Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes November 6, 2019
Time: 7:00 pm Place: City Council Chambers, 212 Main Street (BEHIND City Hall)
Brian Adams ü Linda Morley ü Julia Chevan Chris Hellman ü Jeff Jones ü Martha Lyon ü David Whitehill Jack Finn ü George Kohout ü Sarah LaValley - staff ü
Brian called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
General Public Comment None
Approval of Minutes Martha moved to approve the March 20 2019 minutes. Seconded by Linda, the motion carried unanimously.
Chair’s Report Brian noted that CPC positions were decided in the recent municipal election. Chris Hellman was re-elected, and new member Dan Krassner will be joining the CPC in January, replacing David Whitehill, who did not run for re-election. Brian stated that a tour of the Forbes Library windows will be held on November 7 at 1:00, and a ribbon cutting for the Burts Bog trail was held November 5, with a good turnout.
Public Comment Session on CPA Applications Brian noted that there are seven projects under consideration, with more funds sought for the round than are available for the fiscal year. Brian provided an overview of the CPA review process, including meetings with applicants and site visits. The intent of this meeting is to receive public comment regarding the applications submitted and work proposed.
Office of Planning & Sustainability - Nashawannuck Restoration Office of Planning & Sustainability – Invasive Species Pilot Habitat for Humanity – Glendale Road Small Home No comments
Forbes Library – Grounds Master Plan Jackie Frasier, Friends of Forbes Library, stated that the Library receives 220,000 visits a year, and the grounds are used extensively. The outside should match the beauty of the interior.
Northampton Housing Authority - Hampshire Heights Playground Becky Lockwood, Housing Partnership, noted that Hampshire Heights is one if the oldest public housing complexes in Massachusetts, and currently does not have a playground. Addition of a playground would complement the recently created community garden for adults. Emily Lawfer, Hampshire Heights resident and member of the Housing Authority, states that it is challenging to find time to visit the park, and a playground will create a stronger community. She noted that kids create their own informal playgrounds that can be unsafe, and a playground will create a safe play space. Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 1 November 6, 2019 Edgar, a resident of Hampshire Heights, noted that there are limited opportunities for play available, and a playground will help promote a strong sense of community to provide a great childhood for current residents like the one that he had. The Housing Authority dies not have funding available for the playground, so the plan was developed through a collaborative approach involving many residents. Jennifer Kirkpatrick, Hampshire Heights resident, stated that it is challenging to get to a playground – Jackson Street is often very busy, and a playground will contribute to a positive quality of life. Lupus, Hampshire Heights resident, noted that the Jackson street School playground is not available during school or program hours, and a playground onsite would allow children to play together and make more connections; parents can watch while working in the garden. Julio Alves, Housing Partnership, noted that a significant percentage of Northampton’s population has a high rent burden, and that public housing requires investment to create satisfaction with living conditions. Todd Weir, Housing Partnership, stated that the group began meeting at housing developments instead of at City Hall, and was able to gain a different perspective. A Hampshire Heights resident stated that she relocated from New York City, and she now feels like a member of a community. Being able to go outside, play and make friends is important for children’s quality of life. Sarah Bankert, Healthy Hampshire, stated the group works to provide healthy opportunities, including the community garden creation at Hampshire Heights. There is lots of momentum in the community, and awarding funds for the playground would take advantage of this and help to address disparities.
The Community Builders (TCB) – North Commons Beth Haxby, Village Hill resident, stated that Village Hill is a planned community, and TCB was one of the first developers. They have listened to input and created quality developments with protected open space and reduced energy use. Village Hill residents have committed $2,000 to the proposed playground at North Commons. Dani McKahn stated that Northampton has a need for affordable housing, and North Commons will provide small units in a mixed neighborhood that target the City’s changing demographics. Ann Marie Martineau, Department of Mental Health (DMH), stated that is challenging to place people in affordable units in Northampton and it is important to create opportunities in positive places, with open space and walkability to downtown. Village Hill is a very desirable location for DMH, and North Commons will create additional opportunities. Michael Taylor, Christopher Heights director, stated that housing is critical and provides community connections, and provided examples of positive experiences at Village Hill. Pat Asselin, two-year resident of Village Hill, stated that it is a fabulous place to live that provides community, reduces silos, and creates value for different perspectives.
Historic Northampton – Preservation Assessment Barbara Blumenthal stated that she discovered Historic Northampton as a Smith College student in 1971 and began volunteering. All buildings were open at that time and she would like to see them open again. The Historic Northampton leadership have worked hard to do a lot with as little funding as possible, maximizing CPA funding. Debin Bruce urged support for the application that would allow the Shepherd barn to be open to the public again. Northampton has agricultural roots, and the barn is an amazing resource right in the downtown. This will also create additional opportunities for programming in the future. Kiki Smith, Historic Northampton board, stated that the organization has made a huge turnaround in the past ten years, and that CPA funding has allowed a big improvement. Gail Gaustad stated that Historic Northampton is creating enthusiastic support for local history, and encouraged support for their in-need buildings. Jeffrey Bliss, Community Arts Trust Executive Director, encouraged support for the project in a critical time. Laurie Sanders, Historic Northampton co-director, stated that the organization had been in danger of failure, but it is now a community resource.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 2 November 6, 2019 Financial Overview Sarah stated that only the first round of state matching funds are provided in the financial report; supplemental funds are expected but are not known at this point.
Linda noted an error in the Historic Northampton budget spreadsheet. Sarah will reach out to the applicant for clarification.
Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Northampton Community Preservation Committee Minutes 3 November 6, 2019