Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

December 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Meeting

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 7 p.m.

Bridge Street School Library

Present: Jerry Budger, Marian Geller, Joan Rasool, Tamatha Gaumnitz, Gloria Parker, Fred Zimnoch, Owen Freeman-Daniels, Dave Fenton (left after his presentation), Madeline Weaver Blanchette, Rick Clark, Wendy Newton. Guests: Sydney Stern, Frank Werbinski, Jesus Levya, Carol Brussell, Sigrid Schmalzer.

Absent: Jim Nash, Jesse Rosado.

(7:05 start)

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

Denise is not getting the minutes! L

Approved both months …

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred

Accepted

1. Previous ACCOUNT Balance: = $2823.0

2. DUES: = $30.00

3. Neighborhood Watch = $178.01

4. ACCOUNT BALANCE: $2853.60

5. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = 284

6. Total Members: = 284;

7. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 3

LIST SERVE

-I have not updated list serve with Owen's list. Please remind me!

3 President's Report – Jerry

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District

Sarah Lavallee – still assembling info on approving newer properties.

Neighborhood Associations Update - Gateways

First cooperative project is to design welcoming signs at 7 gateways. Two at W3, 1 coming off of Coolidge Bridge or Lampron Park, and 1 at Hokanum and Pleasant Streets.

-questions about plantings, and uniformity of the signs to at least promote the Northampton brand.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

(Mayor will take questions off the listserve, and we can publish the answers.)

Fred: Assessors suggesting to City Council that they retain the "factor of 1" in the property assessments (residential and business have the same rates). What are the pros and cons?

Single tax rate is attractive to businesses, but does burden homeowners. Exemptions are tricky.

Rick: School parking… someone suggested once that the Sheldon Field lot could serve as a shuttle spot. Has that ever been considered?

Joy Winnie has been spoken to by BSS principal. Ongoing issues.

Wendy: Who do we call to find schedule of repairs of Market/North Street?

Final engineering design elements occurring now- 2012 construction season is the goal, one more neighborhood meeting.

Owen: Could there be a painted cross walk across Parsons by Bridge Street?

Spoken with DPW person, no memory of one there. They city engineer will check it out, maybe a priority because of school route.

Sydney: Will he continue the Mayor's newsletter? And, if so, what will the structure be?

Yes, I am also using Twitter and Facebook. Also working with WHMP, etc. for emergency notifications.

Next meeting:

Fred: DPW is formulating a policy about the streets vis a vis farmer's markets? And, what about this element "25% may be non-food items," etc., etc.?

Wendy: When, in the process of rebuilding North Street, can we talk about the speeding problem?

(7:54)

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update – Bob

Talking about raising money to remove storm water.

Bridge Street Cemetery Gravestone Repair - Marian

Had a woman who does repairs come down and look- over 200 broken stones, but many more in peril of falling, etc. DPW said would assist, but little structure to provide. Sara Lavallee is encouraging us to apply for CPA money to pay a consultant. It's a very daunting task. Is it too much?

Owen: Partner with Historic Northampton – Kerry Butler.

Rick: Maybe just a obtain a baseline report?

Marian: Will look into this ideas and report back.

(8:09)

Update from Salvo House and Cahill Apartments – Denise

Party on December 22- Seth Mias catering- all welcome.

Salvo available to the public to rent for parties.

People at Cahill would like to talk about forming a tenants' association.

Jerry: Let's make sure we plan an international dinner in January.

Update on Website Development – Marian

A domain name needs to renewed.

Vote: yes.

Discussion on future of the Neighborhood Watch

-Basic options are to change or keep stable the relationship between organizations

Dave Fenton: The relationship between the groups is not working, the watch isn't surviving with the separation between the two groups. While safety is an issue for everyone, W3NA isn't endorsing the group and that is harming its effectiveness. Believes that politics is the reason that the NW hasn't been endorsed by W3NA.

Madeline: Strongly disagree, the issue was the connection to the Homeland Security model of neighborhood watch, potential for invasion of privacy/civil rights, militarization, etc.

Jerry: Maybe switching the focus to weather crisis response would engender more support.

Denise: That is what we did after the storm, giving blankets, making coffee, checking disabled people, etc.

Owen: Perhaps revived leadership is needed. Read letter from David Bardsley- Arnie out of town this winter.

Maddy: We've given the NW as much support as we normally do to any group. Any failure is not the fault of W3NA.

Fred: We can give them more time, but if they don't get it together- forget it.

Wendy: It doesn't seem like there is a NW.

Joan: Maybe ask them to have a meeting in January.

Marian: I'll go to the meeting, and then report back.

David: It doesn't seem like Arnie will stay with it. Michael may oversee while we transition to new leadership.

Denise: They could meet at our place, with a donation …

David: Could this group contact people via the listserve?

Fred: Yes.

Proposal by Councillor Owen about constituent services

Owen's office is starting a committee, "the working committee," which will be a group of W3 citizens who get together on a monthly basis to talk about constituent services. The model is collaborative, sustainable problem solving . Let him know if you are interested.

4. Membership Committee - Jim

-Planning a January meeting.

5. Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News – Howard Moore NTA

6. Update about Meadow City Conservancy Coalition's efforts in Ward 3 – Fred

MCCC Report December 2011

-A Board Mtg of the MCCC was held on 12/10 at 28 Pomeroy Terrace. The participants were Maria T., Rick & Marcy Clark, Sigrid S., Jane P., Fred Z., and Sara LaValley from the City of Northampton Office of Planning and Development and a member of Conservation Committee (ConsCom).

-The board elected officers, Jane P. President, Mac E. Treasurer, Marcy Clark Sec. and Directors serving as VP.

-The board also agreed on the details of including the Montview Farm Steering Committee as a permanent standing committee called the "MCCC Standing Comm. on the Montview Conservation Area."

-The license for Montview will be given to the MCCC in a MOU from ConsCom. This will be negotiated between Fred and Sara and will be approved by a vote of ConsCom.

-The RFP for the 2012 growing season will be posted Jan. 15 with a proposal granted by Jan 30. Sara said that the cities fee of $100/acre/year is optional.

-Chris Davis who monitors the endangered Cicindela puritana, commonly referred to as the Puritan tiger beetle may be our speaker for 2012. (He operates NE Falconry in Leveret?)

-Jane P. also suggested a photo contest of the Meadows.

-Jane P. spoke to Laurie Sanders. Laurie said that she is seeking a grant to update her book "Rediscovering Northampton: The Natural History of City-Owned Conservation Areas. She will review the areas and add new ones. (Hopefully Montview Farms will be added!) The result will be a book for commercial sale with a portion of the royalties given to MCCC. To benefit we need 501.c.3 status.

-We also learned that Forbes Library will repeat Laurie Sanders splendid presentation on the Meadow Conservation area with MCCC as a sponsor. This will give a special view of the Meadows that not many are aware of. It will give us a chance to obtain members.

-If MCCC can at least match Laurie Sanders enthusiasm and efforts on behalf of MCCC we should see a very successful 2012.

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

-Status of public meeting to discuss ZRC's final rec's to the Planning Board

8. Agriculture Committee – Jesse (8:26) NTA

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

-Frank is hoping to set up a meeting on January 17 at BSS. Highway department will again reveal the 3 final drawings.

-Joanne Mackiewicz was swiftly appointed to the PAC.

10. Report of Transportation Committee NTA

Fred: Meeting about Laser system to warn trucks Dec. 20- City Council Chambers

-Power Point report on laser system for truck warning delayed to December 20, 2011.

-Truck Escape route delayed to December 20, 2011

11. Traffic Calming Committee- Lola NTA

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor - Owen

-Legislatively winding down b.c. of the change in session.

-Economic development office changes afoot, i.e., Terri Anderson is leaving.

-Committee appointments will be swift in January, along with a new president (David Murphy interested)-

-Owen will serve on whatever committee he is needed, although he will try to get on transportation and parking.

-Question about DPW barns- perhaps not enough $ to go forward with the project.

-No news on storm water report… Owen will check on that.

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne

-Update on next year's tour

-Publicizing availability of grant applications, it's on the website

14. Social Committee Report – Owen/Bob NTA

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim

-Kollmorgan sold to L3

16. New Business

Jesus

DPW will be forming a zero waste committee. And, the reuse committee will be asking to use part of the mass highway as a reuse center. Thirdly, talking about reviving Smith Voc.'s compost program.

Ward 3 Storm Water System

I have not heard that the City has received the final report from CDM. I was previously told that there will be adequate time for review. 8:45 adjourned

November 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Ward 3) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:17:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association Board Meeting

Monday, November 21, 2011 @ 7 p.m.

Bridge Street School Cafeteria

Present: Jesse Rosado, Joan Rasool, Wendy Newton, Fred Zimnoch, Gerald Budger, Rick Clark, Maddy Weaver Blanchette, Jim Nash, Denise Fernier, Owen Freeman-Daniels. Guests: Sydney Stern, Frank Werbinski, & Jackie Misa.

Absent: Marianne Geller, Tamatha Gaumnitz, Bob Reckman, David Fenton, Gloria Parker, Howard Moore.

7:09

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

-deferred to next month Maddy will resend to all

2. Treasurer's Report – Fred

3. Previous ACCOUNT Balance: = $2585.35

4. DUES: = $190.00

5. DONATIONS: =$53.75; Ryan ODonnell (new) Colleen Currie

6. NEW MEMBERS: Molly Watkins, James Hatzis, Nina Harper-Elkins, Lu Stone, Ryan O'Donnell, Tamatha Gaumnitz

7. Neighborhood Watch = $178.01

8. ACCOUNT BALANCE: $2824.10

9. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = 283

10. Total Members: = 284;

11. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 8

LIST SERVE

(Fred has not updated list serve with Owen's list. Please remind him!)

12. President's Report – Jerry

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District

Sarah LaValley asking us to take pictures of the additional historic houses in the district. Kesse Rosado will do it.

