ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This plan was prepared in cooperation and with assistance from the following elected officials, staff, boards, and committees:

Agawam Mayor

Richard A. Cohen

Agawam City Council

Christopher C. Johnson, President Dennis J. Perry, Vice President George Bitzas Cecilia P. Calabrese Paul Cavallo James Cichetti Gina M. Letellier Joseph Mineo Donald Rheault Robert E. Rossi Anthony R. Suffriti

Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee

Shelby Hall Gibbons – Co-Chair Nick Pandolfi – Co-Chair Ted Dobek Jane Benerakis Sharon Roulier Jill Messick Louis Russo Chris Sparks John Decker Karl Stieg Deborah S. Dachos

Office of Planning and Community Development Deborah S. Dachos: Director of Planning and Community Development Pamela Kerr: Administrative Assistant, Planning Department

Conservation Commission Henry Kozloski-Chairman Sheryl Becker Jill Messick Magda Galiatsos S. Page Fallon Frank Meagher Mark Soticheck

Agawam Recreation Department Christopher Sparks, Director

Agawam Department of Public Works

Agawam Department of Engineering

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 PAGE NUMBER Plan Summary 1

SECTION 2 Introduction 1 A. Statement of Purpose 1 B. Planning Process and Public Participation 2

SECTION 3 Community Setting 3 A. Regional Context 3 B. History of the Community 4 C. Population Characteristics 5 D. Growth and Development Patterns 6 1. Patterns and Trends 6 2. Infrastructure 8 a. Transportation System 8 b. Water Supply System 9 c. Sewer System 9 3. Long-Term Development Patterns 10

SECTION 4 Environmental Inventory and Analysis 12 A. Geology, Soils, and Topography 12 B. Landscape Character 13 C. Water Resources 13 D. Vegetation 14 E. Fisheries and Wildlife 15 F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments 16 G. Environmental Challenges 20 H. Farmland 23

SECTION 5 Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest 23

SECTION 6 Community Vision A. Description of Process 28 B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals 28

SECTION 7 Analysis of Needs 28 A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs 28 B. Summary of Community Needs 29 C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use 34

SECTION 8 Goals and Objectives 35

SECTION 9 Five Year Action Plan 37

SECTION 10 ADA Self Evaluation 45

SECTION 11 Public Comments 48

SECTION 12 References 53

ATTACHMENTS 1. Public Hearing - Notice, Agenda, Minutes 2. Regional Context Map 3. Agawam Zoning Map 4. Soils Maps 5. Water Resources Map 6. Unique Features Map 7. Open Space and Recreation Inventory Sheets 8. Open Space and Recreation Inventory Map 9. Agawam Open Space and Recreation Survey 10. 2014 Five Year Action Plan Map 11. Newspaper Articles 12. ADA Access Self-Evaluation A. Self Evaluation B. Grievance Procedure C. Discrimination Complaint Form 13. Letters of Support 14. Environmental Justice Map 15. Chapter Lands 16. Agawam Wetlands and Floodplain Map

Section-1 Plan Summary

“Agawam is a place of tradition and opportunity. Convenient location, affordable land and buildings, and low tax rate allow us to build good lives for ourselves. People are attracted to buy a home or set up a business here. The highway system and near-by airport link us to the surrounding region’s opportunities, too. From Agawam’s rural past we’ve retained a sense of being a small town where friendly people with a wide range of incomes, know each other and participate in civic activities, school affairs and sports events. There are many recreational opportunities...This is a good place to raise a family in a nice neighborhood with lots of other children, and then enjoy retirement years. Agawam is a safe community with family values and schools. Looking around us we see a physical setting that still reminds us of Agawam’s traditional agricultural fields, historic homes, and village centers. Mountains, rivers, streams, and wetlands are also part of the sense of quiet open space that is so appealing.” (Coming Together for Consensus: A Working Statement of Goals and Objectives to Guide Agawam into the Future, October 27, 1993)

Agawam’s 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan, as did its predecessors, attempts to balance the community’s traditions and natural resources with the need to provide quality recreational facilities throughout the year for residents of all ages. The overriding goal in maintaining this sometimes difficult balance is to maintain and preserve our quality of life. Key to the drafting of the 2014 Plan was the extensive input received from Agawam residents.

Section 2 - Introduction

A. Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this Open Space/Recreation Plan is to update the 2006 Open Space & Recreation Plan. This update identifies significant natural resources and locates areas in Town providing watershed protection, passive and active recreational opportunities and wildlife habitats. It will also serve as a guide for the preservation, acquisition, and development of open space to meet the Town’s current and future needs for recreation and conservation. By providing an updated inventory of existing conservation and recreation lands and making recommendations for the preservation of future parcels, it is hoped that this Plan will continue to provide the leadership necessary to make wise decisions which will affect the character and quality

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 1 of the community for generations to come. Only through increased community awareness of the sensitivity of the local environment, increased public conservation education and creative, environmentally responsible development, can Agawam achieve its goals.

B. Planning Process and Public Participation The planning process, during the preparation of the Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan, employed extensive public participation techniques to ensure maximum public input. The public participation process included: public meetings, a public forum, a public hearing, a public survey and extensive media coverage. Media coverage included use of three newspapers of general circulation: the Agawam Advertiser, the Reminder (a free publication) and the Springfield Republican. Agawam’s public access station and website were also used to solicit input and advertise public meetings. In addition, in order to reach the residents of North Agawam, Agawam’s Environmental Justice Neighborhood, who might not subscribe to local newspapers or have access to computers, 1,430 postcards were distributed to all students at Agawam’s four elementary schools (See Section 11) and public notices and surveys were available at the Public Library, Senior Center and Town Hall. Notification of the Public Forum was distributed to over 300 individuals representing Boards, Commissions, elected officials, athletic organizations and civic groups. Free food was also provided to all participants in the Public Forum. The Plan was prepared by the Office of Planning and Community Development in cooperation with the Agawam Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee appointed by Mayor Richard Cohen in August 2013. The Committee consists of the following members: Shelby Hall Gibbons – Co-Chair and Resident Nick Pandolfi – Co-Chair and Planning Board Ted Dobek – Resident Jane Benerakis – Resident Sharon Roulier – Resident Jill Messick – Conservation Commission Louis Russo – Community Preservation Committee Chris Sparks – Agawam Parks and Recreation Department John Decker – Agawam Department of Public Works Karl Stieg – Historical Commission Deborah Dachos – Department of Planning and Community Development The Committee met monthly reviewing the 2006 Plan, preparing a town-wide survey, and drafting portions of the 2014 Plan. All meetings were posted in the Town Clerk’s Office and on the Town’s exterior public information board. The Advisory Committee visited all public and private open space and recreation facilities and organized a public forum held on April 1, 2014. A summary of

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 2 the results of the Open Space and Recreation Survey and the public forum can be found in Section 7 – Analysis of Needs as well as in Section 9. Copies of media coverage including press releases and newspaper articles are found in Attachment 11. The Open Space and Recreation Survey was hosted on the Town of Agawam website and hard copies were available at the Agawam Town Hall, the Agawam Public Library and the Agawam Senior Center. Postcards were also distributed to all elementary and middle school students informing them and their parents of the availability of the survey on-line and in the above referenced locations. The April 1st public forum was attended by over 50 residents. Attendees included: elected officials, members of the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee, Historical Commission, Cultural Council, Little League, Soccer Association and interested residents. Three break-out groups were formed and input was provided on three subjects: Opens Space and Recreation Goals and Objectives, Analysis of Existing Town-owned Facilities, and Future Investments in Town-owned Open Space and Recreation Facilities and Activities. A summary of the break-out session findings is included in Section 11. A public hearing was held on September 11, 2014 to present the 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan. Minutes of the meeting and attendance sheet are found in Section 11.

Section 3 - Community Setting

A. Regional Context Agawam is the southernmost community in Massachusetts on the west bank of the Connecticut River. Located in the southwestern portion of the state, Agawam is within a short distance from many major New England Metropolitan areas, including Hartford which is only 25 miles to the south. Agawam is only minutes away from downtown Springfield and is included in the Springfield- Holyoke-Chicopee Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). As a central community in the SMSA, Agawam has shared in the growth experienced by the area and its strategic location is expected to play a critical role in its continuing growth. Agawam is at the hub of major north-south and east-west transportation corridors. Key transportation routes include: Interstate Route 91 and 391 and U.S. Route 5 running north-south and the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) and 291 and State Route 20 running east-west. Agawam’s direct access to the City of Springfield is by way of Route 57, a limited access four-lane divided highway. Route 57 provides direct access to the SMSA from all sections of the community. Also, Agawam is only 10 miles from Bradley International Airport, New England’s second busiest airport. Agawam’s physical boundaries consist of three impressive features. The Connecticut River to the east provides the community with five miles of river frontage on New England’s largest river. To the north, the Westfield River forms an eight mile boundary most of which is located adjacent to Robinson State Park, Agawam’s largest park. To the west, Agawam is separated from its neighbor Southwick by Provin Mountain. Its summit at 640 feet is the highest point in Agawam. To the

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 3 south, Agawam is bordered by the State of Connecticut. Key to Agawam’s development is its convenient location to jobs. Though the community boasts the largest industrial park in the region, the Agawam Regional Industrial Park, in 2000 only about one quarter of Agawam’s working residents were employed in Agawam. Springfield is the largest employer of Agawam residents at 35 percent of the total. Also nearly 20 percent of Agawam workers commute to jobs in Connecticut. Agawam can be characterized as a residential suburb. The majority of its housing stock is single family and is located in traditional subdivisions. Despite Agawam’s population of 28,608 (est. 2012), there is no traditional downtown or central business district. Agawam perceives itself as a small town and has maintained that image in sharp contrast with its neighbor to the north, West Springfield. The desire to remain characterized as a small town was clearly vocalized by its residents when in 1989 they voted to be called the “Town of Agawam” instead of the “City of Agawam.”

B. History of the Community

In 1631 two Indians of the Agawam tribe from the Pioneer Valley traveled to the Mass Bay colony in Roxbury (now Boston) to request that members settle in their valley. Their goal was to have the English protect the Agawam tribe from the more aggressive Mohawk tribe to the North. William Pynchon, desirous of expanding his fur trade, explored the area himself in 1635 and decided to settle on the western shores of the Connecticut River. This area is now known as Agawam. The first house in Massachusetts west of the Roxbury settlement was built in Agawam Meadows in the Spring of 1635. Agawam, along with parts of Springfield and West Springfield, was purchased from the Indians on July 15, 1636. This new settlement or “plantation”, was known by its Indian name Agawam until it changed to Springfield in 1640. In 1638, it was voted that any man could graze his livestock freely in the hills above the meadows on the west side of the Connecticut River. The name “Feeding Hills” comes from this use of those unoccupied lands. In 1654, John Pynchon, son of William, led the first cattle drive ever in this country. John and his Puritan cowboys drove their cattle from Feeding Hills to the Roxbury settlement. Agawam thrived as a farming community even after 1800. The first cotton mill in western Massachusetts was built in 1810 on what is now Six Flags New England. Agawam also had many lucrative crops such as wool and tobacco. The present Agawam Regional Industrial Park was formerly land belonging to the Cuba-Connecticut Tobacco Company. This company was one of the largest shade-grown tobacco concerns in the East (Agawam Open Space Plan August 1986 p.23-26). The Connecticut and Agawam (now Westfield) Rivers separate the land into three areas. Residents, who lived on the East side of the Connecticut River but owned land on the West side of the Connecticut River, needed access to their farm property. The first solution was a ferry system that crossed both rivers. This system was used until the old South End Bridge was opened in 1879. Agawam was incorporated as a town in 1855.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 4 The changes that occurred between 1902 and 1936 were only a hint of what was to come. The emergence of the suburban lifestyle and the flight of the middle classes from Springfield during the mid-twentieth century changed both the landscape appearance and the economic character of Agawam (1976 Master Plan p.62).

C. Population Characteristics

During the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s, the population in Agawam more than doubled resulting in increases of 54%, 38%, and 21% respectively. Agawam witnessed its smallest population growth in 40 years between 1980 and 2000. The population increased a minimal 4% during this time period. As of 2012, the population was 28,608, showing very little change in population since 2003, when the population was 28,528. The population seems to have stabilized at about 28,500 since 2003. The 2010 population per square mile is 1,220 with 11,659 housing units at an average density of 501.6 per square mile. Agawam is considered primarily suburban in nature with no historic downtown, though the Town does have three historic centers: Main Street Center, North Agawam and Feeding Hills. North Agawam is one of Agawam’s Environmental Justice Neighborhoods. There is a concentration of two, three and four-family dwellings which served mill housing in the late 1800 and early 1900’s. Though fairly densely developed, attempts have been made to identify locations for pocket parks in this neighborhood. The second Environmental Justice Neighborhood is located in southern Feeding Hills. Pheasant Hill Village is a 200 until apartment complex containing both market rate and subsidized units. Pheasant Hill Village is located within this census tract. Please see Attachment 14. The characteristics of Agawam’s population have changed during the last two decades. Most notably, the number of persons 65 years of age and older increased from 4,133 in 1990 to 5,175 in 2012. The number of older residents as a percentage of the total population also increased from 15% to 18.1%. This does not appear to be significant until compared with the growth in the number of elderly since 1980. In 1980, the number of residents 65 years and older was 12% of the community’s total population. The trend in the number and percentage of older residents is expected to continue. Longer life span due to advances in medical treatments is one of the factors contributing to this increase. Agawam will need to evaluate the recreation needs of this aging population. To address these needs, the Town has increased the number of facilities for this population. In 2000, the town re-established three (3) shuffleboard courts at St. John’s field. In 2004, the Agawam Riverwalk officially opened providing walking and bicycling opportunities for seniors. The new School Street Park has over a mile of walking paths, shuffleboard, bocce, sheltered picnic areas, and a band shell to host our community Summer Concert Series. Of Agawam’s 28,608 (est. 2012) residents, 7.6% (2012) are below the poverty level, which is significantly lower than the State’s 15.9% (ext. 2011). In 2012, there were 11,470 households in Agawam with an average of 2.44 persons per household. In 2012, Agawam’s median household income was $66,409 which was slightly lower than the State’s median household income at $66,568. Agawam’s median household Agawam’s unemployment rate in 2004 was 4.8%. In 2013, it was 7.7%, still slightly higher than the State unemployment rate, but significantly lower than

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 5 Springfield’s unemployment rate of 8.4%. As of 2013, there are about 15,153 residents the age of 16 and older in the labor force. There are a total of 752 industries, which as of March 2006 employed about 11,211 people. The industries can be split into two categories, goods-producing and services. The total number of housing units increased from 10,869 in 1990 to 12,070 in 2010. 99% of the new units are served by public water and 90% are served by public sewer. This represents an increase of 790 new units. New construction of single family homes continues to fall from an average of 70 permits per year in the early 1990’s to an average of 39 per year since 2004. Though Agawams vacancy rate is low, the drop in housing starts may relate to the dwindling availability of buildable land.

