2020-2027 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION Southampton, PLAN UPDATE Massachusetts PREPARED FOR THE TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON

PREPARED BY PIONEER VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 2020 60 CONGRESS STREET - FLOOR 1 SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104 PIONEER VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION COVER PAGE PHOTO CREDIT: Land Use & Environment Section CHRISTINE FOWLES, TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON KENNETH COMIA, AICP, SENIOR PLANNER ERIC GIORDANO, GRADUATE INTERN SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN Table of Contents

SECTION 1 PLAN SUMMARY 1 SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION 3 A. Statement of Purpose 3 B. Planning Process and Public Participation 3 SECTION 3 COMMUNITY SETTING 5 A. Regional Context 5 B. History of the Community 8 C. Population Characteristics 11 D. Growth and Development Patterns 16 SECTION 4 ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS 25 A. Geology, Topography, and Soils 25 B. Landscape Character 27 C. Water Resources 27 D. Vegetation 30 E. Fisheries and Wildlife 33 F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments 40 G. Environmental Challenges 45 SECTION 5 INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST 49 A. Private Parcels 51 B. Public and Non-Profit Parcels 59 SECTION 6 COMMUNITY VISION 65 A. Description of Community Process 65 B. Statement of Goals 66 SECTION 7 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS 67 A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs 67 B. Summary of Community Needs 68 C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use 69 SECTION 8 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 71 SECTION 9 SEVEN YEAR ACTION PLAN 75 SECTION 10 PUBLIC COMMENTS 87 SECTION 11 REFERENCES 88 SECTION 12 APPENDICES A1

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

SECTION 1 PLAN SUMMARY

The town of Southampton is a rural residential community in the northern Springfield Metropolitan District of Massachusetts with a rich variety of forests, farms, parks and other open spaces. Along with the larger region, the town has seen significant growth over the past several decades. Although the rate of new building has decreased from a boom that occurred in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Southampton is currently subject to significant pressure from residential development.

In response to this pressure, residents feel it is important to take steps to preserve the scenic views, productive farmlands, diverse wildlife habitat, and overall rural character of the town. Through a process of community engagement, Southampton residents gave input on what they saw as the most important issues facing their open spaces. Their top desires include adequate and well managed recreational spaces, a greenway connecting open space areas, and clean drinking water, among others.

Overall, the following broad goals for the town’s open spaces were determined:

Goal 1: Identify and preserve important parcels for ecological, recreational, cultural and historical value to create a town-wide green network.

Goal 2: Protect Southampton’s remaining agricultural lands, promote local farming, and create opportunities for residents to become involved in local agriculture.

Goal 3: Protect Southampton’s water resources.

Goal 4: Promote land use policies that protect the town’s natural lands and rural community character.

Goal 5: Provide adequate recreational facilities to serve a variety of needs for all citizens of Southampton.

This plan is an update of the Southampton’s 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan and continues a rich history of open space planning in the town. It presents an updated inventory of the town’s open spaces, analysis of the town’s open space needs, and an action plan of how the community’s goals can be achieved.

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SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION

A. Statement of Purpose

This plan is an update to Southampton’s 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan, prepared by the Town of Southampton with assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

The purposes of this plan are to: • Evaluate and detail the town’s current open space and recreational resources and anticipate the challenges these resources may face in the coming years. • Identify community desires and needs related to open space and recreation. • Recommend targeted actions that will help Southampton conserve its natural resources, provide excellent recreational opportunities, and preserve the character of the community.

The organization of this plan is outlined in the Table of Contents and follows the guidelines established by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services. The completion of this plan allows for Southampton to be competitive for various funding sources to support their open space and recreation programming in town.

B. Planning Process and Public Participation

The Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) Update Group was formed in 2019 with technical assistance provided by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC). The committee met at properly noticed beginning in November 2019 through September 2020. The update’s working group is comprised of:

Yvonne Battey-Davis, Council on Aging Janet Brown, Community Preservation Act Committee Paul Furgal, Greenway Committee Ed Gibson, Town Administrator Brittany Gutermuth, Conservation Commission Maureen Groden, Select Board Paula Maak, Recreation Committee Cindy Palmer, Planning Board Mark Reed, Recreation Committee Nancy Ruscio, Council on Aging Francine Tishman, Select Board James Walunas, Water Commission

With assistance from the PVPC, the group distributed a survey to Southampton residents and facilitated a public visioning session to determine the community’s goals, values, and priorities

3 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 regarding open space planning in town. The survey was posted online at Survey Monkey and was also available in paper format at the town offices. The survey received 261 responses, the results of which are discussed in detail in Section 6 Community Vision.

The public visioning session was held at the Southampton Town Offices on December 18, 2019, from 6:30-8:30 PM. The workshop was advertised on the Town website and posted at the Town Offices. Thoughtful comment and feedback were gathered by enthusiastic town residents, supporting the survey results gathered. The public visioning session was also presented on Easthampton Media. A summary of the visioning session workshop is also provided in Section 6 Community Vision.

Due to Southampton’s demographics and predominantly rural development pattern, no Environmental Justice populations have been identified. The state considers environmental justice populations to be predominantly low-income or minority populations that live in denser urban neighborhoods and, for reason of location, may lack open space and recreational resources and often live side-by-side numerous existing large and small sources of pollution and old abandoned, contaminated sites, which can pose risks to public health and the environment. These conditions are not present in Southampton and, therefore, no enhanced outreach to this population was performed, as required by DCS. Map 2-1 provides regional context for this finding.

Map 2-1 Environmental Justice Populations of the Western Region

Massachusetts 2010 Environmental Justice Populations Environmental Justice Criteria: Environmental Justice (EJ) populations Western Region are determined by identifying all Census 2010 block groups that meet any of the following criteria: Vermont Clarksburg Monroe Households earn 65% or Income less of statewide median Northfield Rowe household income Heath Leyden North Adams Colrain Bernardston Minority 25% or more of residents Williamstown Florida Charlemont population identify as a race other than white Gill 2 Shelburne Greenfield New Ashford Adams English 25% or more of households have language no one over the age of 14 who Savoy Buckland Erving isolation Hancock Hawley speaks English only or very well New York Cheshire 7 Populations meeting one EJ criterion

Montague income Lanesborough Windsor Plainfield Ashfield Dalton Conway minority population Deerfield English isolation Leverett Cummington 91 Sunderland Pittsfield Hinsdale Goshen Populations meeting two EJ criteria Peru Whately Shutesbury income and minority population Worthington Richmond Williamsburg Chesterfield Hatfield income and English isolation Lenox Washington minority population and English isolation Middlefield West Hadley Stockbridge Lee Northampton Populations meeting three EJ criteria Stockbridge Amherst 90 Westhampton income, minority population Becket Chester and English isolation Easthampton

Alford Tyringham Huntington Granby For more information contact: EEA EJ Policy Program Coordinator South Southampton 617-626-1000 Great Barrington Hadley Montgomery Otis Holyoke Monterey 0 5 10 miles Ludlow Egremont Chicopee Blandford Westfield 0 5 10 15 kilometers Russell Sheffield West Mount Springfield Sandisfield Wilbraham Washington New Marlborough Tolland Springfield Granville Agawam East Southwick Longmeadow Connecticut Longmeadow

August 2012 EEA GIS dsp

Source: Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs

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SECTION 3 COMMUNITY SETTING

A. Regional Context

The Town of Southampton is located on 28.96 square miles, in Hampshire County on the western uplands of the Connecticut River Valley in Western Massachusetts. The Town straddles two of the state’s major watersheds, those of the Connecticut and the Westfield Rivers. The topography rises from the east to the west and Pomeroy and Little Mountains are visible landmarks from distant neighboring towns. Traditionally a farming community, Southampton is a rural residential community in the Census-defined northern Springfield Metropolitan Area.

Southampton is about 100 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts and 250 miles from New York City. Bordering Southampton is Westhampton to the north, Easthampton, and Holyoke to the east, Westfield to the south, and Montgomery and Huntington to the west. Southampton is the gateway to Hampshire County, bordered by expanding urban centers along the valley side predominantly to the east and south and by sparsely populated highland villages to the north and west.

Adjacent to Southampton, the cities of Holyoke and Westfield are small cities of approximately 40,000, with population densities as high as 1,770 persons per square mile. As the regional demand for housing increases, there exists a reasonable concern that uncontrolled development will adversely affect the Town’s rural character. The region’s economic growth and housing boom has begun to make an impact on Southampton and increased residential development in town was a concern voiced during the Open Space Planning process, and throughout many other planning processes that have taken place in the past few years.

Table 3.1 - 2018 Population Densities in Southampton and Abutting Communities

Population Density per Town Acres Sq. Miles (2018) Sq. Mile Easthampton 15,987 8,704 13.6 1,175.5

Holyoke 40,358 14,592 22.8 1,770.1

Huntington 2,182 17,216 26.9 81.1

Montgomery 829 960 15.1 55.2

Southampton 6,140 18,624 29.1 210.9

Westfield 41,680 30,272 47.3 881.2

Westhampton 1,825 17,472 27.3 66.9

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018

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Figure 3.1 - Regional Context Map of Southampton

Source: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 2019

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Nearby major highways provide convenient commuting to metropolitan areas, while the Town offers a rural setting. Although there are no direct highway interchanges in Southampton, the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 91 are easily accessible. Route 10, the main road through town, is a major connector from Westfield to Northampton. To the south, Westfield has actively developed its industrial districts along Southampton’s border where there is easy access to highways by motor freight.

Southampton residents share a number of natural resources, protected lands, and recreational opportunities with its neighbors. The Barnes Aquifer lies largely in Southampton and is a public water supply for Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, and Westfield. Several state parks, reservations, and wildlife preserves are located nearby. Described in more detail below, they include Mount Tom Reservation, Hampton Ponds State Park, Tekoa Mountain and Hiram H. Fox Wildlife Management Areas and other smaller state protected parcels.

Southampton has a unique opportunity to link to these protected open spaces and create an east- west protected wildlife corridor, as the town has identified in discussions among the newly formed Open Space Committee, which has become a permanent town committee in 2020.

Although there are no designated bike trails in Southampton, the current Southampton Greenway Committee completed a feasibility study in 2011, and continues to actively seek sources of funding to extend the bike path through Southampton and connect with the Westfield’s Columbia Greenway. The Manhan Rail Trail in Easthampton runs along its section of the old rail corridor that extends through to Southampton. The Northampton Bike Path goes to Williamsburg and the Norwottuck Trail proceeds from Connecticut River boat launch in Northampton through Hadley to Amherst, with a connecting spur to the University of Massachusetts.

Table 3.2 - 2019 Percentage of Protected Open Space in Southampton and Abutting Communities

Permanently % Total Acres Open Space Town Acres Protected Permanently Acres Open Space Protected Easthampton 8,556.94 2,111.5 1,842.1 21.5%

Holyoke 13,440.46 5,510.5 5,039.4 37.5%

Huntington 16,826.31 6,837.3 6,646.4 39.5%

Montgomery 9,554.11 3,378.0 3,378.0 35.4%

Southampton 18,098.89 4,432.4 4,079.7 22.5%

Westfield 29,823.81 4,984.1 3,738.7 12.5%

Westhampton 17,413.02 4,359.8 3,924.3 22.5%

Note: Acreage according to GIS-calculated acreage of parcel, per MassGIS Data Protected and Recreational OpenSpace, November 2019. These numbers may differ from Acreage according to the local assessor maps or database, and therefore may not align with other tables in this plan.

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B. History of the Community

Humans inhabited, traversed, and hunted this region for 10,000 years. Research reveals that Native Americans greatly affected the landscape. Largely agricultural people, growing corn, beans, and squash as staple foods, Native Americans managed the woodlands and wildlife populations by settling to the forests. Seasonally migratory, communities moved from inland areas in the summer to coastal regions during the winter. Communities settled along rivers, were flat fertile fields were cleared for agriculture. The Connecticut River, the longest river in New England, was an important transportation route. Along the river, deep alluvial soils offered excellent conditions for farming. Tributaries, such as the Manhan River, provided access to inland regions and abundant games. These people lived in relationship to the land far differently than European settlers.

In 1630’s, proprietors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony purchased the land from the Nonotuck people and settled Northampton. Originally, Southampton was a district of Northampton called Newtown. In 1741, the settlement became the Second Precinct of Northampton and called New Hampton. The town people of New Town petitioned the General Court and in 1775, Southampton was established. Caleb Pomeroy, one of the towns’ original settlers, petitioned the court to grant him land in 1680. Settlers were granted land under the condition that they build a house and improve a certain number of acres. Improvements generally meant clearing, cultivating, and enclosing land.

In spite of the threat of attacks from indigenous people, pioneers gradually settled in the Southampton region. By the late 18th century, a thriving little village conveniently located between New Haven and Northampton, offered a variety of goods, including produce and wood products. A wealth of pine, oak, and chestnut provided the town with a valuable export commodity. Numerous mills sprang up along the town’s waterway and many industries capitalized on the timber resources. The abundance of waterpower provided power for numerous mills in town. Industries, such as tanneries, potash works, blacksmithing, and cooper shops relied on the areas forest resources. In 1830’s, a small group of businessmen invested in the construction of the New Haven-Northampton Canal, making Southampton’s goods available to urban markets. Later, in 1854, the New Haven- Northampton Railroad replaced the canal, extending markets to New York City.

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Figure 3.2 - Survey Map of Southampton, 1778, by Daniel Barret, Surveyor

Source: Massachusetts Historical Commission

The region’s earliest entrepreneurs and local indigenous people partnered in a lucrative fur trade. This industry had a profound and devastating impact on the region’s ecological stability and on the local indigenous people’s social structure. Hunting and deforestation destroyed the region’s wildlife habitat- a habitat native people had effectively managed for hundreds and perhaps thousands of years. By the late 1700’s wildlife became so scarce that appointed deer reeves tried to protect what little wildlife that remained. Many mammals were effectively extinct in Western Massachusetts. Repopulation of wildlife began after farmers abandoned marginally productive fields for better conditions elsewhere. Successional growth reclaimed these fields and habitat conditions improved enough to encourage the return of deer and indicator species such as bear, fisher, and moose.

Robert Lyman discovered lead in the north part of town in 1678 and lead mines operated in this area until 1868. The lead mines were never profitable, but they continued as a speculative business venture for quite some time. Over the centuries, abundant mineral resources permitted several other mines, quarries, and brickyards to operate in Town. Numerous springs on Little Mountain provided

9 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 water for the village center. As early as the 1820’s, wooden pipes carried water from the mountain springs to village homes.

A group of local businessmen established the Southampton Aqueduct Company, the Town’s first private water company, in 1865. The company reorganized and became the Mountain Spring Water Company and later the Mountain Spring Water Works, which provided the Town Center residents with water until 1931, when the Town bought out the troubled company.

During the mid-to-late 19th century, mill industries began to spring up throughout Massachusetts. Southampton, however, was not inclined to support these businesses and its influx of immigrant workers. Many of these businesses began in neighboring Easthampton. Effectively, this helped to preserve Southampton’s rural tradition and agriculture remained as its primary economic base until the World War II. Today, Southampton is a community of commuters and few farmers.

Southampton’s historically rural character is still intact, but because of this and its central location, the Town has become an attractive community for residential development. At the present time, although Southampton is still considered a rural community, the number of farms has diminished significantly over the past 20 years. There is only one dairy farm remaining. There are a handful of farms that raise beef cattle and there is a growing number of horse boarding stables and individual horse owners. There are also noticeable levels of backyard chicken and goat farming at the household level. Orchards and market gardening still exist-both for vegetables and flowers. Former farm land, if not turned into residential areas, is still used for field crops, primarily hay. Despite the loss of many farms, residents perceive Southampton as a rural community. Residents place a high value on the remaining farmland and continue to work to preserve and protect this prized resource.

In 1977, Southampton initiated town planning. The Town was a leader in conservation planning and preservation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acknowledged Hazel Young, Conservation Commissioner, for her efforts in preservation and conservation.

A list of landmark planning reports for Southampton follows:

• Metcalf and Eddy Master Plan • 1977 Conservation Plan • 1982 Conservation and Recreation Plan • 1988 Clean Lakes Study, Aquifer Study, and the federally funded Rural Lands • Management Program • 1991 Rural Land Management Survey and Plan • 1993 Conservation and Recreation Plan • 1995 Open Space Plan • 1997 Wastewater Facilities Plan for the Town of Southampton • 2004 Community Development Plan • 2008 Facilities Plan Update to Re-evaluate Connection to Easthampton • 2008 Hazard Mitigation Plan • 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan • 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan

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• 2013 Master Plan • 2016 Town of Southampton Water System Master Plan • 2016 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update • 2017 Farmland Resources Assessment Project

C. Population Characteristics

Population & Household Growth Trends

Southampton grew steadily over the course of the 20th century and this trend has continued into the present. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the town’s 2018 population at 6,196 residents, which is an increase of over 404 residents since 2010.

The town of Southampton is one of the region’s fastest growing communities. While the greatest period of population increase occurred in the 1990s, the town grew another 15% from 2000-2018, keeping it within the top five fastest growing towns in the Pioneer Valley over this period. By comparison, the region grew nearly 4 percent over this same period.

Southampton saw the number of households in town increase at a greater rate than the number of people in town from 2000 to 2018 (Table 3.3).

Table 3.3 - Southampton Trends Summary 2000-2017 Percent Change

Percent Percent 2000 2010 Change 2017 Change 2000-2010 2010-2017 Southampton 5,387 5,792 8% 6,188 7% Residents

Southampton 1,985 2,249 13% 2,422 8% Households

Average Household 2.71 2.58 -11% 2.51 3% Size

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census 2000 & 2010 and ACS 2017 5-yr

Population & Household Characteristics

According to the 2010 decennial Census, Southampton is a racially homogenous community with over 97 percent of town residents being Caucasian. This is much higher than the percentage of Caucasian residents in the Pioneer Valley as a whole but is similar to the racial makeup of the communities to the west of Southampton. Less than one percent of Southampton’s population identified their ethnicity as Hispanic on the 2017 American Community Survey.

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Table 3.4 - Population Ethnicity

Race % of Population White alone 97.7%

2+ races 0.5%

Black 0.2%

Hispanic 0.9%

Asian 0.6%

Native American 0.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018

Table 3.5 - Southampton Percent of Population by Age 2010-2015

Age Distribution 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total population 5,804 5,898 5,961 6,013 6,082 6,141

0-5 3.9% 3.8% 4.5% 6.3% 5.3% 6.0%

6-11 9.5% 10.6% 9.2% 8.0% 9.0% 7.1%

12-17 8.4% 7.9% 7.3% 8.0% 7.0% 6.9%

18-24 8.5% 7.3% 7.1% 6.5% 7.1% 5.5%

25-34 7.1% 8.2% 7.8% 8.0% 8.5% 10.9%

35-44 16.8% 16.1% 14.1% 15.6% 13.8% 11.4%

45-54 18.4% 19.2% 19.0% 16.5% 16.1% 16.3%

55-64 15.3% 14.0% 14.6% 16.3% 16.7% 17.7%

65-74 6.5% 6.2% 9.4% 9.4% 10.2% 12.8%

75+ 5.8% 6.7% 6.9% 5.3% 6.2% 5.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2017

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Table 3.6 - Southampton Percent of Population by Age 2018

Age Distribution % of Population (2018) ³ 20 22.1%

20-29 12.1%

30-39 6.8%

40-49 14.2%

50-59 15.9%

60-69 17.1%

70+ 11.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2017

Socio-Economic Characteristics of Population

The level of household income is one indicator of economic security in a community. Southampton’s estimated median household income over the five-year period of 2013-2017 was $89,423, which was much higher than the $65,994 estimated Pioneer Valley Region median household income over this same period.

Not all Southampton households are affluent. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimated that close to five percent of individuals living in Southampton had incomes below the poverty level in 2017. The estimated number of families below the poverty level over this same period was 3.6 percent of all 1,728 families in town.

Economic Character of Southampton

Currently, Southampton is a bedroom community to the Springfield-Hartford metropolitan area. Most Southampton residents travel to Springfield, Westfield, Holyoke, Northampton and Easthampton for employment as well as goods and services. Southampton’s economy mostly relies on small businesses and home-based business, with large commercial activities sited in two primary locations – the first along the Easthampton town line, and the second along Route 10. These two areas provide basic goods and services to Southampton residents such as groceries, restaurants, and other goods.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training in reported 2018 data, there are 137 businesses in Southampton, with an average monthly employment of just over 1,000 employees, and a weekly wage of $759 (Table). The average weekly wage in the Springfield MA-CT Metropolitan NECTA 2018 was $946.

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Table 3.7 - Business and Employment Profile

Number of Average Monthly Average Weekly Year Establishments Employment Wage 2000 120 1,049 $393

2010 124 1,039 $557

2018 137 1,078 $759

Source: Massachusetts Department of Employment & Training (ES-202), 2019

According to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), construction was the largest employment sector in Southampton in 2016, representing a quarter of all industry establishments in the community. The retail trade has the highest number of average monthly workers and is a quarter of the total annual wages for the community, but one of the lowest average weekly wages of all the represented sectors. By comparison, manufacturing has the highest weekly wage, but holds one of the smallest employment sectors in the community.

While agriculture is an active industry in Southampton, it was not reported under the NAICS inventory. Since these data points are compiled from reports filed by employers, subject to unemployment laws, it is possible that farms that are single operator or only employ family members may not report this information.

Table 3.8 - Employment Profile by Industry, 2018

Average Number of Total Average Monthly Description Weekly Establishments Wages Employment Wages Total, All Industries 137 $42,522,386 1,078 $759

Goods-Producing 37 $16,475,492 283 $1,120

Construction 32 $9,102,169 181 $967

Service-Providing 100 $26,046,894 795 $630

Trade, Transportation and 24 $10,050,171 331 $584 Utilities

Financial Activities 6 $1,311,674 24 $1,051

Professional and Business 15 $2,969,387 63 $906 Services Education and Health 25 $6,988,221 182 $738 Services

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Average Number of Total Average Monthly Description Weekly Establishments Wages Employment Wages Leisure and Hospitality 12 $1,317,037 76 $333

Other Services 11 $1,060,304 36 $566

Source: Massachusetts Department of Employment & Training (ES-202), 2019

Agricultural Activity

The agricultural lands contribute greatly to the rural character that Southampton residents enjoy and want to protect in the future. According to the 2017 US Census of Agriculture, there are 36 farms in Southampton. The census definition of a farm is any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year. In the Pioneer Valley, most farms are small family owned operations less than 50 acres in size. In Southampton, too, there are a fewer number of farms (11) that are over 50 acres. Only 7 farms have commodity sales between $50,000 and $249,000 a year, while 29 farms have commodity sales of less than $50,000 a year.