Neighborhood Associations Update - Gateways

Speaking with sign makers. Meeting with CoC re: fundraising.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

*What are the plans for solid waste and recycling? DN looking for recycling and reuse as a way to diminish waste. Looking to acquire an additional space for a reuse center for furniture, looking to centralize information to refer people to for reuse options. (Owen saying fees will certainly go up… diversion of waste will be key; reuse, composting [20-30% of material], etc. A new board will be formed for solid waste reduction.)

*Is there a plan for a light at Damon Rd. and Industrial Dr.? Yes. There is a larger plan for that area, trying to break it down into small packets including bike lanes, etc. It's a high priority- as the rail project will be coming in 2 years. ?Public hearing come soon.

*Is there a plan for working on the traffic around BSS? City has been looking at the issue for several years. Ideas have not been followed through with budget crisis. A petition came from Union Street residents, but they did not come to hearing. Another being scheduled. Would like to encourage bus use and biking. (Fred says that residents willing to pay 100% of cost of speed bumps. The temporary ones can't go in now- too late in the season.)

#Next month:

-Fred: Assessors suggesting to City Council that they retain the "factor of 1" in the property assessments (residential and business have the same rates). What are the pros and cons?

-Rick: School parking… someone suggested once that the Sheldon Field lot could serve as a shuttle spot. Has that ever been consider?

-Wendy: Who do we call to find schedule of repairs of Market/North Street?

-Owen: Could there be a painted cross walk across Parsons by Bridge Street?

-Jim: Can we post these to the listserve?

-Sydney: Will he continue the Mayor's newsletter? And, if so, what will the structure be?

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update – Bob

NTA 7:45

Street Cemetery Gravestone Repair – Marian

Very overwhelming project. Marian trying to get together names of those who are interested…

-difficult to even prioritize.

Update from Salvo House & Cahill Apartments – Denise

Housing authority did well responding to the blackout. Held a resident meeting.

Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow… everyone is welcome.

(Jerry- talking about an international dinner in the spring.)

Website issues

Group of volunteers to update the website, to transition away from Owen's control, etc.

Agriculture Committee – Proposed Priorities – Jesse

i. Making contact with State Commissioner of Agriculture regarding difficulty in accessing local land for young farmers. (i.e., out-of-state farmers lease Meadows land.)

ii. Making documentary film about history and culture of farming in Ward 3. (Networking with historic society, Northampton Public Access).

4. Membership Committee - Jim 8:21

-New member of committee; Maddy.

5. Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News –Howard

Moore NTA

6. Update about Meadow City Conservation Coalition's efforts in Ward 3 – Fred

MCCC Report November 2011

The annual mtg (11/16/2011) of the MCCC presentation by naturalist, author and NPR commentator Laurie Sanders a great success. I can't imagine a more auspicious beginning for the MCCC.

We now know were the largest river forest and beach are located. We also learned about:

the geology of our valley,
the role of native Americans,
the role of settlers placing names in the Meadows,
the commercial value of the River for transportation & logging (see note),
the wild but pastoral landscape that drew 19^th century notables, artists and tourists,
the green dragon and snap-dragon-hybrid,
the fleet footed beetle with hypertrophic mandibles and most importantly,
the etymology of Rainbow Beach from its crescent shape and sequential stripes of erosion.

I was surprised to learn that this awesome presentation was created specifically for MCCC. At the end of her talk Laurie made a strong pitch for donations. It's clear that Laurie a local naturalist of special repute see MCCC as an important force in the Meadows. Laurie has set the standard for our efforts. To that end we need a board mtg in December to consider our next moves.

The newly elected Board in no particular order consists of:

Budgar, Jane	gbudgar@rcn.com	584-2964
Clark, Marcy	rmdclark@comcast.net	586-1636
Clark, Rick	rmdclark@comcast.net	586-1636
Everett, Mac	rivermac1@verizon.net	584-0068
Parshall, Tim	timparshall@yahoo.com	587-9655
Potter, Jane	janepotter@comcast.net	586-3252
Schmalzer, Sigrid	sigrid@history.umass.edu	?
Tymoczko, Maria	tymoczko@complit.umass.edu	586-3908
Zimnoch, Fred	zimnoch@crocker.com	586-1522

Next Board mtg will be 12/4 PM, 12/10 AM and 12/11 PM.

I think all who attended including BBC personages concluded that we did a super job putting together our first annual mtg. The result was some great contributions that Mac will later report!

NOTE: While our CT River is not the mighty Mississippi it does have levees and continues its commercial value. Its green hydroelectricity attracted the billion dollar computer center in Holyoke which will markedly effect the area.

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

-Split on Council re: King St. zoning.

-OPD talking about rezoning Hawley St. and Conz. St. (Western sides of both streets into central business…) not going to counsel… looking for public feedback.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola

Holyoke, Hockanum, and Hawley going to 25 MPH.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

Frank Werbinski: Would like to replace Christine Cahillane on PAC with Joanne Mackewicz. Looking for support of the nomination of the board with the Mayor. Vote: unanimous yes.

-No meeting currently planned.

10. Report of Transportation Committee (Owen)

-PVPC: Hartford to Springfield expecting 27 x day. Designing a double track, unclear if $ for a double track. Sooner is the two trips a day from NYC through Northampton knowledge corridor Springfield North. Wayne will do update for W3NA …

->25% phase to connect bike trails within 18 months.

-Mtg 4PM November 15, 2011

Power Point report on laser system for truck warning delayed to December 20, 2011.

Truck Escape route delayed to December 20, 2011

8:35

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – NTA

Group seems inactive. Going to invite them next month to ask them to reinvigorate, hand it over to others, or dissolve.

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor - Owen

New votes: First vote on tax rate = "factor of 1;" "King St."- new zoning district created, double tree belt, still some big box options.

Upcoming votes: general obligation bond issues- $20M for Bean Allard, Fire Station, etc.

(Very little in cash reserve/stabilization, affecting negatively S & P future assessments? For now, rates still very good.)

8:55

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne

-Update on next year's tour; gardens starting to come in.

-Publicizing availability of grant applications- it was posted on Ward 3 and Owen's websites.

14. Social Committee Report – Owen/Bob NTA

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim NTA

Bill Collins agreed to host event for businesses in the Ward.

16. Ward 3 Storm Water System -Fred

-I have not heard that the City has received the final report from CDM. I was previously told that there will be adequate time for review.

17. New Business

Wendy: concern of lack of lighting and need for clean-up of Market/North/King Street intersections…Question for the Mayor?

Adjourn: 9:02

October 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Ward 3) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:16:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 7 p.m.

Bridge Street School Library

Annual Meeting Report…

(7:09) Jerry, Fred, Maddy, Marian, Denise, Wendy, Owen, Jim, Joanne, Joan Rasool, Gloria, Jesus, Roger, Howard, Frank.

Missing: Tim P., Bob

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

-unanimously approved

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred

-unanimously approved

Previous ACCOUNT Balance: = $2524.35

DUES: = $20 Two new members from Lola R.

EXPENSES: =0

Veggie Garden Tic Sales: = $41.00

Veggie Garden Profit 2011(final): $567.23

Veggie Garden Profit 2010: $680.16

Neighborhood Watch = $178.01

ACCOUNT BALANCE: $2585.35

LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = 283

Total Members: = 279;

LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 8

Special Reports:

Roger Salloom- Problems with trash on the dike. He has been setting up trash barrels and bags, weekly. It seems a little better than a couple of years ago. He is looking for support to pay for covers, bags, rotating help.

-motion for $35 for bags and covers approved

Jesus – Landfill about to close. City has not clarified what its role is in solid waste. What is the community envisioning?

-Plan: perhaps form a committee, consider a forum.

Wendy: problem with illegal dumping- it is likely to increase.

3 President's Report – Jerry (7:34)

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District

-Sarah LaVallee working on all the forms for the houses for Mass Historic District over the next few weeks.

Neighborhood Associations Update

-Beautification of gateways project progressing. Working with sign makers, $, etc.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

-Held off until next month…

-Any other questions?

-New light on Damon Rd. by Steve Lewis Subaru?

-BSS traffic issue- ? making Union St. one way at certain times of day.

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update

-(Committee meets second Wednesday of the month, so news is always old.) Much discussion about drainage from the fair that would run down Old Ferry Rd., and go under the airport to the river.

-Fair working on closing out barn contracts, trying to secure $ for next phase. New horse shows have been inquiring about bookings.

-Committee is threatening to push out the councilor because it doesn't want public exposure.

Bridge Street Cemetery Gravestone Repair (7:50)

-Trying to schedule meeting with Sarah LaVallee.

-Trying to secure information about what the stones (should) look like, who is there.

-? Cataloguing

-? Exploring a larger meeting with other stakeholder groups….

Meeting Committee Update

Bob circulated proposal via email.

-Let's increase the social element… tours, food, music, etc.

-Let's make the food better …

Have a virtual full slate…

Nominating Committee

NTA

Update from Salvo House and Cahill Apartments – Denise

-Spoke with other members about more of a liaison with Cahill.

-Thanksgiving Dinner at Salvo 22^nd 5 pm. $20.

-When are we coming to you? Let's do an international buffet- give us a date!

Update on Mayoral, Councillor Forum – Bob

-October 19 Forum. Questions go to moderator.

Agriculture Committee – Proposed Priorities – Jesse

-Video documentary of history of farming in the Meadows, etc.

Should date of November meeting be changed?

-Yes. How is October 15^th.

5…Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News – Howard Moore

-Enrollment up, so committee is not focusing on closing schools.

-Principals first Friday get together… talking about traffic around the school. Two thoughts- make Union St. one way; increasing parking around the school.