D. Growth and Development Patterns 1. Patterns and Trends The Town of Agawam has experienced substantial growth in its residential sector during the past four decades during which time the community has experienced a transition from a rural farming community to a bedroom suburb of the Springfield and Hartford metropolitan areas. The metamorphosis was spurred by improvements to Routes 5 and 57 and the construction of Route 91. Also instrumental to this growth was the availability of large tracts of inexpensive undeveloped land and minimal growth controls. The Town’s population has nearly tripled since 1950 when it had approximately 10,000 residents. In a 1976 report prepared for the Federal Council of Environmental Quality entitled The Growth Shapers - The Land Use Impacts of Infrastructure Investment, The consulting firm, Urban Systems Research and Engineering wrote: “In rural communities on the fringe of metropolitan areas, the first wave of population increase is usually the most socially significant. If the new population is brought into a predominantly agricultural region by a highway, this implies a trend away from farming and towards purely residential land uses.” True to this analysis, Agawam has indeed witnessed a dramatic shift in land use patterns associated with the conversion of farmland to residential uses. Farmland acreage has decreased dramatically since 1950. The amount of land in agricultural use has dropped by over 70%. In 1950 there were approximately 7,500 acres of land in agricultural use. Today there is less than 1765 (2005) acres. Table 2 is taken from information provided by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. According to this information, there was a 52% drop in farmland acreage from 1971 to 2005. In an attempt to preserve some of Agawam’s remaining farmland, the Town, in an unprecedented move, purchased the Tuckahoe Turf Farm in 1993. The farm contains 292 acres and had previously been used to raise turf. Also since the 1980’s, Agawam has encouraged farmers to participate in the Agricultural Preservation Program. To date, eight (8) farms have received APR’s from the State resulting in the preservation of over 270 acres (Table 1). Since the Town’s adoption of the Community Preservation Act, there exists a local source of revenue to support future APR applications by providing the local match for the State’s purchase of the development rights.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 6 Table 1. :Agawam APR Properties - 2014 # OF MAP/BLOCK/ NAME LOCATION ACRES LOT Brown, Mark G./James North West Street 18.8 B14 1 1 Kerr, Bruce, Susan, Peter, David & Linda Turcotte North West Street 38.2 B15 1 1 Stepanik, Edward Southwick Street 29 B9 1 7 Kerr, Thelma R. North West Street 15.1 C14 1 4 Kerr, Thelma R. North West Street 16.2 C14 1 6 Grimaldi, Joseph & Elizabeth, Diane M. Prentice North West Street 23 C15 1 5 Berry, David & Pamela Barry Street 42 A2 1 4 Farnsworth, Merwyn B. North West Street 87.5 A2 1 4 TOTAL 269.80 Table 1.1: Properties with Conservation Restrictions - 2014 WMECO South West Street 30 C8-1-7 WMECO Silver Street 34.88 H6-1-22 and H5-1-6 TOTAL 64.88

Agawam’s farmlands face continued development pressure, however. They represent a large proportion of the remaining undeveloped, buildable land left in town. Most other areas not yet developed are either publically owned, or have slope, soil or flood hazard constraints. As such, farmlands are far more vulnerable than the Town’s other open spaces. The forces that turn farms into subdivisions have resulted in the loss of a great deal of open space and have changed the overall character of the town. The fertile lands which originally brought settlers to Agawam almost 350 years ago may soon be lost forever. Table 2. : Land Use Change in Acres, Agawam 1971-2005 Land Use 1971 1985 1999 2005 Change %Change 1971-2005 1977-2005 Agriculture 3,382.2 2,866.3 2,143.2 1,617.5 -1,764.7 -52 % Forest 6,092.1 5,302.2 5,157.8 5,031.02 -1,061.82 -17 % Recreation and Open Space 848.6 1,253.1 1,061.1 1,082.0 233.4 27 % Multifamily Residential 104.6 199.6 263.5 235.4 130.8 1.3 % High Density Residential 589.0 606.0 596.5 578.2 -10.8 -1 % Mod. Density Residential 2,075.2 2,811.3 3,251.2 3,157 1,081.8 52 % Low Density Residential 487.3 604.1 736.3 512 24.7 5 % Commercial 169.8 204.5 300.9 309.9 140.10 82 % Industrial 152.2 230.9 504.8 591.0 438.8 288 % Transportation 161.0 123.1 202.2 253.1 92.1 57 % Water 594.2 593.0 592.2 620 25.8 4 %

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In addition to purchasing farmland and undeveloped land, the Town adopted an Open Space Residential Development Ordinance in 2006 to encourage the clustering of residential homes. It is allowed by right in three (3) residential districts. It is encouraged by the Planning Board in areas containing wetlands, sensitive species and agricultural lands. The Great Recession significantly slowed development during the last several years. Only one (1) residential subdivision has been approved in the last five years. With an improved economic climate, this trend is expected to reverse with more and more development pressure expected to come to bear on the remaining agricultural lands and open spaces. 2. Infrastructure a. Transportation System

Agawam is served and accessed by a variety of roads ranging from high volume expressways (Rt. 5 and Rt. 57) to quiet local streets. Due to the Town’s growing population, many roads in town have undergone expansion in recent years. Other will undoubtedly undergo similar expansion in the years ahead. New development can be expected to result due to improved access from trucking and consumers.

Agawam began a program to construct bicycle and pedestrian related facilities in the 1990’s, in 2004 the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway was opened. It consists of a 1.7 mile off-road multi-use trail. Phase II of this project, the Riverwalk Loop, commenced construction during the summer of 2014. This phase will connect to the Riverwalk to consist of a 5 mile bicycle-friendly loop. Phase I and II of the School Street Park also contain bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The 2014 Five Year Action Plan contains a recommendation for a Town-wide Pedestrian and Bicycle Compatibility Study to be conducted in 2015-2016.

Agawam is part of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority which provides bus service to virtually all locations in the Pioneer Valley. Town Roads: Note: ADT=Average Daily Trips

1. Expressways: Rt. 5 and Rt. 57

Definitions: A limited access highway designed to move traffic between communities and states. It is intended for high speed, long distance movement and does not offer access to adjoining properties. (15,000 ADT)

2. Arterial: Route 159 (Main Street); Route 75 (Suffield Street); Route 57 (South Westfield Street, & Southwick Street); Route 147 (Springfield Street); Route 187 (Pine Street, South Westfield Street, & North Westfield Street).

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 8 Definition: Offers access to property and provides for movement of traffic between communities. It is usually a state numbered route. (1-15,000 ADT)

3. Major Collector: South Street, Shoemaker Lane, Silver Street, Elm Street, River Road, North Street, South West Street, North West Street, South Westfield Street.

Definition: Offers access to property and traffic from point to point within the community. It also serves as a connector between arterials. (1,000 - 2,000 ADT)

4. Minor Collector: Barry Street, North Street Extension, Polar Street, Colemore Street, Garden Street, Franklin Street Extension, Maple Street, Walnut Street, Rowley Street, Cooper Street, Mill Street, Elm Street, Adams Street, School Street, Meadow Street.

Definition: A residential collector functioning as the circulation spine for a subdivision, collecting traffic from local streets and distributing it to major collectors or arterials. (Estimated 100 - 2,000 ADT)

5. Local Street: All streets not previously mentioned.

Definition: Provides local service for houses and business fronting on them. (Low volume ADT) b. Water Supply System

Agawam’s total annual water consumption in 2012 was approximately 1.42 billion gallons. The water is supplied by the Agawam Water Department, which purchases water from the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission (SWSC) and primarily comes from the Cobble Mountain Reservoir. Old and deteriorating distribution mains occasionally cause discoloration of the water. This has been remedied in the past by flushing out the water lines or replacing them with new cement lined ductile iron water mains. The City of Springfield is presently replacing the large water main from Provin Mountain to the Connecticut River. Agawam is also replacing the water main on North Westfield Street.

All water purchased from the SWSC is treated by coagulation, filtration, and chlorination prior to delivery. There are no contract limitations on the amount of water Agawam may draw from the SWSC. SWSC withdrawal from the reservoir is permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Supply. c. Sewer System.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 9 Much of the existing sanitary sewer system in the Town of Agawam was constructed many years ago and has been extended from time to time as the demand arose. Beginning in the early 1970’s the

Town took advantage of available state and federal grants to expand its sanitary sewer system to a point where the Town is 88% sewered.

The existing system can generally be described as consisting of two section: the flow from the low easterly section of Town along the Connecticut River witch is pumped to the treatment plant and the flow from the higher plateau west of Main Street which is collected by gravity mains to strategic points where it enters systems located in Walnut Street and School Street, and then pumped to the treatment plant.

The sewage treatment plant is owned by the SWSC and is located on Bondi’s Island in the extreme northeast section of Agawam where the sewage receives primary and secondary treatment and the effluent is discharged in the Connecticut River. The Town of Agawam pays its share of the operation and maintenance costs of the sewage treatment plant based on the volume and strength of the sewage received from Agawam. The SWSC runs an Industrial Pretreatment Program which monitors sewage discharged by businesses and industries in the Town of Agawam

The Town of Agawam has recently started to expand the sanitary sewer system into the Southwestern most section of town. Sanitary sewer mains were laid, as part of Phase I, from the overpass at Rt. 57 and Shoemaker Lane along Rt. 57 and down South Westfield Street to approximately the old County Training School, being completed in 2010. Future phases of sewer expansion into the southwestern part of town, if funded, will provide a relief to properties with failing septic systems and will also allow further development of the area. Development has been difficult to date because the in-situ soils are not very favorable to onsite sewage disposal systems (septic systems).

3. Long-Term Development Patterns Agawam last undertook a comprehensive rewrite of its Zoning Ordinance in 1950. Since that time the only revisions to the Zoning Ordinances that have been adopted are limited in scope and affect on development (Attachment 3). In 1983, the Office of Planning and Community Development was created and staffed. At that time, the Town funded the creation of the position of Director of Planning and Development. Since 1983 the Planning Director has advocated revisions to the Ordinance to enable the Town to better address present development issues. More recently, there have been successful attempts at changing Agawam’s zoning. In 1997, the Town adopted a Wireless Telecommunication Ordinance and in 1998, an Adult Use Ordinance. In 1999, the Town adopted a Demolition Delay Ordinance. The Ordinance provides a six (6) month delay period when a demolition permit is requested for a structure which is included in Agawam’s Historic Inventory. During the delay period, the Historical Commission in collaboration with other Town Departments will seek to identify alternatives to demolition.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 10 In 1998, in an attempt to update Agawam’s 1950’s zoning, the Town funded a $10,000 contract with a land use attorney to guide a specially formed task force through the recodification process. Unfortunately, no revisions to the Zoning Ordinance took place as a result of this contract. The oversight committee became embroiled in a controversy over whether their charge was merely to correct mistakes in the ordinance or to add new sections. Also in the 1990’s, Town was one of the first communities in the Pioneer Valley for which a “buildout” study was conducted and funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. The purpose of the buildout study was to “create an approximate vision, in quantitative terms, of the potential future growth permitted or “programmed” by the community’s zoning bylaws and subdivision regulations.” (Four Town Buildout Analysis, Pioneer Valley Region, June 1999) Given the funding constraints of the project, the findings are only general in nature. A more detailed analysis would be necessary for the findings to be refined to a degree that they could be used as a planning tool. Table 3 provides a summary of the buildout analysis (Also see Attachment 3).

Table 3 - Summary Build-Out Statistics

Developable Land Areas (Acres) 4,954

Additional Residential Units 9,007

Additional Commercial/Industrial Floor Area 14,643,739 (sq.ft.)