Tax Base

The principal tax of Massachusetts cities and towns is the tax on real and personal property. The total assessed value of all taxable properties in Southampton was over $750 million in 2019. About 94 percent of the total taxable properties in Southampton are assessed as residential. Commercial, Industrial, and Personal Property (CIP) comprised less than six percent of the total tax base.

Table 3.9 - Total Assessed Value (by Category) for All Taxable Property

CIP Personal Total Real Residential % of Year Residential Commercial Industrial Property Estate % of total Total

2019 708,290,606 26,761,300 5,474,600 11,693,290 752,219,796 94.2 5.80

2018 647,874,701 24,469,905 5,246,200 11,123,562 688,714,368 94.1 5.90

2017 641,500,551 24,678,455 5,246,200 11,249,507 682,674,713 94.0 6.00

2016 622,447,911 24,504,895 5,133,400 11,381,227 663,467,433 93.8 6.20

Source: Massachusetts Department of Revenue, 2019 Property Tax Data Tax exempt lands account for 3.1 percent of all taxable property and 20.4% of total acres in Southampton, with a majority of these lands owned by municipal and state governments and currently under permanent conservation protection. In addition, about 25 percent of the total acres in Southampton are enrolled under Chapter 61, 61A or 61B. These are lands that are assessed and taxed based on the value which such land has for forestry, agricultural, or recreational uses. Taxes

15 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 for those properties enrolled in Ch. 61/61A are determined based on the current use of the property (i.e., the productive potential of the land for growing trees) instead of the fair market or development value.

Table 3.10 - Parcel Inventory, 2019

Category Parcels % of Total Acres % of Total

Total Parcels & Acres 2936 100% 18011.37 100%

Residential 2633 89.6% 9327.68 51.8%

Commercial 55 1.9% 476.71 2.7%

Industrial 10 0.3% 94.16 0.5%

Chapter 61/61A/61B 151 5.1% 4437.48 24.6%

Tax Exempt 89 3.1% 3675.35 20.4%

Source: Southampton Assessors Office 2019 Records ** This number does not account for acreage associated with water or condominium developments

D. Growth and Development Patterns

The past, present and future of a community is, in large measure, determined by its geographical location and physical characteristics. Recent trends and patterns of residential, commercial, industrial and public development, as well as natural lands within the town of Southampton form the basis for open space planning and largely determine the need for environmental protection measures, public facilities, and transportation infrastructure.

Patterns and Trends

William MacConnell, in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts, started documenting Land Use patterns in Massachusetts through aerial photography in the 1950s. The 2005 datasets were produced by the Sanborn Company. This ongoing project is funded by the State of Massachusetts.

Historically, population growth in Southampton was concentrated in and around the village center and along Route 10. Farmhouses were scattered throughout town in outlying areas. Small cottages initially developed in the Pequot/Hampton Ponds area as vacation homes, but most have since been converted to year-round use.

Between 1971 and 2005, Southampton’s developed lands, such as residential, commercial, and industrial uses, increased by 839 acres but only encompass 13 percent of the town’s total acreage. In that time, 189 acres of forest and 771 acres of farmland and pasture were lost to development. While this is consistent with regional and state trends, the loss of farms and forests has altered the landscape and character of the community. The once rural agricultural lands in Southampton have

16 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 become more suburban in character. Single-unit houses have been built in outlying areas, either along existing roads or in new subdivisions. Today, Southampton’s developed land is mostly residential, and most undeveloped land is zoned as residential. The majority of the community remains in a natural state, such as forests, wetlands, water bodies, and active agricultural lands.

Southampton, today, is subject to significant pressure from residential development. However, the rate of building has decreased from a boom that occurred in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Southampton had about 204 building permits granted between the years 2010 and 2018, all of them for units in single family structures (Table 3.11). The highest number of single-family building permits was in the year 2010, with 37 permits. Recent regional, state, and national trends in the housing market are also evident, as the numbers of residential permits have generally decreased since the 2008 recession.

Table 3.11 - Southampton Building Permits, 2010-2018

Units in Single- All Units Family Structures

2010 37 37

2011 22 22

2012 26 26

2013 21 21

2014 29 29

2015 13 13

2016 24 24

2017 14 14

2018 18 18

Source: SOCDS Building Permit Database, HUD 2019

The greatest increase in developed land has been in the form of residential lots greater than ½ acre in size. Between the years 1971 and 2005, there was a 91 percent increase in large lot residential lands in town. This has resulted in approximately 700 acres of new large lot residential development in the community since 1971. This pattern of development is consistent with the Southampton zoning bylaw, which requires a minimum lot size of at least half an acre in all its zoning districts. The Residential Rural Zoning District, which covers 62 percent of town, requires a minimum lot size of 60,000 square feet, or approximately one and one-third acre, for any single-family home. Southampton also experienced the greatest loss of active Agricultural land, 676 acres, between the

17 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 years 1971 and 2005 and the greatest gain, 701 acres, in the Residential Greater than ½ Acre category.

Infrastructure

Southampton currently does not have public wastewater or sewer infrastructure in place. Currently, sewer is available on Route 10 from the Easthampton town line to the car wash through a tie-in to Easthampton’s system. All of these systems are privately owned and were installed at the expense of the developer. The remainder of the community is on individual subsurface disposal systems, with the exception of recent residential development on Gunn Road where a tie-in to the Easthampton system has taken place. Soils in the vicinity of Pequot Pond as well as in the center of town are poorly suited for on-site sewage disposal and have a long history of failing septic systems.

The Southampton Master Plan identified proposed mixed-use areas identified by the community. The location for the system in Southampton has been identified as one line running along Route 10 and a second one running on County Road North to the Cook Road pump station in Easthampton.

Transportation Infrastructure

Southampton has 65 miles of paved roads and lacks the transportation infrastructure to facilitate greater use of transportation alternatives. Deficiencies identified during the 2012 Master Plan process included and still remain applicable today:

• Limited sidewalk network and few existing pedestrian connections in the town. The one exception is Pomeroy Meadow Road where the Town completed an extensive sidewalk project from College Highway to Glendale Road. This popular walking location is often crowded with young families and active adults and provides a strong statement in regard to community interest in walking. • High traffic volumes on College Highway, paired with narrow shoulders and poor lines of sight discouraged biking. Despite gentle terrain, the characteristics of Southampton roadways are generally favorable to experienced cyclists only because of narrow lane width, vehicle speed and volume, frequency of curb cuts and intersections, roadway geometry as it related to lines of sight, and pavement condition. • Limited multi-use trail network • Limited public transit

The Southampton Greenway would tie into the Manhan Rail Trail at Coleman Road at the Southampton-Easthampton town boundary, which will link Southampton residents into a growing network of multiuse trails in Hampshire County. The Manhan Rail Trail runs north-south through the entire length of Easthampton and terminates at Coleman Road at the Southampton-Easthampton town line. In 2012, the MassDOT completed final segments of the Manhan Rail Trail from Northampton to Easthampton. Addition off-road and on-road connections to the regional bikeway network are in place (or being developed) in Westfield and Southwick with inter-state connections along the New Haven to Northampton Canal Line Trail and the Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway.

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The Town continues to find financial resources to acquire proper easements so that the planned Greenway can link to the network of other multiuse trails.

Long Term Development Patterns & Zoning

Municipal zoning authority has an important influence on open space as measured by housing development patterns and housing cost in a community. Zoning regulations substantially determine the location, size, and type of housing and development in a community.

Land use patterns over time will continue to look more and more like the town’s zoning map until the town is finally “built out”—that is, there is no more developable land left. Therefore, in looking forward over time, it is critical that the town focus not on the current use and physical build-out today, but on the potential future uses and build-out that are allowed under the town’s zoning map and zoning bylaws. Zoning is the primary land use tool that the town may use to manage development and direct growth to suitable and desired areas while also protecting critical resources and ensuring that development is in keeping with the town’s character.

The Southampton Zoning Bylaw establishes six base zones, and two overlay zones:

• Three residential zones – Residential-Rural (RR), Residential-Neighborhood (RN), Residential-Village (RV); • Two commercial zones – Commercial-Village (CV), Commercial-Highway (CH); • One industrial zone – Industrial Park (IP); • Two overlay zones – Floodplain (FP) and Water Supply Protection District.

The Zoning Bylaw also establishes a Site Plan/Special Permit Approval procedure for specific uses and structures within Southampton. This review allows the Special Permit Granting Authority the ability to review development to ensure that the basic safety and welfare of the people of Southampton are protected, and includes several specific evaluation criteria that are relevant to ensuring smart development.

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Figure 3.3 - Zoning Map of Southampton Southampton of Map - Zoning 3.3 Figure Source: Source: 2012 Commission, Planning Valley Pioneer

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Southampton’s Master Plan identified areas where new development makes sense by establishing one or more new zoning districts with more flexible dimensional standards. This is a growth management approach, and the Town has identified three areas along College Highway that the town could consider for targeting future growth based on research conducted by the PVPC (Figure 3.4). These areas are:

• Village Center - Potential strategy: Allow select commercial uses only in conjunction with an existing residential use, such as the model set by the Sage Books building, to preserve the historic character of this area while encouraging more neighborhood vitality. Desired uses: mixed use, single family, two family, three and four family buildings that mimic the character of a large single-family home. • Midtown (Pomeroy Meadow Road to Gunn Road along College Highway) - Potential strategy: Enhance area as a vibrant mixed-use district by adopting more flexible dimensional standards to encourage creative site design. Desired uses: small retail and professional, mixed use, small lot single family homes, townhomes, and garden apartments. • Gateway area (Retail area at the Southampton-Easthampton town line) – Potential strategy: Enhance area as an attractive gateway into Southampton by allowing residential uses to encourage infill residential and mixed-use development. Desired uses: Larger-scale retail and professional, mixed use, and garden apartments.

The main challenge to denser development in these three areas is the absence of a public wastewater system. The fact that a portion of these areas lie within the Barnes Aquifer Water Supply Protection Area, also complicates the ability to accommodate denser residential or commercial development. Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) of the State Environmental Code limits any form of residential development to approximately four bedrooms an acre in those locations without a public wastewater system. Reduction of minimum lot sizes and relaxation of other dimensional standards would still allow developers more creativity to take advantage of compact design principles, create a range of housing opportunities and choices, mix land uses with greater flexibility, and create walkable communities. Southampton, through the adoption of growth management policies, can encourage vibrant, enduring neighborhoods.

Only a small amount of industrially or commercially zoned land that is available for economic development. The town’s large supply of vacant, residentially zoned land creates desirable development opportunities, as recent residential growth attests. The problem is that, historically, residential development alone does not generate adequate revenue to maintain municipal services. As heard at the public visioning workshops, a growing gap exists between tax resources and residential expectations for municipal services, while simultaneously trying to maintain the rural community character.

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Figure 3.4 - Targeted Future Growth Areas

Source: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

The town of Southampton is situated in an environmentally sensitive area in the Pioneer Valley due to the presence of the Barnes Aquifer beneath much of the town. To protect and preserve the surface and groundwater resources of the Town and the region, a Water Supply Protection District was adopted. This overlay district covers 51 percent of the town and includes all lands lying within the primary recharge areas of groundwater aquifers and watershed area of the Manhan Reservoir, which now or in the future may provide public water supply. This bylaw does not place additional restrictions on residential development other than requiring a Special Permit for making 20 percent or more of a lot impervious. The second zoning overlay district, the Floodplain Overlay District, requires compliance with Chapter 131, Section 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws (Wetlands Protection Act) for all development.

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Approximately 18 percent of land (3,847 acres) in Southampton is permanently protected from future development. The Holyoke Water Department owns 2,130 acres of land at the Tighe-Carmony Reservoir, which comprises 50 percent of the protected open space in Southampton.

According to the State of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, there are also 885 acres with Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APR’s) in Southampton. The state’s APR program permanently protects farmland from development and compensates the farmer for development rights to the land. Land enrolled in the APR program must remain in agricultural use. The state’s record for the amount of APR land in Southampton is substantially higher than the 180 acres listed by the Southampton Assessors Office. The Assessor noted that some APR’s are classified as Chapter Land for town purposes. There are also 10 properties in Southampton (for a total of 372 acres) with Conservation Restrictions, which prohibit development on the property. These properties are taxed at a lower rate by the Southampton Assessors Office, but they are not coded separately for analysis purposes.

The Assessor’s records show that Southampton also has a significant amount of unprotected vacant land. Approximately 1,247 acres of vacant lands could be developed as residential, commercial, or industrial uses in the future (Table 3.12). About 1,570 acres are assessed as undevelopable by the Assessors’ office, which means that there are environmental constraints that currently make these lands unbuildable. The greatest concentrations of developable, vacant lands are assessed as residential, which is consistent with the local zoning districts. Around 1,180 acres of land in Southampton have the potential to be developed as new residential uses in the future. Based on the existing zoning regulations, if these vacant parcels were to be developed, Southampton could see a substantial influx of single family homes on a minimum of one acre lots. Developable residential land is located throughout town; however, it should be noted that some of these vacant lands are located next to sizable tracts of protected open space, which may support the formation of an open space network.

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Table 3.12 - Summary of Vacant Lands in Southampton

Parcels Acres

Residential

• Developable 145 902.9

• Potentially Developable 27 274.4

• Undevelopable 200 1570.3

Commercial

• Developable 5 15.6

Industrial

• Developable 3 55.0

Total 380 2818.8

Source: Southampton Assessors Office 2019 Records

Southampton’s greatest threat to open space protection is the rapid rate of residential growth that the community has experienced in the past and continues to experience. The town should consider regulatory tools that will allow growth to continue but in such a way that fits in with the rural community character of Southampton. The challenge will be to generate public support to adopt these tools at Town Meeting.

In 2020, the Town Master Planning Implementation Committee (MPIC) initiated a project to review the priorities and strategies identified in its 2013 Master Plan. A Community Engagement Survey and MPIC will inform of an Action Plan to guide its work towards achieving the goals and objectives of the Town’s Master Plan.

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SECTION 4 ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

Southampton’s rural landscape includes rolling hills, open farmlands and forests, scenic views and undeveloped land. Residents also appreciate the town’s significant agricultural history and value its remaining farmlands and forests.

In the Open Space and Recreation Survey distributed in 2019, residents were asked to identify important characteristics of the town. The items of highest importance were protecting the quality of the drinking supply, protecting wildlife habitats and corridors, forests, and farmland as well as developing the proposed greenway and connecting preserved areas. Residents were also interested in smart development that preserves open space and natural resources, improving access to these areas, and creating bike paths and sidewalks in town. Least important to respondents were creating new areas for hunting and fishing and creating recreational motorized trails.

A. Geology, Topography, and Soils

Southampton’s geology is primarily of the Pleistocene age covered glacial outwash and till from Glacial Lake Hitchcock. The bedrock lithology of the eastern part of Town is basin sedimentary rock. To the west, the bedrock consists of metamorphic and calcpelite rock. The topography of Southampton consists of moderate slopes with elevations ranging from 160 feet above sea level on the eastern portions of Town to elevations of approximately 1,100 feet in the western portion.

Southampton’s soils are shallow, well drained, and lay on bedrock or layers of clay. Alluvial deposits border many of the Town’s streams and floodplains. Excessively fast draining sandy soils surround much of the Hampton Ponds. Soil types and percolation rates is one of the major limiting factors for development and influences land uses. As the demand for new homes increases, developers, and engineers are devising new technologies to overcome previous obstacles such as steep slopes and unsuitable soils. Soil types and subsurface geology affect water infiltration and surface drainage. Consequently, soils are a major factor in determining natural communities as well as land use.

Soils have an effect on meeting Southampton’s recreation needs. The western topography of the town, because of its relief and erosion by streams, provides excellent areas for hiking, fishing, skiing, hunting, and horseback riding. The eastern topography is relatively flat, low-lying flood plains which lend themselves to some agriculture, dairy farming, and ballfields such as the Labrie Field.

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Figure 4.1 - Southampton Soils and Geologic Features Map

Source: PVPC, 2019

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B. Landscape Character

The landscape of Southampton consists of rolling hills, open farmlands, forests, and a small village center. Framed by majestic old trees, numerous historic houses adjoining outbuildings dot the landscape. The Town Center, where most of the municipal services are located, retains many of its historic buildings. Southampton has many outstanding open space resources, including water- related and natural features, magnificent scenic vistas, large tracts of forests, and farmlands. The topography rises from the east to the west and Pomeroy and Little Mountains are visible landmarks from distant neighboring towns. Despite the slow but continuous conversion of land into development, most of the land remains in forested and agricultural uses. Approximately 82% of the 18,525 acres of land consist of forest and agricultural lands. Generally, the remaining 18% of the land is used for residential uses and water resources.

C. Water Resources

Watersheds

The vast majority Southampton’s land area drains to the Connecticut River Watershed via the Manhan River, and a small portion of the southeast corner of town (957 acres) is within the Westfield River Watershed. Southampton has abundant water resources and some of the cleanest and best tasting drinking water in all of the United States in 2009.

Situated within two of the state’s major watersheds, Southampton is rich with water resources. However, publicly owned drinking water resources that we have access to are very limited. Water quality is addressed below under Section F. Most of the Town lies within the Connecticut River Watershed, while a portion in the southeast corner lies within the Westfield River Watershed. The White River, Manhan River, and Pequot Pond are the Town’s major resources. Whereas, the Tighe- Carmody Reservoir, although within Southampton’s borders is Holyoke’s resource. In addition, the Barnes Aquifer is significant as a public water supply for Southampton, as well as Easthampton, Holyoke, and Westfield. Numerous tributaries, ponds, and wetlands contribute to the abundance of the Town’s water resources.

Development and agriculture threaten town rivers, wetlands, ground water, and aquifer and their rare species habitat. The NHESP established the Living Waters Project to promote the protection of freshwater biodiversity. NHESP identifies and maps sites that support critical habitats in Massachusetts (Figure 4.5).

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Figure 4.2 - Southampton Water Resources

Source: PVPC, 2019

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Surface Water

Considered one of the Commonwealth’s “Outstanding Water Resources” the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir watershed qualifies for designation because of its “outstanding socioeconomic, recreational, ecological, and/or aesthetic value.” Such water resources meet the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards of 1995 and the Commonwealth designates them for protection under 314 CMR 4.00. The Tighe-Carmody covers 365 acres and is the largest lake within the Connecticut River Watershed.

With scenic, ecological, historic, and cultural value, the Manhan River is another of the Town’s unique and outstanding hydrologic features. The river, whose headwaters begin in Huntington Highlands near Norwich Pond, flows south towards Westfield, and is the watershed basin for the Tighe- Carmody and White’s Reservoirs. The river changes course to the south in Westfield, flowing back into Southampton, and runs northeast towards Easthampton, emptying into the Connecticut River at the Oxbow. According to Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), the Manhan River provides vital rare and endangered “Core Habitat” (Figure 4.4) and “encompasses several floodplain forest communities.” For more information on rare species and habitat in Southampton, see “Fisheries and Wildlife”.

Tributaries of the Manhan River include Broad, Red, Moose, Triple and Roaring Brooks and the North Branch of the Manhan River. The Pioneer Valley Regional Greenway Plan developed by the PVPC includes the Manhan River in a proposed linked network of protected open space across the Pioneer Valley. The Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act protects the Manhan River, as well as all other rivers and permanent streams with a 200-foot riparian buffer.

Pequot Pond, the largest of a group of ponds collectively known as Hampton Ponds and listed as one of the state’s great ponds, is another of Southampton’s outstanding natural resources. The Ponds are located within the Westfield Watershed in the Town’s southeast corner. Pequot Pond is a valuable regional recreation resource. The Ponds area is unique for its geological interest as a series of filled glacial kettle holes within a remnant glacial sand plain. The 2004 Pequot Ponds Restoration Project proposes a plan to mitigate environmental threats that involves participation by watershed stakeholders. These threats include elevated levels of bacteria, possibly due to failing septic systems, a growing goose population, pet wastes, and agricultural activities.

Wetlands

Southampton has 300 acres of wetlands, comprising less than two percent of the town’s surface area (MassGIS 2005). These wetlands are located in small patches throughout Southampton. Some of the town’s larger wetland areas are located along the Manhan River corridor, as well as along Blue Meadow Brook, Sodom Swamp, and at the Hackmatack Swamp. To date three certified vernal pools exist in Southampton (see Figure 4.5) with many more potential pools.

In addition to the rivers and streams, the Wetlands Protection Act of 1972 protects Southampton’s numerous wetlands. This Act protects all inland wetlands and establishes a buffer of 100 feet to ensure habitat protection. Wetlands includes lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, floodplains,

29 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 intermittent streams, vernal pools, swamps, marshes, bogs, floodplains, wet meadows, and man- made ponds and ditches. The Wetlands Protection Act is enforced by local Conservation Commissions. In addition, some communities have adopted local wetlands ordinances, which usually increase the size of the wetland buffer (or the setback distance). As of 2019, the town has not adopted a local wetlands bylaw and has not established such a setback, as advocated for by the Southampton Conservation Commission. A town bylaw with a minimum 25-foot no-build zone could add additional, necessary protections to these important waterways.

D. Vegetation

General Inventory

Southampton’s rural character is due to its remaining agricultural fields and intact forest habitats. For example on Pomeroy Mountain, the Town’s highest elevation, red oak (Quercus rubra), black oak (Quercus veluntina), and red maple (Acer rubrum), ash (Fraxinus ssp.), and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) provide a canopy to an understory of Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), and various ferns and mosses. Tulip trees (Liriodenron tulipifera) are found growing at the north extent of their range.

On the western slopes, where soils are shallower, more acidic, and drain more quickly than the more fertile east side, Chestnut oak (Qurecus prinus) are the dominant tree species. Some Hickory remains, in spite that it was intensively harvested for fuel during the pioneer days. Dense thickets of Mountain Laurel flourish, along with low-bush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens).

Introduced insects and diseases have a wide impact on our forests. One of the most well-known is the chestnut blight, which reduced the once common American chestnut to an understory tree that only survives a few years. Of concern today is the uncertain future of the eastern hemlock tree that is threatened by the Hemlock Wooley Adelgid, an introduced insect from Asia. The long-term impact of the insect is not known but it does have the potential to kill hemlock trees and wipe out whole stands. Emerald Ash Borer has also been detected in the surrounding towns.

Designed landscapes include many non-native species, including invasive species, such as barberry (Berberis spp.), bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) and burning bush (Euonymus alata). Non-native invasive species displace native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitats and food sources, and affect biodiversity.