(8:24)

6. Update about Meadow City Conservation Coalition's conservancy efforts in Ward 3 – Fred

Mtg of MCCC nonprofit status Committee Oct 5 at 28 Pomeroy Terrace. Schedule with assigned tasks for completing 501.3.c status. Application should be live and completed for Nov. 5. Annual mtg is provisional for Nov 16^th at 7PM in Library at Bridge Street School. Will annual report, election of officers and new committee if any, and a speaker TBD. Present: M. Tymoczko, J. Potter, F. Zimnoch & Weaver Blanchette. November 16 7 pm annual meeting

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

-Status of public meeting to discuss ZRC's final rec's to the Planning Board

8. Membership Committee

-The Membership Committee has not met. The committee has no plans for a
Fall membership drive nor has it made plans to update the brochure. The
Membership Committee will assist with promoting the Annual Meeting and
recruiting new members at this event.

9. Sustainability Report (Jim Nash)

-All the former Ward 3 ZRC members are interested in having a discussion
with their neighbors concerning last spring's ZRC recommendations. I
envision a panel or roundtable format. The bigger question is timing. It
would be best to convene after the November elections, ideally,
mid-November or December. However, the King Street zoning changes may be
sent to city council in the coming weeks. There is a possibility that a
first and second reading of the proposed changes could happen prior to
the election. This would me a more hastily yet timely event would need
to be scheduled.

We will have answers to this later this week if the Planning Board
approves the changes or decides to deliberate longer.

10. Business Representative Report

-See Sustainability Report. This is a most important business issue.

11. Traffic Calming Committee Update (Lola)

-On Sept. 15 we held our neighborhood meeting to discuss next steps regarding the speed humps on Hawley and Williams Streets. First, DPW's engineer, Laura Hanson, presented the data from the effects of the temporary speed humps, which showed a significant enough reduction in speed to indicate their effectiveness. Then, Kate Geiss spoke about how pleased the residents of Grove St. are about their permanent speed humps. Finally, each of the 16 neighbors in attendance expressed their reactions to the temporary speed humps. There were some concerns about noise but these were considerably allayed after assurances from Laura that the permanent humps are much less noisy and that multiple humps would mitigate the problem of cars speeding up after going over the hump. In the end the consensus among the residents was that 2 or 3 humps on each of the streets would greatly improve the safety and quality of life in the neighborhood.

Next week we will send a letter to Ned Huntley, DPW Director, officially requesting the installation of permanent speed humps, paid for from the Montview Neighborhood mitigation funds. We expect him to approve the request and (hopefully) have the humps installed in the summer of 2012 --three years after our traffic calming application was approved by the city's Transportation and Parking Commission.

12. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

-Update on revised traffic projections. Met with Rich Massey… very encouraged- maybe a minor reconstruction of the intersections.

Bridge St./Damon Rd./Exit 91 & Entrance to 91S if no build… 0.2% a.m./p.m. peak hours… 2700 fewer turns.

-Roundabout will provide traffic calming

-PAC meeting in November

-Frank reported the original estimate of 28% increase in Northampton population that was used for making the design was corrected as not Northampton but all the cities/towns in the area. Future traffic populations estimates will include this larger area.

13. Report of Transportation Committee

-Update about sidewalks, bikepath maintenance, train routing, and walking buses

-TPC last meeting… get from Fred

This Thursday, Pioneer Planning Board about trains.

-Bike path is moving forward with land taking at church… and Oct. 26 7 pm to discuss maintenance of bike paths.

14. Legislative Update from City Councillor - Owen

Counsel has been relatively quiet…

Oct. 13 joint meeting about King St. comments… highway business he doesn't support

Oct. 12 charter drafting committee… the review committee made a bunch of proposals, $26000 of mayor's left over salary to pay consultant.

-Agriculture is considering gating Potash Rd.

15. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne (8:56)

-Update on next year's tour

-Establishing an RFP process and setting amount of money to be disbursed from proceeds.

-Comments? Decision of board is final.

Motion: unanimous

16. Ward 3 Storm Water System (Fred)

-The City has yet to receive the final report from CDM. This has been delayed a little and may slide into September. When we do receive the final document we will make it available for review in our office here and also available for download from the DPW website. There will be time to review the report before any public meetings are scheduled.

USACE dike inspection 9/18/2009; Report 8/26/2011. Posted on city DPW website.

http://www.northamptonma.gov/dpw/engineering/floodctrl/

Transportation and Parking Commission Mtg 4PM September 20, 2011 (Fred)

I attended this mtg and presented the comments about truck escape routes. Additionally Laura Hansen the City's Traffic Engineer mentioned that a Laser Warning system was being designed for 3 locations. Rte 91 x19, Pleasant St, and King Street. Money is only available to June 2012. System would be set to detect oversize trucks and flash an appropriate warning light and exit route. Other locations are being considered but money is limited. Chief Sienkiewicz said NPD is called multiple times a week to get trucks out of the RR overpass. Lauren Hansen said that work is being to to tally the rate of strikes and occurrence.

Truck Escape Route will also be on TPC agenda Tuesday Oct 18, 2011.

Adjourned 9:02

September 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Ward 3) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:10:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 @ 7 p.m.

Bridge Street School Cafeteria

Present: Jerry, Marian, Owen, Bob, Fred, Maddy, Gloria, Tim P., Howard, Joanne, Jim

Absent: Phil, Lola, Bernadette

Guests: Joan Rasule, David Fenton, Jesse Rosado, Denise Fournier, gravestone lady

(7:05 call to order)

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

-no minutes from last meeting yet (secretary away)

-postpone approval until next month

2 Treasurer’s Report – Fred

Ward 3 Treasurers’ Report September 2011

1. Previous ACCOUNT Balance: = $2017.81

2. DUES: = $0

3. EXPENSES: =$38.68 VG food; $4.78 Historical Flyers

4. Veggie Garden Tic Sales: = $550.0

5. Veggie Garden Profit 2011(todate): $526.23

6. Veggie Garden Profit 2010: $680.16

7. Veggie Garden Profit Total: $1206.39

8. Neighborhood Watch = $178.01

9. NW3NA Balance = $1,139.95

10. NEW ACCOUNT BALANCE (7+8+9): $2524.35

11. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 276; New = 276

12. Total Members: = 278;

13. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 4

-Approved report

3 President’s Report – Jerry

Discussion with Marian about Committee System

Jerry and Marian met about dividing up committees. This is the function of a vice-president.

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District

Meeting last night; unanimous vote to go forward. Other neighborhoods might be going forward too.

Neighborhood Associations Update - Gateways

-Id’d 6 gateways for signs and plantings, met with Mayor and acting Mayor for status update.

-CoC willing to help… it’s moving forward.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

Last meeting with Clare. Owen present.

-Fall 2009 army core of engineers made assessment of dike… where is the report? At DPW office, Fred looked at it. “Dike should have vegetation removed, pedestrian erosion should be restored, etc.” Dike is “acceptable,” but needs work. DPW looking into permits and funding for these repairs.

-Does the state have purpose of land behind Cutchins? Trying to get it into city control.

-Did the pumps work okay during hurricane? Yes, good test- system worked as it planned, but some systems will need updating and repair in the future.

USACE dike inspection 9/18/2009; Report 8/26/2011. High Level summary of details. Three ratings: Acceptable, Minimally Acceptable, and Unacceptable. Vegetation on dike or within 15 feet must be removed immediately. Erosions from pedestrian traffic must be restored and reseeded by 9/1/2012, and toe drains need TV inspection by 9/1/2012 and every 5 years thereafter. Intake pond at pump sta. must be cleaned of veg. and sed. by 9-1-2012. Dike is acceptable but repairs need to be made. Report signed by H. Farrell McMillan, PE Levee Safety Officer (978)-318-8722 & Scott Michaluk NAE Levee Safety PM (978)-318-8350. DPW is looking into permits, funding, and resources to complete these repairs.

Jim Laurila the city engineers will post reports on the city web site. Complete reports have color pictures of all areas requiring repairs plus details. Report, in my estimation is well done.

Dike was again inspected a few months ago. It will get a further top-down review for stability and hydraulic analysis from UACE of Concord and GZA of Norwood. This will include borings.

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update – Bob

-Dedication of new barns yesterday. Next stage is solving and paying for drainage problem, then going forward with development of multi-use building, etc.

(7:23) Morgan horseshow can be between 9-1300 horses.

-Our annual meeting is there…

Bridge Street Cemetery Gravestone Repair - Marian

Last month had a tour by experts in the cemeteries. Sort of at a standstill to decide what direction to go in… CPA funds in the future?

Annual Meeting Committee Report – Bob

Sunday, October 23 at 1 pm at Club House at Fairgrounds.

Possible issues of recruitment of members… whether there is money needed or not.

Nominating Committee Report

Committee met and has been working hard. Have been looking at board…

Officers agreed: Jerry, Marian, Maddy, Fred, and Jim

-3A Wendy Newton, David Fenton, Joan Rasule

-3B Rick Clark, Jesse Rosado, Bob

Salvo Rep. Denise Fournier

-alternate for 3B needed

Presentation on Preserving Ward 3 Farmland – Jesse Rosado

Jesse’s full presentation included at the end of these minutes.

-Questions about insurance versus losses, questions about availability of Montview Farms, questions about Agricultural Commission and its accessibility, questions about access to farmland.

Proposal for new Committee on Agriculture, Food

-Discussion: Tim it’s a great idea. Jesse will chair.

Update from Salvo House and Cahill Apartments – Denise

-Salvo tenants association is fragile, but it is working. Trying to get special permission for meal preparation for an international potluck event. (Joint venture w W3NA).

-BOH requiring $100 for victualers license and servesafe certification. Need someone to sponsor the fundraiser…

Update on Mayoral, Councillor Forum in October - Bob

-Forum for city and Wednesday, October 19, 2011. 7 pm in BSS cafeteria.

Questions will go to moderator. Discussion… decided that no questions should be shared with candidates first. Worked on timings…

-lots of mayoral debates throughout the city!

4. Membership Committee - Jim

-Owen sent out email to join the neighborhood organization. He has 40 people who would like to join… will give Fred excel sheet.