Additional Residential Water Use (Gallons 1,533,442 Per Day)

Additional Commercial Water Use (Gallons 1,098,280 Per Day)

Additional Residential Solid Waste (Tons) 10,489

Additional Students 3,693

Additional Miles of Roadway 118.0

Assuming that Agawam’s Zoning will remain in its 1950’s version, it is clear what the consequences will be as the community continues to grow. First, all remaining farmland with the exception of that land protected through public ownership or the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program will be lost to development. As earlier stated, less than 1,765 acres of farmland remain. Second, all land presently zoned commercial will be developed for commercial use. Agawam’s 1950’s ordinance zoned all major intersections commercial, as well as strips approximately 200 feet deep along every major artery. These strips are found along Springfield Street and Garden Street and along portions of Main Street, Suffield Street, South Westfield Street, and South West Street. This type of zoning

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 11 results in traditional strip development which is clearly illustrated on Springfield Street. Third, Agawam’s cumulative type of zoning results in its least restrictive district being its industrial district. Agawam depends heavily on its commercial and industrial development to provide revenues through taxes to support such critical services as police and fire protection and education. The present industrial districts mixed use provisions do not enable the Town to protect its dwindling inventory of industrially zoned land. Of most concern are the impacts that an additional 9,000 residences and 3,693 students will have on the economic stability of Agawam. Realizing that these figures are a worst case scenario, at least one new school would be necessary to accommodate the additional students. In 2003, the Town of Agawam received funding pursuant to Executive Order 418 from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to research and prepare a Community Development Plan. The services of McGregor & Associates, P.C. were retained to research and develop the Housing, Open Space and Recreation and Transportation components of the Plan. The Town also initiated steps to implement many of the Community Development Plan recommendations. In particular, the Planning Board was successful in promoting the adoption of the Open Space Residential Development. In 2006, the Town obtained approval for a Active Adult Ordinance (55 and over). More recently, the Town conducted a Comprehensive Zoning Review (2011) in conjunction with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. The Planning Board/Planning Department drafted a new Zoning Definition section of the Zoning Ordinance which was adopted in 2012. Other recommended changes are currently being drafted. Despite the above mentioned efforts to bring Agawam’s Zoning Ordinance up to date, a comprehensive rewrite of the Ordinance is still necessary to guide development away from sensitive areas and to protect the Town’s historic and natural resources.

Section 4 - Environmental Inventory and Analysis

A. Geology, Soils and Topography One of the most important features in determining the use of land is soil (Attachment 4). The type and intensity of development which a piece of land can support without negative impacts such as severe erosion or septic system failure, is based in large part upon the characteristics of the soil. Soil information gives the developer some indication of expense involved in developing his property. It also alerts town boards and residents to those areas which, due to soil characteristics, should be left undeveloped. Agawam’s wealth of rich, level, and well drained soils served as the basis of its early growth as an agrarian community, and later to attract the varied urban and suburban uses it now witnesses. Along the banks of the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers, alluvial soils such as Hadley fine sandy loam dominate. Through the central and southern sections of Town terrace soils like Agawam fine sandy loam, and lake sediments such as Ninigret and Buxton silt loam, are in evidence.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 12 The Town does contain a sizeable proportion of poorly drained wetland soils in some low-lying areas and some stony glacial till soils in the Provin Mountain area. These are not suitable for development or most types of agriculture without expensive engineering modifications. Although elevations in Agawam range from 45 feet above sea level at Bondi’s Island on the Connecticut River to 640 feet at the summit of Provin Mountain, most of the Town’s land lies between the 100 foot and 250 foot elevation contours and is relatively flat or gently rolling. As such, a great percentage of Town is seen as desirable for agricultural or commercial development. Open spaces in these areas have been, and are likely to continue to be lost to these development pressures. In some of the low-lying areas, however, wetness and flooding serve to place constraints on development. A total of 1,600 acres of land lies within the floodplain of the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers. Much of this remains open space with great potential for passive recreational pursuits such as hiking and nature study. In addition, these lands provide a valuable flood prevention function as natural storage areas for flood waters. Steep terrain and shallow soils on the slopes of Provin Mountain and Liswell Hill have also precluded development to a large degree. As a result, much of Agawam’s western edge remains open space of high scenic quality, offering vistas of the Connecticut River Valley.

B. Landscape Character Agawam is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Connecticut and the Westfield. Much of the eastern portion of the community is the floodplain of these two rivers. The landscape then gently slopes to the west where the Provin Mountain range is physically prominent. The Connecticut River is viewed as one travels along River Road. The view of the Connecticut River has been enhanced by the development of the Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway. The Riverwalk provides three (3) scenic overlooks with benches for viewing the river and its associated wildlife. The path has become a popular destination for many Agawam residents. Robinson State Park encompasses most of the Westfield River frontage which also marks the Town’s northern-most boundary. Unlike the Connecticut River frontage, the Westfield River may only be seen from within the Park. Even within the Park, the River may only be seen by climbing down steep embankments. The park itself, however, boasts hardwood forests which can be enjoyed while walking along the scenic paths in this 800 acre nature preserve. Provin Mountain with an elevation of 640 feet and Liswell Hill with an elevation of 360 feet provide spectacular views of the City of Springfield, the Connecticut River and the picturesque valleys and farmland. The views from Liswell Hill have been preserved by the acquisition of the Agawam Municipal Golf Course which sits atop this hill (Attachment 6).

C. Water Resources Agawam has approximately 532 acres of open fresh water, most of which is contained in the Westfield and Connecticut Rivers (Attachment 5). The Connecticut runs along the eastern boundary of Agawam for a distance of five miles. The section of the Westfield River that runs along the northern boundary of Agawam is approximately eight miles long and runs from the Westfield town

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 13 line to its confluence with the Connecticut River at Pynchon Point. Both of these water bodies have witnessed dramatic water quality improvement in recent years and are now designated as “Class B” waters. Under this designation they are considered to be generally safe for fishing and swimming. However, currents and boat traffic in the Connecticut and water depths in the Westfield make swimming impractical in most locations. The name “Agawam” means wet meadow due to the abundance of wetlands and floodplains. Agawam is located at the confluence of the Westfield and Connecticut Rivers. The majority of the floodplain of the Westfield River is located in Robinson State Park. The floodplain of the Connecticut River is primarily located on the Town’s easterly border along River Road (Attachment 14). Several small ponds, all over three acres, but totaling less than 50 acres are found in Town. These are: Silver Lake, Mawaga Pond, Leonard Pond, Robinson Park Pond, Springfield Turnverein Lake, Hathaway Pond, and the Lake in the Meadows. Several smaller bodies of surface water exist as well and are primarily used for spray and irrigation and private recreation. Several small streams including Three Mile Brook, Tarkill Brook, Still Brook, Philo Brook, Miller Brook, Worthington Brook, and Adams Brook wind through Town. A number of smaller unnamed streams and wetlands exist as well.

D. Vegetation The value of vegetation as a natural resource is often overlooked or taken too much for granted. It is usually only in the absence of trees, shrubs or flowers that their benefits are fully realized. Vegetative cover serves a variety of beneficial functions. It protects water from sedimentation by stabilizing soils. It serves as a buffer against noise and between different land uses. It provides food and habitat for different types of wildlife. It provides a valuable source of energy in the form of wood products. It extracts carbon dioxide from the air and gives off oxygen. It heightens the aesthetic quality of our surroundings, and it provides opportunities for recreation. In 1996, Agawam was awarded an Urban Planning and Forest Grant from the Executive Office of Environmental Management which was used to conduct a survey of street trees located along approximately ten miles of Agawam’s primary roads. The survey found that there were approximately thirty different taxonomic groups with the most common species being Norway Maples, Red Maples and Sugar Maples. The survey found that the overall health of the inventoried trees was good, though there was concern over deadwood and power lines. During the October snowstorm of 2011 Agawam saw over $5 million of damage to the Town’s street trees and other local trees. Though the Town does not currently have a public street tree program, extensive street tree planting was initiated during a $4 million Main Street reconstruction project completed in the Fall of 2014 by MassDOT. Approximately, 274 new street trees were planted along the Main Street corridor. In addition, in 2012, the Town of Agawam received a $50,000 to plant new street trees and prune existing trees through a grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Agawam’s rapid urbanization over the past few decades has resulted in an appreciable loss of agricultural vegetation as those lands most suitable for agricultural use are also the most desirable for

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 14 development. During this period, however, pockets of natural vegetation in the Town’s wetlands and hilly areas have been less severely impacted. During the period from 1971 to 1999 Agawam also saw a loss of 934.2 acres of forest land to development or a -15.3% drop. There have been a number of cutting plans submitted to the town during this period but acreage loss is primarily due to development. Recently, there had been much controversy over the proposed cutting of trees in Robinson State Park. State officials had called for the harvest of approximately 2,700 trees, stating that it is long overdue forest management and elimination of diseased red pine. The plan also included cutting of 883 black oak, 287 red maple and 287 white pine. Opponents of the plan who felt that it is too extensive, unnecessary and would permanently damage the ecosystem of the Park succeeded in obtaining a delay in the project to allow for more discussion. Red maple is the dominant tree species in Agawam and comprises most of the basal area in Town woodlands (this is particularly true on poorly drained sites). Northern Red Oak, White Pine, Hemlock, Sugar Maple, and White Birch are also major species. Grey Birch, Black Oak and White Oak are present as well. Agawam forests are evenly aged and for the most part fully stocked with desirable trees. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in its 2004 BioMap and Living Waters - Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts identifies six (6) Core Habitats in Agawam. Threatened and Endangered plant species include: Grey’s Sedge, Green Dragon, Many- Fruited False-Loosestrife, Narrow-Leaved Spring Beauty, Swamp Dock and Winged-Monkey Flower. The largest concentration of these species are found along the Connecticut River in what the report calls the largest and highest-quality patch of floodplain forest known in Massachusetts. Most of the undeveloped habitat is located in Longmeadow in the Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge.

E. Fisheries and Wildlife As might be expected in a predominantly flat, formerly agricultural environment, many of Agawam’s wildlife species are those associated with farmland (i.e. rabbits, pheasants, foxes, hawks, woodchucks and small rodents). In the suburban sections of Town, skunks, squirrels, songbirds, raccoons, and opossums may be found, while deer and other more reclusive species roam Agawam’s more remote areas such as Robinson State Park and Provin Mountain. The Shores of the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers and the Leonard Pond wetlands area provide a haven for wading birds such as herons, and egrets, and other aquatic or semi-aquatic species including ducks, seagulls, and kingfishers. Although it would appear that Agawam has great nature study opportunities for such a heavily developed community, posting and urbanization have limited the available wildlife habitat which is open to the public to a small section of Town. Though wildlife corridors have not been formally identified, the undeveloped more rural areas have seen the majority of sitings. Agawam Meadows, the Cote Property, Robinson State Park and Provin

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 15 Mountain have seen sitings of larger mammals including Black Bear, Coyotes, Deer, various members of the cat family and an occasional moose. North Western Feeding Hills and Provin Mountain are popular hunting locations. The Connecticut and Westfield Rivers are home to a great variety of fish species and are more productive then they have been in many years due to the massive cleanup and restocking efforts of the past decade. Species in evidence include largemouth bass, pickerel, northern pike, sturgeon, and trout. Anadromous fish in the Connecticut include the recently reintroduced Atlantic salmon and shad. If these species return in sufficient numbers, they may once again become commercially important. As was stated above, the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program in its 2004 BioMap and Living Waters - Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts identifies six (6) Core Habitats in Agawam. Protected habitat for a variety of vertebrates and invertebrates are found along the Connecticut River, the forested wetlands and wet meadows of Still and Great Brooks and the Westfield River. Eastern Box Turtle, Four-toed Salamander, Jefferson Salamander, Spotted Turtle, Wood Turtle, Bald Eagle, Common Moorhen, Riverine Clubtail, Creeper Triangle Floater, Yellow Lampmussel, Burbot and Shortnose Sturgeon are thought to be found in Agawam. By informing the communities of their site-specific biodiversity information, the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program is seeking to ensure that the full variety of species and natural communities that comprise our native flora and fauna will persist for generations to come.

F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments (Attachment 6)

1. Provin Mountain

With a summit elevation of 640 feet, this is the highest point of land in Agawam. The hill runs north-south along the entire western edge of Town, with its ridge line forming the boundary between Agawam and the neighboring towns of Westfield and Southwick. Its steep eastern slope is heavily forested and offers great opportunities for passive recreation. A lookout tower at the summit provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding towns and agricultural lands. 2. Connecticut River Agawam’s five-mile-long eastern boundary is defined by New England’s largest river. The Connecticut River offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities along its shoreline. 3. Westfield River This river forms Agawam’s eight mile northern boundary and provides opportunities for water-based recreational activities including fishing, boating and possibly swimming. 4. Greenbelt of May Brook - Robinson State Park - Campanelli Property - Ridgeview Park This greenbelt includes over 1,000 acres of publicly held land: 811 acres in Robinson State Park owned by the Commonwealth, the remainder of land is owned by the Town of Agawam. These

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 16 natural areas comprise a diverse natural environment of fauna, wildlife and birds, and water bodies, including the Westfield River, May Brook and Hol Brook and waterfalls, woodlands, marshes, wetlands and fields. In addition to its value as a natural area, this greenbelt currently provides easy access to passive and active recreational resources. 5. The Meadows These meadows are part of an extensive floodplain area in the northeast corner of Town, near the mouth of the Westfield River. A portion of this area is in agricultural production. The agricultural fields are surrounded on three sides by ecologically significant wetland communities, harboring a wide variety of plant and animal life. It is a well-known birding area and provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, hiking, and ice skating. Access to the Westfield River for shore fishing and boating could be provided here as well. The Meadows is made up of an agricultural section and a forested section. Although the topsoil has been stripped from the wooded section of the Meadows those soils could be treated for agricultural purposes. The largest section of the Meadows is subject to flooding. This flooding is invaluable to the agricultural uses of the Meadows and it contributes to the overall natural diversity in the Meadows. There is excellent wildlife habitat in the Meadow’s wetlands, ponds and open fields. The Meadows is also a unique “riverscape” in the Town of Agawam on the Westfield River. Each of the individual natural features of the Meadows is worthy of its own protection. The forested section of the Meadows has been the target of industrial development. Its frequent flooding and limited access, however, weigh heavily against industrial development. Maintaining a buffer around the Meadows by acquisition of surrounding properties will diminish the likelihood of harmful impacts from industrial, commercial and residential development. 6. Pynchon Point This town-owned property lies at the confluence of the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers. This is a low lying area subject to flooding and it provides a good view of both rivers. The natural value of the area may be affected by Bondi’s Island with its landfill, trash incinerator and wastewater treatment facility. The property is well suited for boat landings and fishing. In the Fall of 2006, the Massachusetts Highway Department constructed a parking area on property it owns adjacent to the town-owned property. The new parking lot provides parking for a handicapped accessible paved path down to the beach area of the property funded by a State Entitlement grant of $75,000. The path provides easy access for fishing, boating, picnicking and birdwatching. 7. Cote Property This property is managed by the Agawam Conservation Commission. This 15 acre parcel contains a ¾ acre pond that was once developed with an asphalt ring around it. The property has slowly reverted back to its natural vegetative state and currently has diverse tree canopy and under story providing a home to many wildlife and bird species. Other than a walking trail, there are no recreational facilities on this property. There are several types of wetland communities on the property, a marsh, hardwood swamp and brook. This is a unique natural town-owned parcel that provides diversity to the Town’s stock of