Forest Land

Forests cover 12,800 acres of Southampton or 69% of the land area. Most of the forest species include successional species ranging from white pine growth in abandoned fields to hardwoods. Species, such as white pine, hemlock, oak, maple, and American beech indicate an Appalachian Hardwood Forest. While most of the forests reflect natural successional growth, conifers surround the woods surrounding the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir in order to protect the water supply. This extensive forest

30 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 provides habitat that exemplifies a diverse biome that has been absent for several hundred years. Within this larger forest cover are several unique forest communities that enrich biodiversity.

Forests are dynamic. Both natural and manmade disturbances keep our forests in a constant state of flux. The most common natural disturbances are ice damage, and small yet powerful windstorms. The 2011 windstorm caused a significant amount of tree damage throughout Southampton. Town crews, crews from other areas, and volunteers conducted extensive cleanup of storm damage.

The forests in Southampton provide a sustainable resource for our houses, furniture, paper and other building needs, as well as a source of periodic income for the landowner providing an incentive and sometimes the ability to retain our forests as open space. Southampton’s forests are one of its most important recreational resources as well, providing opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation. Of particular importance are woodlots accessible to the public through old roads or trails that can be followed to vistas, brooks or other points of interest. Large forested tracts add greatly to the quality of life in town by sheltering an abundance of wildlife, sequestering carbon, purifying the air, filtering the waters of our brooks, and attenuating the noise and pollution produced by an increasingly large and busy population. Forests provide a visual buffer, allowing us to live in close proximity and still feel a sense of isolation. The reforestation of abandoned farmland eliminates vistas and a sense of spaciousness in exchange for privacy, rich and diverse wildlife habitats, and the recreational possibilities of wooded land.

The economic value of the forest resources extends beyond the harvest and sale of Class 1 Prime forest species. The forest serves to filter surface water run-off, mitigate storm water run-off, reduce erosion, and increase oxygen supply. The forested lands provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, skiing, and hunting.

The forested areas act as visual buffers between differing land uses and between private residences. The greatest diversity of species exists along the forest edge, where invasive species can displace native vegetation and disturb the natural habitat. The extensive forests along riparian corridors provide wildlife protection and food for land and water species, nesting areas for birds and waterfowl, seasonal shelter for migrating birds, and nesting areas.

Shade Trees

Public shade trees live along Southampton’s roads, in its public parks, line its historic and town center and are scattered throughout its cemetery. These shade trees promote environmental quality and quality of life for its residents.

Per Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 87, Section 2, Southampton elects a

“a tree warden who has the responsibility to care and control all public shade trees, shrubs and growths in the town, except those within a state highway, and those in public parks or open places under the jurisdiction of the park commissioners, and shall have care and control of the latter, if so requested in writing by the park commissioners, and shall enforce all the provisions of law for the preservation of such trees, shrubs and growths. The tree warden expends all money appropriated for the 31 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

setting out and maintenance of such trees, shrubs and growths, and no tree shall be planted within a public way without the approval of the tree warden.”

Agriculture

Most of the remaining undeveloped land is agricultural. Southampton farmers cultivate a variety of crops, including market vegetables, orchard fruits, hay, and nursery stock. Fields which are no longer in cultivation risk losing open space value, as non-native invasive species and natural successional growth move in. The preservation of uncultivated open fields requires management of invasive species, such as Rosa mulitflora, and pioneer species, such as white pine.

Agriculture played a significant role in Southampton’s early development, and, with numerous large farmsteads remaining, the agricultural landscape continues to be a defining feature in Southampton. As shown in Figure 4.1 - Southampton Soils and Geologic Features Map, Southampton has extensive farmland soils, including 3,200 acres of prime farmland soils and 5,300 acres of state and locally important farmland soils. Most of these agricultural soils are located in the eastern section of the community where active agricultural activity still exists.

Soils classified as important farmland soils are an important natural resource that is lost once development occurs on the lands. Prime farmland is a federal designation that defines land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is also available for these uses. On the other hand, state and locally important farmland soils include land other than prime farmland that is used for the production of specific high value food and fiber crops, as well as land that is of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oil seed crops. Generally, farmland of statewide importance includes lands that are nearly prime farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods.

Like many communities in the Pioneer Valley region, Southampton has seen a conversion of active agricultural lands to development. Between 1971 and 2005, Southampton lost approximately 26 percent of its active crop and pasture lands to higher intensity uses. In 1983, Southampton’s Farmland Advisory Committee recorded 20 farms in town, including 13 dairy farms, one orchard, two vegetable farms, and two poultry and livestock operations. At least 35 people were employed full-time and 40 people part-time in farming. As of 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture, there were a total of 36 farms in Southampton. The majority of these farms report commodity sales of less than $50,000 and only 7 report between $50,000 and $250,000. Seventeen of these farms are less than 50 acres in size. The census data shows that while the number of farms has increased since 1983, most of these operations are small family farms with moderate incomes.

The Southampton Agricultural Commission has created a flyer promoting agriculture in our town. Fourteen businesses involved in agriculture in Southampton have contributed to the flyer which has been distributed statewide. A social media page on Facebook is available for those interested in the Southampton Agriculture Commission and all things agriculture in our town. This could be expanded on with more participation.

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Southampton is rich in productive open space, orchards and fields, pick your own fruit and berries, free range chickens and eggs, dairy and cattle, plants and flowers, horse boarding and riding lessons, and a vineyard.

The voters of Southampton voted in favor of the town being classified as a “Right to Farm Community”. This was approved by the Attorney General and signs have been installed at the entrances to town stating Southampton’s support of local agriculture.

Rare Species

The Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) includes four vascular plants as species of concern. They include Spurred Gentian (Halenia delflexa), New England Blazing Star (Liatris borealis), Swamp Lousewort (Pedicularis lanceolata), and Threadfoot (Podostemum ceratophyllum). See Fisheries and Wildlife, Rare Species for a complete list of listed species.

Unique Resources

See Water Resources, Wetlands for vernal pool discussion.

E. Fisheries and Wildlife

Inventory

Diverse invertebrate and vertebrate species inhabit Southampton. Large tracts of forested uplands and forested riparian corridors provide excellent habitat that supports mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and other invertebrates. Although these areas are suspected to be important wildlife corridors, there have not been any studies to document this. Indicator species, species that help determine the ecological health of a region such as moose and fisher, are reportedly on the increase. Other large mammals found in Southampton are black bears, beavers, coyotes, deer, bobcats, raccoons, and foxes. Some of the smaller mammals include porcupines, opossum, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, bats, mice, shrews, voles, ermines, weasels, and moles. Birds such as woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers, evening grosbeaks, wood thrush, turkey vultures, and barred owls fly the skies over Southampton. The waters are also home to a number of aquatic species, including largemouth bass, pike, trout, etc.

As in many of the surrounding communities, hunting is an important cultural tradition. Along with large predators, hunters play a role in maintaining a balance among certain species, such as white tail deer. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) stock the Manhan River with trout in the spring and release pheasant at Sczypta Farm in the fall.

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Wildlife Corridors

Figure 4.3, below, overlays local site connectedness/permeability with a regional flow model. Areas rated as having low permeability are where wildlife movement is blocked due to anthropogenic barriers such as roadways or development, whereas areas of moderate flow are highly natural settings with species movement throughout. Areas of high flow serve as pathways for a diversity of species and are predicted to continue to serve as corridors of concentrated movement in the future. In Southampton, the areas of moderate and high flow exist to the north of the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir in the Holyoke Watershed Lands. (Figure 4.3)

Figure 4.3 - Local site connectedness/permeability

Source: The Nature Conservancy, Resilient Land Mapping Tool

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Rare Species of Flora and Fauna

The NHESP identifies ten species within Southampton which are listed as endangered (E), threatened (T), or of special concern (SC).1 It should be noted that while NHESP provides the most recent observation of any rare species in a town, this information does not indicate the year the species was extirpated. Because they are rare, many MESA-listed species go undetected even when they are present. Natural Heritage regards records older than twenty-five years historic, however, and these species may no longer occur in Southampton.

Table 4.1 - Rare Species of Flora and Fauna

Taxonomic MESA Most Recent Scientific Name Common Name Group Status Observation Amphibian Ambystoma Jefferson SC 2003 jeffersonianum salamander Bird Ammodramus grasshopper T 2013 savannarum sparrow Bird Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe E 2009

Dragonfly / Ophiogomphus brook snaketail SC 2017 Damselfly aspersus Mussel Strophitus undulatus creeper SC 2017

Reptile Glyptemys insulpta wood turtle SC 2008

Reptile Terrapene carolina eastern box turtle SC 2011

Vascular Plant Liatris scariosa var. New England SC 1931 novae-angliae Blazing Star Vascular Plant Halenia deflexa spurred gentian E 1830

Vascular Plant Pedicularis lanceolata swamp lousewort E 2013

1 Source: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rare-species-by-town-viewer 35 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

NHESP further identified several species that do not meet requirement of being listed but are of conservation concern within Massachusetts.2 These non-listed species have no regulatory protections:

Table 4.2 - NHESP Species of Conservation Concern

Taxonomic Group Scientific Name Common Name

Mussel Alasmidonta undulata triangle floater

Dragonfly / damselfly Stylurus scudderi zebra clubtail

Reptile Heterodon platirhinos eastern hognose snake

Reptile Coluber constrictor northern black racer

Reptile Clemmys guttata spotted turtle

Core Habitat

NHESP and The Nature Conservancy developed BioMap2 to integrate documented locations of rare species and natural community spatial data from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s 2005 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) with TNC’s assessment of large, intact, and well-connected landscapes across the state. BioMap2 identifies two spatial layers:

● Core Habitat, which identifies key areas of habitat for rare species and species of conservation concern; and ● Critical Natural Landscape, which identifies large blocks of landscapes which are minimally impacted by development and support connectivity and ecological processes among habitats. BioMap2 identifies nine areas as Core Habitat in Southampton (Figure 4.4):

Core 1466 is an aquatic core, situated in the southwest portion of town from Alder Pond and the Manhan River south into the Town of Westfield. This 1,992 acre aquatic core supports six MESA- listed and non-listed species of conservation concern, including the creeper and triangle floater mussels, eastern box turtle, eastern hognose and northern black racer snakes, and the wood turtle.

Core 1534 is a 69 acre tract of land featuring an aquatic core and wetland core and hosting the pied- billed grebe, a bird of conservation concern. The wetland core makes up 52 acres of this tract, and is among the least-disturbed and undeveloped wetlands in the state, boasting intact buffers and little fragmentation. The wetland core here is among the largest 20% of wetland cores in the ecoregion.

2 Source: NHESP BioMap2 Southampton Report, 2012.

36 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Cores 1544, 1576, 1608, are high quality wetland cores spanning 15 acres or more, supporting critical wetland functions such as providing flood storage, carbon storage, and diverse plant and animal habitats.

Core 1626’s 33 acres lie squarely over the border between Southampton and Westhampton, hosting the Jefferson salamander. This species of conservation concern relies on upland forests for most of the year, but migrate to vernal pools and wetlands in late winter or early spring for breeding.

Core 1654 is a diverse 5,454 acres encompassing forest core, wetland core, and aquatic core. The forest core comprises most of this tract of land, and at 5,373 acres, is among the largest 20% of all forest cores in the state, is the fifth largest in the ecoregion, and provides invaluable interior forest habitat. The forest core is only partially protected. Least bitterns, a heron-like bird of conservation concern, can be found in the tract’s aquatic core.

Core 1656, the Mt. Tom range, extends into a portion of Southampton’s eastern border. The Mt. Tom range supports 41 rare and uncommon species, including five globally rare. The basalt bedrock is circumneutral, supporting rare plants in various ecosystems such as talus slopes and hickory-hop hornbeam woodlands. The Mt. Tom range also supports interconnected clusters of vernal pools and excellent quality forests and wetlands.

Core 1666, the Manhan River, is a 1,422 acre aquatic core supporting creeper and triangle floater mussels, brook snaketail and zebra clubtail dragonflies, and spotted and wood turtles.

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Figure 4.4 - BioMap2 Core Habitat in Southampton

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Figure 4.5 – Wildlife Habitats

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Miles UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS 2019 Open Space and Recreation Plan SOUTHAMPTON, MA

DATA SOURCES: MassGIS, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. This map is based on the best available data. All information is subject to field verification.

Source: PVPC

39 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments

Southampton has many cherished places and distinguishes itself from surrounding communities with its magnificent vistas, pastoral landscapes, water features, and forested hills. The Town Center retains many historic buildings that contribute to its small-town charm.

Heading north on Route 10, travelers experience breathtaking views of Mount Tom and expanses of rolling farm fields. From Pleasant Street, distant Mount Pomeroy and quaint farmsteads welcome visitors heading south into Town. Glendale Road and High Street offer additional spectacular views of the Pioneer Valley and Mount Tom. Nearly every Southampton road has a rustic character or special beauty.

Pomeroy Mountain, the highest point in Town is the most notable summit. In addition, Little Mountain, Wolf Hill, and Flat Hill can be seen from a variety of places in Town. Numerous small streams begin on the slopes of Little Mountain. Many old roads and trails crisscross Little Mountain, a favorite place for hiking and nature study. The Tighe- Carmody Reservoir and the Manhan River offer serene beauty. With its pitch pine-oak forests and sandy terrain, Pequot Pond has its own unique character. Alder Pond is often mentioned for its natural beauty and surrounding natural communities.

Southampton has two Nationally Registered Historic Districts-Lockville Historic District, and Southampton Town Center. The 2400-acre Lockville Historic District, also known as Strongs’ Mill and Lyman Mill, contains 11 buildings and 4 other structures, including the Mill Dam. The District is significant and remains a testament to the Town’s industrial and agricultural heritage. Although not valued as it should be by residents, the Northampton – New Haven Canal remains evidence of Southampton’s historic past. Other historic points of interest are the Old West Part Cemetery, the Center Cemetery, North District #2 Schoolhouse at Conant Park, and Lyman Mill and Mill Pond on Route 10. Many eighteenth- and nineteenth-century homes still exist throughout the community.

Climate Resilience

Climate change is shifting species distributions, altering habitats, and changing weather patterns. This creates a challenge for land use planners and conservation professionals attempting to identify important areas for protection. Due to the unpredictability of how our region’s flora and fauna will respond to changing conditions, conserving sites with a range of topographical and climatic conditions will be vital to maintaining species diversity in the future. The Nature Conservancy (TNC)’s Resilient Sites for Terrestrial Conservation project maps species-relevant microclimates and highly connected lands in order to identify places where species are most likely to persist, identifying key areas for conservation based on land characteristics that foster diversity and resilience.

TNC’s Resilient Sites mapping tool estimates a site’s capacity to maintain species diversity and ecological function as the climate changes. The score is relative to all other sites with the same geophysical setting and is described on a relative basis as above or below average. For example, granite mountains were compared with other granite mountains, and coastal plain sands were compared with other coastal plain sands. The score is based on the following site characteristics:

40 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

● Resilience: estimated capacity to maintain species diversity and ecological function as the climate changes, relative to all other sites in the same geophysical setting. ● Landscape Diversity: the microhabitats and climatic gradients available in the general region. Topographic diversity buffers against climatic effects because the persistence of species in an area increases in landscapes with a wide variety of microclimates. ● Local Connectedness: refers to the number of barriers to animal migration and degree of fragmentation within a landscape. A highly connected landscape promotes resilience by allowing species to move around and find suitable microclimates in which they can persist. Compared to similar geological regions in the Eastern U.S., TNC’s Resilient Land Mapping Tool rates Southampton’s overall land area as average having average Resilience, Landscape Diversity, and Local Connectedness.

However, specific sections of land, mostly west of Route 10 and particularly around the Tighe- Carmody Reservoir and Pomeroy Mountain, rate as slightly above too far above average for site resilience. Priority should be given to preserving and connecting above average sites.

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Figure 4.6 - TNC Resilient Sites in Southampton

Source: The Nature Conservancy

Resilient and connected lands are also important for producing clean drinking water. The figure below illustrates forested areas by the impact those tracts of land have on providing clean drinking water supplies.

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Figure 4.7 - Forested Areas and Drinking Water Supply Protection

Source: The Nature Conservancy

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Scenic Roads and Areas

Southampton contains many scenic roads, which once designated by the community, are semi- protected under Massachusetts Law (see below).

When asked which ones were most valuable, residents and board members listed all but the most recently constructed roads. Among those considered most scenic are East St. from the Town Center to Strong Road, Russellville Road from Red Brook Bridge to Montgomery, Cold Spring Road, Middle Road, Whiteloaf Road, Rattle Hill Road, Gunn Rd., Maple Street, and Manhan Road.

In 1982, the Massachusetts Landscape Inventory Project designated scenic areas across the state as “Distinctive” or “Noteworthy”. Lands in Southampton designated as such are shown on the map below (Figure 4.8).

Distinctive - Areas of the highest visual quality. Typically consists of openness, low population density, high relative relief, historical structures and land uses, agriculture, surface water, significant vegetation, important geological features, and lack of contemporary development.

Noteworthy - Areas of lesser, but nevertheless important, visual quality. Typically contains the same factors as ‘Distinctive’ landscapes but in lesser amounts or in lower quality. Region specific descriptions can be found in the Massachusetts Landscape Inventory report.

Currently, 11 roads in Southampton are considered scenic roads: 1. Manhan Road 2. Maple Street (College Highway to Figure 4.8 Crooked Ledge) Scenic Resources

3. East Street (College Highway to Manhan Bridge) 4. Rattle Hill Road 5. Russellville Road (Red Brook to Westfield line) 6. Cold Spring Road (Glendale to Westhampton line) 7. Gunn Road (Pleasant Street to College Highway) 8. Mountain Road

Source: PVPC, MassGIS

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G. Environmental Challenges

Perhaps the most critical environmental challenge is the continued protection of existing resources. Uncontrolled development could affect water quality; create congestion along roadways, result in loss of open space, and compromise visual character.

As voiced through the public engagement process, protection of natural resources and the rural character of Southampton is a priority for many residents. However as residential development persists and the town continues to become more suburbanized, the town has the opportunity to implement new zoning and environmental regulations that minimize the impacts of dispersed, low density development and promote and encourage connections between areas of protected green space for increased ecological, recreational value.

The challenge for the community will be balancing the tax implications of protecting land for open space versus the income that can be generated from development. However, the community should also consider the cost of town services that are needed for residential, commercial and industrial development, versus the cost of limited to no services needed for lands protected for recreational, ecological, cultural value.

Environmental Access

Strategic acquisition of available open space for recreation has been a town priority. The Labrie Field, consisting of 19.34 acres, was acquired by the Town through a EOEEA/DCS PARC grant with matching CPA funds in 2009. Additional funds were allocated from CPA funds in 2019 to complete the project.

The field fulfills several valuable objectives: create park equity in our rapidly expanding community; provide accessible recreational resources to all age groups within the region; support our citizens and those of our neighboring communities in their pursuit of good health and well-being; and finally, help foster a stronger sense of community as people are brought together for the fun of sports, physical fitness and the enjoyment of a magnificent resource.

The Town of Southampton, on behalf of its Conservation Commission, continues to seek financial resources through grant applications that are available with a viable Open Space and Recreation Plan to acquire approximately 4.25 miles of the 4.5 mile railroad line that runs north-south through the entire length of town for a multi-purpose recreation “rail trail” to be known as the Southampton Greenway. The proposed uses for the Greenway would include passive, non-motorized activities such as walking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The Greenway would tie into the Manhan Rail Trail—an existing rail trail along this very railroad line that currently terminates at the Southampton- Easthampton town boundary at Coleman Road. From this connection to the Manhan Rail Trail, Southampton residents will be linked into a growing network of multi-use trails in Hampshire County.

The unused railroad line will not only provide recreation opportunities when converted to a multi- use trail, its acquisition will be a critical piece in the town’s network of open spaces and natural

45 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 resources. The rail line property will connect to over 432 acres of protected land. These resources are: Manhan Meadows Sanctuary, Parson’s Memorial Forest, Riverdale Road Conservation Area, Anne Busler Environmental Center, Howland Conservation Restriction, Gwinner Open Space, Cross APR, Kaniecki APR and Fletcher APR. It will be in close proximity to an additional 200 acres of protected open space. The rail line also abuts almost 300 acres of Chapter 61 lands, of which 151 acres are in Chapter 61A.

Over 90 percent of the rail line is within the Barnes Aquifer Water Supply Protection District. The Barnes Aquifer is a High Yield Zone II aquifer. Wetland areas are located adjacent to the rail trail in many areas along its length through Southampton. In particular, the rail line runs along the east side of Lost Pond. In addition, wetlands are located where the rail line crosses the Manhan River at Brickyard Road and at Gunn Road. In addition, over 80 percent of the project lies within or abuts MA Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) BioMap2 designated areas for Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape.

The rail line was completed in 1863, connecting New Haven to Northampton with connections to other cities in New England. The rail line enters Southampton from Westfield near Valley Road and travels north-south into Easthampton at Coleman Road, for a total of approximately 4.5 miles. It has not been used by the Pioneer Valley Railroad Company (PVRC), current owners, since the early 1990s. The rail bed spans an average width of 50-feet along the 4.25 mile stretch that the Town seeks to acquire for a total of approximately 25.75 acres. The rail line purchase would also include two railroad trestles. The rail line crosses the Manhan River at Brickyard Road and Gunn Road via a railroad trestle at each of these locations.

Water Quality

Maintaining water quality is a primary concern and benefits the Town, not only with an abundance of high-quality drinking water, but also by avoiding costs associated with water filtration. Although the main water supplies for the Town are safe, there is an area of pollution in the Barnes Aquifer, which affects well water in the Ponds district. The now disbanded Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee (BAPAC) states, “the aquifer's recharge area is under heavy development pressure from large-scale residential subdivisions and industrial parks. The Barnes Aquifer Protection Advisory Committee (BAPAC) was a coalition of the four communities and PVPC, which educated and advised local governments, citizen groups, and small businesses about groundwater protection and effects on the aquifer.

Potential sources of contamination to the aquifer are underground storage tanks, businesses which use hazardous wastes, linear sources (sewer, power, roads), defoliants (which are used to clear rights-of-way for power lines), road salting, agricultural chemicals, houses and businesses with private septic systems, and the improper storage or disposal of solvents which are used to clean equipment. In the past twenty years, various wells in the Barnes aquifer have been contaminated due to traces of ethylene dibromide (EDB) and trichloroethylene (TCE).” DEP has identified two release locations associated with the TCE contamination of the aquifer, one of which is in Southampton at the former Southampton Sanitary and is overseeing cleanup.