-Need to work on website issues…

5…Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News – Howard Moore

-BSS enrollment up

-Northampton has a new superintendent- contact him if you are concerned or interested. He is working on his transition plan. First project is to look at the elementary schools - evening them out, so that all children arrive at JFK equally prepared. (8:13)

6. Update about Meadow City Conservation Coalition’s conservancy efforts in Ward 3 – Fred

-Board Mtg MCCC When Wed 9/14 at 7PM Where: 28 Pomeroy. Report on Last Board Mtg; Review Veggie Garden Outreach; Plan for non-profit status; Brief update on WmSt Brook; Next steps to be taken.

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

-Planning a roundtable discussion about the ZRC’s report.

-Recommendations for King St. have gone to Planning Board and referred out to other committees. Design standards have been added in exchange for a removal of a lot of regulations. (Currently design standards to retail).

-Owen: says 4M came from Federal stimulus to make a tunnel to get under RR tracks. Can’t really get further N than Walgreens, would be expensive public taking of private land.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – Lola

-Meeting is September 15 at @ 7 pm College Church on Pomeroy Terrace to get reactions from the neighbors about the temporary speed humps.

-Hawley, Holyoke, and Hokanum..

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

PAC meeting soon.

10. Report of Transportation Committee

-Update about sidewalks, bikepath maintenance, train routing, and walking buses

-Conz St. Pleasant St. intersection slated to be changed. Dangerous. Maybe next 5-6 years. Hearing on September 20^th 4-6 at City Council. (8:39)

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen

Arnie had meeting here tomorrow at 7 pm.

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor - Owen

-Lot of calls and concerns about crossing in front of Salvo House on Conz. St. There are 5 cross walks. Too many cars to have speed travel. Upgraded for push button light like on State St. 10K.

-Board of Public Works is establishing reuse committee. Is anyone here interested? App on Owen’s website.

-City is redrafting its charter… likely to contracting with UMass consultant to go through that process. Final draft is in January. With any luck it will be on ballot in 2013. Committee will meet a lot this fall, plus open meetings, etc.

-King St. rezoning is happening. It has been referred out… now ordinance and planning board looking at it. Oct. 13 meeting. Broad brush- going to be less restrictive for retail development, but the street scape is going to be more landscaped… and the walkway to the building must be more landscaped, etc. More details on Owen’s website. It will look different.

-Ward 3’s section is slated to be changed to all central business district… from Main St. to North St. on the East side, except for Edwards Square. This is a zoning change… and abutters were not notified.

-Private citizen has placed two trash barrels on the dike. Volunteer getting sick of it, the $ and the hauling. (Let’s invite the private citizen to come to next month’s meeting.)

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne

-grant application form… questions around that. Please meet and let’s go…

14. Social Committee Report – Owen/Bob

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim

-Saluting New Businesses in Ward 3-

16. New Business

Jerry: revisiting issue of notification of property owners when zoning changes were being planned. Several years ago W3NA sent the letter. Edwards Square…

Map change
Rules of regulations of different zoning categories
Map change of neighbor

Debate over whether people are being informed, whether you can call the changes “massive rezoning.”

-Let us ask our councilor exactly what has happened regarding notification. (9:06).

-Maybe letters aren’t the thing… maybe public notice like on Williams St.

-adding an action request to the letter; allowed.

9:14 adjourned

Jesse Rosado’s Presentation

Good evening everyone, my name is Jesse Rosado. Resident of ward three and owner of chef’s fare farm, a first year diversified vegetable garden.

Tonight, I’m going to be talking about the Northampton meadows, the three thousand acre farmland that’s located between the dike that protects our city from flooding, and the Connecticut river. This farmland is a huge resource for the city; it provides local food security, open space for dog walkers, bird watchers, as well as local artist who enjoy painting landscape paintings.

In addition to those things, that land also provides other recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, rope swinging, mud trucking, and an airport for hobby pilots.

Tonight I’m going to talk about the farming aspect of this land, as well as offer an idea of how to make it even more productive resource for the city.

This idea, I’m pretty sure, will offer increased food production in a diversified way, increased job and business opportunities for new young farmers, increased property values for the land owners, increased economic activity in the city, as well as increased food security for our residents as well.

In the meadows, there are a couple different types of farmers. Most use single crop industrial farming practices that are a very efficient way to produce vegetables.

Many of those farmers are local, and are a part of farm families that have been excellent stewards of that land for multiple generations.

More recently, the meadows has been experiencing an inflow of new farmers that are setting up diversified vegetable farms, that sell their products at farmers markets, to local restaurants, through CSA’s, and in some cases through home and office delivery.

Ben James and Ona Cory come to mind when I mention that because their farm project (at Town Farm) is an excellent example of what is possible using that farming method. In the (I believe it’s been four years now) they have created and expanded their project very well, and that project has increased economic activity in our city. It’s given us the pretty incredible Tuesday market as well as the newly formed Jackson Street school market. They have created one of the most dynamic CSA’s that I’ve ever witnessed, and they have made possible many opportunities, including internship opportunities for local ag students, and have created jobs for folks who want to work in that industry. That is an incredible amount of good things that have come out of a single farm project.

My idea is about creating more of that. Much of this land (point it out on the map) is owned by retired farmers, who lease that land to others to produce on. At least one of those farmers, and probably more come in from Connecticut to plant up here. The way it works is they lease the land, they bring up a crew of workers and equipment and spend a couple days cultivating and planting.

A couple weeks later, the farmer shows back up to put down nutrients, weed killer, and pesticides. After that, a few weeks later they come back and get their vegetables. Depending on what it is that they are growing, soy beans and horse corn for example that entails bringing a harvester, and loading the product, and then their done.

If the product is cucumbers and squash for example then they come with a crew and pick the field, and then repeat the process a couple few times every week to ten days or so.

The economic activity created for the city by that project is next to nothing. No jobs, no fruit going to the local farmers markets, no money circulating from one city resident buying products from another.

Having said that, I would like the city to come up with a way, to create incentives, that could get those land owners to change their leases from the out of state farmers to local ones. I want to add a little emphasis on the word incentives, because like anyone, farmers don’t like being told what to do.

Is there local farmers, that are eager to take over the leases.

That answer is yes. The current farmers (including myself) will like more land, and also both local agriculture programs at Hampshire College, and U-Mass are selling out because there is so much interest from young people to go into farming. The Smith Vocational school also training young people who want to be in agriculture, and there probably folks from those three places that want to get their start out in the meadows as well

Is there demand for the vegetables that they will produce? The answer again is yes. In his book titled Deep Economy, Middlebury College economics Professor Bill McKibben points out that even during the economic downturn of 08 and 09, foot traffic at farmers markets has increased substantially. In 08, it was up whopping 216% for example

-So I would like to go on, I do have plenty more to say ideas, but I’m going to have to switch gears here as I finish. I cant talk today about the farming community without mentioning the impact that hurricane Irene had on the Northampton meadows. (refer to map
and explain the situation)

Even more sad then the flood itself, is the city’s response to it. Here we are a couple of weeks after the fact; and not a single city representative has shown up to meet with any of the farmers.

Farmers not only lost their crops and investment in them, but they also are stuck with the burden to clean up the trash that floated in with the flood waters, there were trees that fell across roads that farmers had to pull out of the way with their labor and equipment, as oppose to the Department of Public Works labor and equipment. To give you a contrast, if those trees fell in front of the Spoleto Restaurant or in a residential neighborhood the DPW would be right there to clean them up, but for some reason, in the farm land it is different. There is a story going around down there that I think is very interesting. I’m told that a DPW truck had drove down Hocanum Road and right up to the fallen tree. The road was impassable, and so the truck just turned around and went back over the dike, and never came back.

Even though I asked; not one of our cities officials have contacted our Federal or State Congressional delegation to see if there is any help for the farmers through those avenues.

To be frank, the response to the farmers needs have been non-existent. Imagine Mayor Sorno not showing up after the tornado whipped through downtown Springfield.

Imagine if U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont did not go around a and tour the damage that happened to his constituency. I see him everyday on the news, on the internet, on C span, advocating for his people.

It’s obviously the right thing to do when the people you represent is facing a time of crises.

That said; we can talk a lot about good ideas on how to preserve and enhance our farmer community, but first we gotta start with the low hanging fruit.

We got to have government representatives who care enough about their constituency to step up, especially during times of crises. There is a committee forming to launch a write in campaign for the Ward 3 council position in the November election, and I encourage all of you to be involved with that. The second thing is to ask everyone in the city government to explain what happen. Asked them what they did for the farmers that went under water in the storm. I know the answer to those questions and it’s pretty sad, but I also know that this community is full of very thoughtful, good people that will help make it right.

Thank you very much for your time everyone.

July 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Ward 3) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:09:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Home of Phil Sullivan, 96 Island Road

Present: Phil Sullivan, Joanne Mackiewicz, Jesse Adams, Lola Reid, Bob Reckman, Fred Zimnoch, Denise Frenier, Owen Freeman-Daniels (acting President), Marian Geller, Joan Rasool, Howard Moore, Gloria Parker, Sydney Stern, Peter Blanchette, Bill Mackiewicz, Jerry Budger (late).

Missing: Jim Nash, Tim Parshall, Bernadette Giblin

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

June minutes approved unanimously

2 Treasurer’s Report – Fred

Previous Balance: = $1954.58

DUES: = $10.00

EXPENSES: =$25.00 for Veggie Printing Tickets

Veggie Garden Tic Sales: = $40.00

NEW BALANCE: $1979.58

Note: $178.01 Allocated to Neighborhood Watch

LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 276; New = 276

Total Members: = 273; New = 0

LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 5

3 MCCC Report – Fred

The MCCC is scheduled to have a board meeting on July xx. On the agenda is

• Discuss holding Sheldon Field and Kielce CR.
• Discuss plans for obtaining our exemption under USC Title 26 or IRC 501.c.3.
• Consider having a display table at Montview Farms during Veggie Garden tour on 8/6
• Other projects/new business

4 School Committee Report- Howard

-BSS had first reunion this spring. It was a nice event but Gloria said the lunch wasn’t well attended.

