing, and activities including civic meetings, classes and bicycling. The proposed Franklin County Bikeway workshops for all ages and a satellite police station for connects to a 40-mile bikeway network throughout the Erving Police Department. the county. 4 2 13 RIVER ACCESS 5 WELLNESS CENTER Recreational amenities including aquatics, fitness, 1 Stabilized foot path leads to a water quality personal training and nutrition consulting. 11 5 monitoring station and riverine recreational 3 opportunities. 16 6 RAINWATER AND GARDENS 14 COMPLETE STREETS Roof water and runoff converge in a series of planted 6 (See Common Elements of Design Alternatives infiltration gardens that filter and divert the stormwater sheet). to underground cisterns. Captured water will irrigate 15 native landscapes and be used to flood the ice rink. 14 13 15 ADDITIONAL AND COMMUTER PARKING 7 PARKING AREA Transit stop for Franklin Regional Transit Authority Permeable surface parking for 20 motorized vehicles. Park and Ride. Situating parking away from critical Bicycle racks throughout the complex encourage Riverfront Areas and providing stormwater best alternative transportation. management practices safeguards water quality.

8 SPORTS FOR ALL SEASONS Summer skateboarding converts to an ice skating 12 16 WATER TANK rink. Another option may be indoor/outdoor soccer The 35,000-gallon water tank is restored to a fields. functional public firefighting resource and landmark.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 DESIGN USHER MILLS 13 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving ALTERNATIVE #3 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. #4 Renaissance: Power House Arts

A public-private enterprise, the arts center includes spaces for visual art disciplines including ceramics, sculpture, welding, painting, wood and metal, and offices with adjacent meeting areas. Local community colleges and universities offer satellite classes and workshops for all ages. After school and summer camps complement the programs. 1 SCULPTURE GARDENS Assumptions: 8 OUTDOOR STUDIOS Area artists and students display their art in the outdoor An outdoor classroom and amphitheater gallery. • Restored Power House is focal point of design • New construction for artists’ studios preserves historic mill is built into the historic mill landscape. 2 ARTISTS’ STUDIOS architecture and footprint New construction on existing foundations compliments • Existing foundations incorporated into design elements of 9 RIVER VIEW PERIMETER TRAIL the historic 1917 architecture of the Power House o Galleries and performance areas Artists enjoy the beautiful Millers River landscapes providing studio space for visual and performing artists. o Sculpture gardens in all seasons. (See Common Elements of Design

Alternatives sheet). 3 POWER HOUSE ARTS 7 RIVER ACCESS Workshops, lessons, and performances abound 10 Stabilized foot path leads to the riverbank providing Galleries and classroom studios 5 opportunities for sketching, painting, and recreational 4 activities. WATER CAPTURE AND REUSE 6 Underground cisterns collect and contain 11 GATEWAY TO THE FOREST stormwater runoff for landscape and Accessed by Arch Street, the Wendell State Forest sculpture garden irrigation systems. 8 3 offers outdoor recreation activities include hiking, skiing, and bicycling. The proposed Franklin County 1 5 PARKING AREA Bikeway connects to a 40-mile bikeway network Permeable surface parking for 20 motorized vehicles. throughout the county. Bicycle racks throughout the complex encourage 4 alternative transportation. 14 12 COMPLETE STREETS 9 2 6 RAINWATER AND GARDENS (See Common Elements of Design Alternatives Roof water and runoff converge in a series of planted sheet). infiltration gardens that filter and divert the stormwater to underground cisterns. Captured water will irrigate 13 10 12 13 SCHOOL BUS AND OVER-FLOW PARKING native landscapes. Situating parking away from critical Riverfront Areas and providing stormwater best management 7 Wildlife Habitat practices safeguards water quality. Successional native plants restore disturbed areas and welcome many species of regional birds and small 14 WATER TANK mammals. Interpretive trail describes history, ecology, 11 The 35,000-gallon water tank is restored to a and native vegetation. functional public firefighting resource and landmark.