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In 2013, the Westfield Water Department detected PFAS coming from firefighting foam used at the Barnes Air National Guard Base in their drinking water. The Westfield DPW-Water Division installed a temporary treatment system to ensure that PFAS levels in the treated water are below detection limits. The Westfield DPW-Water Division is in the process of installing permanent treatment on its four affected wells. The Westfield DPW-Water Division continues to test its water sources and pursue system improvements to address PFAS contamination. Nearby private wells were sampled and, if needed, filtration systems were installed. (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/communities/Hampden-County-MA.html)

Excessive use of agricultural and residential fertilizers and pesticides are another potential threat to the environment. Nitrogen, the main ingredient in fertilizers, can leach into waterways causing an imbalance in natural systems and harming public water supplies, a condition called “nitrogen loading.” Much of Southampton benefits from extensive forest cover which acts to filter harmful by- products. Where vegetated riparian buffers do not exist, surface water that drains directly from agricultural fields and lawns into waterways and sewer systems may have high levels of potentially dangerous chemicals.

According to the MassDEP 2014 Integrated List of Waters, the portion of the Manhan River from its outlet at Tighe Carmody Reservoir in Southampton to its confluence with the Connecticut River in Easthampton is impaired for E. coli bacteria, and therefore does not fully support primary contact recreation. While the source of E. coli overgrowth is unknown, bacterial contamination is common from agricultural runoff.

The Southampton Water Department (SWD) acting through the SWD Water Commissioners hired a consultant in 2016 to develop a Water System Master Plan for the Town of Southampton. The plan was developed to identify system deficiencies and establish an implementation plan for any necessary water system improvements. The infrastructure evaluation highlighted a supply deficiency as the most critical issue and the storage analysis showed that additional storage is needed to meet the future storage needs and to provide more time to make repairs to the Glendale Well and Pump Station should the need arise. Overall, the report indicated that construction of an improved Interconnection with Easthampton (including booster pumping station) should be a first priority. As a result of the recommendations for additional supply from this study, the SWD Water Commissioners initiated and completed development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Easthampton Department of Public Works for use of Easthampton potable water to serve as SWD’s approved backup water supply.

Other than the stated issues, there are no hazardous waste sites, landfills, erosion, chronic flooding or sedimentation issues that have been identified as environmental challenges in Southampton.

Climate Change

Climate change is no doubt the biggest threat to natural and human-built landscapes today. The International Panel on Climate Change’s latest report makes it clear that we have 10 years to slow and stop climate change if we are to avoid disastrous impacts. Even with the current level of warming, we are experiencing bigger storms, up to 70% more water per precipitation event than in the 1950’s, increased flooding, longer droughts, less snowpack, warmer temperatures, and animals and plants 47 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 that can no longer live in our range. We can expect these impacts to worsen in the future so we must both plan for adaption strategies to deal with the fallout and protect our open spaces to help mitigate the problem.

Open space provides a carbon sink. The healthier and more connected habitats are, the more carbon the plants there can sequester. While ground-based solar arrays are a critical way to generate renewable energy and reduce our use of fossil fuels, they cannot replicate the sequestration ability of a forest, farm field, or wetland (not to mention the loss of wildlife habitat, increased runoff, and flooding potential). Therefore, Southampton should consider a solar siting bylaw that would prevent arrays on open lands before a cost-benefit analysis with an emphasis on climate mitigation has been done.

Open space can also help with climate adaptation. As wildlife is forced to move to different ranges to survive the changes in conditions, it needs a connected way to get to those new places and successfully stretch its range. Connected open space will allow wildlife to move rather than become extinct. One important way to maintain these connections is to adopt Low Impact Development strategies, which allow for smaller building lots, provide guidelines for cluster development, and help manage stormwater by decreasing impermeable surfaces.

Wetlands are also important places to protect as they can slow flooding and erosion caused by increased storms. A 25 foot no build zone, similar to those implemented by surrounding communities, would better protect threatened wetlands.

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SECTION 5 INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST

The term “open space” in this plan refers to generally undeveloped parcels of land that provide value in the form of accessible open space, wildlife habitat, agricultural and forest products, watershed protection, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities. These lands play a huge part in giving Southampton the town character that is so prized by residents and for this reason, among others, the preservation of these parcels is extremely important.

Open space parcels in the town are owned either privately, by individuals or private entities, or publicly, by the Town of Southampton itself, another municipality, a state or federal agency, or a non- profit land protection agency. Much of this land is protected, meaning that it is legally sheltered from development; however, many parcels have limited protection or are completely unprotected and so could be developed in the future.

Of the approximately 18,500 total acres of land in the town of Southampton, about 23 percent, or about 4,300 acres, are designated as open space or recreational lands. Of the 4,300 “open space” acres, about 92 percent of the open space is permanently protected against future development, while one percent has limited protections and seven percent is not protected from development (Table 5.1).

Table 5.2 – Open Space by Level of Protection, 2020

Level Of Protection Acres % of Total Legally protected in perpetuity and recorded as such in In Perpetuity 3943 91.7% a deed or other official document Protected by legal mechanisms other than Limited 307 1.0% those above (e.g. cemetery) Totally unprotected by any legal or None 46 7.1% functional means (e.g. golf course) Source: MassGIS, Southampton Assessor’s Office

The rest of this section provides an inventory of privately and publicly held open space parcels in Southampton and includes pertinent information including their level of protection.

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Figure 5.1 – Inventory of Open Space

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Legend for all inventory tables in this section:

Public Access Y = Yes N = No L = Limited Public Access Level of Protection P = Protected in Perpetuity N = Not Protected L = Limited Protection Primary Purpose C = Conservation R = Recreation C/R = Conservation and Recreation A = Agriculture H = Historical/Cultural W = Water Supply Protection

A. Private Parcels

Protected

Privately owned open space in Southampton is protected primarily under two legally binding restrictions on the land: Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) or Conservation Restriction (CR).

The town has over 900 acres permanently protected under the state’s Agricultural Protection Restriction (APR) program. This is a state program offered to farmers and owners of “prime” and “statewide important” agricultural lands that compensates them for development rights in exchange for a permanent deed restriction which precludes the land from being used for non- agricultural use. APR lands in Southampton have steadily increased since the beginning of the program in 1980, with the largest jump in protected acres between the years 1990 and 1995. Almost 300 acres were preserved in that five-year span. From the year 2005 to present, almost 100 acres have been preserved.

The town currently has 11 areas protected under the APR program:

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Table 5.3 – APR Lands

Primary Public Level of Site Name Owner Acres Purpose Access Protection Cross Thomas M Cross Thomas M and Frances J A N P 129.34 APR Fletcher Robert S Fletcher Robert S and Cheryl A A N P 87.21 2 APR Fournier FLT Fournier Bruce A and Donna A A N P 111.85 APR Fowles Elwyn M Fowles Elwyn M A N P 6.61 3 APR Gnacek Stanley Gnacek Stanley and Jennie And A N P 249.18 APR Emil Kaniecki Charles Kaniecki Charles J and Catherine L A N P 127.85 J APR Merritt APR Merritt Robert S A N P 69.82 Paszko Paszko Stephen S and Genevieve S A N P 19.35 Searle APR Searle Edward C and Myron H A N P 90.66 Szczypta Helen Szczypta Helen Living Tr A N P 12.72 Living Tr APR Source: MassGIS, Southampton Assessor’s Office

Cross Thomas M APR Location: 187 College Highway Partners: Thomas M. Cross and Frances J. Cross Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Fletcher Robert S 2 APR Location: 22 Gunn Road Partners: Robert S. and Cheryl Fletcher Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Fournier FLT APR Location: 170 Glendale Road Partners: Bruce and Donna Fornier Description: For consideration, grant to the Franklin Land Trust an APR in perpetuity.

Fowles Elwyn M 3 APR Location: Gunn Road Partners: Elwyn M. Fowles Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

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Gnacek Stanley APR Location: Manhan River off Brickyard Rd. Partners: Jennie, Stanley and Emil Gnacek Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Kaniecki Charles J APR Location: 146 Valley Road Partners: Charles J. Kanecki, Catherine L. Kanecki and Charles Kanecki Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Merritt APR Location: 43 Pomeroy Meadow Road Partners: Robert B. and Johna U. Merritt Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Paszko Location: 66 Pequot Road Partners: Stephen and Genevieve Paszko Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Searle APR Location: 73 Russellville Road Partners: Myron H. and Jewel M. Searle Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

Szczypta Helen Living Tr APR Location: College Highway and Gunn Rd Ext. Partners: Robert S. and Cheryl Fletcher Description: For consideration, grant to the MA Commissioner of Agriculture and the Southampton Conservation Commission an APR in perpetuity.

A Conservation Restriction (CR) is a legally binding agreement between a landowner and the CR holder, usually a public agency or a private land trust, whereby the landowner agrees not to develop the land in order to protect certain conservation values. The Conservation Restriction is recorded at the applicable Registry of Deeds, and the land is considered permanently protected if the CR runs in perpetuity.

Southampton currently has approximately 372 protected acres with a Conservation Restriction (CR), representing 10 privately owned parcels:

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Table 5.4 – CR Lands

Primary Public Level of Site Name Owner Acres Purpose Access Protection B and N Lands CR B and N Lands LLC C N P 40.02 Brown CR Brown Janet L C N P 43.65 Gwinner CR Gwinner Richard P et al W L P 10.37 Hendrick Street Wells W N P 2.69 CR Kuzeja Edward J et al Howland CR Howland Steven L C Y P 20.16 Kuzeja CR Trustees of the Kuzeja Real Estate C N P 7.10 Trust Kuzeja-Block CR Kuzeja-Block Anna C N P 3.24 Kuzeja- Kuzeja-Block Anna and Fournier W N P 16.76 Block/Fournier CR Bertha K and John G Red Brook Estates CR Boyle James F and Patria A C N P 22.94 Wolf Hill CR Searle Edward C and Genevieve N C L P 204.95 Source: MassGIS, Southampton Assessor’s Office

B and N Lands CR Location: Edwards Road Partners: CR held by New England Forestry Foundation Description: 40 acres of land protected in perpetuity. No public access.

Brown CR Location: High Street Adjacent to Town Hall and Cemetery Partners: A gift from Janet Brown of a CR held by the Kestral Land Trust Description: The preservation of Open Space adjacent to the Town Cemetery and Little Mountain creating a larger unfragmented open space, scenic protection and protection of wildlife habitat.

Gwinner CR Location: Gilbert Rd adjacent to the Manhan River Partners: City of Easthampton Public Works Description: Preservation of approximately 28 acres of open space and protection of aquatic and terrestrial habitat adjacent to the Manhan River for preservation of public and private water supply, ground water run-off, natural habitat and wildlife and animal habitat.

Hendrick Street Wells CR Location: Mountain Road Partners: CR held by the City of Easthampton Description: 108 unit well field that supplies 1.2 billion gallons of water per year to 60,000 people in Easthampton, Holyoke, Westfield, and Southampton.

Howland CR Location: Riverdale Road and Gunn Road Partners: The Town of Southampton and the Conservation Commission have responsibility for managing the CR placed on the Land. 54 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Description: The Town of Southampton purchased the CR from Steven L. Howland through a Deed subject to a management agreement.

Kuzeja CR Location: Mountain Road Partners: CRs held by City of Holyoke Conservation Commission, Town of Southampton, and City of Easthampton Conservation Commission. Description: 7 acres of land protected in perpetuity. No public access.

Kuzeja-Block CR Location: Mountain Road Partners: CRs held by the City of Easthampton and the Town of Southampton. Description: A little over 3 acres of land protected in perpetuity. No public access.

Kuzeja-Block/Fournier CR Location: Mountain Road Partners: CRs held by the City of Easthampton and the Town of Southampton. Description: Almost 17 acres of land protected in perpetuity. No public access.

Red Brook Estates CR Location: Fomer Road Partners: CR held by the Winding River Land Conservancy. Description: Preservation of approximately 23 acres of open space and protection of aquatic and terrestrial habitat within 300 ft of the Manhan River and Red Brook Creek. Preservation of public and private water supply, ground water run-off, natural habitat and wildlife and animal habitat.

Wolf Hill CR Location: Fomer Road Partners: The Town of Southampton and the Conservation Commission have the duties and responsibility to manage and maintain the property under the terms of the baseline document. Description: The Town of Southampton obtained a conservation restriction on the land called the Wolf Hill Sanctuary through a LAND grant from the MA Department Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division on Conservation Services and Community Preservation Funds.

Limited Protection

In Southampton, over eight hundred acres of land have limited protection. This includes land currently protected and their use restricted.

The status of protection is revocable or can change either by the State or Town or the property owner, when the owner changes the land use or sells the land. Through Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.) c. 61, 61A, and 61B, the Commonwealth allows tax incentives for qualifying landowners with ten acres or more. Lands placed under these tax classifications are only temporarily protected lands. To qualify for Chapter 61, the landowner must own ten acres or more of forestland and submit an 55 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 approved management plan. Chapter 61A classifies agricultural land and Chapter 61B classifies recreational land for tax incentives. (See Figure 5.1 for map of Chapter lands.)

Table 5.5 – Chapter Lands

Chapter # of Acres Chapter 61 2108 acres Chapter 61A 2394 acres Chapter 61B 1331 acres

Source: Southampton Assessor’s Office

Unprotected

A significant portion of Southampton land has no protection. Unprotected open space includes agricultural land that is not protected from development under APR or managed under Chapter 61, other urban open land, and forested land not managed under Chapter 61. Camp Jahn, the Easthampton Fish & Game, the Bashista Orchards, the farms along the southern part of Route 10, and other large farmland are of particular concern, and Town officials and residents consider their protection important. The risk of wholesale loss of forest cover or agricultural land to development is a real threat.

The Open Space Committee (OSC), working with other town boards and committees as well as residents and land trusts, will maintain a list of parcels for possible conservation. The OSC will seek to identify lands of ecological, recreational, cultural and historic value that meet some of the factors noted below. Communication with landowners will be open, informative, and supportive, and will reflect an understanding of landowners’ property rights.

Conservation Checklist for Currently Unprotected Land

• Is the land abutting or contiguous to conserved land (town-owned or otherwise permanently protected)? (See figure 5.1) • Is the property of unusually large size, and/or is it in a strategic location that serves to link together other priority resources? • Is the land currently under Chapter 61, 61a, or 61b? (See figure 5.1) • Is the land of ecological value, i.e., priority or endangered species habitat; key natural resources; biodiversity; a wildlife corridor; the riparian corridor? Is it referenced in key metrics, such as BioMap2, CAPS, Critical Linkages, Landscape Blocks, etc.? (See figure 4.5) • Is the land in the water protection district or over the Barnes Aquifer? (See figure 4.2) • Is the land scenic or is it on a road designated a “scenic road’? (See figure 4.8) • Is the land a working forest (i.e., under an approved forestry plan)? • Is the land a priority agricultural land, a working farm and/or identified in the 2017 Southampton Farmland Resources Assessment Project (FRAP)? (See figure 5.2). • Has the landowner expressed interest in conserving the land, either informally or by contacting interested town committees or a land trust?

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• Does the land help meet the town’s recreational needs (passive or active)? • Is the parcel under consideration for residential or commercial development?

Ongoing List of Locations that Meet the Above Characteristics

• Areas forming a wildlife/riparian corridor of priority habitat east-west across Southampton, from the Manhan River and the proposed Rail Trail, to Pomeroy Mountain and the Tighe- Carmody Reservoir, with connections to a future Greenway. • The area surrounding and including Pomeroy Mountain, for priority habitat, hiking and other recreation, scenic values, landscape block. • The area surrounding and including Little Mountain; i.e., parcels west of High Street, for contiguity with town-owned land. • Areas north of Cold Spring and Lead Mine Roads contiguous with the Holyoke Beagle Club and Clearwater Woodlands. • Areas east of Glendale Road to the Manhan River • Areas east of Route 10 at Valley Road and south toward the Westfield line • Area at the Holyoke/Southampton intersection: County Road and East Street, which includes important ecological resources associated with East Mountain and its associated landforms, as well as significant agricultural resources.

The 2017 Southampton Farmland Resources Assessment Project (FRAP) was completed by the Kestrel Land Trust and identifies agricultural parcels with conservation potential. The map below shows key farmland parcels (in orange) that currently have limited or no protection.

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Figure 5.2 – Southampton Farmland Resources Assessment Project Selected Parcels

Source: Kestral Land Trust

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Most of the unprotected land in Southampton is within the Residential Rural umbrella which maintains that lots must be at least 60,000 square feet. The large lots use the most land resources for the benefit of the fewest people.

Four privately owned areas are designated open space in Southampton but have no legal protection:

Table 5.6 – Other Private Open Space

Primary Public Level of Site Name Owner Acres Purpose Access Protection Camp Jahn X R L N 1.68 Easthampton Fish and Game Easthampton Fish and R L N 31.02 Club Game Association Holyoke Beagle Club Holyoke Beagle Club R L N 108.10 Southampton Country Club Southampton CC R L N 166.13 Source: MassGIS, Southampton Assessor’s Office

Camp Jahn Location: 25 Camp Jahn Road Description: Recreation area providing limited public access to Pequot Pond.

Easthampton Fish and Game Club Location: College Highway (Rear) Description: Outdoor sports club on 31 acres.

Holyoke Beagle Club Location: Leadmine Road (Rear) Description: 108 acres of recreation land and public trails.

Southampton Country Club Location: College Hwy Description: 18-hole public golf course.

B. Public and Non-Profit Parcels

For the most part, publicly owned open space in Southampton has a primary purpose of either conservation or recreation. Some land is designated as having both conservation and recreation as its primary purpose. Other publicly owned open space includes the Center Cemetery and watershed supply protection lands.

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Table 5.7 – Publicly Owned Open Space

Primary Public Level of Site Name Owner Purpose Access Protection Acres Clearwater Woodland Town of C Y P 84.46 Conservation Area Southampton Hartnett-Manhan Memorial New England C X P 47.44 Forest Forestry Foundation Lyman Family Conservation Area Town of C Y P 19.09 Southampton Manhan Meadows Sanctuary Town of C Y P 21.27 Southampton Parsons Memorial Forest Town of C Y P 18.03 Southampton Alice Brown Conservation Area Town of C Y P 37.66 Southampton Southampton WMA MA Department of C Y P 174.23 Fish and Game Szczypta Conservation Area Town of C Y P 120.66 Southampton Conant Park Town of R Y L 27.48 Southampton Labrie Field Town of R Y P 19.26 Southampton William Norris Elementary School Town of R Y L 9.51 Athletic Fields Southampton Hampton Ponds State Park DCR - Division of C/R Y P 0.82 State Parks and Recreation Pomeroy Mountain Town of C/R Y P 78.57 Southampton Aquifer Protection Land Town of W N P 24.36 Southampton Center Cemetery Town of H Y L 8.76 Southampton Holyoke Watershed Lands City of Holyoke W N P 2129.96 Southampton Water Supply Land Town of W Y P 16.07 Southampton Source: MassGIS, Southampton Assessor’s Office

Clearwater Woodland Conservation Area Location: 111 Glendale Road Partners: Kestral Land Trust Description: 84 and half acres of permanently protected conservation land with public access.

Hartnett-Manhan Memorial Forest Location: Public Entrance off of Lead Mine Road (Southampton) and Loudenville Partners: Managed by NEFF.

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Description: Dennis E. Harnett bequeathed this parcel on the Manhan River to NEFF. The parcel is of historic interest, since it contains an abandoned lead mine which may have produced bullets for the Revolutionary War.

Lyman Family Conservation Area Location: College Highway Across from Southampton Golf Course Partners: The Town of Southampton and the Conservation Commission have the duties and responsibility to manage and maintain the property. Description: The Town of Southampton was granted the land through a Deed offered by Theodore and Maxine Hendrick with the land to be known as the Lyman Family Conservation Area subject to an agreement dated December 29, 1971 that the land will be under the control of the Conservation Commission to conserve the soil, water, wildlife habitat and other natural resources to be held for educational, recreational and aesthetic use in a natural state subject to these purposes.

Manhan Meadows Sanctuary Location: 48 East Street Partners: The Town of Southampton and the Conservation Commission have the duties and responsibility to manage, maintain the property. Description: The Town of Southampton was granted the land through a Deed offered by Harold W. Conant and Eudora Conant and an agreement dated November 18, 1962 with the Conservation Commission having like power and responsibilities to conserve the soil, water, wildlife habitat and other natural resources for pubic recreational purposes.

Parsons Memorial Forest Location: 74 Brickyard Road Extension Partners: The Town of Southampton and the Conservation Commission have the duty and responsibility to manage and maintain the property. Description: The Town of Southampton purchased the land through a Deed offered by the Theodore E. Parsons Estate, and an agreement dated September 18, 1968 providing the Conservation Commission with like power and responsibilities to conserve the soil, water, wildlife habitat and other natural resources for public recreational purposes.

Southampton WMA Location: Public Entrance off of Cook Rd Partners: Managed by the MA Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Description: MA wildlife management area.

Szczypta Conservation Area Location: Glendale Road and College Highway Route 10 Partners: The Town of Southampton as Participant agrees to perform the Project by authorizing the Conservation Commission to manage, maintain and operate the Project. Description: The Town of Southampton purchased the land through a Deed offered by Max Szczypta, Helen Szczypta, Jennete Szczypta and Shirley Szczypta with grant funds and agreement dated October 31, 1995, from the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation

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Services , Self Help program to cover 105 acres of land under a Plan of Land, Deed Book 179, page 211, surveyed by Heritage Surveys dated May 11, 1995 and recorded on January 29, 1996. The property is subject to water supply protection and is under the control of the Board of Water Commissioner of the Town of Southampton.

Conant Park Location: Clark St and College Highway Partners: Town of Southampton and Parks Commission Description: A public park for recreation purposes including ball fields, tennis courts, recreation equipment and soccer fields.

Labrie Field Location: Clark St and College Highway Partners: Town of Southampton and the Parks Commission on land held in perpetuity that cannot be used for any other purpose without a 2/3 vote of the general court and approval by the MA EEA. Description: Land to be renovated for a public park for recreation purposes acquired by a PARC grant agreement from the MA Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services grant and matching funds from the Southampton Community Preservation Act funds.

William Norris Elementary School Athletic Fields Location: 24 Pomeroy Meadow Partners: Managed by the Southampton School Dept. Description: Active recreation area on school property.

Hampton Ponds State Park Location: Public Entrance off of Route 202 (North Road) Partners: Owned and Managed by the DCR. Description: MA wildlife management area.