-City put in money to fill in Federal grant money that had expired. The School Committee shared the budget projections with various city unions- deficit ~2-300K. Explained that only way to retain positions was with lack of step raises. All the unions then negotiated expect for teachers’ union, they allowed it to expire without request with successor contract. Bottom line, HM denies that the school committee has failed to negotiate. This year teachers didn’t get a cost of living raise. The freeze in step raises would cover the gap. The projections are that enrollment is going down. Closing of a school has been in the background, because primarily it doesn’t save that much money. 80% of budget is personnel.

5 President’s Report – Jerry

Voting at Salvo House

- Went very well. Grateful and thankful to all who participated. Great to have stronger connection with Salvo House and its residents. This is a major goal of W3NA, and part of its mission. Making some progress now.

Gloria: Residents felt very glad about W3NA participation, felt good about the election process.

Bob: Thank you to Owen and Jerry for getting it off the ground

-maybe we can do it every year, if Salvo residents would like that.

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District

NTA- waiting for new boundaries, etc.

Neighborhood Associations Update

Missed the (sparsely attended) meeting they had Thursday

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/Peoples

No questions, no meeting this month.

Fred: Fall of 2009. Dikes inspected- suggested work. Where is the report?

Lola: What about painting bridges on Holyoke St? Will that be folded into RR upgrade of the tracks.

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update

Bob: The barns are done, Morgan show is glad. What has to be solved in the next step (development of the multi-use center) is all about drainage. Hiring Berkshire Design to see if it’s manageable or affordable.

Update on Candidates’ Forum - Owen

July 19 7 pm at BSS. You can submit questions (to Fran Volkman) ahead of time, you have until Sunday evening, the moderator will choose from that list. Alternate questions also allowed. ?NCTV will tape.

Bridge Street Cemetery Gravestone Repair – Marian

Committee met, trying to engage with groups in the area who could lead us towards a solution

Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen

-Joanne willing to update brochure. Thinking about the fall as a time for a serious membership drive, hoping to bring Salvo House folks on board more than ever. Clarification- still can be a member if unable to pay dues.

Owen: motion to consider everyone in W3 who buys a Veggie Garden Tour ticket a member.

Vote: approved.

Sustainability Committee Update – Jim (away)

Bob: Zoning Revisions Committee will give final report in two weeks to Planning Board.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update –

- TC committee met last week with the arts group called C3 to implementing neighborhood ideas like street painting, etc..

-Speed humps on Hawley Street and Williams still there. Need to have a meeting with neighbors to discuss the permanent ones.

-The speed limit signs will likely have the limit reduced; request had been received.

9.. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

NTA

10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen

Bikepath getting overgrown. DPW overwhelmed. Maybe we could organize clean up?

-Conz Street work going well.

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen

NTA

12. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne

-Selling advanced tickets is the big priority push now!

-Press release out; maybe a story about Salvo House gardens.

-Volunteers (garden greeters) almost all in place; but still need volunteers for Tuesday market publicity and the Recycling Center (talk to Marian).

13.Social Committee Report – Owen/Bob

Counsel update- Jesse Adams

-Passed the budget, relatively quiet since then.

-Stipends to EMS workers (3-5K a year) fire department in controversy. Jesse voted to pass it b.c. he felt that it would be bad environment to negotiation within. However, believes that the issue needs to be on the table for the future.

Salvo House

Denise: Salvo House receives unfairly negative representation in the paper, and reputation in the community. 85% of the residents describe themselves as living on Conz St. but not at Salvo House. In fact, the vast majority of people who live there are positive, law-abiding people, and the community there is mostly quiet, not as described above. Bad reputation very damaging to the morale of residents, and to their ability to bring positive activities to Salvo House.

-Positive about new elections, increased collaboration with W3NA.

Waste Water Treatment Plant: Effluent Pumps

In the fall of “09 we reported:

Storm Water Pump Facility: George Brehm, Director of WWTF 10/6/9. The Army Corp of Engineers inspected the Storm Water Pump facility that they designed shortly after the Great Flood of September 1938. It became operational in 1940 or almost 70 years ago. Ned Huntley was present at the inspection and told them that replacement diesel engines for the pumps have been budgeted for last five years. They may appear in next year’s final budget. George thinks the report will cite excess vegetation & brush around the facility. Plans now are to trim vegetation after the leaves fall off the trees. (I now also recall mention of the necessity of clearing toe drains.)

I’ve asked several people for a copy of the US Army Corp report w/o success. The reply is that report has not been received. Perhaps the Mayor might know if a report has been received for the inspection of 2009?

The US Army Core of Engineers inspects the dike periodically. I’ve heard that inspections have been annual, sometimes every two years or less frequent. Are there any past reports?

New Business

-Have a vacancy for 3B.

Motion- Lola will fill the place until October annual meeting, seconded.

Vote: yes

-New art chosen for downtown RR bridge. River themed metal panels, will be installed by October.

Adjourned 8:28

Get a grant to improve Ward 3

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:06:00 +0000

Download the form from here.

Grant monies will be distributed from proceeds of Vegetable Garden Tours held in the summers of 2010 and 2011. Grant awards of not more than $500 will be made to applicants seeking funding for projects involving gardening, food production and education, and neighborhood beautification. All projects must be done in Ward 3 but those who live outside the ward can apply for funding for such projects. No portion of the grant monies may be used to pay salaries, and all projects must be completed within one year of date of award. The deadline for submitting an application for funding will be January 10, 2012. Final decisions regarding grants to be funded will be made by the review committee and the Board of Directors of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association. Anyone having questions about the application form or process should contact Marian Geller at: mjg13@comcast.net or 584-2122.

Ward 3 Neighborhood Assn's Annual Meeting!

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Residents of Ward 3 are invited to enjoy several events while socializing with friends and neighbors as part of the Annual Meeting of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association on Sunday, October 23. The event will start at 1 p.m. in the clubhouse next to the Fair Street entrance of the Three County Fairgrounds, and families and children are welcome to join in.

The meeting will feature music by a band including City Councillor Owen Freeman-Daniels, an opportunity to talk about the Fairgrounds redevelopment program with officials of the Fairgrounds

Redevelopment Committee, tours of one of the three new magnificent barns that were built to accommodate horse shows and other events, and view a live cooking demonstration by a new Ward 3 organic farmer, Jesse Rosado, who also produces instructional cooking videos for website About.com that’s owned by the New York Times Company. Rosado will be preparing salt caramel apple crisp with locally-grown apples and samples will be available to those present at the Annual Meeting. We will provide ice cream as a topping for this dessert.

There will also be light refreshments donated by the East Side Grill and beverages donated by Stop & Shop.

The meeting will also feature a brief business meeting where the Association will elect its officers and directors for the following year, but the emphasis at this event will be on bringing people of the ward together for a fun, social, and educational afternoon.

Those attending the Annual Meeting will be encouraged to socialize with Ward 3 friends and meet new neighbors. Information about membership in the Association and its committees and projects will also be available. Residents will be able to sign up to serve on such committees as the annual Ward 3 Vegetable Garden Tour, the Traffic Calming Committee, the Sustainability Committee, and the new Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Preservation of Farmland in Ward 3.

Also at the Annual Meeting, we will announce details of our new program to distribute proceeds of the first two Ward 3 Vegetable Garden Tours. We will be making grant awards of up to $500 each for projects to be undertaken in the ward in the areas of gardening, food production and education, and neighborhood beautification. Application forms for these grants will be available at the Annual Meeting, and board members will be on hand to answer questions from those interested in applying for these funds.

Vegtable Garden Tour August 6, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:13:00 +0000

WARD 3 NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION TO SPONSOR SECOND ANNUAL WARD 3 VEGETABLE GARDEN TOUR

Local residents will have an opportunity to celebrate the agricultural and food-growing heritage of Northampton and talk with farmers and gardeners about growing local food as the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association sponsors its second annual Ward 3 Vegetable Garden Tour on Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The self-guided tour will showcase eight diverse gardens and small farms in Ward 3. Some gardens are located in the meadows and floodplain and others represent urban gardening where small spaces can be transformed into substantial food-growing operations. The tour was also designed to be done either by car or bicycle.

he selection of gardens in this year’s tour ranges from a very compact urban garden tucked next to a downtown store to garden spaces utilized by tenants of a large apartment building to grow Asian and Hispanic vegetables including rice. Many of the gardens employ sustainable and organic techniques that are rapidly growing in popularity.

“People from all over Western Massachusetts came to our first Veggie Garden Tour last year and had a great time,” said Jerry Budgar, president of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association. ‘Many think of Ward 3 as an urban ward in the city’s core, but we love the fact we have this magnificent agricultural land and floodplain soil located so close to the city center. The juxtaposition makes Ward 3 a very unique and wonderful place to live. Our area of the city is undergoing a revival and expansion of agriculture and food production, and we want to showcase some of these efforts with this event.”

Those participating on the tour will be able to talk with gardeners and farmers about the food varieties they grow, get tips on methods to encourage healthy plant growth, and discuss ways to fend off such negatives as animal pests, insects, and airborne viruses and bacteria.

A new feature this year will be a number of local agricultural and food-growing organizations sponsoring tables at the refreshment area to talk with tour participants about their organizations and local agriculture and food-growing. Among the organizations that will be participating are Grow Food Northampton, the Three County Fair, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, Transition Northampton, the Western Mass Permaculture Guild, and CISA, the Community In Sustaining Agriculture.

Proceeds of the Vegetable Garden Tour will be reinvested back into Ward 3 projects such as gardening, food production and education, and beautification projects throughout the ward.

Tickets for the Ward 3 Vegetable Garden Tour, with a map and garden descriptions, are available at the A2Z Science Store on King Street, Deals and Steals on Pearl Street, and Serio’s Market on State Street. Tickets are $8 if purchased in advance and $10 if purchased on the day of the tour.

Further information about the Ward 3 Vegetable Garden Tour can be obtained from Tour Chair Joanne Mackiewicz at (413) 374-0550, Lola Reid at 584-9463, Jerry Budgar at 584-2964, or at the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association website at www.WardThree.com

June 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:20:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Minutes

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 7 PM

Bridge Street School Library

Present:

Adam, Roy Martin, Gloria, Owen, Jim, Joan ?, Karen Tetrault, Fred, Bob, Jerry, Maddy, Marianne, Sydney, Lola, Phil, Frank.