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 17 open spaces. 8. Land Bordered By Agawam Industrial Park, Garden Street and Route 57 Extension This area is comprised of a large mature tree stand and aquatic environment. There is a brook running west to east on this property which provides water to the private sporting club, the West Springfield Fish and Game Club. There are several ponds on the brook and the area has a diverse wildlife habitat. The watershed in this area has been heavily impacted by the encroachment of the Agawam Industrial Park and Route 57 extension. This is one of the few unaltered areas in Town. It is not used for active recreational purposes. This area is noted for its function in maintaining water quality in Threemile Brook. 9. Leonard Pond Wetland Complex This privately-owned pond and surrounding marsh and swamp area are the only remaining pristine areas in Agawam. This area provides a flyway stopover and wintering grounds for ducks. There is a view of the pond from South West Street but there is no other access. This should remain a limited access resource and it should be managed and preserved in its natural state. This eco-system has also received formal recognition as a unique resource under federal wetland guidelines (National Heritage Endangered Species Protection Act: Habitat of Rare Wetlands Wildlife, 1994). 10. Westfield River Island Part of Robinson State Park The oblong shaped island in the Westfield River near the Strathmore Paper Company contains 10-12 acres of land and is part of the Robinson State Park. It is forested with large white pine, ash and hemlock, some running up to 2 feet in diameter, and is suitable for camping for youth organizations. Access to the island by foot from the West Springfield side of the river is along the canal by the Strathmore Paper Company to a fork in the river. From the Agawam side access is by way of Ash Hill Avenue down the steep bank to the river to another fork. Of course in periods of high runoff access to the island would be difficult; in fact it might be impossible unless a suspension bridge or cable was installed. 11. Covered Reservoir on Provin Mountain From the Covered Reservoir on Provin Mountain one is offered excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys including a view of Bay State West in Springfield and the City of Westfield. The ledge outcroppings in this area are suitable for geology study. This area also provides access to the Metacomet Trail along the top of Provin Mountain. 12. Lower Section of Westfield River The Westfield River, from its confluence with the Connecticut River to the dam in North Agawam, is suitable for limited boating and fishing. A greenbelt should be established along its south banks, where possible to enhance its value for hiking and shore fishing and to insure its access by the general public. 13. Agricultural Land and the East Side of Provin Mountain

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 18 The agricultural land between North West Street and the steep slopes of Provin Mountain should be encouraged to stay in agricultural production. This agricultural land and the east slope of Provin Mountain in addition to providing open space and agricultural products are suitable areas for cross- country skiing, snowmobiling and limited hunting and provide an excellent variety of cover for upland wildlife. 14. Impoundment Site 4802 and West Springfield Fish & Game Club An impoundment site on the West Springfield Fish and Game Club land on the west branch of Threemile Brook approximately 4,000 feet upstream from Mill Street has a potential for a 45 acre pond with a maximum depth of 32 feet at the dam. The topography indicates the length of dam would be about average for this size pond. The creation of this lake would add water based sports such as fishing, boating, swimming and ice skating, with camping and picnicking on adjacent land. Without this pond the site contains the land, clubhouse, pond, archery range, etc., of the West Springfield Fish and Game Club. The small pond is now used for warm water fishing. The trail in the oaks on the ridge north of the pond is suitable for hiking around the pond and limited camping in the oaks for youth organizations. 15. Silver Lake Silver Lake is a private 10 acre lake located off Mill Street on the west branch of Threemile Brook. Numerous homes nearly line the lake shore. The pond is used for swimming, limited boating, fishing and ice skating. The upstream section of the pond is shallow, with cattails, shrubs, etc. A wood box could be installed in the shallow area to encourage wood ducks. A trail could be laid out around the shallow end of the pond to observe wildlife and for nature study. 16. Large Pond on Former Tuckahoe Turf Farm The 10 acre pond formerly used for irrigation is suitable for limited boating and fishing. The upper end has a shallow area with shrubs and trees around the edges. Several wood duck boxes could be installed in the shallow area to encourage wood ducks. A ramp used to facilitate getting irrigation water from the pond could be used as a fishing pier. A trail could be laid out around the pond with trees and shrubs identified and marked for nature study. The trail could also take in other areas such as the edge of the woods east of the pond which contains maidenhair ferns. The open farmland now in weeds is good pheasant land and is suitable for limited hunting, cross-country skiing and limited snowmobiling. 17. Mawaga Sporting Club The Mawaga Sporting Club land with its clubhouse and pavilion is located on Tarkill Brook off Adams Street and contains 87 acres of wooded land. The area includes a 2.5 acre pond which originally supplied water power to a grist mill and water for the old Agawam distillery. The club provides trout fishing, hiking, and group cook-outs for its members. The woodland is used by girl scouts as a day camp. The woodlands are suitable for picnicking and as a commercial camping area. Several wood duck boxes are presently installed in the pond.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 19 The Division of Fisheries and Game, cooperating with the four states bordering the Connecticut River in restoring salmon to the river, operates a station below the Mawaga Sporting Club for releasing Atlantic salmon into Tarkhill Brook and in turn to the Connecticut River. This site has a potential for an overall recreation area and if it becomes available, the Town should consider purchasing it for recreational use. 18. Harts Pond and Access Harts Pond is a 2.5 to 3 acre irrigation pond located off Barry Street near the Connecticut- Massachusetts boundary in the southwest corner of the town. The pond is surrounded on three sides by a large marsh with cattails and some shrubs. This site is suitable for a nature study area and for preservation and management as wildlife habitat for waterfowl and furbearers. Several wood duck boxes could be added to encourage wood ducks. The open fields in this area are reported to have yielded many Indian artifacts. The farm road near the pond provides access to Provin Mountain for hiking. Permission is needed from the owner. 19. Historic and Cultural Resources Today, of the over 9000 dwellings, several hundred are considered historically significant and reflect Agawam’s rich historic past. There have been two inventories undertaken of historic structures throughout the town, one in 1985 and another in 2002. These inventories identified over 380 residential, commercial and industrial structures. The Town has the Agawam Center Historic District (National Register) which encompasses the areas 24 to 196 Elm Street and 551 to 1008 Main Street. There are only three National Register properties in Agawam; however, there are other historically eligible properties throughout the Town. The Firehouse Museum, a former firehouse from 1918, is located on Elm Street. It was transformed into a museum hosting objects that reflect the heritage and history of Agawam. Another National Register structure, the Captain Charles Leonard House, on Main Street, is a Federal style mansion which is currently used as a community house. The Thomas Smith House is located near the base of Provin Mountain in Feeding Hills and is the oldest house in Agawam, built in 1757 and still, today, has never been updated with modern conveniences such as plumbing. The house has been preserved in its near original state through the efforts of the Agawam Historical Association which owns the house and funding from the Agawam Community Preservation Committee and the Historical Association members. It opened as a museum in 2010. Agawam also has several homes within the Agawam Center Historic District representing styles of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries including but not limited to Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival. These historic styles and structures add integrity and beauty to the Town and, both, historic and cultural significance.

G. Environmental Challenges Environmental Challenges may affect a community’s ability to meet open space and recreation goals. This Section identifies those challenges which are found in Agawam and indicates whether they impact the Town’s ability to adequately address the community’s needs.

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1. Hazardous Waste Sites Agawam, like almost any community, has an industrial park and small business centers, and is home to many commercial activities that use and consume hazardous materials. For example, dry cleaners use chemical cleaning solvents which pose no threat to the community as long as they are properly used and disposed of. Except for the emission of pollutants to the air, a hazardous material does not present a risk to a community unless it contaminates a drinking water supply or is left or spilled someplace where people come into contact with it frequently. Much of Agawam is served by a public water supply, therefore, it faces less of a risk of harm to human health as a result of mishandling of hazardous chemicals. There are no known hazardous waste dumps in the National Priorities List (SUPERFUND). Smaller sites have been identified by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. One such site is the former Sportsman Club. Prior to its closing after a fire destroyed part of the facility, the club had annual Turkey Shoots. As a result of this activity, the land on which the club was located is contaminated with arsenic and lead. A portion of the land on which the School Street Park is to be built which abuts the club is also contaminated. The Town has been working with the new owners of the club and the majority of the contamination has been removed. 2. Landfills While there are two permitted solid waste facilities in Agawam, there are no active private landfills. The City of Springfield owns and operates a permitted landfill on Bondi’s Island. In conjunction with state and federal regulation of that facility, the Agawam Conservation Commission has limited jurisdiction over the operation and design of that facility as it lies in the floodplain of the Connecticut River. The southerly side of the landfill is separated from the Westfield River by a flood control structure. The Springfield landfill only accepts fly and bottom ash from a trash-to-energy facility and processed sludge from the Springfield Wastewater Treatment Facility, both of which are also located on Bondi’s Island. The trash incinerator accepts solid waste on a contractual basis from many communities in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties, and it is the disposal site of all solid waste formerly going to the Springfield Municipal Landfill. Coupled with state mandated recycling, the operation of the trash incinerator has extended the life of the municipal landfill. Each of these facilities is permitted and regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Other than the many abandoned “farm dumps” scattered throughout Agawam, the only closed commercial landfill is located at the former Mushy’s Recreation Center now used as a solar farm. As a result of the conclusion reached in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan Update (1994), that there is excess landfill capacity throughout the state, and due to the lack of available suitable local sites, it is highly unlikely that there will be any new landfills in Agawam in the foreseeable future.

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3. Erosion Agawam does not have any erosion prone areas other than areas under active development and which are incidental to grading and landscaping requirements. 4. Chronic Flooding Agawam has a history of flooding year round. Most of flooding results from storm surges in drainage swales, runoff and brooks and streams. There is seasonal flooding along the Connecticut River, and occasionally along the Westfield River. Much of the storm related flooding is caused by poor drainage designs, soil saturation in and around certain developments, development in wetlands and along river floodplains and the floodways of brooks and streams. 5. Sedimentation Sedimentation is becoming a more acute problem throughout Agawam as developments encroach upon wetlands, streams and areas subject to flooding. The problem may be made worse by the failure of Agawam and private owners to keep drainage structures clear. The adoption of an ordinance to control drainage has helped to alleviate problems with sedimentation. 6. Development Impact As in all areas where there has been rapid growth, Agawam has experienced “growing pains” ranging from recreation deficits in some areas to overcrowding in the schools. The natural environment has been impacted by this development and there has been a significant impact on all water bodies in Agawam. The only buildable land remaining is largely associated with many valuable resource areas, including wildlife habitat, wetlands and watercourses. 7. Ground and Surface Water Pollution There has been no perceptible degradation in surface or groundwater quality. Ground and surface water resources in Agawam have been inventoried and are included in the Department of Environmental Protection’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Maps (quadrangle 40, 46). The GIS maps also contain information on the quality of those water resources and rates them for use and availability as drinking water resources. Other than the five sites of permitted solid waste facilities there is no bar to developing the drinking water resources that have been identified. 8. Forestry Forestry activities have had no appreciable impact in Agawam. Forest Cutting Plans overseen by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service are submitted to the Town periodically. The Agawam Conservation Commission reviews these plans and consults with the regional forester when they have concerns. Any impacts are usually temporary. No long term impacts have been experienced. There was considerable public opposition to a proposed forest management plan that was proposed in Robinson State Park. As a result of the opposition, the amount of tree cutting was considerably downsized and residents were satisfied.

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9. Environmental Equity Environmental Equity ensures that no one group or community bears a larger, unfair share of harmful effects from pollution or environmental hazards. The challenges identified above, especially those naturally occurring, are shared equally by all residents of the community. Environmental Equity also ensures that no community or population is underserved. For the purpose of this plan, open space and recreational facilities must be equitably distributed throughout the community. Recreational facilities in Agawam are more abundant in the eastern part of the community which is referred to as Agawam. This is where the higher population density is located. The western part of the community, referred to as Feeding Hills, contains fewer formal recreational facilities such as parks and playgrounds. Feeding Hills does, however, contain large tracts of town-owned land such as Tuckahoe Turf Farm, May Hollow and Ridgeview Park. The 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey results reflect the need for additional recreation facilities in Feeding Hills. The Five Year Action Plan contains a number of projects which will address this need.

H. Farmland Farmland acreage in Agawam has declined from about 7,500 acres in 1950 to about 3,800 in 1970 to about 2,500 acres in 1982, with a decrease in recent years. Up until recently, it was estimated that farmland losses in Agawam since 1950 had been about 70%. Significant acreage of farmland has been lost to residential and commercial development, and much farmland has been lost simply because of the poor economic setting for farming in the Commonwealth. The current figures do not include losses that will be incurred due to the expansion of Route 57. Farmland decline generally began in eastern Agawam. Declines continued along established transportation routes. Central Agawam is no longer agricultural, only western areas of Agawam and adjacent areas of Southwick and Suffield have the area for viable farming. Today, there are 1,551.98 acres of farmland listed under the Chapter 61A Program. There are also eight (8) individual farms consisting of approximately 250 acres permanently protected under the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program (APR). The decline in the number of farmed acres is expected to further decline in the future. There is little developable land remaining in Agawam and the farmers are under increasing pressure to sell their land for development. The Town continues to promote the APR Program and supports all APR applications.