Pomeroy Mountain Location: Wolcott Road Rear Partners: The Town of Southampton and the Conservation Commission are the joint recipients of the of land. Description: The Town of Southampton received a gift of the land through a Deed offered by the Almer J. Huntley subject to an agreement dated December 23, 1976.

Aquifer Protection Land Location: 24 Glendale Road Partners: Managed by the Southampton Water Dept. Description: Water supply protection land.

Center Cemetery Location: 178 College Highway

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Description: Historic cemetery with oldest marker dating 1738. It remains the town’s principal burying ground, providing resting places for the town’s early settlers and later civic and business leaders. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Holyoke Watershed Lands Location: Fomer Road Partners: Managed by the City of Holyoke Water Department Description: Southampton’s largest contiguous area of protected open space surrounds the Tighe- Carmody Reservoir and is located in western section of the community. Over 2,000 acres surrounding the reservoir are owned by the City of Holyoke as watershed protection lands. This is over half of the total permanently protected open space in the community. These lands are currently not open to the public for recreation purposes, despite wide interest from residents to have access to this area. Town officials have noted that attempts have been made to work with the city of Holyoke to make these lands open to the public, but the city is not interested in doing so.

Southampton Water Supply Land Location: County Road Partners: Managed by the Southampton Water Dept. Description: Water supply protection land.

In addition to the parcels listed above, the Conservation Commission has identified several other conservation areas that are not currently included in the records provided to the state for inclusion into MassGIS data layer. The town will work to update the State’s inventory via annual parcel updates.

North Branch Conservation Area Location: Leadmine Road Owner: New England Forestry Foundation Manager: New England Forestry Foundation Area: 36 Acres

Alice Brown Conservation Area Location: Pleasant Street Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 38 Acres

Nancy Whittemore Conservation Area Location: Meadow Lane Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 34 Acres

Mt. Springs Waterworks/Connor-Dukeshire Conservation Area Location: High Street Owner: Town of Southampton 63 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 10 Acres

Manhan River South Wetland Location: Brickyard Road Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 22.27 Acres

Riverdale Road Conservation Area Location: Gunn Road Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 21 Acres

Anne Bussler Environmental Center Location: Riverdale Road Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 12 Acres

Old Canal Conservation Area Location: Riverdale Road Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Conservation Commission Area: 20 Acres

New Cemetery Location: Little Mountain Road Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Cemetery, Water Dept., Conservation Commission Area: 78.7 Acres

Pomeroy Meadow Conservation Area Location: Pomeroy Meadow Road Owner: Town of Southampton Manager: Water Department

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SECTION 6 COMMUNITY VISION

A. Description of Community Process Throughout this planning process, community input has been vital to the ultimate success of this OSRP. The drafting and finalizing of this Plan have been led by the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Group. The working group was convened in 2019 with technical assistance provided by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC). The committee has met numerous times beginning in November 2019 through September 2020.

The Working Group is comprised of members of various town boards and committees, including the Town Administrator.

In addition to the committee meetings, and to solicit resident feedback to guide and inform this OSRP, a community survey and public visioning session were held. The survey was posted online and was available in hard copy format at the town offices. The survey received 261 responses. The results of this survey are discussed in the following section, Analysis of Needs.

The public visioning session was held at the Southampton Town Offices on December 18, 2019, from 6:30-8:30 PM. The workshop was advertised on the Town website and posted at the Town Offices. Thoughtful comment and feedback were gathered by enthusiastic town residents, supporting the survey results. The public visioning session was also presented on Easthampton Media. A summary of the visioning session workshop is also provided in the following section.

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Additionally, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Update Working Group over a span of three months in summer 2020 refined the drafting of this plan via a Zoom virtual setting, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These working group meetings were accessible to the public as they were legally posted meetings. At the completion of the meetings, they were posted to Easthampton Media for further engagement and dialogue with the community.

B. Statement of Goals

The Southampton Open Space and Recreation Plan Update seeks to ensure that open space and recreation planning provides for a range of opportunities to exist for residents of all ages at well- maintained and managed parks, recreational facilities, and conservation areas.

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SECTION 7 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

The Town of Southampton has approximately 4,300 acres of conservation and recreation land, almost a quarter of which is owned and managed by Town departments. Of those acres, 453 acres are managed by the Town’s Conservation Commission, 46 acres by the Parks Commission, and approximately 26 by the School Department and Water Departments. Comparisons with national standards suggest that Southampton has ample park space to meet the needs of its community and to have a high-quality park system. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards indicate that a town the size of Southampton should have about 61 acres of parks, and the town has 46 acres managed by the Parks Commission alone, although the additional 26 acres that are managed by the School Department provide the additional acreage indicating that Southampton has ample park space for its residents.

A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs

Resource protection mainly occurs through protecting large core areas, linked via riparian and upland corridors that will maintain or restore the ecological network of a municipality or region – this can also be thought of as supporting a community’s “green infrastructure.” As a community that has identified the need to continue to preserve logical, contiguous parcels for open space preservation, there are areas in their natural condition, kept explicitly for wildlife habitat. Locations throughout Southampton that present gaps in the wildlife corridors, greenways, linkages to major forest or agricultural resources in adjacent communities, trail networks, and riverways and other surface water bodies are prime candidates for protection. The Critical Natural Landscape designation presented earlier in the plan identifies large natural Landscape Blocks that are minimally impacted by development. If protected, these areas will provide habitat for wide-ranging native species, support intact ecological processes, maintain connectivity among habitats, and enhance ecological resilience to natural and anthropogenic disturbances in a rapidly changing world.

With the landscape of the Southampton consisting of the rich natural resources it has listed in Section 5 of this Plan, there are few municipal conservation properties owned by the Conservation Commission, and a few smaller residential parcels. This could be an opportunity to prioritize open space parcels for acquisition linking important corridors. The Town has identified the Open Space Committee as an important voice for identifying prime lands for acquisition. The Open Space Committee can also play a part in identifying appropriate locations and parcels to be used as a Town- owned community garden, as identified during the development of this Plan. A Town Farmers’ Market also remains an important strategy to celebrate the role of agriculture in town.

Resource protection from the impacts of natural hazards should also be considered. The FEMA Flood Hazard Areas have been mapped based on historical rainfall and flooding, but do not take the increased precipitation and changes in weather patterns associated with climate change into account. The town has been working this year on updating stormwater management regulations to comply with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. During this regulation review, the working group explored Low Impact Development for stormwater management to be included in the

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Town’s zoning, subdivision and stormwater regulations. The Planning Board will continue to work through the bylaw amendment, with final bylaw amendments adopted by the Town Meeting.

Residents are generally unaware of many Conservation Commission lands and their importance in providing ecological value and contributing to Southampton’s character. While the Town has made improvements to trail systems, additional public awareness is needed to establish public support for protection of these areas. Issues identified regarding the Conservation Areas include:

• Outreach, marketing campaign about existing open space and recreation resources • Effective signage is needed for each of the properties noting their availability and restrictions. • A management plan for conservation areas needs to be developed.

The Manhan River Greenway and Wildlife Corridor provides significant environmental, recreational, and aesthetic benefits to Southampton and the surrounding communities. Implementation of a Manhan River Greenway and Wildlife Corridor Management Plan is needed for further protection of the Greenway.

One of the most important natural resources is clean water. Nationally, nitrogen and phosphorus contamination of aquifers from landscape practices continues to be a growing problem, contaminating drinking water supplies and surface water resources. Additionally, potential impacts of climate on the availability of safe drinking water, a resource need identified is to initiate an education campaign for townspeople regarding drinking water quality and Barnes Aquifer vulnerability.

It is important to note that resource protection can be achieved by a variety of means, not just the purchase of property. Other options can include limited development, regulatory controls, like a River Protection Overlay District, expanded wetlands buffer zone, and reduced road salt policy.

B. Summary of Community Needs

As the survey has suggested a majority of the respondents generally prefer passive recreation in Southampton, like gardening, playground use, wildlife and bird watching, walking, and sledding. Residents leave town for splash parks, dog parks, skateboard, swimming, shopping at farmers markets, and ice skating.

With an Open Space Committee to identify appropriate parcels to acquire, the Committee can be tasked with initiating a study to see through the development of community gardens. Additionally, programming could be explored to create a weekly farmers market in town, as identified in the Community Survey.

The needs of walkers are often overlooked, as the infrastructure that supports their activities is generally built into the motor vehicle transportation network. About 85% of respondents to the 2019 Southampton Open Space and Recreation Survey said they participated regularly in walking. However, there was a share of residents who traveled to nearby towns to walk on sidewalks that were numerous in those communities. A town inventory of sidewalk conditions would help to

68 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 understand which investments into sidewalk infrastructure would be most effective. A continued community need is to ensure continuity among open spaces which can be done through a development of rail trails along existing rail bed.

Seniors, especially those living alone, are vulnerable to social isolation and physical and mental health issues. Parks, open space and recreational facilities offer opportunities for seniors to interact, exercise, relax and enjoy the beauty of their natural surroundings. The needs of elderly residents differ among age groups, and for planning purposes can be divided between the younger, more active senior citizens and the frail elderly. The frail elderly are generally unable to enjoy active recreation, but may be able to visit a conservation property in a wheelchair or accompanied by an aide, provided there are accessible pathways and viewing areas. These elderly residents often have similar needs as residents with disabilities in terms of their ability to access recreation facilities. More active seniors tend to enjoy walking and other types of passive recreation, however, there has been an identified need by the Council on Aging for additional pickleball opportunities.

Finally, a municipal recreation program ensures positive and safe experiences for users of local parks. There is an identified need to develop a plan to enhance Conant Memorial Park and to create connections to other town spaces and resources, while increasing ADA compliance and usability for all populations.

C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use

Management – with a focus on maintenance and stewardship – of the Town’s existing recreation and open spaces is a significant challenge which must be addressed. Funding sources are generally available for land acquisitions and development of new recreational resources. However, it is equally, if not more important, to identify ongoing operation and maintenance plans and funding sources to maintain existing facilities. Coordination with volunteers, “friends of” organizations and multiple municipal departments is necessary. Without development of the resources needed for maintenance of facilities, acquisition/development of more facilities may be impractical and face more opposition. This coordinated effort can result in a more efficient outreach and education component to inform the community about the open space resources, promotion of agriculture, etc.

A comprehensive zoning and regulatory review could offer some insight into how Southampton wants to continue developing, understanding its rural character and the residents’ desire to continue maintaining that asset. Possible implementation of an open space residential development cluster bylaw, green development performance standards, resource protection overlay districts, and/or transfer of development rights would maximize natural resources and agricultural protection. Some additional regulatory and operational needs of the community include promoting the agricultural preservation district and adopting new zoning bylaws to protect scenic vistas, including design standards for development that would affect viewsheds. As of December 2020, the Southampton Planning Board is currently conducting and audit and review of the zoning bylaws, with the intention of reorganizing the bylaw for ease of use.

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SECTION 8 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Identify and preserve important parcels for ecological, recreational, cultural, and historical value to create a town-wide green network.

Objectives G1O1. Increase capacity for management of town-owned open space lands and promote public use of existing open space network. G1O2. Updated from 2012 Plan: Connect open space resources to enhance community livability and wildlife habitat, and to encourage walking and biking. G1O3. New: Prioritize parcels for permanent protection based on natural resource protection and climate resilience.

Strategies G1O1-S1. Develop a prioritized list of key open space parcels for conservation based on available developable vacant lands, key natural resource areas, critical habitat areas, priority agricultural lands and soils, recreational lands, and expansion and connection to town-wide green network. G1O1-S2. Updated: Maintain existing and increase other potential relationships with land trusts like Kestrel Land Trust and other “Friends of” organizations to accept more contributions to preserve more land. G1O1-S3. Continue to update the town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) every seven years in order to qualify for state and federal grants. The state Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants provide funding to communities for acquisition of open space, but the town must have an updated OSRP in order to qualify. G1O1-S4. Maintain a current environmental inventory, implement management plans on existing conservation areas, and improve and maintain existing trail networks. G1O1-S5. Develop a comprehensive outreach and education campaign to inform the community about existing open space resources, to improve and maintain trail networks, and to improve signage and access to open space resources. Develop trail maps, establish a volunteer trail maintenance program, and educate the public about conservation issues as part of this effort. G1O1-S6. Develop a plan to enhance Conant Memorial Park and to connect it to other town and open space resources. G1O2-S1. Develop a rail trail along the existing rail bed to create a north-south connection between the numerous open space areas along its length. Consider expanding the current plan to extend the Rail Trail south along its entire length to Swanson Corners and the Westfield town line. G1O2-S2. Develop a Manhan River Greenway and Wildlife Corridor Management Plan, and develop a list of priority parcels for acquisition or easements to support the development and enhancement of this greenway and wildlife corridor area.

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G1O3-S1. New: Continue routine meetings of the newly formed Open Space Committee to identify important parcels to acquire for preservation.

Goal 2: Protect Southampton’s remaining agricultural lands, promote local farming, and create opportunities for residents to become involved in local agriculture.

Objectives G2O1. Develop a public outreach strategy to support agricultural activity.

Strategies G2O1-S1. Updated: Meet with property owners to explain the importance of farmland and available preservation options. Coordinate these efforts with the community’s prioritized list of key open space parcels for acquisition, (as listed under Goal 1, Strategy 1). G2O1-S2. Work with farmers and develop marketing materials to promote agriculture in Southampton. G2O1-S3. Develop educational materials and hold public meetings to stimulate consciousness about agriculture and the tools available to protect it. G2O1-S4. Establish a weekly Farmer’s Market in an appropriate location in the community. G2O1-S5. Updated: Explore possible community garden sites, including the Brickyard Road site and other open spaces in town.

Goal 3: Protect Southampton’s water resources.

Objectives G3O1. Continue to protect Southampton’s public water supply and the Barnes Aquifer for generations to come.

Strategies G3O1-S1. Continue and strengthen homeowner education and awareness about the importance and vulnerability of the Barnes Aquifer, particularly residential areas that cover recharge areas. G3O1-S2. Conduct a water quality education campaign that targets the landowners in town. Educate landowners about septic system failures, fertilizer use on lawns and agricultural properties, pet wastes, and other homeowner actions that deteriorate the quality of water. Develop educational materials and hold public meetings to stimulate consciousness about agriculture and the tools available to protect it. G3O1-S3. Adopt Low Impact Development (LID) standards for stormwater management in the zoning, subdivision, and stormwater regulations. Low Impact Developments are designed to reflect natural hydrology, minimize impervious surfaces, treat stormwater in small decentralized structures, preserve portions of the site in natural conditions, and use natural topography for drainage ways and storage.

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G3O1-S4. Consider adopting a River Protection Overlay District that minimizes development impacts in sensitive river buffer areas. This Overlay District can increase community control over activities on riverfront areas not regulated by the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act. The district designates a portion of the riverbank from the shoreline landward up to an established distance from each bank. It provides restrictions on uses and structures that will damage the environmental integrity of the river. Uses permitted as a matter of right should be limited to those consistent with the scenic qualities of the river, such as agricultural production, recreational uses, reasonable emergency procedures, conservation measures, and residential development on lots with frontage on an existing way. G3O1-S5. Consider developing a larger local buffer zone requirement than the existing state- mandated 100’ protection buffer, in order to better protect the town’s significant wetland resources. G3O1-S6. New: Consider developing a local wetlands bylaw with a required increased setback, with protections greater than the Wetlands Protection Act. G3O1-S7. Adopt a Reduced Road Salt Policy that minimizes salt application and storage near environmentally sensitive areas adjacent to highways and roads in order to protect aquifers, private wells and surface waters. G3O1-S8. Updated: Revaluate participation a regional committee to address impacts of development of regional impact to the Barnes Aquifer. G3O1-S9. New: Educate landowners on the importance of vernal pools and assist them in certifying their pools if they are interested. Work to identify and certify vernal pools on public lands.

Goal 4: Promote land use policies that protect the town’s natural lands and rural community character.

Objectives G4O1. Balance residential development with the protection of the town’s natural, scenic and historic resources. G4O2. Establish land use and development policies that respond to infrastructure capacity.

Strategies G4O1-S1. Establish priority areas and parcels for scenic preservation. G4O1-S2. Review and expand the town list of designated scenic roads. G4O1-S3. Adopt overlay zoning districts that protect scenic vistas, for example, along the southern portion of College Highway (Route 10), which include buffers and design standards for developments. G4O1-S4. New: Strengthen solar bylaw for ecosystem services and climate adaptation. G4O2-S1. Hold a series of public presentations about the benefits of smart growth policies that concentrate development in some places and discourage it in others. Present zoning strategies to preserve rural character within the context of a comprehensive smart growth zoning strategy. 73 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

G4O2-S2. Hold a series of public presentations about the benefits of cluster development, or the building of homes closer together so that the remaining land on a site can be protected as open space or farmland. G4O2-S3. Review the zoning bylaws and update regulations to better protect priority natural resources and farmland. Zoning bylaw examples could include: Open Space Residential Development, Green Development Performance Standards, and Resource Protection Overlay Districts, or Transfer of Development Rights. G4O2-S4. Promote the use of Southampton’s Agricultural Preservation District.

Goal 5: New: Promote adequate recreational facilities to serve a variety of needs for all citizens of Southampton.

Objectives G5O1. New: Manage and maintain existing recreational facilities. G5O2. New: Expand recreational opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities.

Strategies G5O1-S1. New: Use CPA funds for trail restoration. G5O1-S2. New: Create recreation department. G5O1-S3. New: Recruit and train/manage active trail volunteers. G5O1-S4. New: Labrie Field improvements to include storage equipment, parking lot improvements, composting toilets. G5O1-S5. New: Conant Park improvements G5O1-S6. New: Recreation infrastructure including a skateboard park and pickleball courts G5O2-S1. New: Increase number of sidewalks in the village starting from Town Hall to the Library and further to the parks G5O2-S2. New: Offer, facilitate, and provide more activities for seniors.

74 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

SECTION 9 SEVEN YEAR ACTION PLAN

The seven year action plan is based on the vision, goals and objectives presented in the previous sections. While some of the actions are carried forward as ongoing, or in progress, from the 2012 plan, others are newly presented as a result of revised analysis, new public input, and changing conditions. Input received during the planning process shows a high level of activity already underway on many of these steps. The Action Plan is intended to be realistic and implementable.

Accompanying each action, the Town of Southampton identifies the “who,” “when,” and “how” to indicate who will lead the charge on implementation, in what time frame, and with what resources. This approach is critical to ensuring the goals of this plan are achieved, or at least progressed, in the next seven years. Even with this delineation of responsibilities, an underlying need for the OSRP Committee, or some segment of the committee, which can be found in the newly formed Open Space Committee, to remain intact persists ensuring implementation on a year-to-year basis of these actions. The implementation committee should be comprised of representatives from Town staff and existing boards and commissions that will be in charge of ensuring this Plan is used and followed. The committee could meet annually, or bi-annually, to work towards overall implementation of the plan and to ensure that public outreach and education is achieved.

There is no one size fits all approach to achieving any of Southampton’s goals for open space and recreation. Land conservation will require local, state and federal government investment through ownership and/or funding assistance. Non-profit land trusts can be critical partners either as outright land owners or the holder of a conservation restriction. Private land owners will need access to many potential partners to implement voluntary restrictions, and donations or sale of their land for conservation purposes.

Goal 1: Identify and preserve important parcels for ecological, recreational, cultural, and historical value to create a town-wide green network.

Objective # Strategy Responsible Resources Target Date Party Needed for Completion G101. Increase S1 Develop a prioritized Conservation Volunteer FY2021 capacity for list of key open space Commission, Time management of parcels for Open Space town-owned conservation based on Committee open space available developable lands and vacant lands, key promote natural resource areas, public use of critical habitat areas, existing open priority agricultural space network. lands and soils, recreational lands, and expansion and

75 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

connection to town- wide green network. S2 Maintain existing and Planning Volunteer FY2021 increase other Board, Town Time potential relationships Administrator, with land trusts like Select Board, Kestrel Land Trust and Conservation other “Friends of” Commission, organizations to Community accept more Preservation contributions to Committee preserve more land. S3 Continue to update the Conservation Volunteer FY2027 town’s Open Space and Commission, Time, Staff Recreation Plan Planning Time, (OSRP) every seven Board, Town Consultants years in order to Administrator, qualify for state and Open Space federal grants. The Committee state Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant and federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants provide funding to communities for acquisition of open space, but the town must have an updated OSRP in order to qualify. S4 Maintain a current Conservation Consultant, FY2021 environmental Commission, Staff Time, inventory, implement Planning Volunteer management plans on Board, Parks Time existing conservation Commission areas, and improve and maintain existing trail networks. S5 Develop a Conservation Staff Time, FY2021 comprehensive Commission, Volunteer outreach and Open Space Time education campaign to Committee, inform the community Parks about existing open Commission space resources, to improve and maintain trail networks, and to improve signage and 76 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

access to open space resources. Develop trail maps, establish a volunteer trail maintenance program, and educate the public about conservation issues as part of this effort. S6 Develop a plan to Highway Staff Time, FY2021 enhance Conant Department, Volunteer Memorial Park and to Parks Time, connect it to other Commission Consultant town and open space resources. G1O2. Connect S1 Develop a rail trail Planning Staff Time, FY2023 open space along the existing rail Board, Parks Volunteer resources to bed to create a north- Commission, Time, enhance south connection Highway Consultant, community between the numerous Department, Transportation livability and open space areas along Conservation Improvement wildlife its length. Consider Commission Funds, PVPC, habitat, and to expanding the current MassDOT encourage plan to extend the Rail walking and Trail south along its biking. entire length to Swanson Corners and the Westfield town line. S2 Develop a Manhan Conservation Staff Time, FY2023 River Greenway and Commission, Volunteer Wildlife Corridor Planning Time, CPA Management Plan, and Board, Select funds, state develop a list of Board LAND grant, priority parcels for federal Land acquisition or and Water easements to support Conservation the development and Fund grant enhancement of this greenway and wildlife corridor area. G1O3. S1 Continue routine Open Space Volunteer FY2021 Prioritize meetings of the newly Committee, Time parcels for formed Open Space Conservation permanent Committee to identify Commission protection important parcels to based on acquire for natural preservation. resource protection and

77 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

climate resilience.

Goal 2: Protect Southampton’s remaining agricultural lands, promote local farming, and create opportunities for residents to become involved in local agriculture.