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 DESIGN USHER MILLS 14 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving ALTERNATIVE #4 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. • smokiesangling.com • http://www.montgomerysmithinc.com/

Photo by Stuart Macdonald, March 21, 2009.

• sikantisearth.com

• http://bonds.georgetown.org/2008/09/11/san-gabriel-park-improvements-and-ampitheater/ • bigpit.jpg

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS Design Precedents 15 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 Alternatives #1 & #2 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. • fitzgeraldbaltimore.com

• http://www.noguchi.org/museum/japan

• crusaderathletics.org • IceRinkRamore.jpg • http://www.new-bern.nc.us/images/Sculpture_Show.JPG

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS Design Precedents 16 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 Alternatives #3 & #4 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. Reincarnation Renew-Brown to Green Regeneration Renaissance Design Alternative #1 Design Alternative #2 Design Alternative #3 Design Alternative #4

Butterfly and Insect Habitat Plants Successional Forest Successional Forest SUCCESSIONAL FOREST SPECIES Common Name Botanical name Type Common Name Botanical name Type Common Name Botanical name Type Common Juniper Juniperus communis evergreen tree Nodding Onion Allium cernuum perennial Bittersweet, American Celastrus scandens climbing vine Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii grass Blue Star Amsonia spp. perennial Sweetfern Comptonia peregrina deciduous shrub Lurid Sedge Carex lurida grass Windflower Anemone canadensis perennial Deer's Tongue Liatris odoratissima grass Fescue, Red Festuca rubra grass Broom Sedge Carex scoparia grass Great Angelica Angelica spp. perennial Manna Grass Glyceria spp. grass Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium grass Pussytoes Antennaria spp. perennial Switchgrass Panicum virgatum grass Timothy Phleum pratense grass BUTTERFLY AND INSECT HABITAT Goatsbeard Aruncus dioicus perennial Asparagus Asparagus officinalis perennial Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa perennial EARLY SUCCESSIONAL SPECIES Aster, purple Aster tataricus perennial Aster Aster spp. perennial Bouncing bet Saponaria officinalis perennial False Indigo Baptisia spp. perennial Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea perennial Snowbank Boltonia asteroides perennial Goldenrod, Rough-stemmed Solidago rugosa perennial Harebell Campanula rotundifolia perennial Mullein, Common Verbascum thapsus perennial RESTORATION AND EROSION CONTROL MIX * Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa perennial Bayberry Myrica pensylvanica shrub Wild Citronella Collinsonia canadensis perennial Bush Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera shrub Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea perennial Gray Dogwood Cornus racemosa shrub Joe-Pye Weed Eutrochium spp. perennial Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia shrub * RECOMMENDED GROUND COVER AFTER Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum perennial Red Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia shrub Sunflower Helianthus spp. perennial Serviceberry Amelanchier spp. shrub REMEDIATION OF THE SITE Blazing Star Liatris pycnostachya perennial Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum shrub Lobelia Lobelia spp. perennial Witchhazel Hamamelis virginiana shrub Sumac, Staghorn Rhus typhina shrub/understory Wild Bergamont Monarda fistulosa perennial Butterfly and Insect Habitat Plants Birch, Gray Betula populifolia tree Phlox Phlox spp. perennial Common Name Botanical name Type Birch, Paper Betula papyrifera tree Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta perennial Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis tree Maple, Red Acer rubrum tree Goldenrod Solidago spp. perennial Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides fern Oak, Red Quercus rubra tree Purple Meadow Rue Thalictrum dasycarpum perennial Restoration and Erosion Control Mix Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea fern Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum tree Vervain Verbena spp. perennial Common Name Botanical name Type Northern Maidenhair Fern Adiantum pedatum fern Willow, Black Salix nigra tree Serviceberry Amelanchier spp. tree Ash, White Fraxinus americana tree Red Top Agrostis alba grass River Birch Betula nigra tree Milkweed Asceplias tuberosa perennial Sycamore, American Platanus occidentalis tree Upland Bentgrass Agrostis perennans grass Sassafras Sassafras albidum tree Bush Honeysuckle Diervilla lonicera vine Cottonwood, Eastern Populus deltoides tree Blue Grama Bouteloua gracilis grass Spicebush Lindera benzoin shrub Winterberry Ilex verticilatta shrub Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides tree Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis grass Foamflower Tiarella cordifolia groundcover Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia shrub Ash, Green Fraxinus pennsylvanica tree Creeping Red Fescue Festuca rubra grass Pennsylvania Sedge Carex pensylvanica grass Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum tree Oak, White Quercus alba tree Annual Rye-grass Lolium multiflorum grass Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica tree Elderberry Sambucus spp. shrub Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi groundcover Perennial Rye Grass Lolium perenne grass Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana tree Maple, Red Acer rubrum tree Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea shrub Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium grass White Pine Pinus strobus tree American Hazelnut Corylus americana shrub Maple, Sugar Acer saccharum tree Indian Grass Sorgrastrum nutans grass