Missing:

Arnie, Joanne

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

7:09

May minutes unanimously approved

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred

Previous Balance $1973.99

DUES: $10.00

EXPENSES: =$29.41

NEW BALANCE: $1954.58

Note: $178.01 Allocated to Neighborhood Watch

LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 275; New = 276

Total Members = 273; New = 0

LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 3

Roy Martin: Salvo house resident. Tenants association has run into problems with elections. Northampton Housing Authority ran elections in the past, and now a problem. They are asking for help with non-partisan election oversight. Ongoing conflicts with John Hite have caused many residents to lose trust in NHA overseeing the elections. Problems with the time frame of the vote - 2 hours - inaccessible.

Owen: NHA has been administering election by request, and there is a lot of suspicion around their work. The nomination and election process didn't go well for the tenants association.

Motion: to have a Ward 3 committee to facilitate the election process…

Vote: approved

Maddy, Gloria, Owen, Bernadette will work on it.

3 President's Report – Jerry

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District And Tour

Steve Streimer led a wonderful tour- about 50 people, a lot of enthusiasm. Sarah LaValley says not quite finished with formal boundaries, but will call people and move forward. Tour and info packet available on North St. website.

Neighborhood Associations Update

Gateways beautification committee has identified 6 areas… getting to consensus, meeting tomorrow at the fire station.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

-Do you feel the city could do North St. this year? … Short about 400K, we will use some ch. 90 money, and it will be on the agenda for next year- the extra money is for storm sewer problem.

-If the water department moves, what will happen?.... Not ready for that yet, will set up an RFP for the land, any non-profit will get a tax bill. That is a desirable area, highest best use is housing.

-What do you think are the challenges in Ward 3?.... infrastructures and schools.

Owen: I think we should have a Ward 3 person on DPW.

Bob: I Disagree, they are all very civic minded; it's not a neighborhood thing.

Sidney: Why don't have board member go?

Owen: No vote.

Group: Why doesn't Fred do it?

-Why do you do things in phases? … the plans are usually presented in total, but the engineering and lawyering is easier to pay for in phases. Also, regulations change over time.

-Would the city consider giving municipal bonds for roads, etc…. Maybe, we are looking at each roadway and looking for a mix of money depending on the exact structure. We are not looking at the Amherst model to do one big bond for a bunch of renovations. We are looking at 5 year bond borrowings. We are waiting for water and sewer plans to complete out road plans.

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update

The barns are up, look good. The Morgan people are glad.

Bob: a week away from completion

Update on Candidates' Forum

July 19^th: Fran Volkmann.

-will have a meeting about the format.

Sidney: Arnie is in Alaska. He will be back next week.

Road Repair Value Added Report – Bernadette

Sent an email to Ned Huntley. He responded that she sent out to the association. It is a sensitive issue. In a nutshell, there are no records of rates of repair.

Discussion of cut-outs versus drop and role. Perhaps a pilot project is warranted.

Bridge Street Cemetery Gravestone Repair – Marian

Karen Tetrault: damage to tombstones in Bridge Street cemetery. Sent letter to Mayor in December that there was much damage at the cemetery. No response.

Marianne Geller: looked into grants, etc. but found that the process is very circular.

Jerry: DPW is willing to cosponsor grant to CPA funds.

Owen: gravestones are a problem, but also the fence is bad. 8:10

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen

-Discussion about membership drive NTA

5. Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News – Deborah Christakos and Howard Moore NTA

6. Conservancy Report May 2011 Fred

-The MCCC is now recognized as a corporation by the SoS of our Commonwealth. The Directors in a 7-0-0 vote decided to take over the Sheldon Field CR and have asked BBC to be a co-holder with rights should the MCCC close. Their Directors full response is:

Dear Fred,

-The BBC Board of Directors discussed your request that BBC remain involved in the CRs on Sheldon Field at our meeting last night. We did not take definitive action, but I wanted to share our views with you at this point so that we can find a way to proceed.

-BBC's long-term goal is to relinquish the CRs we hold on Sheldon Field as they are not in our area of interest, i.e., the Broad Brook watershed. BBC agreed to hold these CRs in 1999 and 2004 as favors to the City, which wished to ensure that these properties would never be developed for any purpose other than recreation and parking.

-We are most eager to help the MCCC in establishing its place among the groups that look after open space and conservation land in the City. I personally think that your organization has great potential for the stewardship of properties in proximity to the Fair Grounds and in the Meadows.

-The legal arrangements for co-holding CRs appear to be rather complicated, in part because CRs entail a real interest in the land and it is not clear to us how the assignment of a partial interest to MCCC would be arranged and how the responsibilities of the co-holders would be ranked. Wayne Feiden suggested that Irene Del Bono, Director of the state's Conservation Restriction Review Program might be helpful in working out the appropriate language if we were to pursue this course.

-Dave Herships and I would be happy to get together with you and any members of your Board who wished to discuss this further. We would in particular be interested in learning of your concerns about taking on the Sheldon Field CRs as sole grantee. Please let me know if you think this would be helpful and we can set something up.

-Please feel free to share this email with members of your Board.

-Best wishes,

-Bob

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

The ZRC is in the process of determining a date to give our reports to the planning board- possibly July? He'll keep us posted.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update –

Temporary speed humps up on Hawley and Williams Streets! Have to work on neighborhood feedback. May work with C3 on some street painting, etc.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

Whole new ball game at PAC meeting. All the original plans reflected a projected 28% growth based on 2000 census, when now looking at 3% growth. Thus, the current proposals are out the window, and another PAC meeting is scheduled for the fall to look at more recommendations. There is likely to be some modifications or elimination of current plans. However, b.c. the intersection fails now at peak times, something will have to change.

10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen

-Recent approval of the church's site plan includes a ramp to the bike path. The church is suing claiming this is a hardship. Some abutters are interested in the bike path ramp - that could be a workable solution.

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen

Not much happening, clean up happened.

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor

NTA

13. Vegetable Garden Tour –Marian

First meeting was held on May 19, 2011 at Bill and Joanne's Mackiewicz

-Present: Marian Gellar, Fred Zimnoch, Gerald Budgar, Lisa DiPiano, Owen Freeman Daniels, Bill & Joanne Mackiewicz.

Volunteers are still needed, Marian and Lola agreed to chair the volunteer committee.

-plan is to have two volunteers at each of 7 gardens

- on the day of Tour – Joanne and Marian will be available by cell for unforeseen errands

-publicity: selling tickets, hanging posters, giving out flyers, word of mouth, at Tuesday and Saturday Farmers Markets, etc.

-Please contact Marian and Lola if you, or anyone you know, would like to help.

Tickets will be available starting July 1

– 3 Vendor locations: Serio's, A to Z, Deals & Steals

-need help with ticket sales. Although tickets are advertised and sold at the above vendor locations, most tickets were sold through individual sales efforts (friends, neighbors, family, etc.) - So please think about selling a few. Please contact Marian or Lola.

Publicity team

-Jerry, Lisa, and Owen are working to get the word out via a number of methods.

-Jerry has agreed again to apply for permits for the Tuesday and Saturday Markets.

- There are posters and flyers available. If you'd like any, contact Marian, Lola or Joanne.

Banner will be hung starting July 1. On Sydney Sterns and Frank Werbinski fence.

Tables– soda, water, and? Marian is looking for vendors willing to share their wares

-Jerry is working on contacting various food organizations about securing table spaces on the day of the Tour. They would be located in the same location as our refreshment table. In exchange, he is asking that they help us advertise our Veggie Garden Tour via their websites and listservs.

*Jack Finn had donated the balloons that helped make our garden locations more visible. Helium is now too expensive for him to offer in his store. Lola has an idea to create oversized tissue flowers. Please contact Lola or Marian if you would like to help with these.

-Next Meeting will be held at Bill and Joanne's sometime at the end of June.– all are welcome.

8:38

14. Social Committee Report – Owen/Bob

Events in the spring went well; annual meeting next.

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim

NTA

16. Waste Water Treatment Pumps- Fred

NTA

16. New Business

Questions for the Mayor….

Why didn't you answer the letters about the graveyards?

July meeting and potluck at Phil Sullivan, Maddy to organize. Jim will do August's meeting.

Adjourned 8:45

Cleaning, Learning, Socializing

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:46:00 +0000

THE WARD THREE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO
Three Events in Ward Three on Saturday, May 21

The Ward Three Neighborhood Association cordially invites the public to three events:

COMMUNITY CLEANUP IN WARD 3

People who are interested in participating should contact Arnie Levinson at toarnie41@yahoo.com. This event will start around 9 AM and be done by 11:30. Participants will be able to clean the areas they are most concerned about. Please let Arnie know if you want to participate and what area you would like to work on.

TOUR OF THE PROPOSED POMEROY TERRACE HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Pomeroy Terrace Historic District would include all the houses on both sides of Pomeroy Terrace to the jog at Hancock/Williams St. It also includes homes on the meadows side of Bridge St. up to just beyond the end of Lampron Park (which is on the other side of the street). It includes homes on the north side of Bridge St. to Historic Northampton and on the south side of Bridge St. to the post office. It also includes most of the homes on Phillips Place and a few homes on Butler Place. The limits of the proposed district are still being finalized, so even if your home is not currently included is could still be included if it is not too far from the proposed border.

This tour will be led by Mr. Steve Strimer. Steve has a great deal of knowledge about historic structures in Northampton, especially the work of William Fenno Prattt who laid out Phillips Place in 1847. Many houses of distinction in the proposed district are Pratt designs or commissions. Steve was instrumental in the creation of the David Ruggles Center in Florence and will conduct walking tours of Abolition Era and Underground Railroad sites beginning this summer. Materials about the original and proposed historic districts will be provided. Residents are encouraged to bring any artifacts they have and to share stories they know about the neighborhood. The tour will begin at 1 PM at Historic Northampton and last about 1 hour.