Objective # Strategy Responsible Resources Target Date Party Needed for Completion G2O1. Develop S1 Meet with property Agricultural Volunteer FY2025 a public owners to explain the Commission, Time, Staff outreach importance of Board of Time strategy to farmland and available Assessors, support preservation options. Community agricultural Coordinate these Preservation activity. efforts with the Committee, community’s School prioritized list of key Committee open space parcels for acquisition, (as listed under Goal 1, Strategy 1). S2 Work with farmers and Agricultural Volunteer FY2022 develop marketing Commission Time, materials to promote Consultant agriculture in Southampton. S3 Develop educational Agricultural Volunteer FY2022 materials and hold Commission, Time public meetings to School stimulate Department consciousness about agriculture and the tools available to protect it. S4 Establish a weekly Agricultural Volunteer FY2024 Farmer’s Market in an Commission Time appropriate location in the community. S5 Explore possible Agricultural Volunteer FY2024 community garden Commission, Time sites, including the Select Board, Brickyard Road site Conservation and other open spaces Commission in town.

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Goal 3: Protect Southampton’s water resources.

Objective # Strategy Responsible Resources Target Date Party Needed for Completion G3O1. Continue S1 Continue and Conservation Volunteer FY2023 to protect strengthen Commission, time, funding Southampton’s homeowner education Board of for outreach public water and awareness about Health, Water materials supply and the the importance and Commission Barnes Aquifer vulnerability of the for generations Barnes Aquifer, to come. particularly residential areas that cover recharge areas. S2 Conduct a water Board of Staff Time, FY2021 quality education Health, Volunteer campaign that targets Highway Time the landowners in Department, town. Educate Conservation landowners about Commission, septic system failures, Water fertilizer use on lawns Department and agricultural properties, pet wastes, and other homeowner actions that deteriorate the quality of water. Develop educational materials and hold public meetings to stimulate consciousness about agriculture and the tools available to protect it. S3 Adopt Low Impact Planning Staff Time, FY2021 Development (LID) Board, Volunteer standards for Highway Time, stormwater Department, Consultant management in the Conservation zoning, subdivision, Commission and stormwater regulations. Low Impact Developments are designed to reflect natural hydrology, minimize impervious surfaces, treat stormwater in small decentralized 79 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

structures, preserve portions of the site in natural conditions, and use natural topography for drainage ways and storage. S4 Consider adopting a Planning Volunteer FY2022 River Protection Board, Time, Overlay District that Conservation Consultant minimizes Commission, development impacts Town Meeting in sensitive river buffer areas. This Overlay District can increase community control over activities on riverfront areas not regulated by the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act. The district designates a portion of the riverbank from the shoreline landward up to an established distance from each bank. It provides restrictions on uses and structures that will damage the environmental integrity of the river. Uses permitted as a matter of right should be limited to those consistent with the scenic qualities of the river, such as agricultural production, recreational uses, reasonable emergency procedures, conservation measures, and residential development on lots with frontage on an existing way.

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S5 Consider developing a Conservation Staff Time, FY2021 larger local buffer zone Commission, Volunteer requirement than the Town Meeting Time existing state- mandated 100’ protection buffer, in order to better protect the town’s significant wetland resources. S6 Consider developing a Conservation Staff Time, FY2021 local wetlands bylaw Commission, Volunteer with a required Town Meeting Time increased setback, with protections greater than the Wetlands Protection Act. S7 Adopt a Reduced Road Highway Staff Time, FY2021 Salt Policy that Department, Volunteer minimizes salt Conservation Time application and Commission, storage near Water environmentally Department sensitive areas adjacent to highways and roads in order to protect aquifers, private wells and surface waters. S8 Revaluate Planning Volunteer FY2021 participation a regional Board Time committee to address impacts of development of regional impact to the Barnes Aquifer. S9 Educate landowners Conservation Volunteer FY2023 on the importance of Commission Time vernal pools and assist them in certifying their pools if they are interested. Work to identify and certify vernal pools on public lands.

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Goal 4: Promote land use policies that protect the town’s natural lands and rural community character.

Objective # Strategy Responsible Resources Target Date Party Needed for Completion G4O1. Balance S1 Establish priority areas Planning Staff Time, FY2022 residential and parcels for scenic Board, Volunteer development preservation. Conservation Time, with the Commission, Consultant protection of Open Space the town’s Committee natural, scenic S2 Review and expand the Highway Staff Time, FY2022 and historic town list of designated Department, Volunteer resources. scenic roads. Planning Time, Board, Tree Consultant Warden, Historical Commission S3 Adopt overlay zoning Planning Staff Time, FY2023 districts that protect Board, Volunteer scenic vistas, for Conservation Time, example, along the Commission, Consultant southern portion of Historical College Highway Commission, (Route 10), which Town Meeting include buffers and design standards for developments. S4 Strengthen solar bylaw Planning Volunteer FY2022 for ecosystem services Board, Town Time and climate Meeting adaptation. G4O2. Establish S1 Hold a series of public Planning Staff Time, FY2022 land use and presentations about Board, Volunteer development the benefits of smart Conservation Time, policies that growth policies that Commission, Consultant respond to concentrate Select Board, infrastructure development in some Local Cable capacity. places and discourage Access it in others. Present Channel, zoning strategies to School preserve rural Department character within the context of a comprehensive smart growth zoning strategy. S2 Hold a series of public Planning Staff Time, FY2022 presentations about Board, Volunteer

82 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

the benefits of cluster Conservation Time, development, or the Commission, Consultant building of homes Select Board, closer together so that Local Cable the remaining land on Access a site can be protected Channel, as open space or School farmland. Department S3 Review the zoning Planning Consultant, FY2022 bylaws and update Board, Staff Time regulations to better Conservation protect priority natural Commission, resources and Parks farmland. Zoning Commission, bylaw examples could Agricultural include: Open Space Commission, Residential Select Board, Development, Green Local Cable Development Access Performance Channel Standards, and Resource Protection Overlay Districts, or Transfer of Development Rights. S4 Promote the use of Planning Volunteer FY2021 Southampton’s Board, Time Agricultural Conservation Preservation District. Commission, Agricultural Commission

Goal 5: Promote adequate recreational facilities to serve a variety of needs for all citizens of Southampton.

Objective # Strategy Responsible Resources Target Date Party Needed for Completion G5O1. Manage S1 Use CPA funds for trail Community Staff Time, FY2021 and maintain restoration. Preservation Volunteer existing Act Time, CPA recreational Committee, funds facilities. Select Board, Town Administrator S2 Create recreation Parks Volunteer FY2022 department. Commission, Time, Staff Select Board, Time Town Administrator

83 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

S3 Recruit and Conservation Volunteer FY2021 train/manage active Committee, Time trail volunteers. Greenway Committee, Open Space Committee S4 Labrie Field Parks Volunteer FY2023 improvements to Commission, Time, CPA include storage Select Board funds, State equipment, parking lot PARC grants improvements, composting toilets. S5 Conant Park Parks Volunteer FY2024 improvements Commission, Time, State Select Board PARC grants S6 Recreation Parks Volunteer FY2024 infrastructure Commission, Time, State including skateboard Select Board PARC grants park and pickleball courts G5O2. Expand S1 Increase number of Highway Staff Time FY2025 recreational sidewalks in the village Department opportunities starting from Town for seniors and Hall to the Library and people with further to the parks. disabilities S2 Offer, facilitate, and Parks Volunteer FY2022 provide more activities Commission, Time, Staff for seniors. Council on Time Aging

Since the last iteration of this Plan, some of the existing goals and objectives the Town has been working toward has been completed, nearing completion, or found to be no longer feasible or a priority eliminating those from this update. These items may be explored in a future update.

Explore the possibility to secure public access to the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir area with the City of Holyoke. Develop a plan for an east-west connection from the Rail Trail to the Tighe-Carmody Reservoir area. Compile a list of parcels that are critical to creating this link and work with town boards, officials, and local / state conservation groups to acquire or gain public access easements to these priority parcels. Continue to educate landowners with contaminated wells and determine solutions to tie into the public water system. Build a piping system to loop Pequot Pond to Valley Road and connect to an existing water main in Westfield. Build a new water tank that would strengthen water capacity for the Ponds area to accommodate new growth in the area.

84 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Build a new water line to connect to an existing water line on East Street. Conduct a water quality education campaign that targets the landowners in town. Educate landowners about septic system failures, fertilizer use on lawns and agricultural properties, pet wastes, and other homeowner actions that deteriorate the quality of water.

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86 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

SECTION 10 PUBLIC COMMENTS

See Section 12, Appendix

• Southampton Open Space and Recreation Survey, October – December 2019

• Southampton OSRP Visioning Workshop Materials, December 18, 2019

• Letters of Support

87 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

SECTION 11 REFERENCES

Kestrel Land Trust, 2017, Farmland Resources Assessment Project

Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs, 2010 Environmental Justice Populations

Massachusetts Department of Revenue, 2019, Property Tax Data

Massachusetts Historical Commission, Survey Map of Southampton, 1778

Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, BioMap 2 Southampton Report

Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Rare Species of Flora & Fauna

MassGIS, Protected and Recreational Open Space

MassGIS, Scenic Roads

MassGIS, Southampton Soils and Geological Features Map

MassGIS, Water Resources, Flood Plain & Slope

The Nature Conservancy, Resilient Land Mapping Tool

Town of Southampton Assessor’s Office, 2019, Parcel Inventory

Town of Southampton, Southampton Zoning Bylaw & Map

Town of Southampton, Southampton Open Space & Recreation Plan 2012 Update

U.S. Census Bureau, 2018

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2017

U.S. Decennial Census 2000 & 2010

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2019, SOCDS Building Permit Database

88 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

SECTION 12 APPENDICES

A. Select and referenced funding opportunities B. Conservation and Recreational Land Tables C. Maps • Regional Context • Soils and Geological Features • Unique Environments • Protected and Recreational Open Space • Water Resources, Flood Plains & Slope • Municipal Zoning and Overlay District • Prioritized Parcel Map D. Documentation of Public Engagement • Public Survey Results • Public Visioning Session Agenda • Public Visioning Session Presentation • Comments from Public Visioning Session E. Letters of Endorsement • Pioneer Valley Planning Board • Southampton Select Board • Southampton Conservation Commission • Southampton Planning Board F. ADA Accessibility Report

A1 SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

A. Select and Referenced Funding Opportunities

Drive for a Better Environment Grants Program, Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) https://www.mass.gov/news/the-met-fy2020-drive-for-a-better-environment-grants-program- request-for-responses-rfr-is-now

Land and Recreation Grants & Loans, EEA https://www.mass.gov/land-and-recreation-grants-loans

Landscape Partnership Grant Program https://www.mass.gov/service-details/landscape-partnership-grant-program

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mvp-action-grant

Planning Assistance Grants, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) https://www.mass.gov/service-details/planning-assistance-grants

Stormwater funding opportunities in Massachusetts https://www.mass.gov/service-details/available-funding-for-stormwater-projects-in- massachusetts

Other Environmental Grants in Massachusetts https://www.mass.gov/lists/community-grant-finder#environment-

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

B. Conservation and Recreational Land Tables

LEGEND:

Owner Type P = Private for profit Grant Used to Purchase M = Municipal ALA = Aquifer Lands Acquisition S = State SH = State Self-help N = Private Nonprofit CPA = Community Preservation Act L = Land Trust LAND = LAND grant Primary Purpose PARC = PARC grant C = Conservation Use Codes R = Recreation C/R = Conservation and Recreation Look up Massachusetts land use codes here: A = Agriculture https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016 /08/wr/classificationcodebook.pdf H = Historical/Cultural W = Water Supply Protection Zoning Public Access RV = Private for profit Y = Yes RR = Municipal N = No RN = State L = Limited Public Access Level of Protection P = Protected in Perpetuity N = Not Protected L = Limited Protection

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Zoning RV RV RR RV RN RN RV RV RR RV RV RR RR RR RV RR RR

Use Code

106 3940 7130 9030 1010 7130 7130 1010 7120 7130 6010 8010 9035 1320 9037 1320 1320 Grant

Used to CPA Purchase

Acres 6.61 2.69 7.10 3.24 87.21 69.82 19.35 90.66 12.72 40.02 43.65 10.37 20.16 129.34 111.85 249.18 127.85 Level of

Protection P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Public

Access N N N N N N N N N N N N L N Y N N Primary

Purpose A A A A A A A A A A C C W W C C C

Managed By Owner

Type P P P P P P P P P P N P P P P P P

al

Block Anna Robert S -

Kuzeja Edward J et Howland Steven L Trustees of the Kuzeja Real Estate Trust Kuzeja Owner Cross Thomas M and Frances J Fletcher Robert S and Cheryl A Fournier Bruce A and Donna A Fowles Elwyn M Gnacek Stanley and Jennie And Emil Kaniecki Charles J and Catherine L Merritt Paszko Stephen S and Genevieve S Searle Edward C and Myron H Szczypta Helen Living Tr B and N Lands LLC Brown Janet L Gwinner Richard P et al

Wells CR

Block CR -

Site Name Fletcher Robert S 2 APR Fournier FLT APR Fowles Elwyn M 3 APR Gnacek Stanley APR Kaniecki Charles J APR Merritt APR Paszko Searle APR Szczypta Helen Living Tr APR B and N Lands CR Brown CR Gwinner CR Hendrick Street Howland CR Kuzeja CR Kuzeja Cross Thomas M APR

Property

Parcel #

31_4 31_6 PRIVATE PARCELS 24_5_A 19_69 2_7 19_223 39_15 39_25 19_49 41_34 27_11 19_23 11_2 23_6 30_12_D 31_4 9037

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Zoning RR RN RR RV RR RR RN RN RR RV RR RR RR

Use Code 1320 1320 7170 3260 3850 1060 8050 1310 9050 9037 9037 9037 9037 Grant

Used to

Purchase LAND, CPA LAND

Acres 1.68 16.76 22.94 31.02 84.46 47.44 19.09 21.27 18.03 37.66 204.95 108.10 166.13

Level of P P P P P P P P P N N N N Protection

L L L L L Y Y Y Y Y X Public N N Access Primary R R R R C C C C C C Purpose W C C

Managed By Southampton Con. Com. Southampton Con. Com. Southampton Con. Com. Southampton Con. Com. Southampton Con. Com. Owner

Type P P P P P P P M L M M M M

Block Anna and -

Owner Kuzeja Fournier Bertha K and John G Boyle James F and Patria A Searle Edward C and Genevieve N X Easthampton Fish and Game Association Holyoke Beagle Club Southampton CC Town of Southampton New England Forestry Foundation Town of Southampton Town of Southampton Town of Southampton Town of Southampton

Manhan - PROFIT PARCELS - Block/Fournier CR -

Site Name Wolf Hill CR Camp Jahn Easthampton Fish and Game Club Holyoke Beagle Club Southampton Country Club Clearwater Woodland Conservation Area Hartnett Memorial Forest Lyman Family Conservation Area Manhan Meadows Sanctuary Parsons Memorial Forest Pleasant Street Conservation Area Red Brook Estates CR Kuzeja

Property

Parcel # 31_3_A 28_155 27_28 44_80 19_2 6_12_A 35_25_B PUBLIC & NON 7_5 1_5 35_43_B 29_13 29_32 25_69

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

Zoning RV RR RR RR RV RR RN RR RV RV RV

Use Code 1320 9035 9030 903V 9035 9037 9030 9030 903V 9033 9190 Grant

Used to

Purchase SH PARC ALA DWSP, CPA

Acres 9.51 0.82 8.76 27.48 19.26 78.57 24.36 16.07 174.23 120.66 2129.9

L L L P P P P P Level of P P P Protection Public Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Access Y Y

Primary

Purpose C C R R R C/R C/R W H W W

Managed By Southampton Parks and Recreation Southampton School Dept. Southampton Water Dept. Holyoke Water Dept. Southampton Water Commission Southampton Conservation Commission Southampton Con. Com. Owner

Type S M M M M S M M M M M

Southampton

Division of State Parks

- Owner MA Department of Fish and Game Town of Southampton Town of Southampton Town of Southampton Town of DCR and Recreation Town of Southampton Town of Southampton Town of Southampton City of Holyoke Town of Southampton

Elementary

Site Name William Norris School Athletic Fields Hampton Ponds State Park Pomeroy Mountain Aquifer Protection Land Center Cemetery Holyoke Watershed Lands Southampton Water Supply Land Labrie Field Southampton WMA Szczypta Conservation Area Conant Park

Property

Parcel # 30_34 13_157 23_78 29_126 19_55 44_170 12_10 13_76 24_1 16_3 30_12_E

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 C. Maps

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SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

D. Documentation of Public Engagement

Southampton Open Space and Recreation Survey How often do you use the following spaces in Southampton? Often Sometimes Never Total Weighted Average Unofficial woodland trails 20.24% 51 30.56% 77 49.21% 124 252 2.29 Norris School fields 15.94% 40 23.90% 60 60.16% 151 251 2.44 Council on Aging 14.96% 38 21.26% 54 63.78% 162 254 2.49 Other conservation lands 14.29% 36 33.33% 84 52.38% 132 252 2.38 Manhan River 14.06% 35 25.70% 64 60.24% 150 249 2.46 Wolf Hill Sanctuary 12.80% 32 21.60% 54 65.60% 164 250 2.53 Conant Park playground 10.67% 27 45.45% 115 43.87% 111 253 2.33 Conant Park pavilion 10.28% 26 64.43% 163 25.30% 64 253 2.15 Conant Park playing fields 9.13% 23 30.56% 77 60.32% 152 252 2.51 Labrie Field 8.66% 22 13.39% 34 77.95% 198 254 2.69 Clearwater Woodland 8.87% 22 12.50% 31 78.63% 195 248 2.7 Manhan Meadows Sanctuary 8.87% 22 27.82% 69 63.31% 157 248 2.54 Szczypta Farm/ Ed Nied 6.05% 15 22.98% 57 70.97% 176 248 2.65 Conant Park tennis/picklball courts 5.56% 14 23.81% 60 70.63% 178 252 2.65 Pequot Pond 5.46% 13 16.81% 40 77.73% 185 238 2.72 Cook Road Fields 4.40% 11 4.00% 10 91.60% 229 250 2.87 Conant Park basketball courts 0.40% 1 15.02% 38 84.58% 214 253 2.84 Other (please specify) 30

Answered 145 Skipped 0 Southampton Open Space and Recreation Survey 2. Please check all of the following activities that you enjoy (in Southampton or elsewhere) In Southampton Elsewhere Total Gardening 90.12% 146 22.22% 36 162 Playground use 88.89% 88 67.68% 67 99 Wildlife watching 86.36% 114 63.64% 84 132 Birdwatching 85.83% 103 50.00% 60 120 Walking (on-road or sidewalk) 85.65% 191 49.33% 110 223 Sledding/tobogganing 85.45% 94 43.64% 48 110 Running(road or trail) 79.61% 82 58.25% 60 103 Golf 77.61% 52 70.15% 47 67 Road biking/cycling 77.46% 110 70.42% 100 142 Trail walking/hiking 72.99% 154 72.99% 154 211 Cross country skiing/snowshoeing 71.15% 74 73.08% 76 104 Team sports 70.59% 60 68.24% 58 85 Hunting 66.67% 26 58.97% 23 39 Pickleball 60.00% 24 55.00% 22 40 Off-road/trail biking 59.46% 44 74.32% 55 74 Tennis 58.54% 24 60.98% 25 41 Target shooting 54.90% 28 60.78% 31 51 Off-leash dog walking 54.65% 47 66.28% 57 86 Geocaching 50.00% 19 76.32% 29 38 Off-road motorized vehicle use 49.06% 26 67.92% 36 53 Horseback Riding 47.50% 19 75.00% 30 40 Fishing 46.25% 37 76.25% 61 80 Swimming/Wading 25.97% 47 88.40% 160 181 Ice skating 25.00% 18 86.11% 62 72 Shopping at Farmers Markets 22.50% 36 90.63% 145 160 Skateboarding 18.52% 5 88.89% 24 27 Visiting dog parks 10.91% 6 94.55% 52 55 Camping 10.64% 10 98.94% 93 94 Splash park 1.28% 1 98.72% 77 78 Other (please specify) 14

Answered 261 Skipped 0 2. Please check all of the following activities that you enjoy (in Southampton or elsewhere) 120.00% 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% In Southampton 0.00% Elsewhere Southampton Open Space and Recreation Survey 3. Please check all of the following that are important to you I don't know what this is Not Important Neutral Important Very Important Total Weighted Average Protecting water quality and drinking water supply 0% 1 1% 2 2% 4 16% 42 81% 207 256 5 Protecting wildlife habitats and corridors 0% 1 2% 5 5% 13 29% 74 63% 160 253 5 Protecting forests 0% 1 1% 3 5% 13 32% 81 61% 153 251 5 Protecting farmland 1% 2 3% 7 6% 14 35% 89 56% 140 252 4 Preserving rural character 1% 3 4% 10 9% 23 30% 75 55% 137 248 4 Preserving scenic views 0% 1 4% 9 10% 24 40% 100 47% 117 251 4 Maintaining non-motorized trails 1% 3 8% 21 12% 30 32% 79 46% 115 248 4 Developing bicycle paths and greenways to connect the town’s open 1% 3 10% 25 16% 39 27% 66 46% 114 247 4 Smart development to create and preserve open space 2% 5 3% 8 14% 35 36% 89 45% 110 247 4 Climate adaptation and resilience 10% 24 6% 14 19% 44 21% 50 44% 103 235 4 Expanding non-motorized trails 1% 2 14% 35 23% 56 24% 58 38% 92 243 4 Designating conservation areas where hunting is prohibited 1% 3 13% 32 24% 59 26% 62 35% 85 241 4 Improving safety of existing recreation resources 1% 3 7% 17 18% 44 39% 97 35% 86 247 4 Improve information resources about local recreational opportunities 1% 3 4% 11 20% 49 41% 100 34% 83 246 4 Expanding multi-use trail network 4% 10 11% 26 25% 60 28% 67 32% 78 241 4 Improving bike safety 0% 1 12% 30 21% 51 35% 86 31% 77 245 4 Expanding access to alternative forms of transportation 2% 5 12% 30 30% 72 28% 68 28% 69 244 4 Expanding connections and access to existing off-road trails 2% 5 9% 22 28% 69 33% 81 28% 68 245 4 Improving signage at access points to conservation areas and trails 1% 3 9% 21 21% 51 43% 105 27% 67 247 4 Expanding public access to open space 1% 2 9% 22 22% 53 42% 102 27% 65 244 4 Expanding sidewalks 0% 1 19% 46 26% 63 28% 69 27% 65 244 4 Developing a Riverwalk along the Manhan River wildlife corridor 1% 3 12% 29 23% 58 38% 93 26% 65 248 4 Improving organized sports/recreational programing for youth 1% 2 16% 38 28% 69 34% 84 21% 52 245 4 Adding on-road bike lanes 3% 7 22% 55 31% 77 23% 57 20% 50 246 3 Improving organized sports/recreational programing for adults 1% 3 21% 50 36% 87 26% 62 16% 39 241 3 Creating new active recreational resources for hunting and fishing 2% 4 40% 96 31% 75 15% 36 12% 30 241 3 Creating motorized trails 3% 7 58% 140 23% 55 7% 17 10% 23 242 3