Section 5 - Inventory of Lands of Conservation & Recreation Interest

One of the key components in measuring a community’s quality of life is the availability of well- maintained parks, playgrounds and open spaces. Such spaces can provide for active and passive recreation and are often focal points for public gatherings and community cultural events. Parks and playgrounds provide places for individuals of all ages to interact and give a place a sense of

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 23 community. Passive open space provides individuals with the opportunity to connect with the natural environment and provide peace and serenity in one’s active and often hectic private life. In addition, opens spaces serve important environmental functions. Forest and wetlands play an active role in cleaning our air and water, provide floodwater and stormwater retention, are home to all forms of wildlife and vegetation and generally buffer a community from more urban land uses. Agawam has placed a priority on these important community resources and is fortunate to have many excellent parks and playgrounds, as well as hundreds of acres of undeveloped open space. This section of the plan contains an inventory of all publicly and privately owned lands of conservation and recreation interest. What is open space? Open space is land that is undeveloped or left it its natural state. Open space is then divided into two major classifications: recreation and conservation open space. The inventory is an update of the 2006 inventory. Inventory forms have been completed for each property. The inventory forms identify ownership, location, management, facilities, access, parking and uses and more (See Attachment 7). The inventoried properties are also listed in Table 4 which compiles and identifies the ownership, management, use of the property, protected and unprotected status and recreation potential. The matrix follows the format suggested in the Open Space Planners Workbook. A map of all inventoried properties is included in Attachment 8. Critical to the inventory is the identification of those properties which are protected and those not protected. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation defines protected lands as those lands which cannot be converted to any other use without the following actions: 1) the local conservation commission must vote that the land is surplus to its needs, 2) the park commission must vote the same if it is parkland, 3) the matter must be taken up by the City Council and passed by a 2/3 vote, 4) the town must file an Environmental Notification Form with EEA’s MEPA Unit, and 5) the matter must pass by a 2/3 vote of the Massachusetts Legislature. Such lands usually have been purchased with state and/or federal grants or lands under the management of the Conservation Commission. Additional protected lands are owned by water departments, EOEA agencies, the National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service. Of Agawam’s inventory of lands of conservation and recreation interest, only seven (7) are considered to be protected by the Division of Conservation and Recreation definition. As Agawam continues to grow, more and more pressure will be applied by the development community to convert these lands to other uses. Development pressure may also be experienced on Town owned lands as the school age population increases and vacant lands are eyed for new school sites or other town facilities. Agawam’s Five Year Plan attempts to address some of these threats by proposing acquisition or other protection techniques. As stated in Section 4 H, Farmland, above, today there are 1,560.61 acres of farmland listed under the Chapter 61A Program. In addition, there are 198.18 acres listed under Chapter 61 and 701.19 under 61B. Chapter land is found in Attachment 15. There are also eight (8) individual farms consisting of approximately 250 acres permanently protected under the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program (APR).

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 24 TABLE 4 - Inventory Ownership, Management and Use Matrix Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan

Owner Ref Land Manager Use Protected or Recreation # Unprotected Potential State

1 Robinson Park & DEM Passive & Protected Expansion of State Pool Active Rec. trail system and enhancement of pedestrian amenities. 2 Connecticut Town of Multi-use Protected Additional Riverwalk and Agawam Trail areas for vista Bikeway viewing; benches. Town of Agawam 3 Clark School School Dept. & Playground Unprotected Paved Schools DPW & Ball walkways for fields better access to amenities and fields. 4 Granger School School Dept. & Playground Unprotected Paved DPW & Ball walkways for fields better access to amenities and fields. 6 Middle School School Dept. & Ball fields Unprotected Paved DPW walkways for better access to amenities and fields. 7 Phelps School & School Dept. & Playground Unprotected Paved Memorial Field DPW & Ball field walkways for better access to amenities and fields. 8 Robinson Park School School Dept. & Playground Unprotected Paved DPW & Ball field walkways for better access to amenities and fields. 9 Senior High School School Dept. & Ball fields Unprotected Additional DPW & Track fields and upgrades to existing.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 25 Parks and Playgrounds 10 Borgatti Park Parks Ball Fields Unprotected Expansion Dept/DPW & and upgrade Playground of existing fields. 11 Meadowbrook Park Parks Passive & Unprotected Walking Dept/DPW Active Rec. trails. 12 McGrath Park DPW Passive Rec. Protected Additional pedestrian amenities such as walkways, benches. 13 Perry Lane Park Parks Passive & Protected Walking Dept/DPW Active Rec. trails. 14 School Street Park Parks Passive & Protected Additional Dept/DPW Active Rec. ball fields and passive recreation amenities. 15 Shea Field Parks Passive & Unprotected Expansion of Dept/DPW Active Rec. existing fields. Passive Rec. 16 Coty Property Con. Comm. Not in use Unprotected Create walking trails. 17 Campanelli Land DPW Not in use Unprotected Create walking trails. 18 Joanne Dr. Con. Comm. Not in use Unprotected Large Conservation Land wetland. 19 Main St. Property N/A Not in use Unprotected Limited potential – no public access. 20 May Hollow DPW Not in use Unprotected Create walking trails. 21 Ridgeview Park Parks Not in use Unprotected Create Dept/DPW walking trails. 22 Tuckahoe Turf Farm DPW Farmed Unprotected Walking trails, cross country skiing. 23 Hemlock Ridge Land DPW Not in use Unprotected Create walking trails. 24 School Street Land DPW Not in use Create walking trails. Other Rec. Land 25 Pynchon Point Con. Comm. Passive Protected Additional picnic amenities. 26 Agawam Municipal AMGC/DPW Active Protected Fully Golf Course developed golf course. Ag. Housing Authority 27 Benjamin Wade Park Agawam Park Active Unprotected Playground Dept./DPW or ball field.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 26 Privately Owned Golf Courses 28 Crestview Country Country Club Active Unprotected Fully Club developed golf course. 29 Oak Ridge Golf Country Club Active Unprotected Fully Course developed golf course. 30 St. Anne Golf Course Country Club Active Unprotected Fully developed golf course.

Other 31 Crowley’s Owner Active Unprotected Good. Commission Sales Privately owned.

32 Equine Boulevard Owner Active Unprotected Good. Privately owned. 33 Italian Sporting Club Club Passive Unprotected Fair. Privately owned. 34 Mawaga Club Club Passive & Unprotected Good. Active Rec. Privately owned. 35 36 Polish American Club Club Passive Unprotected Good. Privately owned. 37 Sacred Heart Field Church Active Unprotected Good. Privately owned. 38 Six Flags N.E. Owner Active Unprotected Good. Privately owned. 39 Springfield Yacht & Club Active Unprotected Good. Canoe Club Privately owned. 40 St. John’s Field Church Active Unprotected Good. Privately owned. 41 Twin Silos Owner Active Unprotected Good. Privately owned. 42 West Springfield Fish Club Active Unprotected Good. and Game Club Privately owned. 43 Silver Lake Private Active Unprotected Good. Privately owned.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 27 Section 6 - Community Vision

A. Description of Process

The planning process through which the 2014 Open Space Goals were obtained had four major components. First, the Mayor appointed Opens Space and Recreation Plan Advisory Committee represented a diverse cross-section of the Agawam community. They met through the year to review the previous Plan and to determine where its recommended actions had been achieved, partially achieved or never initiated. Second, the 2014 survey which had a broad distribution and participation provided a foundation for the Town-wide Visioning Session which was attended by over 50 residents. The “breakout sessions” conducted during the Session provided a forum for lively discussion and the development of the goals upon which the 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan is based. Finally, the public hearing at which the Plan and, in particular, the Five Year Action Plan was presented and reformulated was held on August 14, 2014 and continued to September 11, 2014. The public notice, agendas and minutes of the public hearings are found in Attachment 1.

B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals (see Section 8)

Agawam is a place of tradition and opportunity. Agawam’s agricultural fields, historic homes and village centers hold reminders of the community’s rich past. Provin Mountain, the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers, streams and wetlands impart a sense of quiet open space that residents find so appealing. In keeping with this tradition and the essential role open space serves, the overall goal for this Plan is to use zoning, acquisition and management to control growth and preserve Agawam’s high quality of life.

SECTION 7- ANALYSIS OF NEED

A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs

Agawam is a very diverse community. From Provin Mountain to the west, to the Connecticut River to the east, the landscape contains abundant resources. Due to development pressures the community has experienced in the last 50 years, most easily developed parcels now contain houses, industries and/or commercial development. Most of the remaining parcels, the more challenging parcels consisting of floodplains, wetland resources, important habitat and agricultural and forestry resources are receiving the greatest pressure from the development community. In an effort to balance the need to continue to supply adequate housing and services for Agawam’s residents, the Town has pro-actively identified in previous Open Space and Recreation Plans those parcels which are most valuable and most threatened. Purchase of the Agawam Municipal Golf Course, Tuckahoe Turf Farm and the former Hampden County Prison Farm, all identified in previous Open Space and Recreation Plans, have alone succeeded in protecting 450 acres of prime developable land. Further, Agawam is fortunate to have almost its entire northern and eastern

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 28 borders, those that are formed by the Westfield and Connecticut Rivers permanently protected. Robinson State Park, consisting of 800 acres of forested uplands and floodplains, is located on the Town’s northerly border. Approximately one-half of Agawam’s easterly boundary is Agawam’s linear, multi-use trail, the Connecticut Riverwalk. Agawam residents have continuously supported efforts to protect natural resources. In the most recent town-wide survey, discussed in more detail below, 74% of the respondents stated that protection of natural resources should be a high priority. Historically, Agawam elected officials have been hesitant to support the Town’s acquisition of lands containing wetlands resources or floodplains. Illegal dumping has been a problem for many years and the Town has found it difficult to keep presently publically-owned properties free from demolition material and yard waste. Since the enactment of the Rivers’ Act in 1992, Agawam rivers have benefitted from the 200’ riparian protection. This has provided the Conservation Commission with added enforcement power to protect the community’s rivers and associated wetlands. More recently, the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program has significantly expanded its jurisdiction by updating its Priority Habitats and Estimated Habitats Maps. In Agawam, the protected and potentially protected acreage has increased dramatically. Agawam was also one of the first communities in western Massachusetts to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). By using CPA funds, Agawam will soon benefit from an outdoor classroom. It will be located on four (4) acres of land abutting the northeastern side of the Agawam High School which was purchased with CPA funds. The Town of Agawam adopted an Open Space Residential Development amendment to the Zoning Ordinance in December 2006. Through this mechanism, additional natural resources will be preserved.

B. Summary of Community’s Needs

In the past, Agawam has conducted surveys of the town’s residents to determine the community’s needs for open space and recreation. A survey is conducted each time the Open Space and Recreation Plan is updated. Past surveys have shown Agawam’s support for open space preservation. As early as the 1980’s, Agawam was a fast growing community where land that was previously farmland was quickly being transformed into housing and commercial and industrial development. Even during this time the residents recognized the need for Agawam to preserve the Town’s remaining open space. In the 1989 survey, 93% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the Town should take an active role in preserving open space. In the same survey, 84% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that Agawam should have better control over the impact of commercial development in the community. When the next survey was conducted in 1993, the responses were similar. The results showed that 83% of the respondents felt that Agawam should address conservation, natural and open spaces, while 80% felt that it was important for Agawam to address farmland preservation and recreational areas. The 1999 survey showed that the respondents’ priorities had not changed significantly from previous surveys. Of the respondents, 97% either agreed or strongly agreed that Agawam should protect its

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 29 natural resources, while 96% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the Town should preserve open space to meet recreational needs. Respondents also continued to show their support for preservation of farmland as 93% of those responding either agreed or strongly agreed that Agawam should protect its remaining farmland. The 2006 survey asked the respondents to rank their open space and recreation priorities. The respondents were asked to rank each item on a scale from one to five, one being not important and five being very important. The results showed that 90% or more respondents ranked the following as important to very important: preserving open space, promoting existing recreational and open space, expand and/or enhancing town-owned recreational facilities, enhancing access to open spaces, protecting farmland, and protecting natural resources. The lowest percentages were for acquiring additional open space and protecting historic buildings, however even these ranked as 84% and 89%, respectively. The 2013 Open Space and Recreation Survey results were similar to those of previous years, though some of the specific project priorities had shifted or changed. The 260 respondents represented all six of the designated neighborhoods. Though, the largest percentage resided in the Main Street/River Road Area (33.98%) and the smallest, North Agawam (5.86%).

When asked to rank the importance of issues ranging from preserving open space to protecting buildings and places of historic or local significance those responding place the highest priority on promoting and enhancing existing recreational facilities and open space (85.16%), while giving the lowest priority enhancing vehicular and handicapped access to recreational facilities (49.41%). See Table 5 below. Respondents 60 years of age or older gave a slightly higher importance to protection

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 30 of natural resources and farmland closely followed by promoting and enhancing existing recreation facilities and open space.