MEET YOUR ASSOCIATION AND YOUR NEIGHBORS

The Ward Three Neighborhood Association spring social event will begin at Historic Northampton around 2 PM when the tour is complete. We will offer a short introduction to our activities and introduce our Board. We hope that people who attend will be willing to contribute to a potluck of desserts and afternoon snacks. We will provide beverages, serving ware and utensils. This will be a fine to socialize with your neighbors, meet some new people with similar interests and to join the association. Annual voluntary dues are $10 for individuals and $15 for families.

May 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Agenda for Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7 PM

Bridge Street School Library

Board members: Owen, Tim, Arnie, Adam, Phil, Marianne, Bob, Jim, Fred, Maddy, Jerry

-Missing: Gloria and Joanne.

Community members: Frank & Sidney, Adam Cohen, Bernadette Giblin, Mark Carmien, David Newton

7:03 Start

-Jerry: Good fortune to have two board members running for political office. Pleased people are so committed, but please leave campaigns at the door.

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

-None this month because of audio snafu. We'll have them next month.

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred

Owen: new email addresses from survey need to be added to listserve.

1. Previous Balance $1973.99

2. DUES: $0.0

3. EXPENSES: =$0.00

4. NEW BALANCE: $1973.99

5. Note: $178.01 Allocated to Neighborhood Watch

6. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 275; New = 275

7. Total Members = 273; New = 0

8. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 3

Special Guest: Mark Carmien, co-chair of the volunteer Solid Waste Task Force spoke about the new "buy a bag" disposal program that will replace the "buy a sticker" program we've had for many years.

-Mayor convened board to discuss what to do after June 2012 landfill closing.

-City will be using a regional landfill.

-Goals of increasing compost and recycling to decrease costs and environmental impact.

Primary recommendations:

Keep two transfers stations open
July to September implementation- costs equivalent. (sold at 10 retail stores.) VALUES:

a. Equity

b. Environmentally sound; increases diversion to recycling and compost

c. Economic

Large haulers have to prove that recycling is offered for apartment dwellers, etc.

63% use the transfer stations…

13% live in large apartments…

Annual sticker fee to $75 (senior and low-income discount will be available)

Arnie: are we considering biomass?

Mark: Yes. City in 2007 northampton.ma/solid waste Stantec produced report on biomass. City of N'ton doesn't generated enough trash… could regionalize.

Bernadette: where does compost go?

Mark: goes to Montview farm. Compost is regulated.

Jerry: Is the task force going to oversee the implementation process of the changes?

Mark: Unfortunately, the task force is disbanded.

3 President's Report – Jerry 7:34

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District

-hoping by the 21^st event additional properties identified by Jane Potter will be added.

Neighborhood Associations Update

-beautification project took bus tour of city entrances… next meeting on the 18^th. All welcome, COC, BID, etc. involved.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor

-Will the train services have reduced money?… No, looks good.

-Could the Depot be available for new station?… Many problems with that site. We need it to be multi-modal.

Arnie: That's a strange reply.

Jerry: We need to consider buses.

-Could the city use the blighted Honda spot for DPW rather avoid acquisition of land and avoid taking a property off the tax returns? Increases in water and sewer rates will be applied.

Next month:

-Will the old water building go for sale to a non-profit or back on the tax rolls?

-What does she think that W3 should be looking at in the future-what are the big issues?

-Why are these large projects broken into phases? Why is that challenging issues pushed into phase two? 7:48

-Is it feasible to get a Northampton municipal revenue bond to generate income for projects- like for Northampton roads, etc.

-Can North St. renovation happen in 2012?

Re-precincting Committee Report

-Had to realign populations of the city. Not too many changes to Ward 3. Moved Bradford St. back in, some shifted from 3B to 3A.

-Ward 2 lost and Ward 4 added population.

-These upcoming elections not affected.

Sydney: Why are precincts important?

Jerry: Just for organization. Actually an enhancement b.c. 3 council people will care about Bridge St. school.

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update 7:58

-Barns will be done by the Morgan Horse Show.

Update on Candidates' Forum – Bob

-July 19^th okay for both candidates. Discussion of moderator…

Arnie: someone outside of Ward 3.

Fred: guy that ran Paradise forum?

Jim: Someone from the Gazette?

Report of Road Repair Committee

Fred: Went researching patches. A company (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin ) from Watertown surveys the roads for conditions. Seems like they could provide a comparison of road conditions for various communities they survey.

Bernadette: Hoping that don't use outdated google photographs.

Bob: I'm sure they go by car

-watched video on how to patch a whole in the road.

Arnie: Is there a best practice to repair roads? I looked at the literature. Reviewed types of repairs- cold mix, proprietary cold mix …We do "throw and roll." Lack of review of method and material…

Discussion: Long discussion of potholes…

Tim: Pitch them a return on investment plan to see if they would try it a different way…

David: Can people identify areas that have chronic problems but that may have other issues that are contributing to the repeat problems? Like a groundwater analysis…

Fred: Pomeroy Terrace has a drainage problem, and the DPW knows that.

Jerry: 8:20 What can we do to with this research? Can we make Ward 3 a model for alternatives? Let's make a case.

Bernadette: We need to ask the city for data so that we can pitch them these alternative ideas. It's as simple as asking the current staff for the data…

David: I have heard that the first of the repaving was set up… it was discovered that a major conduit underneath was over a hundred years old. Is this true?

Bob: The model is that whether the water or sewer is inadequate, it is repaired and that enterprise fund pays for the repaving.

Fred: A meeting last fall, Ned said pipes also will be replace.

Bridge Street School Alumni Lunch 8:28

PTO worked with Gloria and me, had lunch with 4^th and 5^th graders. Fun afternoon.

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen

-Discussion about unfilled alternate position for 3B

Bob: I nominate Bernadette.

Maddy: I second.

Vote: Unanimous.

Owen: I need to take a step back from administrative powers like email, website, recording, etc.

Bob: Can someone else take this on?

Jerry: We should separate these functions. Bernadette and Tim, Marianne, will take it on.

Maddy: I will do the microphone thing.

Vote: up to $100 for taping technology.

5. Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News

From Howard Moore, our School Committee Rep:

"I won't be at the meeting. If I were, my report would be that I am

convinced that our expense budget is as close to the bone as it can be

after years of cuts and cost savings and that it still exceeds our

current revenues. We have requested more money from the city budget,

but grateful for the already generous city contribution to our budget,

and aware of the constraints on that side, we are not hoepful that an

increase will occur. Balancing the budget on the expense side would

require cutting teachers, resulting in both programmatic losses and

increased class sizes. So we shall see.....On another topic, we have

begun discussions on how we can be more effective as a board. This

discussion includes how we can be evaluated, set goals and measure

progress toward those goals, keep track of initiatives, and promote full

collaboration (but not interference or micromanaging) between the

members of the board, the administration, the staff and the public,

particularly taxpayers and parents of school age children. Wish us

luck."

This from Deb Christakos, the co-president of the PTO:

"The Alumni Lunch was a terrific success. We hosted 8 Bridge Street

Alumni and staff, though a small group they were quite lively and fun.

We gathered and were given a tour of the school, with commentary by

Keith Moors, a former custodian. Those who attended chimed in with

stories and memories along the way. Many alumni were recognized by

current Bridge Street Staff. They joined the 4th and 5th grades for

lunch in the cafeteria and the students wereq quite entertained by their

tales from Bridge Street.

"Bridge Street is not expecting deep cuts to its staff or facilitieis

for the next school year, thanks in part to the generous gift toward the

school budget from Mayor Higgins and the City of Northampton. We will

be out cleaning up the gardens this weekend, and plan to have our annual

Field Day at the school this year in June."

Update on creation of related organization to do conservancy in Ward 3 – Fred

The MCCC has submitted papers to the Secretary of State W. F. Galvin for incorporation. Our name the Meadows City Conservation Coalition has been added to the state's list of corporate names.

-The O&D of the MCCC are mtg with Wayne Feiden, Dir of OPD this Thursday at 6PM to review our plans.

After the mtg I hope we will:

· 1. Contact DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION RESTRICTION REVIEW PROGRAMs,

· 2. Speak to Dir. Irene Del Bono 1-617-626-1138, about obtaining Sheldon Field CR,

· 3. She will give her requirements and she will need to latter approve,

· 4. A lawyer will need to draw up papers for a Deed of Transfer,

· 5. LeVite suggests Dick Evans 413-586-1348 here in Hamp @ 56 Main St, and

· 6. LeVite doesn't know the fee but probably < $200 bucks

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim 8.39

Holding off to next month for greater report.

-Go to Smith College student center to see creative projects on land use in Ward 3.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update –

Jim: Bump out and bus stop at Holyoke Street.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

Pac meeting tomorrow night at BSS at 6 pm.

-One meeting with Rich Massey, discussed options left on the table. The engineering firm postponed public meeting… and finally heard that revisions were needed for the roundabout analysis. May affect previous analyses.

Jim: can you keep mentioning bike tunnel?

Frank: Yes, plus entrance on Bridge St.- needs beautification…

David: Concerned about diverted traffic during construction… concerned about Coca-Cola trucks going down through side streets.

Frank: Not concerned about Coca-Cola, that is out of the engineering firm's scope. But, in general, trying to get traffic down Damon Road.

10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen NTA

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen

Ward 3 clean up 9-11:30 on May 21.

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor

Budget hearings the next couple of days… David Narkewicz. $3M to road and sidewalk repairs.

Arnie: How much of that is for

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne

Meeting May 19 at 4:30 at Joanne's house.

14. Social Committee Report – Owen

-Update on May 21 Historic District Tour and Social Event

Bob

Morning is clean up. 1-2 pm walking tour from Historic Northampton.

-working on food issue; potluck…Jim, Bernadette, Bob, Jerry.

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim

-Saluting New Businesses in Ward 3

16. New Business :8:55

Adjourned 8:56.