Answered 144 Skipped 1

Not Important Important Very Important

10% 61% 56% 47% 27% 27% 63% 55% 46% 46% 45% 35% 34% 31% 27% 26% 21% 12% 7% 81% 38% 35% 32% 28% 28% 20% 16% 44% 15% 23% 35% 43% 42% 28% 38% 34% 26% 24% 26% 39% 28% 33% 58% 40% 32% 27% 36% 41% 28% 29% 32% 35% 30% 21% 40% 16% 19% 22% 21% 10% 14% 13% 11% 12% 12% 9% 9% 12% 16% 1% 2% 1% 3% 4% 4% 8% 3% 6% 7% 4% 9% Southampton Open Space and Recreation Survey 4. Would you be interested in learning more about (select all that apply) Answer Choices Responses Land conservation options 52.57% 92 Ground water supply/ quality protection 51.43% 90 Wildlife habitat management 50.29% 88 Info about local recreation opportunities 49.14% 86 Invasive species management 45.71% 80 Volunteering for trail maintenance 37.14% 65 Climate adaptation 36.00% 63 Forest management practices 35.43% 62 Estate planning 15.43% 27 Flood mitigation 14.29% 25 Other (please specify) 6.29% 11

Answered 106 Skipped 39 Would you be interested in learning more about (select all that apply) 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Responses Responses Category We need to extend the bike path to connect Easthampton and Westfield. greenway It a bike trail is built it should be paved to accommodate road bikes and wheelchairs. This would make it available for more people...not just people who have off road bikes. It will serve a much larger population of the town. I would not vote for a bike trail that was not paved. greenway Where is our bike path. Why do I have to go to neighboring towns. I pay mucho taxes here greenway Any bike trails that get developed should be paved so that they are suitable for road bikes and even wheel chairs. greenway It would be great if my family didnt have to drive to Coleman Rd to utilize the Easthampton rail trail. greenway Greenwayyyyyyyyyyyyy greenway Let them be where they are. Finish the Greenway so other towns don't look down on us 'snobby' Southamptoners. greenway

Extremely interested in developing the rail trail into Southampton and would volunteer time - Ben Brody ([email protected]) greenway Also, a BIG need is to establish a bike trail which has been in the works for over 25 years, it's embarrassing to talk to people on the bike trail who question what is the matter with Southampton as far as being the only community from Belchertown to the Conn. line that doesn't have a bike trail. greenway Develop a Bike trail greenway Places that are kid friendly are great. Having access points and a connection to the bike trail would be really awesome. We would love to being our son on the bike path but have to go to westfield or easthampton greenway Need extension of rail trail to Easthampton and Westhampton. See above. greenway Most of the open space areas listed in the earlier question are unknown to me. More information widely distributed would be appreciated. Thanks for all you efforts. info I was not aware of any recreational conservation areas in Southampton before I took this survey. I have lived in Southampton for 50 years, and do not know where most of the places listed even are located. Yes, I worked 25 miles away from town until retirement, but getting information to people seems to be lacking. info I never knew about all the spaces there are in Southampton. Of course I’m an outsider, only been here for 33 years. info Unsure where some are - online maps or send students on walking field trips in school etc? info I dont know what's available in town info Up until recently (I moved about 12 years ago) I had no idea there were so many outdoor recreational venues in Southampton. Better publicity would be a good idea. info With future land acquisitions, Connect conservation areas where possible to create contiguous space/trails for public enjoyment. Don't buy open space for the sake of preserving every acre. Make sensible , wise choices. conservation My hope is that the rest of the land and open spaces that exist within the town will be protected and preserved. Even if this means helping them keep private for wooded areas, farming and personal use. conservation Sorry to lose meadow lands and wild flowers. conservation More sidewalks would be great & safer! sidewalks More sidewalks are needed for walking and running safely sidewalks More sidewalks and bike paths please. sidewalks We need safer walking and biking up East St to the fields of Strong Road sidewalks

Lack of funding prevents many projects from being initiated. Lack of funding also prevents ongoing maintenance from taking place. maintenance

Instead of spending taxpayer money on purchasing more property, why doesn't the Town enforce existing building and zoning regulations instead of handing out permits and variances like candy. Peer review of percolation tests might be needed as many previously properties with failed perc tests miraculously have perc'ed in the past few years - there are lots for sale EVERYWHERE. Hold developers to high standards and make them contribute something to the town except more mansions housing families with 3- 5 kids that increase our tax burden through ever more expensive school costs! enforcement would like to have some easy level trail area that is wheelchair accessible ADA Part of the issues with keeping farming in town, is that most farmers cannot sustain a farm only. No real income from the farm, farmers have to have other sources of income to keep farm running. it cost money to sustain a farm. agriculture If you are going to do Bike lanes, .. or biking.. more control needs to be done with people speeding... bike lanes Appreciate that western half of town is sparsely developed. character We cannot continue to spend so much money on saving open space while our bridges and roads become dilapidated. We will end up rural but run down and no one will want to stay here or come here. character Moving here from Vermont, I think that’s it’s very important to keep the character of Southampton as rural as possible. This is a beautiful country town, and I’d hate to see that change. character I would like to see a dog park in Southampton as we see happening in surrounding communities. dog park I don’t feel that more taxpayer funds should be spent on youth playing fields. Perhaps an ice skating rink that townspeople of all ages could use. ice skating Propose at town meeting a limit to the the number of building permits per year. land use we need land owners, builders and associated trades to follow existing rules maintenance and enforcement Thanks! maintenance and enforcement I think it is wonderful that we now have an open space committee and hopefully they are in sync with the master plan committee and will listen to what the town citizens would like the town to look like. master plan I see so much wildlife here and it really needs to be protected. I'm grateful for the open space that we have. open space I would like to see trails that extend further past Big Y to connect to bike paths. Also getting a PVTA bus stop is extremely important so that our residence have options to get to other surrounding towns public transportation Would like to see trail marking for trails around Pomeroy Mtn. signage I am concerned about southampton's obsession with collecting open space and paying top dollar for it when we don't have the funds to fix the persistent watermain breaks, pave roads, appropriately house our police and fire departments, fix our highway equipment, or provide for full time emt and ambulance. town finances Please focus on commercisl growth opportunities to alleviate the tax burden on residents. Please look at regionalizing town services as the current spend level is too high for a town our size. Please stop putting all the work and effort into land conservation and try to find ways to conserve spending. town finances Anything involving the use of funds must be done through grants or volunteering. There is no room in budget to allocate funds for maintenance or development town finances Yes. Is the new piece of land on Pomeroy Meadow Road, between Kylene Circle and Gunn Road Ext going to have a walking trail on it? It seems like they put a small parking area there. Thank you. trails Please delay haying of town-owned farm fields until August 1 to protect ground-nesting birds, like bobolinks. wildlife protection I would like to see less new residential single family homes, more affordable housing, more conservation of wildlife corridors, more open space for meadow birds. wildlife protection Kids are going to other towns because activities are not offered in Southampton. It would be great to keep our kids here by offering the things they are interested...skatepark, improved playground, bike path, swimming pool/pond. Thanks. youth I would like recreational sports to start younger like many surrounding towns. Three not five years old youth Would have answered these questions differently in days gone by. I love Southampton and appreciate the work of others who also love it. see above Keep up the good work! I am excited to know that dedicated people are trying to expand the opportunities of open space and recreation use for the citizens of Southampton. Row Labels Count of Category greenway 12 info 6 sidewalks 4 conservation 3 character 3 town finances 3 maintenance and enforcement 2 wildlife protection 2 youth 2 maintenance 1 enforcement 1 ADA 1 agriculture 1 bike lanes 1 dog park 1 ice skating 1 land use 1 master plan 1 open space 1 public transportation 1 signage 1 trails 1 (blank) Grand Total 50 Ciie f Sha ae iied aed a iiig kh f he ci Oe Sace and Recreation Plan on December 18, 2020, at Southampton Town Hall, 210 College Highway, 1st Floor Meeting Room, Southampton, MA , 01073.

Events begin at 6:30 p.m., with a presentation on Open Space and Recreation Plans, visioning, and goal setting by PVPC Planner Emily Slotnick.

Residents will also have the chance to participate in small group discussions and craft a town vision statement to address how the community should pursue open space and recreation priorities over the next 7 years.

Thi Oe Sace ad Receai Pa dae eaae Sha aa ca ad hiic resources, and reconsiders previously established goals and objectives to be implemented over the next seven-year planning cycle period. Allied with responses from a public survey, strategies will be discussed eee Sha a chaace ec aa ece c deee ae and manage its open space. -

TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE AGENDA

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 AT 6:30 PM Town Hall, 1st Floor Meeting Room 210 College Highway, Southampton, MA 01073

Call Meeting to Order Call to Order

New Business: Action/Discussion Southampton Open Space and Recreation Plan Update o Public Visioning Session Presentation - Emily Slotnick, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission What is an Open Space & Recreation Plan? Why do an Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP)? OSRP Process Survey Responses 2012 OSRP Vision Statements Analysis of Needs Resource Protection Needs Community Needs Management Needs, Potential Change of Use Needs identified in Survey Goals & Objectives Breakout Sessions Creating an action Plan Scenic Resources & Unique Environments Report Back & Next Steps

Any other necessary business that cannot wait until the next meeting.

OSRPU Committee to Adjourn Meeting

Page 1 of 1

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN

Public Visioning Session, December 18, 2019 What is an Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP)?

State mandated planning document updated on a 7- year cycle

Follows a process and format developed by the Division of Conservation Services (DCS), including significant public input/participation

Oi ae ad a f a iciai open space and recreation resources and facilities, and decide how to get there

Open Space & Recreation

F e f OSRP, e ace ad eceai i: Conservation, forested, recreational, agricultural, or corridor/park lands/open areas protected from development Undeveloped land with conservation or recreation interest (may or may not be protected) Acie eceai, ch a cce, tennis, etc. Paie eceai, ch a walking, hiking, biking, etc.

Why do an OSRP?

Proactive planning to protect open space and recreational facilities helps ensure compatible growth i he fe, iig ci iabii

OSRPs are required for eligibility for MA conservation and recreation grants (e.g. $400,000 PARC grants, Recreational Trails Grants, LAND grants (past), etc.)

OSRPs can help guide Community Preservation Act (CPA) expenditures and other town spending

Documenting needs and goals can help support other grants, including Self-Help and Land and Water Conservation Funds

OSRP Process

Town Administrator appoints OSRP Advisory Committee. They review the 2012 plan and determine where actions have been achieved, partially achieved, or not initiated.

OSRP survey provides foundation for visioning (released Nov. 5)

Visioning session to develop new strategies to guide the plan update (today!)

Draft plan to be completed by committee (winter/spring 2020) and available for public comment

Public hearing for final plan (spring 2020) Southampton Master Plan

Created in 2013 Paralleled 2012 OSRP, many overlapping strategies Master Plan Implementation Committee meets approximately monthly, and is represented on OSRP update committee New committees formed Open Space Review Ad-hoc Committee: Mission is identifying lands for acquisition Friends of Southampton Greenway External Group Friends of Open Space Committee External Group Survey Responses

Opened on Nov.5 261 respondents (as of 12/18)

Q.1: How often do you use the following spaces in Southampton? Woodland trails, Norris School Fields, Council on Aging, conservation lands, Manhan River, Wolf Hill and Conant Park get the most frequent use. Conant Park basketball courts and Labrie Field get the least use from respondents

Q.2: What activities do you enjoy in Southampton and elsewhere? 100% 90% In Southampton Elsewhere 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

• Respondents generally prefer passive recreation in Southampton - gardening, playground use, wildlife and bird watching, walking, and sledding • People leave town for splash parks, dog parks, skateboarding, swimming, shopping at farmers markets, and ice skating Not Important Important Very Important Q.3: What is important to you?

10% 56% 47% 27% 63% 61% 55% 46% 45% 35% 34% 31% 27% 26% 12% 7% 81% 46% 27% 21% 38% 35% 32% 28% 28% 20% 16% 44% 15%

28% 34% 23% 26% 35% 43% 42% 38% 58% 40% 32% 27% 24% 26% 39% 41% 28% 28% 33% 35% 36% 40% 29% 32% 30% 21% 22% 16% 14% 19% 16% 21% 8% 10% 13% 11% 12% 12% 9% 9% 9% 12% 1% 2% 1% 3% 4% 4% 3% 6% 7% 4% Protecting forests Protecting farmland Ie ifai Ceaig e acie Eadig acce Iig gaied Iig gaied Expanding sidewalks Improving bike safety Preserving scenic views Deeig Rieaa Ciae adaaiad Eadig i-e ai Deigaig ceai Creatingmotorized trails Preserving rural character Pecig idifehabia Eadig bicacce Adding on-roadbike lanes Eadig ceci ad Iig afe f eiig Iig igage a acce Pecig ae ai ad Sa deee ceae Developing bicycle paths and bicycle Developing Expanding non-motorized trails Maintaining non-motorized trails • Most people feel strongly about protecting natural resources, preserving rural and agricultural character, maintaining existing trails and developing the greenway • More education is needed on climate adaptation and resilience (24 people or 10% f ede d ha i i!) Q.5: What would you be interested in learning more about?

60% 53% 51% 50% 49% 50% 46%

40% 37% 36% 35%

30%

20% 15% 14% 10% 6%

0%

• Many respondents would like to learn more about resource protection and management, land conservation options, and local recreational opportunities. Q.5: Anything else on natural areas, land conservation, open space, or recreation needs in Southampton?

Category Count greenway 12 info 6 sidewalks 4 conservation 3 character 3 town finances 3 maintenance and enforcement 2 wildlife protection 2 youth 2 maintenance 1 enforcement 1 ADA 1 agriculture 1 bike lanes 1 dog park 1 ice skating 1 land use 1 master plan 1 open space 1 public transportation 1 signage 1 trails 1 2012 OSRP Vision Statements

Southampton is: a town with passive recreation, gathering spaces, and programs for all ages environmentally friendly a welcoming, caring, thriving community for all ages with a well‐planned Village Center that provides community, cultural, and commercial amenities concerned about preserving its historic buildings, open spaces and agricultural lands. A close‐knit and vibrant community with residents who are committed to sustainability, volunteerism, and each other. a community with many small, local businesses, a well‐developed agricultural tourism economy, and a vibrant Village Center that welcomes people of all ages. Analysis of Needs

A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs (Open Space) Data collected from the environmental inventory and the inventory of public and private lands of conservation and recreation interest, survey responses, and A systematic public meetings. Work to protect large areas linked via riparian and upland examination corridors to maintain or restore the ecological network ci gee of what is iface. Ne ga i he eiig ai, geea, iage a forest or agricultural resources in adjacent communities. needed to B. Summary of Community's Needs (Recreation) achieve the community's Include data on recreation and conservation needs, information gathered from surveys, public meetings, and the MA Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor stated goals Recreation Plan (SCORP) for local supply and demand. Include the needs of special populations such as people with disabilities. C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use (Other) Mention specific current and future management needs, such as staffing or conflicts of use. include special opportunities, e.g., a quarry with rock climbing potential, a soon-to-be-closed landfill with scenic and active recreation. Are local boards communicating? Are certain areas threatened by abutting development? Resource Protection Needs

Prioritize open space parcels for acquisition Develop a management plan for conservation areas Outreach campaign about existing open space and rec resources, and improve signage. Develop Manhan River Greenway and Wildlife Corridor Management Plan Identify appropriate locations and parcels to be used as a town owned community garden

Resource Protection Needs

Educate townspeople about drinking water quality, and Barnes Aquifer vulnerability Adopt LID for stormwater Management in the zoning, subdivision, and stormwater regulations Adopt River Protection Overlay District, expanded wetlands buffer zone, and reduced road salt policy Educate public about climate change and resilience

Community Needs

Develop a plan to enhance Conant Memorial Park and connect it to other town spaces and resources

Develop rail trails along existing rail bed to create connections between existing open spaces.

Create a weekly farmers market in town

Develop community gardens

Create more recreation opportunities for seniors and people with limited mobility

Management Needs, Potential Change of Use

Communications Outreach and education campaign to inform the community about existing open space resources Marketing to promote agriculture in town Education about the benefits of smart growth and cluster development Regulatory and Operations Pe he e f Sha Agica Peeai Diic Adopt overlay zoning district that protects scenic vistas, to include buffers and design standards for developments Comprehensive zoning review for natural resource and agricultural protection. Consider implementing Open Space Residential Development, Green Development Performance Standards, Resource Protection Overlay Districts, or Transfer of Development Rights. Needs Identified in Survey

Maintain and enhance existing recreational open space for all ages I a no aare of any recreational Extend bike path from Easthampton to conservation areas Westfield (paved and ADA accessible) in Southampton More sidewalks before I took this Prioritized wildlife and habitat protection survey. I have lived in Southampton for Improve signage and education about existing recreational resources i.e. include 50 years, and do not comprehensive trail map in town mailer know where most of the places listed Maintain small town agricultural character een are locaed. Better enforcement of land use regulations getting information and conservation management plans to people seems to be lacking. Goals and Objectives

Vision Goal Objective Action GOAL 1: Identify and preserve important parcels for ecological, recreational, cultural and historical value to create a town‐wide green network.

1. Increase capacity for management of town-owned open space lands and promote public use of existing open space network.

2. Connect open space resources to enhance community livability and wildlife habitat, and to encourage walking and biking.

3. Objectives Objectives Prioritize parcels for permanent protection based on natural resource protection and climate resilience.

GOAL 2: Pec Sha eaiig agica ad, promote local farming, and create opportunities for residents to become involved in local agriculture.

1. Develop a public outreach strategy to support agricultural activity.

Objectives Objectives GOAL 3: Pec Sha ae ece.

1. Cie ec Sha public water supply and the Barnes Aquifer for generations to come.

Objectives Objectives GOAL 4: Promote land use policies that protect the aa ad ad a ci chaace.

1. Balance residential development with he eci f he aa, scenic and historic resources.

2. Establish land use and development policies that respond to infrastructure Objectives Objectives capacity

GOAL 5 (NEW) : Provide adequate recreational facilities to serve a variety of needs for all citizens of Southampton.

1. Manage and maintain existing recreational facilities

2. Expand recreational opportunities for seniors

Objectives Objectives Breakout Sessions

Creating an Action Plan Review goals and objectives and add your feedback with a sticky note. Place sticky note below the white line with your suggestions for how to reach each objective. Provide as many as you would like. Breakout Sessions

Scenic Resources & Unique Environments Place a red sticker to identify Sha ie aea. Consider: Contribution to community character Aesthetic importance Place a green sticker to show where you would like to see new open space or agricultural land preserved. Ue a ic e if d ie to leave a comment. REPORT BACK & NEXT STEPS

What have we learned?

Next Steps

Draft to be reviewed by the Committee (Winter/Spring 2020)

Public Hearing for finalized plan (Spring 2020)

Thank You! TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC VISIONIG SESSION NOTES

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 AT 6:30 PM Town Hall, 1st Floor Meeting Room

Public Visioning Session Presentation - Emily Slotnick, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission o What is an Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP)? o Why do an Open Space & Recreation Plan? o OSRP Process o Survey Responses o 2012 OSRP Vision Statements o Analysis of Needs Resource Protection Needs Community Needs Management Needs, Potential Change of Use Needs identified in Survey o Goals & Objectives o Breakout Sessions Creating an action Plan Scenic Resources & Unique Environments