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS 17 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving PROPOSED PLANT PALETTE 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY. The Town of Erving recognizes the under-utilized jewel land occupied by historic mill complexes as specified in The opportunities to reinvent the downtown and riverfront • Seek local, state and federal grants for lying beneath the mounds of rubble at the Usher Mills Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations (310 areas, reconnect Erving Center to the villages of Farley improvements to the site. plant and has allocated financial resources and energy to CMR 10.58(6(k)). Additionally, retaining the substructures and Ervingside, and promote recreational opportunities clean up the site. will reduce overall remediation costs. along the Millers River seem endless. A phased approach to the Usher Mills project will help realize the site’s full Revitalization of Usher Mills provides a unique Recommended Next Steps • Apply for a Request for Determination potential. The following recommended actions will assist opportunity to implement many of the over-arching of Applicability from the Erving Conservation the Town in the process: goals identified in the 2002 Erving Master Plan and the While the property has remarkable potential to revitalize Commission and the Massachusetts Department of 2010 Open Space and Recreation Plan. The design and transform the community, there are many unresolved Environmental Protection for permissible redevelopment • Town Select Board appoint an Erving alternatives presented in this study can be a catalyst for issues that need to be addressed. The Town should activities along the riverfront. Riverfront Steering Committee charged with engaging public engagement and discourse propelling Erving to the consider the following actions moving forward with the the community in brainstorming efforts to generate forefront of sustainable practices and design. Usher Mills project. • Include professional consultants with revitalization ideas. regenerative and sustainable development • Conduct a structural analysis of the historic experience on the brownfield remediation team to better • Incorporate flexible, reasonable zoning Power House mill structure as a component of the assess existing resources for reclamation and reuse. bylaws to allow creative reuse and redevelopment of the brownfield remediation Request for Proposals (RFP). historic mill riverfront. If the restoration is not feasible, inclusion of demolition • Stipulate in the brownfield remediation RFP costs in the RFP may be necessary. specific seed mixes consisting of low maintenance, • Conduct a development pro forma analysis drought- resistant native grasses and perennial to evaluate prospective public/private partnerships. An • Evaluate existing foundations and footings for herbaceous plants s owed after demolition and removal effective planning tool, pro forma assessments weigh reuse. Where appropriate, the structures should remain to expedite successional regeneration of the site. and compare a project’s potential risks and provide good intact after removal of dilapidated buildings and debris. indication of its merits. Not only can these structures be integrated into future redevelopment, they may provide validity for activities on

Design Alternatives for the Reuse of Karen H. Dunn, FALL 2010 USHER MILLS 18 Conway School of Landscape Design Town of Erving RECOMMENDATIONS 332 South Deerfield Road, Conway, MA 01341 12 E Main Street, Erving, MA 01344 18 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. THIS DRAWING IS PART OF A STUDENT PROJECT AND IS NOT BASED ON A LEGAL SURVEY.