Table 5 - How important is it to you to: Not Rating Response Answer Options Neutral Important important Average Count Preserve open space to meet our recreational 15 44 196 2.71 255 needs? Promote and enhance existing recreation 17 21 218 2.79 256 facilities and open space? Expand and/or enhance town-owned 26 36 194 2.66 256 recreational facilities? Enhance vehicular and handicapped access to 36 93 126 2.35 255 recreation facilities? Acquire additional open space and 43 75 134 2.36 252 conservation land? Protect farmland in Agawam? 24 55 180 2.60 259 Protect natural resources (wetlands, 23 44 190 2.65 257 watersheds, waterbodies, etc)? Protect buildings and places of historical or 31 61 168 2.53 260 local signficance? answered question 260 skipped question 0

To determine what strategies respondents supported to preserve open space in Agawam, a variety of options were suggested. Ninety-four (94%) supported accepting donations while only twenty-three (23%) supported the use of general and/or local tax revenues. Surprisingly, only 62% of the respondents supported the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds which are specifically designated for this use. More education about the CPA Program may be necessary.

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Question 5 dealt with specific Town-owned recreational facilities. Respondents were asked to rate the facilities using the following designations: poor, average, or excellent. They are also given the opportunity to state whether they did not know where the facility was located or whether they did not use the facility. The Town’s new School Street Park receive the highest rating with sixty-three (63%) of those responding ranking it as excellent. The School Street Park was followed by the Connecticut River Walk with forty (40%) rating this facility as excellent. Twenty-six (26%) did not know where Benjamin Wade Park is located and twenty-five (25%) did not know where the Town’s passive recreational opportunities were located. Asked where the Town’s future open space investments should be concentrated a number of popular projects surfaced. Fifty-seven (57%) wished to see more walking and hiking trails. Between 45% to 46% of the respondents supported a new High School track, the creation of a dog park, and the development of additional bike trails. The lowest priority was additional football fields (3%), additional volleyball courts (4%), and additional golf courses (2%).

Seniors agreed with making walking and hiking trails a priority. However, reflecting their earlier emphasis on preservation of farmland, they recommended that future town investments should be directed to this goal. A dog park, bike trails and winter sports followed farmland preservation in that order.

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The final question of the survey asked how respondents would rate a number of recreational opportunities. The following table displays these results.

How do you rate the quality of the following recreational opportunities?

Accessing the Connecticut and Westfield Rivers

Relaxing outdoors

Observing or studying nature/wildlife

Adult recreation

Youth recreation

2.00 2.10 2.20 2.30 2.40 2.50 2.60 2.70 2.80

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 33 The 2012 Massachusetts Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) was reviewed to determine whether the needs expressed by Agawam residents were consistent with those identified statewide. Increasing the number and availability of car-free recreational opportunities/trails was a priority goal of the 2012 SCORP. This was also the top priority for the Town of Agawam. The Connecticut Riverwalk is the only Town-owned pedestrian/bicycle facility in Agawam. Also a goal in the SCORP was the investment in recreation and conservation areas that are close to home for short visits. There is a scarcity of Town-owned recreational facilities in the Feeding Hills section of town. There are opportunities to develop passive recreational opportunities on Town-owned tracts of land in Feeding Hills including Tuckahoe Turf Farm and May Hollow.

Finally, the Town of Agawam is in the process of conducting an ADA Self Evaluation funded through a Community Development Block Grant. The Evaluation is anticipated to be complete by Spring 2015. Once completed, the specific needs as relating to the physically challenged residents will be determined. This information will be provided as an addendum to the 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan.

C. Management Needs, Potential Change of Use

The Town of Agawam’s greatest recreational need as identified by its Director of Parks and Recreation is additional athletic fields to accommodate the growing youth sports and adult sports in the community. The completion of Phase I of the School Street Park in 2008 has alleviated some of the demands for additional athletic fields. However, additional multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey, and an additional 90’ baseball diamond are still needed. With the growing number of teams sponsored by the schools, the Parks and Recreation Department, and private athletic organizations that utilize fields in Agawam it is becoming increasingly more difficult to equitably schedule field use and still allow for rest and maintenance of the turf. A synthetic turf field would be very beneficial as unlimited play could be scheduled without the risk of overuse. To address the ever changing recreational needs of the community, the Parks and Recreation Department is in constant communication with the School Department and the private organizations that utilize town-owned facilities. The Agawam Soccer Association, the Agawam Little League, and the Agawam Youth Football Association utilize the facilities and contribute financially towards their capital improvement. The Town will continue to work hand in hand with the School Department and private organizations to ensure equitable field use and to make facilities improvements. With the completion of the final phase of the School Street Park in 2015 the growing demands on the Town’s passive recreational facilities should be met today and into the immediate future. The final phase of the School Street Park does not include any athletic fields for organized sports.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 34 SECTION 8 - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The following are the revised Goals and Objectives drafted and unanimously approved by the 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee on April 29, 2014: Overall Goal: Open Space is an essential attribute of Agawam’s traditional rural character. Use zoning, acquisition and management to manage growth and preserve our quality of life.

Specific Goal #1: Create an open space system that provides benefits throughout the town for all age groups and through all four seasons of the year.

Objectives: A. Acquire, preserve and/or protect strategic parcels for active and passive use and natural resource conservation.

B. Update the Open Space Plan, identify natural resources and assess open space/recreation areas by needs and uses town-wide and by neighborhood. Be mindful of the effects of infrastructure improvements on open space.

Specific Goal #2: Ensure that access to open space is available, consistent with their intended uses. Objectives: A. Publicize and inform residents about existing open space and recreation areas, where they are, when they are open, what they offer. B. Provide safe pedestrian routes to facilities and adequate parking support.

C. Manage resources for the maximum range of users consistent with the purpose of the resource.

D. Support and encourage designs which allow safe, environmentally friendly access (including, but not limited to, walking, biking and public transportation). Encourage town planning for bike lanes on all major roads.

Specific Goal #3: Preserve natural resources, habitat systems and farmland.

Objectives: A. Educate the community about land management techniques.

B. Provide incentives to landowners to manage and/or develop in an environmentally sensitive manner.

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C. Purchase land or development rights (or long term leases) for indentified strategic parcels.

D. Actively pursue farmland preservation; seek APR’s on Town remaining farms.

E. Encourage donation of land.

F. Reassess zoning to encourage the preservation of open space.

Specific Goal #4: Provide adequate recreational facilities to serve a variety of needs for all citizens of Agawam.

Objectives: A. Develop and maintain town-owned active and passive recreational facilities and land.

B. Work for geographic balance by providing facilities accessible to all neighborhoods.

C. Manage and maintain existing resources—such as schools’ athletic fields and recreational facilities—for multiple user groups (consistent with the purpose of the facility).

D. Provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant parking and sanitary facilities.

E. Seek ADA compliance for all town-owned recreational facilities.

Specific Goal #5: Explore and pursue all sources of funding to support open space and recreation activities and facilities.

Objectives: A. Use of CPA (Community Preservation Act) funds to address open space and recreation needs.

B. Pursue State and Federal funding where applicable.

C. Promote participation in the APR (Agricultural Preservation Restriction) Program. D. Encourage private businesses to support public recreation.

E. Encourage charitable donations.

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SECTION 9 - FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN In this section of Agawam’s 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan, a year-by-year timetable is presented for action to accomplish the objectives identified in Section 8. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee has attempted to present a realistic timetable, though some actions may not be able to be completed during the designated years due to funding and/or staffing constraints. The 2014 Five Year Action Plan is an achievable, realistic plan. Activities that had been previously listed in earlier Action Plans such as seeking APR’s on Agawam’s remaining farms have been moved to the Goals and Objectives portion of the Plan since they are on-going activities. Please note that the Action Plan will be reviewed annually by the Conservation Commission and amended as necessary. The Five-Year Action Plan is visually displayed on the Five-Year Action Plan Map (Attachment 10). 2014-2015

1. Produce a Recreation/Open Space Pamphlet

The Town shall produce and distribute to all Agawam households a pamphlet that lists all open space and recreation resources, how to find and enter them, the activities and facilities they offer, their hours of operation and other useful information. This pamphlet should be made available to all households through mailings, provision in public places and/or on the Town’s Website.

Responsible Parties: CPA Committee/Staff, Parks and Recreation Department Funding: CPA Funding

2. Completion of the Final Phase of the School Street

Construction has begun on the final phase of the School Street Park with an anticipated completion in late summer/fall of 2014. Because the new grass will not be mature enough to sustain heavy activity at the park a spring 2015 opening is planned. The final phase of construction will include, open space with covered picnic shelters, a volleyball court, a playground, a spray park, restroom facilities, parking for 200+ cars, a band shell, a disc golf course and a large covered pavilion with concessions. The site of the final phase will remain partially wooded with wetlands on both the westerly and easterly boundaries. Responsible Parties: Department of Parks and Recreation

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 37 Funding: PARC Grant, CPA

3. Completion of the Riverwalk Loop

Phase II of the Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway is a 4.8 mile loop which will connect River Road with the Main Street Historic District along with interconnections between School Street Park, Borgatti Park, Perry Lane Park and Pynchon Point. Once constructed the loop will provide bicyclists with 5 miles of on-road and off-road bicycle safe facilities.

The project began construction in the Spring of 2014 and is anticipated to take one year to construct. The project is funded through State and Federal funds and will be overseen by MassDOT.

Responsible Parties: MassDOT working in conjunction with the Agawam Engineering Department and the Office of Planning and Community Development Funding: State and Federal

4. Construction of the Agawam Dog Park

Agawam’s first dog park on a 2.1 acre section of Shea Field will begin construction in the Summer of 2014. The $269,000 state-of-the-art facility is being funded as follows: $245,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation, $10,000 donation from the Agawam Dog Owner’s Group, and a $14,000 grant from the CPA fund.

The park is expected to be open to the public by the Spring of 2015. The project is being overseen by the Agawam Parks and Recreation Department.

Responsible Parties: Agawam Parks and Recreation Department Funding: Stanton Foundation, ADOG, CPA

5. Secure Funding for the Restoration of the School Street Barn

The School Street Park contains an historic 130 year old barn. Due to its unique architecture and place in the region’s history, it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2012, Crosskey Architects were hired using CPA funds to evaluate the structure and prepare, with public input, a plan for its restoration. In 2013, the City Council approved the use of $315,000 of CPA funds to be utilized to restore the barn. These funds were, however, tied to the Town obtaining a $100,000 grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC). The Town was not successful in obtaining the MHC grant funds. As such, no CPA funds are currently available to undertake the restoration project.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 38 The Office of Planning and Community Development will resubmit an application to the CPA committee in the Summer of 2014. If successful, the project will be put out to bid in late summer with construction taking place during the Fall.

Responsible Party: Office of Planning and Community Development Funding: CPA

6. High School Track (Design) In 2013, a Track Exploratory Committee was formed by Mayor Richard Cohen. It was determined that the Agawam High School Track was in a state of disrepair. Also in 2013, a consultant was hired using CPA funds to complete a schematic design and conceptual plan of a new track facility. The improved facility will include a new track surrounding a new football/soccer synthetic field, lighting, baseball field improvements, reconstruction of the tennis and basketball courts, new bleachers, restrooms, concession and ticketing facilities. Funding for design services will be sought in the Fall of 2014.

Responsible Party: Agawam Track Exploratory Committee Funding: General Fund, CPA

7. Assessment of Town-Owned Recreational Facilities The Town of Agawam is fortunate to have many recreational facilities. Due to tight fiscal budgets, it is important to prioritize those areas where maintenance, updating and/or accessibility are most needed. Reassessment of priorities should be done on an annual basis and projects completed as funding is identified. Responsible Party: Department of Parks and Recreation Funding: Annual Operating Budget, Capital Improvement Budget, CPA

8. Annual Review of the Five Year Action Plan At the completion of every fiscal year, the Conservation Commission and the CPA Committee will meet to review the activities undertaken to accomplish those projects identified in that fiscal year. If all projects are completed, additional projects may be added for the next year. If there have been delays, the subsequent year’s projects may need to be re- evaluated.

2015 - 2016 1. Conduct a Town-Wide Study Evaluating Pedestrian and Bicycle Compatibility

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The 2013 Open Space and Recreation Survey conducted to solicit public input asked residents to indentify where they would like to see the Town’s future open space and recreation investments. Receiving the highest percentage of responses was walking and hiking trails (57.9%). Forty-six % of respondents supported future investments in bike trails. Though Agawam has dedicated bicycle and walking trails on the Riverwalk, in School Street Park and soon on the Riverwalk Loop system, many other areas of Town do not provide safe and/or convenient facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. A study should be undertaken of the Town’s roads and sidewalks to identify where improvements should be made. Partnering with organizations that have experience with such studies such as the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission would be advantageous. A Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee should be created to guide this effort. Responsible Parties: Office of Planning and Community Development; Parks and Recreation Department and a Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee Funding: CPA; Possible Grant from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; other grant funding

2. Complete Renovations to the School Street Barn See the previous year. All renovation activities should be completed and the barn should be open for select public functions.

3. High School Track Completion of the Track Project bid documents and specifications. The project shall be put out to bid and funding shall be secured. It is anticipated that this will be a multi-year construction project. Responsible Party: Agawam Track Exploratory Committee Funding: General Fund, CPA

4. Annual Review of the Five Year Action Plan At the completion of every fiscal year, the Conservation Commission and the CPA Committee will meet to review the activities undertaken to accomplish those projects identified in that fiscal year. If all projects are completed, additional projects may be added for the next year. If there have been delays, the subsequent year’s projects may need to be re- evaluated.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 40 2016 – 2017

1. Design a Trail System in Feeding Hills

Fifty-seven % of the respondents to the Open Space and Recreation Survey requested that the Town invest in additional walking and hiking trails. There are no Town owned walking/hiking facilities in Feeding Hills, though the Town owns large expanses of open space which could be used for this purpose.

The Planning Office, Parks and Recreation Department, CPA Committee and Department of Public Works should combine their efforts to study available land and plan a series of trails through the northern portion of Feeding Hills. The study should identify routes, users, trail treatments and long-term maintenance. The study should be completed within one (1) year. Responsible Parties: Office of Planning and Community Development, Parks and Recreation Department, CPA Committee and Department of Public Works Funding: Study can be conducted in-house. If detailed plans are necessary, CPA funding may be requested.