Notes from the Breakout sessions Creating an action Plan o Participants were asked to review the goals and objectives and add feedback with a sticky note. Specifically, participants were asked to place sticky notes (as many as needed) in the blank spaces on the posters with suggestions for how to reach each objective. o Goal 1: Identify and preserve important parcels for ecological, recreational, cultural and historical value to create a town‐wide green network. Objective 1: Increase capacity for management of town-owned open space lands and promote public use of existing open space network. Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o $$$ o Professional grant writer o Fund [and hire] marketing professionals o [hire a] conservation agent o Hire a conservation agent o More funding for conservation o Mailer to all households with information on recreation areas Objective 2: Increase capacity for management of town-owned open space lands and promote public use of existing open space network. Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Generate a kick-off event and put full energy and money towards the greenway o Do more educational programs o Create more sidewalks o Create Manhan River walk o More info [needed] on local wildlife and what individuals can do to sustain the populations o [Add more] bike lanes o Create a network of sidewalks to bring neighborhoods closer to open spaces Objective 3: Prioritize parcels for permanent protection based on natural resource protection and climate resilience. Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Support Friends of Conservation, Conservation Commission, and Open Space Review Committee o Create a ranked database of lands [for permanent protection] o Map layering for prioritized lands [for protection] o Create prioritization process and advertise o Cross-reference conservation commission and assessors for desirable chapter properties. Establish priorities. o Goal 2: Protect Southamptons remaining agricultural lands, promote local farming, and create opportunities for residents to become involved in local agriculture. Objective 1: Develop a public outreach strategy to support agricultural activity. Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Financial survival for farmers. How can Southampton and its representatives get more money? o Buy goods locally, and get the word out [about available local goods, vendors, and producers.) o [Create a] farmers market association o Goal 3: Protect Southamptons water resources. Objective 1: Continue to protect Southamptons public water suppl and the Barnes Aquifer for generations to come. Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Enforce aquifer protection o Incentivize not developing over the aquifer o Evaluate water quality, publicize results, and identify risks o Restart BAPAC o Goal 4: Promote land use policies that protect the towns natural lands and rural community character. Objective 1: Balance residential development with the protection of the towns natural, scenic and historic resources. Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Require adherence to zoning and chapter land rules o [Enact a] moratorium on building o [Enact a] solar siting bylaw to prevent arrays in forest lands o Revise zoning for cluster development o Flag lots allow (??) o [Enact] more ecologically friendly regulations, [and offer] incentives for developers to comply. o Determine if we have enough Town Water to support expansion o Revise zoning for cluster development o Protection for grassland birds, including delayed haying at Sczypta Objective 2: Establish land use and development policies that respond to infrastructure capacity Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Low Impact Development o Community solar o Goal 5: Provide adequate recreational facilities to serve a variety of needs for all citizens of Southampton. Objective 1: Manage and maintain existing recreational facilities Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Use CPA funds for a new roof on the Conant Park pavilion o [Establish a] liaison from the town to Southampton Youth Athletic Association o Use CPA funds for trail maintenance o Clean up the pond at Conant Park o [Increase] funding for maintenance of parks and open space o [Create] a recreation department o [Recruit and train/manage] active trail volunteers Objective 2: Expand recreational opportunities for seniors Suggestions to accomplish this objective: o Increase the number of sidewalks in the village starting from Town Hall to the Library to the parks o [Offer] more indoor activities for seniors o [Facilitate/provide for] more outdoor activities for active seniors o [Build an] indoor walking track Scenic Resources and Unique Environments o Two large maps were presented. The first showed protected and recreational open space in Southampton according to 2019 MassGIS parcel and assessor data, with different colors indicating Owner Type (state, municipal, land trust, etc.), Level of Protection (in perpetuity, limited, or none), Chapter Lands, and Primary Purpose or current land use. The second map illustrated prioritized parcels for protection based an analysis by the Massachusetts Priority Parcels for Resilience (MAPPR 2.0) tool. This tool considers multiple spatial indicators of climate vulnerability and resilience in order to identify parcels that should be prioritized for protection. The map was based on the Balanced Model which combines the TNC Resilience, UMass Critical Linkages, BioMap2 Core Habitat, BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape, Parcel size, Block size, Adjacency to existing protection, and Under-represented settings values together. They are all equally weighted. The resulting map shows selected parcels in red (highest priority for protection), orange (medium), or yellow (lowest priority). Parcels without any resilience factors and those that are already permanently protected are not rated. o Participants were asked to use a sticky note or write directly on the maps to leave a comment. Red stickers identified Southamptons unique areas, considering contribution to community character and aesthetic importance, and green stickers indicated where participants would like to see new open space or agricultural land preserved. o Unsurprisingly, the results of this exercise indicated that many of the places that participants found to be the most scenic or unique were also the places indicated as priorities for protection, both b the participants green dots and b the MAPPR analysis. Green dots outweighed red dots 30-12, and were clustered in a few primary areas. 16 green dots were scattered horizontally across an area between Edward Road to the west, across Pomeroy Mountain and past Cold Spring Road to the east and ending around Pomeroy Meadow Road. Other clusters of green dots were placed south of College Highway (SR10) near Gunn Road Extension and east of College Highway near Conant Memorial Park and the Manhan Meadows. General comments and discussion General questions were asked about who responded to the survey and how long the survey will remain open, etc. Age information was not gathered as part of the survey. The survey will stay live into the New Year, with an announcement to be made in advance of the survey closing. Comments about public outreach and engagement, and how to encourage better participation included: o More efforts are needed to reach youth, including outreach to local athletic groups including Southampton Youth Athletic Association and Hampshire United (this group includes kids from other towns, too.) o Make a connection to a local educator, and send hard copy surveys (or links to the online survey) home with school children to complete with their parents o Committee may elect to do another visioning session in the spring o Committee could do outreach at public events in the spring, set up a table and talk to people about the OSRP, update process, and get input and feedback on priorities o Committee could create an educational flyer about the OSRP, with info on how residents can contribute. Flyer could be distributed at the special town meeting, and/or stuffed with an existing town mailer such as the census or tax bill o Committee could do outreach over the winter at indoor sporting events such as basketball games and pickle ball matches SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020 E. Letters of Endorsement

SOUTHAMPTON OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2020

F. ADA Accessibility Report

TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON P.O. BOX 397 Southampton, Massachusetts 01073 ______

ADA COORDINATOR:

Edward Gibson, Town Administrator 210 College Highway, Suite 7 Southampton, MA 01073

Phone & Fax: (413) 529-0106 E-mail: [email protected]

TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON 210 College Highway, Suite 7 Southampton, Massachusetts 01073 ______

PUBLIC NOTICE

This notice is provided as required by the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

The Town of Southampton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The Town of Southampton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.

Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to the following designated ADA Coordinator:

Name: Edward Gibson Title: Town Administrator Address: Town Hall 210 College highway, Suite 7 Southampton, MA 01073 Phone: (413) 529-0106 When Available: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 p.m.

Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication with respect to programs and services of the Town of Southampton are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Coordinator.

This notice is also available in alternative formats.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE – ADA (Draft)

This Grievance Procedure has been established to meet the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in employment practices and policies, or in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the Town of Southampton. The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date and description of the problem. Complaint forms are available in the Town Administrators Office, located in the Southampton Town Hall. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be available for persons with disabilities upon request. The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the alleged violation to:

ADA Coordinator: Edward Gibson Town Administrator 210 College Highway, Suite 7 Southampton, MA 01073 Phone/Fax: (413) 529-0106

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the above named ADA Coordinator, or their designee should the Coordinator be unavailable, will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after the meeting, the ADA Coordinator or designee will respond in writing and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant. The response will explain the position of the Town of Southampton and, where possible, will offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint. If the response by the ADA Coordinator or designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may submit a written request for a hearing with the Personnel Committee, acting as the Grievance Appeal Board, to the Chair of the Personnel Committee within seven (7) calendar days of the transmittal of the written response of the ADA Coordinator. The hearing shall be held not later than ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of the request. The ADA Coordinator, as well as the Town Administrator (if the ADA Coordinator is someone different than the Town Administrator) , shall be advised of the hearing. Procedures of the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Chair of the Grievance Appeals Board. The Chair shall issue a written decision on behalf of the Board to the complainant and other parties as appropriate no later than ten (10) calendar days after the hearing. If the vote of the Board is not unanimous, a minority report may be included in the decision. The Chair will inform the complainant that he/she has the right to pursue the complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or the courts at any time and shall provide the addresses and phone numbers of such agencies. All written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator, appeals to the Grievance Appeals Board and responses will be kept by the Town of Southampton for a period of at least three years. 12.0 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

22-1 Policy

The intent of this grievance procedure is to reconcile employee grievance in an appropriate and effective manner. Participants in the grievance are expected to act appropriately and respect the grievance process.

22-2 Coverage

All employees

22-3 Grievance procedure

Grievance shall relate to improper application of these personnel rules and regulations or disciplinary procedures and shall be resolved in the following manner. A. An aggrieved employee is encouraged to discuss any matter of dispute with the department head in a mutual effort to resolve any problem or misunderstanding. Failing to resolve any grievance in an informal manner an aggrieved employee may present a grievance in writing to the department head along with any pertinent information relative to the grievance and indicating the relief that is desired. The department head within five (5) working days of receipt of a grievance shall provide an answer in writing to the aggrieved employee.

B. I the grievance has not been resolved as provided in A. above the aggrieved employee may within five (5) working days after receipt of the written answer from the department head or within ten (10) working days after presentation of the grievance to the department head present the grievance in writing to the Personnel Policies and Procedures Board. The Personnel Policies and Procedures Board shall schedule a hearing on the grievance within ten (10) working days after receipt of the grievance. The Personnel Policies and Procedures Board shall answer any grievance in writing within ten (10) working days after such hearing.

C. If the grievance has not been resolved as provided in B. above the aggrieved employee may within ten (10) working days after receipt of the written answer from the Personnel Policies and Procedures Board present the grievance in writing to the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen shall schedule a hearing on the grievance and shall answer the grievance within thirty (30) days after it receipt.

Name of Facility: Pomeroy Meadow Road Water Protection Area LOCATION: Pomeroy Meadow Road

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES NONE

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills

Trash Cans

Picnic Shelters

All Trails are unpaved. ATV’s and motorized vehicles are not allowed.

Trails

NONE Pools

Swimming Facilities NONE

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, NONE slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes NONE

NONE Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball NONE *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes NONE

Access Routes NONE

NONE Fishing Facilities Equipment

NONE

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and NONE Technical Assistance

1

Pomeroy Meadow Road

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. There is an unpaved parking lot with gravel for about four cars located right on Pomeroy Meadow Road. The property does have a sign identifying it and is located right at the parking area on Pomeroy Meadow Road. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Pomeroy Meadow Road

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Pomeroy Meadow Road

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Pomeroy Meadow Road

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Pomeroy Meadow Road

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Pomeroy Meadow Road

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

NOTES:

7

Name of Facility: Manhan Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary LOCATION: Brickyard Road

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES NONE

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills

Trash Cans

Picnic Shelters

All Trails are unpaved

Trails

NONE Pools

Swimming Facilities NONE

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, NONE slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes NONE

NONE Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball NONE *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes NONE

Access Routes NONE

NONE Fishing Facilities Equipment

NONE

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and NONE Technical Assistance

1

Brickyard Road

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. There is an unpaved parking lot for a few cars at the trail head. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Brickyard Road

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Brickyard Road

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Brickyard Road

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Brickyard Road

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Brickyard Road

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

NOTES:

7

Name of Facility: Lyman Conservation Area LOCATION: Route 10 near Southampton Country Club

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES None

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills None

Trash Cans None None Picnic Shelters

All trails are unpaved.

Trails

None Pools

Swimming Facilities None

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, None slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes None

None Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball None *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes None

Access Routes None

None Fishing Facilities Equipment

None

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and None Technical Assistance

1

Route 10

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. There is an unpaved parking lot for a few cars at the trails head. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Route 10

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Route 10

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Route 10

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Route 10

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Route 10

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

Notes:

7

8

Name of Facility: Fog Hollow LOCATION Pleasant Street

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES NONE

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills

Trash Cans

Picnic Shelters

All Trails are unpaved. There are no facilities at this location.

Trails

NONE Pools

Swimming Facilities NONE

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, NONE slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes NONE

NONE Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball NONE *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes NONE

Access Routes NONE

NONE Fishing Facilities Equipment

NONE

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and NONE Technical Assistance

1

Pleasant Street

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. There is an unpaved parking lot for a few cars at the trail head. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Pleasant Street

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Pleasant Street

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Pleasant Street

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Pleasant Street

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Pleasant Street

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

NOTES:

7

Name of Facility: Cross Roads Park LOCATION: Helen Drive

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES NONE

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills

Trash Cans

Picnic Shelters

All Trails are unpaved. There are no facilities at this location.

Trails

NONE Pools

Swimming Facilities NONE

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, NONE slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes NONE

NONE Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball NONE *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes NONE

Access Routes NONE

NONE Fishing Facilities Equipment

NONE

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and NONE Technical Assistance

1

Helen Drive

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. Street parking. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Helen Drive

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Helen Drive

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Helen Drive

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Helen Drive

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Helen Drive

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

NOTES:

7

Name of Facility: Cook-County Road Acquifer Protection Area LOCATION: Cook/County Road

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES NONE

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills

Trash Cans

Picnic Shelters

All Trails are unpaved. .

Trails

NONE Pools

Swimming Facilities NONE

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, NONE slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes NONE

NONE Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball NONE *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes NONE

Access Routes NONE

NONE Fishing Facilities Equipment

NONE

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and NONE Technical Assistance

1

Cook/County Road

PARKING N/A

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Cook/County Road

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Cook/County Road

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Cook/County Road

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Cook/County Road

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Cook/County Road

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

NOTES:

7

Facility Inventory: Pomeroy Mountain LOCATION: Cold Spring Road

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES None

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills None

Trash Cans None None Picnic Shelters

All trails are unpaved

Trails

None Pools

Swimming Facilities None

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, None slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes None

None Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball None *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes None

Access Routes None

None Fishing Facilities Equipment

None

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and None Technical Assistance

1

Cold Spring Road

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. There is an unpaved parking lot for a few cars at the trail head. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces N/A Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Cold Spring Road

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access N/A

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Cold Spring Road

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs N/A

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Cold Spring Road

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Cold Spring Road

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Cold Spring Road

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

Notes:

7

Name of Facility: Conant Park LOCATION: Clark Street

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES Located adjacent to accessible paths

Tables & Benches Access to Open Spaces

Picnic Facilities Grills Located adjacent to accessible paths Trash Cans Located adjacent to accessible paths Located adjacent to accessible paths Picnic Shelters Located near accessible water fountains, trash can, restroom, parking, etc. NONE

Trails

NONE Pools

Swimming Facilities NONE

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, Same experience provided to all slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes NONE

NONE Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes NONE

Access Routes NONE

NONE Fishing Facilities Equipment

NONE

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and NONE Technical Assistance

1

Clark Street

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 1 space 26-50 2 spaces 51-75 3 spaces 76-100 4 spaces 101-150 5 spaces 151-200 6 spaces 201-300 7 spaces 301-400 8 spaces 401-500 9 spaces Specification for Accessible Spaces Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible Parking is not striped entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each Parking is not signed for handicap space or pair of spaces parking Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) X Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Clark Street

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES: Restrooms

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access

Accessible path of travel from passenger X disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance X Surface evenly paved or hard-packed X No ponding of water X Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs X Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant X 3 ft wide minimum X Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch X is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level X greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be X detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall X must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, X No Curb parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using X wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior X and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door X with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of X door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a X closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging X into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators X accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened No Door Mats Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed No Door Mats Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” X maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction X to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and X audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Clark Street

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs – No Stairs

No open risers No Stairs Nosings not projecting No Stairs Treads no less than 11” wide No Stairs Handrails on both sides No Stairs Handrails 34”-38” above tread No Stairs Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and No Stairs bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round No Stairs Handgrip has a smooth surface No Stairs Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” No Stairs 1½” clearance between wall and handrail No Stairs Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening X At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door X Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of X the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors X Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides X Hardware operable with a closed fist (no X conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the X floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both X sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and X unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware X that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Clark Street

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules upgraded for ADA compliance

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor X At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward X approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top X of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall X Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, X and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation X Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring X activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide X by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide X Stall door swings out X Stall door is self closing X Stall door has a pull latch X Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and X 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high X Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall X 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest X wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor X Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet X 1¼” diameter X 1½” clearance to wall X Located 30” above and parallel to the floor X Acid-etched or roughened surface X 42” long X Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor X One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, X 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a X maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Clark Street

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface X Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, X No Carpet stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft X Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only X protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains N/A

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet No Drinking Fountains Hand operated push button or level controls No Drinking Fountains Spouts located near front with stream of water as No Drinking Fountains parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no No Drinking Fountains deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space No Drinking Fountains 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Clark Street

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

Notes:

7

8

Facility Inventory: Clearwater Woodland LOCATION: Glendale Road

ACTIVITY EQUIPMENT NOTES None

Tables & Benches

Picnic Facilities Grills None

Trash Cans None None Picnic Shelters

All trails are unpaved

Trails Extensive trails over the approximately 85+ acres. Some trail loops.

None Pools

Swimming Facilities None

Beaches

All Play Equipment i.e. swings, None slides Play Areas (tot lots) Access Routes None

None Game Areas: Access Routes *ballfield *basketball None *tennis Equipment

Boat Docks Access Routes None

Access Routes None

None Fishing Facilities Equipment

None

Are special programs at your Programming facilities accessible?

Services and None Technical Assistance

1

Glendale Road

PARKING

Total Spaces Required Accessible Spaces Up to 25 This facility is not ADA compliant. There is an unpaved parking lot for a about 6 cars at the trail head on Glendale Road. There is a sign at the parking area identifying the property. 26-50 51-75 76-100 101-150 151-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 Specification for Accessible Spaces N/A Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Accessible space located closest to accessible X entrance Where spaces cannot be located within 200 ft of accessible entrance, drop-off area is provided within 100 ft. Minimum width of 13 ft includes 8 ft space plus 5 ft access aisle Van space – minimum of 1 van space for every accessible space, 8 ft wide plus 8 ft aisle. Alternative is to make all accessible spaces 11 ft wide with 5 ft aisle.

Sign with international symbol of accessibility at each space or pair of spaces Sign minimum 5 ft, maximum 8 ft to top of sign Surface evenly paved or hard-packed (no cracks) Surface slope less than 1:20, 5% Curbcut to pathway from parking lot at each space or pair of spaces, if sidewalk (curb) is present Curbcut is a minimum width of 3 ft, excluding sloped sides, has sloped sides, all slopes not to exceed 1:12, and textured or painted yellow RAMPS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Slope Maximum 1:12 Minimum width 4 ft between handrails Handrails on both sides if ramp is longer than 6 ft Handrails at 34” and 19” from ramp surface Handrails extend 12” beyond top and bottom Handgrip oval or round Handgrip smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 2” Clearance of 1½” between wall and wall rail Non-slip surface Level platforms (4ft x 4 ft) at every 30 ft, at top, at bottom, at change of direction

2

Glendale Road

SITE ACCESS, PATH OF TRAVEL, ENTRANCES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Site Access N/A

Accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and parking area to accessible entrance Disembarking area at accessible entrance Surface evenly paved or hard-packed No ponding of water Path of Travel

Path does not require the use of stairs Path is stable, firm and s lip resistant 3 ft wide minimum Slope maximum 1:20 (5%) and maximum cross pitch is 2% (1:50). Continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch Any objects protruding onto the pathway must be detected by a person with a visual disability using a cane Objects protruding more than 4” from the wall must be within 27” of the ground, or higher than 80” Curb on the pathway must have curb cuts at drives, parking and drop-offs Entrances

Primary public entrances accessible to person using wheelchair, must be signed, gotten to independently, and not be the service entrance Level space extending 5 ft. from the door, interior and exterior of entrance doors Minimum 32” clear width opening (i.e. 36” door with standard hinge) At least 18" clear floor area on latch, pull side of door Door handle no higher than 48” and operable with a closed fist Vestibule is 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into the space Entrance(s) on a level that makes elevators accessible Door mats less than ½” thick are securely fastened Door mats more than ½“ thick are recessed Grates in path of travel have openings of ½” maximum Signs at non-accessible entrance(s) indicate direction to accessible entrance Emergency egress – alarms with flashing lights and audible signals, sufficiently lighted

NOTES:

3

Glendale Road

STAIRS and DOORS N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stairs N/A

No open risers Nosings not projecting Treads no less than 11” wide Handrails on both sides Handrails 34”-38” above tread Handrail extends a minimum of 1 ft beyond top and bottom riser (if no safety hazard and space permits) Handgrip oval or round Handgrip has a smooth surface Handgrip diameter between 1¼” and 1½” 1½” clearance between wall and handrail Doors

Minimum 32” clear opening At least 18” clear floor space on pull side of door Closing speed minimum 3 seconds to within 3” of the latch Maximum pressure 5 pounds interior doors Threshold maximum ½” high, beveled on both sides Hardware operable with a closed fist (no conventional door knobs or thumb latch devices) Hardware minimum 36”, maximum 48” above the floor Clear, level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of the door Door adjacent to revolving door is accessible and unlocked Doors opening into hazardous area have hardware that is knurled or roughened

NOTES:

4

Glendale Road

RESTROOMS – also see Doors and Vestibules N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes 5 ft turning space measured 12” from the floor At least one Sink:

Clear floor space of 30” by 48” to allow a forward approach Mounted without pedestal or legs, height 34” to top of rim Extends at least 22” from the wall Open knee space a minimum 19” deep, 30” width, and 27” high Cover exposed pipes with insulation Faucets operable with closed fist (lever or spring activated handle) At least one Stall:

Accessible to person using wheelchair at 60” wide by 72” deep Stall door is 36” wide Stall door swings out Stall door is self closing Stall door has a pull latch Lock on stall door is operable with a closed fist, and 32” above the floor Coat hook is 54” high Toilet

18” from center to nearest side wall 42” minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture Top of seat 17”-19” above the floor Grab Bars

On back and side wall closest to toilet 1¼” diameter 1½” clearance to wall Located 30” above and parallel to the floor Acid-etched or roughened surface 42” long Fixtures Toilet paper dispenser is 24” above floor One mirror set a maximum 38” to bottom (if tilted, 42”) Dispensers (towel, soap, etc) at least one of each a maximum 42” above the floor

NOTES:

5

Glendale Road

FLOORS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS, TELEPHONES N/A

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Floors

Non-slip surface Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut, securely anchored Corridor width minimum is 3 ft Objects (signs, ceiling lights, fixtures) can only protrude 4” into the path of travel from a height of 27” to 80” above the floor Drinking Fountains

Spouts no higher than 36” from floor to outlet Hand operated push button or level controls Spouts located near front with stream of water as parallel to front as possible If recessed, recess a minimum 30” width, and no deeper than depth of fountain If no clear knee space underneath, clear floor space 30” x 48” to allow parallel approach Telephones Highest operating part a maximum 54” above the floor Access within 12” of phone, 30” high by 30” wide Adjustable volume control on headset so identified SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND SWITCHES

Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Switches, Controls and Signs

Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation, windows, fire alarms, thermostats, etc, must be a minimum of 36” and a maximum of 48” above the floor for a forward reach, a maximum of 54” for a side reach Electrical outlets centered no lower than 18” above the floor Warning signals must be visual as well as audible Signs

Mounting height must be 60” to centerline of the sign Within 18” of door jamb or recessed Letters and numbers a t least 1¼” high Letters and numbers raised .03” Letters and numbers contrast with the background color

NOTES:

6

Glendale Road

SWIMMING POOLS – accessibility can be via ramp, lifting device, or transfer area N/A Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Ramp at least 34” wide with a non-slip surface extending into the shallow end, slope not exceeding 1:6 with handrails on both sides Lifting device Transfer area 18” above the path of travel and a minimum of 18” wide Unobstructed path of travel not less than 48” wide around pool Non-slip surface

SHOWER ROOMS - Showers must accommodate both wheel-in and transfer use Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes Stalls 36” by 60” minimum, with a 36” door opening Floors are pitched to drain the stall at the corner farthest from entrance Floors are non-slip surface Controls operate by a single lever with a pressure balance mixing valve Controls are located on the center wall adjacent to the hinged seat Shower heads attached to a flexible metal hose Shower heads attached to wall mounting adjustable from 42” to 72” above the floor Seat is hinged and padded and at least 16” deep, folds upward, securely attached to side wall, height is 18” to the top of the seat, and at least 24” long Soap trays without handhold features unless they can support 250 pounds 2 grab bars are provided, one 30” and one 48” long, or one continuous L shaped bar Grab bars are placed horizontally at 36” above the floor line

PICNICKING Specification Yes No Comments/Transition Notes A minimum of 5% of the total tables must be accessible with clear space under the table top not less than 30” wide and 19” deep per seating space and not less than 27” clear from the ground to the underside of the table. An additional 29” clear space (totaling 48”) must extend beyond the 19” clear space under the table to provide access For tables without toe clearance, the knee space under the table must be at least 28” high, 30” wide and 24” deep. Top of table no higher than 32” above ground Surface of the clear ground space under and around the table must be stable, firma nd slip-resistant, and evenly graded with a maximum slope of 2% in all directions Accessible tables, grills and fire rings must have clear ground space of at least 36” around the perimeter

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