2. High School Track

Construction of the new High School Track Facility will be ongoing.

3. Place Rubberized Treatment on Town Play Grounds

The Parks and Recreation Department will begin a program to rubberize those Town playgrounds that currently do not have this treatment. They include: Perry Lane Park, Borgatti Park and the playground located at the State Pool.

Responsible Parties: Department of Parks and Recreation Funding: General Fund, CPA Funding

4. Annual Review of the Five Year Action Plan

At the completion of every fiscal year, the Conservation Commission and the CPA Committee will meet to review the activities undertaken to accomplish those projects identified in that fiscal year. If all projects are completed, additional projects may be added for the next year. If there have been delays, the subsequent year’s projects may need to be re-

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 41 evaluated.

2017 -2018

1. Implement Bicycle and Pedestrian Compatibility Plan

Year 2 of the Five Year Action Plan (2015-2016) recommends that a study be undertaken of the Town’s roads and sidewalks to identify where improvements should be made. It is suggested that the Town partner with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission or other agencies with experience with bicycle and pedestrian facility planning. It was also suggested that a Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee be created to guide the effort.

During this year of the Action Plan, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee should work with the Department of Public Works, the Office of Planning and Community Development and the Department of Parks and Recreation to begin to implement this plan. It is anticipated that implementation may take many years to complete and should be an on- going effort.

Responsible Parties: Agawam Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee; Agawam Department of Public Works; Agawam Office of Planning and Community Development; Agawam Parks and Recreation Department

Funding: Chapter 90 Funds; CPA Funds; State and Federal Grants

2. High School Track Facility

The new High School Track Facility should be completed.

3. Implement Feeding Hills Trail Recommendations

See previous year. The implementation of the trail study may take multiple years. Use of in- house employees should be evaluated to commence construction of the trails. A maintenance plan with funding, if necessary, should be adopted.

Responsible Parties: Office of Planning and Community Development, Parks and Recreation Department, CPA Committee, and Department of Public Works

Funding: In-house, CPA

4. Place Rubberized Treatment on Town Play Grounds

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Year 3 of the Five Year Action Plan recommends that the Department of Parks and Recreation begin a program to rubberize those Town playgrounds that currently do not have this treatment This will be an ongoing program. Responsible Party: Department of Parks and Recreation Funding: General Fund, CPA Funding

5. Annual Review of the Five Year Action Plan At the completion of every fiscal year, the Conservation Commission and the CPA Committee will meet to review the activities undertaken to accomplish those projects identified in that fiscal year. If all projects are completed, additional projects may be added for the next year. If there have been delays, the subsequent year’s projects may need to be re- evaluated.

2018 - 2019

1. Master Plan for Tuckahoe Turf Farm

In April 1994, the Town retained the services of the Conway School of Landscape Design to prepare a conceptual Master Plan for the 292 acre Tuckahoe Turf Farm which the Town had acquired in 1991. The Plan suggested a blend of passive and active recreation. Since the preparation of the Plan, the Town has utilized the northerly portion for various Department of Public Works activities, most recently a stump dump for material collected after natural disasters. The southerly portion of the farm has been leased annually to farmers.

It is recommended that the 1994 Master Plan be revisited and updated with recommendations on how the land can be utilized by the public for active and passive recreation.

Responsible Parties: Office of Planning and Community Development; Department of Parks and Recreation; Department of Public Works Funding: CPA Funds; Local Technical Assistance PVPC

2. Annual Review of the Five Year Action Plan At the completion of every fiscal year, the Conservation Commission and the CPA Committee will meet to review the activities undertaken to accomplish those projects identified in that fiscal year. If all projects are completed, additional projects may be added for the next year. If there have been delays, the subsequent year’s projects may need to be re- evaluated.

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Section 10 – ADA Self Evaluation A. Self Evaluation (prepared under separate cover) Can be viewed in Agawam Planning Department Or at www.agawam.ma.us B. Grievance Procedure C. Discrimination Complaint Form

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 47 Section 11 – Public Comments

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 50 Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Forum

Break Out Session #1

Priority # 1 – Master Plan for Open Space and Recreation  Identify strategic parcels for preservation and/or acquisition  Reassess zoning for Open Space and Recreation  Effect of sewers in south west Agawam

Priority #2 – Provide access to Open Space and Recreation Facilities  Enhance/Improve walk ability  Provide sidewalks throughout Town of Agawam  Connect neighborhoods to open space  Provide access for all ages and abilities

Priority #3 – Promote and enhance current open space and recreation opportunities

Break Out Session #2

Highest Priority –  CT Riverwalk – Expansion of loop, cleaning/maintaining  Shea Field – Open bathrooms to public, and repairs to building (new roof) to be used for various users. Security lighting at the skate park  Perry Lane Park – Hiking and walking trails, mark trails (2014 Eagle Scout Project), establishing rubberized playground, finish bathroom renovations.  Borgatti Field – Rubberize playground surface, renovate basketball court, policing area (trash), security deposit  State Pool – Rubberize playground surface

Other Priorities  Benjamin Wade Park – Possible neighborhood playground  Meadowbrook Park – Possible neighborhood park with walking trails. Remove structures  State Pool – Possible expansion of fields and parking (soccer association), bathrooms  School Playground – possible playground discuss with school  Municipal Golf Course – Expand and repair parking lot  Athletic Field – 1. St. John – bathrooms, power, parking lot

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 51 2. Memorial – baseball fields need attention, concession stand 3. Tuckahoe Turf Farm – ball fields  Ice Skating – some where  Signage at fields for animal control

Break Out Session #3

Highest Priorities:  Nature trails with fitness stations, educational stations with plaques. To be maintained by clubs.  Provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. Possible locations: School Street Park and schools (gardens)  Recreational opportunities in Feeding Hills  Adequate funding for maintenance of all open space and recreational facilities  Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety (i.e., pedestrian crossing, marked lanes)  Support School Street Barn Project

High Priorities:  Community Gardens possibly at Shea Field for nutrition, education for those with no garden space of their own.  Winter Sports – ice skating, use of Agawam Municipal Golf Course for sledding, skiing  Permanent Performance Center as well as other cultural activities throughout Town (i.e., art exhibits, flash mobs, movie houses)  Increase bicycle friendly facilities  Safe locations for on-road running  Bicycle tours of Town’s historic sites  Connecting recreational areas with pedestrian trails/bike trails  Encourage the growth of small business to support recreational facilities (i.e., bike rentals, bike shops, food venues)

Medium Priorities:  Rowing Clubs – Partner with existing i.e., Pioneer Valley Yacht Club  School Playgrounds – upgrade to accommodate adult activities  Tuckahoe Turf Farm – develop passive recreation  Robinson Park – encourage better use  Town-wide Agawam Day with craft fair and food truck fair

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 52 Section 12 – References

1. Agawam Community Preservation Committee, Town of Agawam Community Preservation Plan, January 2006. 2. American Farmland Trust, The Cost of Community Services in Agawam, Massachusetts, July, 1991. 3. Baystate Environmental Consultants, Inc., Agawam Farmlands - A Plan for Conservation, February, 1983. 4. Brown, Donald, & Donald, Planning services, Inc., Town of Agawam, Massachusetts, Master Plan, 1976. 5. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Living Waters - Guiding the Protection of Freshwater Biodiversity in Massachusetts, 2003. 6. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, BioMap and Living Waters - Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts - Core Habitats of Agawam, 2004 7. Conway School of Landscape Design, Tuckahoe Recreation Area, April, 1994. 8. Interchange, Town of Agawam Master Plan Update, July 1984. 9. Land Use Inc., A Working Statement of Goals and Objectives to Guide Agawam into the Future, October, 1993. 10. McGregor & Associates, P.C., Town of Agawam Community Development Plan, July 2004. 11. Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Connecticut River 2020 Strategy, 1993. 12. Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Connecticut River 2020 Strategy, Part Two: Action Strategy for Riverfront Revitalization, 1995. 13. Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Westfield River Five Year Watershed Action Plan, June 2006. 14. Town of Agawam, Agawam Open Space and Recreation Plan, August, 1986. 15. Town of Agawam, Agawam Open Space and Recreation Plan, December, 1994. 16. Town of Agawam, 2001 Agawam Open Space and Recreation Plan.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 53 Attachment 1 – Public Hearing – Notice, Agenda, Minutes, and Sign-in Sheet

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AGAWAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Agawam Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 6:30 PM at the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA. The purpose of this hearing is to present Agawam’s 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan. Information can be obtained from the Agawam Office of Planning & Community Development, 36 Main Street, Agawam.

Per order of:

Henry A. Kozloski, Chairman AGAWAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION

To be run 7/31/14 & 8/7/14

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 57 AGAWAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION August 14, 2014

MEMBERS PRESENT: Henry A. Kozloski, Chairman Sheryl Becker Page Fallon Magda Galiatsos Mark Soticheck

MEMBERS ABSENT: Frank Meagher Jill Messick

ALSO PRESENT: Deborah S. Dachos Pamela R. Kerr

Mr. Kozloski called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

1. PUBLIC HEARING – Open Space and Recreation Plan

Ms. Dachos was in attendance this evening and requested that this item be continued to September 11.

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Ms. Galiatsos to continue the public hearing on the Open Space and Recreation Plan to September 11, 2014, 6:30 PM at the Agawam Public Library.

VOTE 5-0

2. PUBLIC HEARING CONT. – Notice of Intent – Main Street – Desmond

The applicant’s representative requested that this item be continued to August 28, 2014.

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Ms. Becker to continue the public hearing for the Desmond Notice of Intent on Main Street to August 28, 2014 as requested.

VOTE 5-0

3. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE – 79 Forest Ridge Lane

Mr. Kozloski made this inspection and recommended that a Certificate be issued at this time. He did note that this lot contains the detention basin and the Engineering Department has stated that they have no problems with the detention basin.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 58 Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Ms. Galiatsos to issue a Certificate of Compliance on 79 Forest Ridge Lane. VOTE 5-0

4. ENFORCEMENT ORDERS – updates

37 Autumn Street – The Commission received a written update today from the property owner. She has set up a meeting with P&S Tree Service to look at the area sometime next week.

H.P. Hood – Mr. Kozloski stated that in made an inspection of this site today and showed photos that he had taken. He stated that the area is not quite ready yet. He stated that they will be planting either three bushes or two trees in the area of disturbance.

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 24, 2014

Motion was made by Ms. Galiatsos and seconded by Mr. Soticheck to approve the minutes of July 24, 2014 as written. VOTE 5-0

6. Correspondence/Complaints Ms. Dachos explained that the developer of the Robin Ridge Estates subdivision had defaulted on their bond and that the Town has just secured $115,000 of the bond to complete the remaining work on the subdivision. She explained that the Order of Conditions will expire at the end of this month. The Town will be completing the work and a request for an extension was submitted by the Law Department.

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Ms. Galiatsos to extend the Order of Conditions for the Robin Ridge Estates subdivision for three years.

VOTE 5-0

2. PUBLIC HEARING – Notice of Intent – Westford Circle – Kuzmenko

Mike Mocko was in attendance to present this NOI which shows the construction of a single family home with all work inside the buffer zone to a BVW. The property also contains an intermittent stream and swamp. The plan shows the silt fence as the limit of work line. It will be a walk-out home. The closest point the work will be to the wetland is approximately 26’. Mr. Kozloski asked if borings had been taken. Mr. Mocko stated that he did not take borings as the wetland boundary is adequate with vegetation only and there is an abrupt slope. Mr. Kozloski stated that debris has been dumped here over the years and that the members may want to do their own borings at a site visit. The members agreed to conduct a site visit on the following Monday at 9:00 AM. Mr. Kozloski asked for any public input.

Ella Cimma, 42 Westford Circle stated that this area has always been a wetland. Mr. Kozloski explained that the members will make a site visit and look at the wetland boundary.

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Kathy Curran, 15 Belle Street asked for clarification on whether the debris will be removed from the site. Mr. Mocko stated that they could remove it with an excavator and a claw and load it into a truck for removal from the site. Ms. Curran stated that she is concerned for the animals that live in that area including turtles. She is concerned they will lose their habitat.

Steve Cimma, 42 Westford Circle stated that the entire neighborhood has dumped here for over 40 years and it has contained woodland and wetland for years. Mr. Kozloski stated that approximately three years ago the owner had the Conservation Commission come out and look at the land and he was informed that no dumping of brush and lawn clippings is allowed in the 100’ buffer.

Ms. Galiatsos asked when the wetland boundary was flagged. Mr. Mocko stated June 2014. He then requested a continuance of the public hearing to the next meeting.

Motion was made by Ms. Becker and seconded by Mr. Soticheck to continue the public hearing for the Westford Circle NOI to August 28, 2014.

VOTE 5-0

7. Correspondence/Complaints

The Commission received two memos from the Planning Board with accompanying zone change applications for any comments the Commission may have. Ms. Dachos explained that the first is for Verizon Wireless to locate a cell tower on property owned by the Methodist Church on Mill Street. The members had no comments on that plan. The second is a zone change requested by D’Amato for property on Rowley Street to Residence B. Ms. Dachos explained this is a ten acre parcel that slopes to the back of Sarat Ford and there is an intermittent stream up to the property line. She explained that the proposal is to construct duplexes on the property.

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Mr. Fallon to send a memo to the Planning Board stating that the Conservation Commission does not support the zone change request by D’Amato on Rowley Street due to the increase in density that it would allow.

VOTE 5-0

Six Flags – Dave Jenks of Six Flags was in attendance this evening to discuss his written request to remove eleven trees next to the Bizarro ride in the Park. He stated that an arborist has tagged these trees as Priority 1 trees to be removed as they pose a threat to falling on the ride structure. Mr. Kozloski stated that one tree had already fallen and hit the fence. They are proposing to plant low bush blueberries or viburnum to replace the trees. Mr. Soticheck stated viburnum would be appropriate. Mr. Kozloski stated that he has spoken with Mark Stinson and was informed that the Commission could issue an Emergency Order for this work.

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Mr. Fallon to issue an Emergency Order to Six Flags for the removal of eleven Poplar trees near the Bizarro ride and replace with viburnum

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 60 plantings. VOTE 5-0

80 Brookline Avenue – The owner had contacted the Engineering Department regarding erosion on her property. Mr. Kozloski and Mr. Albro of the Engineering Department looked at the site however the property owner was no home. They found no evidence of erosion. The owner has asked for another site visit when she is home to show them the area she is concerned with. The members agreed to a site visit on the following Tuesday at 4:00 PM.

101 Horsham Place – A contractor has contacted the office for a site visit to 101 Horsham Place where he has been hired to install a retaining wall. Members agreed to meet with him on-site the following Monday at 10:00 AM.

Arbor Lane – Mr. Kozloski stated that owner of the Arbor Lane lot that had installed a pipe to the brook has asked if the Commission would allow him to put in a dry well and use the dirt to fill in the area that was dug out. After a brief discussion, the members were in agreement with that request.

Bike Loop – School Street – Mr. Kozloski stated that the Engineering Department has contacted the office regarding the replacement of a 42” pipe under School Street. As part of the bike loop, the contractor is working on the 42” corrugated metal culvert to replace the section of the culvert just south of School Street where the new off street path is proposed. Upon inspection, the pipe is in bad condition and the Engineering Department would like the contractor to replace the pipe and the catch basin on the north side of School Street. Mr. Kozloski stated that he contacted DEP and was told that an Emergency Order could be issued if the work is to take place now. If it is not going to be done now, a Request for Determination would be needed. He stated that he will find out when they plan to do the work.

Enforcement Order – Cooper Street – Kot (ratify)

Mr. Kozloski stated that he issued this Enforcement Order after following up on a complaint received regarding cutting of trees in a wetland. He made an inspection and found that three or four trees had been cut outside of the limit of work line.

Motion was made by Ms. Becker and seconded by Ms. Galiatsos to ratify the Enforcement Order issued to Kot for his Cooper Street subdivision.

VOTE 5-0

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 61 AGAWAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION September 11, 2014

MEMBERS PRESENT: Henry A. Kozloski, Chairman Page Fallon Magda Galiatsos Frank Meagher Jill Messick Mark Soticheck

ALSO PRESENT: Deborah S. Dachos Pamela R. Kerr

Mr. Kozloski called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

1. PUBLIC HEARING CONT. – Notice of Intent – 1444 Main Street – Desmond

Jon Goddard of R. Levesque Associates was in attendance. He presented a plan that was revised since the last meeting to incorporate the suggestion of the Commission that the driveway be paved. He stated that DEP has signed off on the project and that the Engineering Department has specified that no roof runoff be directed toward the driveway. There being no further public input, the Commission closed the public hearing. The Order was written at the end of the meeting.

2. PUBLIC HEARING CONT. - Notice of Intent – Tanglewood Lane – Tirone

Mr. Meagher left the meeting at this time.

Mike Mocko Environmental Consultant was in attendance to present a revised plan for this project. He submitted the boring logs that he had taken. He stated that they are now proposing to pave 15’ to 20’ beyond the wetland crossing and are also showing two 12” culverts under the driveway to keep a connection for the wetland. Mr. Kozloski stated that a third pipe should be added as DEP asked for 3 to 4. Mr. Mocko stated that he was told two pipes would be sufficient and that they are being provided for continuity (hydrologic connection) so the wetland won’t become isolated. Mr. Kozloski stated that they will also provide a means for invertebrates to pass through. Mr. Fallon stated that the third culvert would be advantageous in connecting the wetlands. Mr. Soticheck stated that he feels two 12” culverts will be sufficient; Ms. Galiatsos pointed out that they are very close together; Ms. Messick didn’t see the benefit of adding the third culvert as suggested since it will be at a higher elevation and not at the lowest point. She suggested moving the two proposed further apart. Mr. Soticheck agreed with that. Mr. Kozloski stated that a maintenance plan for the culverts must also be provided.

Motion was made by Mr. Fallon and seconded by Ms. Galiatsos that a third culvert be provided under the driveway for Mr. Tirone’s Tanglewood Lane house.

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VOTE 4-1 (Soticheck opposed)

Mr. Fallon asked if the construction sequence for the wetland replacement had been provided. Mr. Kozloski stated that it is noted on the plan. Mr. Fallon asked how they would get the equipment in there to dig out the wetland. Mr. Mocko stated that the driveway up to the edge in this area will be prepared in advance of that work. There being no further public, the public hearing was closed.

Mr. Meagher returned to the meeting at this time.

3. PUBLIC HEARING CONT. – Notice of Intent – Westford Circle

Mike Mocko Environmental Consultant was in attendance to present a plan that was revised per comments received at the last meeting. He explained that the line of haybales was moved to along the uphill side of the work line which will be monumented. A planting plan shows four sugar maples being planted also. There being no further public input, the Commission closed the public hearing.

The members then wrote the Order of Conditions.

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Ms. Messick to issue the Order of Conditions for Westford Circle as written.

VOTE 6-0

4. PUBLIC HEARING – Open Space and Recreation Plan

Deborah Dachos addressed the Commission. She stated that an advisory had been formed to work with her on updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OS&RP) which must be updated every five years and that a public forum was held on April 1st at the Senior Center to get comments on the updating the OS&R Plan. She stated that the Committee has been working on this for approximately one year, and that a survey was placed online and hard copies were distributed at various locations in Town and newspaper articles were printed on it which resulted in over 300 responses, most of which generally support open space and recreation activities. She went on to explain that the top priority of the recreation requests was 58% supporting walking/hiking trails; and town-owned youth recreation facilities, a new track and a dog park each received 45%. She stated an inventory of recreation facilities was conducted by the Advisory Committee members and that she has had conversations with Mr. Kozloski indicating that some of the forms need correcting and that she is waiting for a list of the corrections needed. She explained that the OS&RP contains Specific Goals which set the parameters for the Five Year Action Plan. She then went through each year within the Five Year Action Plan. She explained each year contains an “Annual Review of the Five Year Action Plan”. Mr. Kozloski then asked for any public input.

Charles Joyal, 66 Fordham Avenue asked if CPA funds could be used for upgrading sidewalks.

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 63 Ms. Dachos explained that the Five Year Action Plan recommended a study of all roads and bike facilities and sidewalks and would prioritize areas and conditions and then implement recommendations. She went on to say that the Mayor will be forming a committee to work on that. Mr. Kozloski stated that some sites in town could be used for running.

Dick Bennett, 29 Willowbrook Drive stated that he has pushed for sidewalks on Corey Street in the vicinity of the School Street Park but it seems that funding gets cut from the budget and sidewalks are not addressed. He stated that generally, the sidewalks in town are in terrible shape. He supports studying the sidewalks and creating an action plan. He then stated that the inventory form for School Street Park does not contain the activities in Phase II. Ms. Mesick stated that they inventoried currently used parcels. Mr. Bennett then stated that maintenance of existing facilities and parks is needed and should be addressed before new facilities are created.

Ms. Galiatsos thanked and commended Ms. Dachos on the OS&RP. She feels that when the plan is finalized, copies be given out to the School Committee, Beautification Committee and other committees. She stated that maintenance is ongoing.

Ms. Messick stated that she agrees that maintenance of existing facilities is needed. Ms. Dachos stated that the last update contained review of current facilities and make improvements as needed is each of the five years and that it could be added to this update as well. She went on to say that improvements are done as funding allows.

Mr. Kozloski stated that the inventory sheets are not accurate. He went on to say that over $4 million has been spent on the School Street Park and evaluations of the Town’s playgrounds are not truthful. He believes there should be a Park and Recreation Committee to oversee the Town playgrounds/facilities.

Corinne Wingard, 194 Elm Street stated that she feels Ms. Dachos and the Advisory Committee did a great job on this OS&RP update and suggested that maintenance of existing facilities be added to the Plan. She also suggested a weekly column in the local paper to educate the public on the OS&RP. Ms. Galiatsos then asked how do you get the people to read the column? Tricia O’Grady-Howard, Reed Street (Planning Board member) suggested that rather than a weekly newspaper column it needs to be digital. Nicholas Pandolfi, 16 Corey Street (Planning Board member and Advisory Committee member) suggested a Facebook page. Ms. Wingard thought those suggestions were great and encouraged more “brain storming” on how to engage the community.

Jane Benerakis, Advisory Committee member asked where the money comes from now for maintenance of existing facilities. Mr. Kozloski stated that the CPA follows the OS&RP but does not fund maintenance. Ms. Dachos stated the Parks and Recreation Director is responsible for determining what parks/playgrounds need upgrading and prioritizes them. She stated that the Plan can add maintenance of existing facilities as needed and she will work on setting up a meeting with Chris Sparks and Mr. Kozloski to go over the inventory forms. Mr. Bennett stated the more specific they are will be more beneficial. Mr. Meagher stated that most people would support new projects if the old/existing ones weren’t so bad and brought up the landscaping at the Jr. High School as an example. He stated that a realistic evaluation of the maintenance costs

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 64 should be provided. Ms. Messick stated that maintenance is a budget line item. Ms. Galiatsos stated that she feels CPA funds are more probable than budgeting more money. Ms. Wingard then pointed out that everything listed is for recreation and nothing about open space. Ms. Galiatsos asked can you just have open space and not develop it? Ms. Dachos stated you can but it is not as easy to secure funding. Ms. Wingard stated that the Town needs to be proactive in preserving open space. Ms. Dachos pointed out that to “seek APR’s” is in the Goals and Objectives. Mr. Kozloski stated that the are three large town-owned parcels in Feeding Hills that a trail system could be designed on and still maintain 90% of the land as open space.

Mary Ellen Kennedy, 418 Meadow Street stated she is a member of ADOG and asked if it is feasible that the dog park will be opened next spring or summer. Ms. Dachos stated that the grass must take hold before it can be opened for use. Mr. Kozloski pointed out there are no bathrooms at the dog park. Ms. Kennedy stated that Mr. Sparks has asked if ADOG will help fund upgrades to the bathrooms.

There being no additional input, the Commission closed the public hearing.

Mr. Meagher left the meeting at this time.

The Commission then wrote the Order of Conditions for Desmond, 1444 Main Street. A copy can be obtained from the Conservation Commission office or the Town Clerks office.

Motion was made by Ms. Messick and seconded by Mr. Soticheck to issue the Order of Conditions for Desmond, 1444 Main Street as written.

VOTE 5-0

The Commission then wrote the Order for Tirone on Tanglewood Lane. A copy can be obtained from the Conservation Commission office or the Town Clerks office.

Motion was made by Ms. Messick and seconded by Mr. Soticheck to issue the Order of Conditions for Tanglewood Lane as written.

VOTE 5-0

5. ENFORCEMENT ORDER UPDATES

37 Autumn Street – Work was taking place on this site last week. A follow-up inspection will be needed once the work is complete.

H.P. Hood – Mr. Kozloski stated that he will make a follow up inspection before the next meeting.

Cooper Street – Kot – The Commission received a letter from Mr. Kot’s surveyor stating that he trees that were cut were on the inside of the silt fence. The developer had informed the office that his silt fence was not installed in the right location and that the trees that were cut were not

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 65 in violation.

Motion was made by Ms. Messick and seconded by Mr. Soticheck to lift the Enforcement Order issued on the Cot subdivision on Cooper Street.

VOTE 5-0

North West Street – Springfield Water and Sewer Commission

The Restoration Plan has been submitted and has been forwarded to DEP for their review. A power point presentation will be made on the proposed restoration plan at the next meeting.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 28, 2014

Motion was made by Mr. Soticheck and seconded by Mr. Fallon to approve the minutes of August 28, 2014 as written.

VOTE 3-0-2 (Messick and Galiatsos abstained)

7. Correspondences and Complaints

The Commission received a memo from the Planning Board informing them of a zone change application for DJC Realty on South West Street (property currently owned by WMECO).

Motion was made by Ms. Messick and seconded by Mr. Soticheck to send a memo to the Planning Board stating that the Commission does not support this zone change for the following reasons: WMECO has done an extensive amount of work to the wetlands and habitat over the last three years with their mitigation project on a portion of the property abutting the area of which the zone change is being requested; this area is now under the auspices of Mass Audobon Society and the Commission feels that this is a very sensitive environmental area and that Business zoned property adjacent to this parcel and between two residential areas is not appropriate. VOTE 5-0

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 68 Attachment 2 – Regional Context Map

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 70 Attachment 3 – Agawam Zoning Map

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 72 Attachment 4 – Soils Map

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 78 Attachment 7 – Open Space and Recreation Inventory Sheets

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 81 Attachment 9 – Agawam Open Space and Recreation Survey

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Attachment 10 – 2014 Five Year Action Plan Map

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Attachment 11 – Newspaper Articles

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 103 Attachment 13 - Letters of Support

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 107 Attachment 14 – Environmental Justice Map

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 108 Environment Justice Census Blocks Hampden County

______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 109 Attachment 15 – Chapter Lands

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 117 Attachment 16 – Wetlands and Floodplain Map

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______Agawam 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Page 119 Agawam Wetlands and Floodplain Map

1” = 4000’

Legend

Blue – Wetlands

Purple – Floodplains

Source:

Town of Agawam GIS

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