Smith College ARS/LSS 389 To Exhibit work on Ward 3

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:12:00 +0000

May 7, 7 PM at the Smith College Campus Center will be the opening reception.

Smith College Landscape Studies students to show their work March 23

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:20:00 +0000

March 23rd, 7-8:30 PM Bridge St School Cafeteria

Please come to see some new ideas and give your feedback toward the completion of their final products.

Design topics include:
Bridge Street Cemetery,
Sustainable Back-yard Agriculture,
A Permaculture Plan for the Entire Ward,
Creative Solutions to Waste Water Treatment,
Signage and Access to Local Businesses,
Shaw's Motel Site,
Co-housing,
Bridge Street/Rt. 9,
Gateway experiences throughout the Ward,
Increased Connectivity throughout the Ward,
Alternative Energy Production & Consumption Reduction,
Embracing the Homeless Community,
Preserving Critical Ecosystems

March 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Agenda for Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 7 PM

Bridge Street School Library

(Introducing/welcoming director Suzanne Welch from Cutchins Center for Children.)

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

Vote: unanimous approval of minutes.

Maddy- Listerve question; can I send a link to the Forbes Library patrons' survey to the W3NA listserve?

Answer: Yes.

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred 7:06

Ward 3 Treasurers' Report March 2011

1. Previous Balance $2024.58

2. DUES: $0.0

3. EXPENSES: PO Box ($44), NAZ maps. ($6.59) =$50.59

4. NEW BALANCE: $1973.99

5. Note: $178.01 Allocated to Neighborhood Watch

6. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 274; New = 275

7. Total Members = 273; New = 2

8. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 6

2. President's Report – Jerry

Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic District 7:12

-Showing map of proposed historic district. Concerned that some historic houses are not included. Sarah LaValley and Jane Potter working on that.

Tim: Do they have to be contiguous? There are some historically significant houses that are out of that region.

Jerry: Probably, ask Sarah LaValley

Arnie: Some houses on Pomeroy Terrace were involved in the Underground RR during the Civil War.

Owen: Maybe we can work on getting plaques for those houses at the least.

Neighborhood Associations Update 7:17

Trying to put together a date for a multi-ward social event. ? May 25

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

i. Shaw's Motel: Mayor non-committal, but preference is for enhanced SRO but looking for what market might bring. ?Storm water compliance issues. Shaw's is not officially in the list of affordable housing.

ii. Remediation Issues: Strong CC, surprised if anyone could get away with something like that. New wetlands ordinance didn't have enough guidance. Theme is to allow to remediate without CC saying no.

iii. Purchasing of Whately watershed: parcels were very close to reservoir that we have pulled water from. Water commissioners charged with protecting water, including taking land outside of city domain. Payment was within $20K of estimate, DEA paid 45% of purchase price.

iv. Fire Statistics: Fires have gone down dramatically in 2009- with the exception of the meth lab.

v. Break-ins: Since some arrests, break-ins down dramatically but also might be the weather.

vi. Towing: Usually at first storm tow about 100 cars, this time towed 17, second storm 39. Believes the lights are working, but maybe phone calls and texts are overkill. Lights were on for so long because they had a broken bucket-loader and parking had to lend DPW their bucket loader, so they couldn't clear as many spaces.

vii. DPW infrastructure studies: There are none.

Next month's questions:

Arnie: wondering why they don't clear the full width of the roadway?

Jim: are there any issues coming down the pike we might be interested in?

Arnie: regarding deplorable condition of our streets… why don't we do it little by little since she said it was so expensive to do all of them? (discussion).

Tim: What is the status of the Conz St. and North St. restructuring?

Tim: What is the status of the RR station siting? 7:39

Bill: What is the truth of the new refrigeration unit plan? It supposedly includes chlorine and other dangerous chemicals?

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update

It's starting to happen, barns down and barns up.

Tim: Please share your water concerns with me. I need to know to make decisions on CC.

Jerry: The area by cross-path is under water. Several issues why.

Truck Problems on Sherman Avenue – Jeff Weir NTA
Email situation

-Board got the emails. Jerry interested in that sensitive area. Used some language that he would not have used in retrospect to communicate question to Narkewicz.

Maddy: you were writing as a private citizen, it's a non-issue for me as a board member.

Jim & Bob: agree, non-issue

Arnie: Still confused about the price of the land.

Jerry: Market value appraisal came in close to what they paid, but higher than assessment which is traditionally depressed for farm land.

3. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen 7:51 NTA

4. Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News --Jerry

-Bridge Street School Alumni Lunch upcoming.

-Bridge Street School 100^th Anniversary, put it in the spotlight upcoming.

-Winter Parking Around School (creating one-way streets). Howard said that winter parking around the school is very dangerous. He is wondering about making them one-way? It is very congested.

Arnie: How do you determine this and get an okay from the residents?

Jim: The school would have to take charge of that.

Owen: Some landscape design people in Ward 3 says that it is a bad idea, they are returning many streets to two-way.

Sidney: Could you flex it along with the traffic flow?

Marianne: I lived in a city that had those and there were lots of accidents.

Maddy: Let's encourage people to have their kids walk and take busses. It's ridiculous to clear the neighborhoods to make way for parents to drive their kids all the time.

Tim: Agreed.

5. Update on creation of related organization to do conservancy in Ward 3 – Fred (given earlier)

Jerry: It's really starting to gather steam. The planning department wants to take CR that are distributed everywhere wants to bring them home. Hopefully there will be new parcels that will be placed in protective overlay. This will begin to blossom over the next few years.

-Election of Interim Board and Focus on Finalizing Bylaws

-Annual walk to check boundaries of Sheldon Field

6. . Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee discussions

Charettes being held next week to discuss traffic on King St., Damon Rd., & Conz St.

Will put it out on the listserve

-Status of infill and related topics survey

Trying to get parking regarding to infill. Would like Parking and Transportation to address this issue, especially in the ring around downtown which will become more developed.

Vote: (Unanimous) Please have the ZRC charge the P & T committee with looking into the impact on parking that increased density will have as a result of zoning revisions.

Arnie: common sense is that increased density will have an effect on parking.

Joanne: Just because it's obvious doesn't mean it would happen.

-Forums last month 8:18

i. discussed small business

-Right now have very narrow "home office" definition.

Arnie: 5 visits a day is going to be hard to enforce.

Bob & Jim: Yes.

Jerry: How do you monitor, it could be a significant problem if you consider deliveries, etc.

Owen: Not worried about it, concerned that 5 trips is an arbitrary number. People will be able to stop it by calling and complaining if it grows beyond the reasonable point.

ii. meeting results

-people okay with conversion of garages and barns into studios, etc.

-people okay with conversion of homes that have little exterior impact, but go from 2-3 units. Except for parking issue.

-people not okay with "tear-downs" and replacements, building that takes green space, blocks sunlight, etc.

iii. smith landscape group

-would like to do another forum. March 23 at BSS.

-should we be cosponsoring? YES (board)

This Thursday between 1-4 in the "green box" on Green St., you can see what they are working on it. It's a "pin-up."

iv. surveys

-keep the surveys coming in.

-that's what the sustainability committee will be working on

7. Traffic Calming Committee Update – 8:40

-email from Lola regarding ongoing process of hooking in safety improvements to the Pleasant St./Hokanum intersection into state work.

8. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

-no meeting date for public meeting yet.

-met with Rich Massey from DOT. Feels like we need to do something, but any of them are okay.

-neighborhood PAC should continue with giving input on the project even in the design phase.

9. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen NTA

10. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie

-planning a spring clean up

-planning spring training

11. Legislative Update from City Councilor – NTA

12. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne 8:46

-Lots of great gardens, going to have to thin the herd.

-What are we going to do with money? Should we put protocol in place? Joanne thinks let's wait on the protocol.

Bob: let's give to BSS.

Jim: let's give some to beautification

Jerry: We have voted on priorities.

13. Social Committee Report – NTA

14. Report from Business Representative - NTA

15. Conservancy Report

On March 1, 2011 the MCCC met publicly to elect directors and vote on the Bylaws. I have also arranged with Dave Herships to have a contingent from the MCCC do an annual inspection of Sheldon Field and the Bleinman property on Potash Rd. around April 15th. The group will also have a public meeting with Tim Silva of Kestrel to discuss local conservancy issue. We are also planning a Board meeting to choose officers.

*Waste Water Treatment Plant: Effluent Pumps

I've asked Doug McDonald if he has a copy of report from USA Corp of Engineers inspection of dike in 2009 and so far nothing.

Adjourn

8:54

W3NA Survey on Infill, Zoning & Design

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Loading...

Image for reference on the final question:

Agenda For Board Meeting, Tuesday March 8, 2011, 7 PM

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Agenda for Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 7 PM
Bridge Street School Library

Please note:
We have been asking all committee chairs to email the board a written
report of their committee's activity BEFORE our meeting, and this has
allowed us to get through more material than usual. Please continue to
send committee reports out to the board before the meeting so they can
be read and digested before we gather. Thanks for your cooperation on
this. Jerry Budgar

With the expansion of the Ward 3 social scene, we now have a choice of
either Paradise City Tavern or The Roost for our post-meeting social
hour. We can make our decision when we convene for our business
session.

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred

3. President's Report – Jerry Update on Pomeroy Terrace Historic
District

Neighborhood Associations Update
Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People
Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update
Truck Problems on Sherman Avenue – Jeff Weir

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen
-Discussion about unfilled alternate position for 3B
-Discussion about membership drive

5. Update from Bridge Street School/School Committee News – Deborah
Christakos and Howard Moore
-Bridge Street School Alumni Lunch
-Bridge Street School 100th Anniversary
-Winter Parking Around School (creating one-way streets)

6. Update on creation of related organization to do conservancy in Ward
3 – Fred
-Election of Interim Board and Focus on Finalizing Bylaws
-Annual walk to check boundaries of Sheldon Field

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee discussions
-Update on zoning notifications letter
-Status of infill and related topics survey

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update –

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen
-Update about sidewalks, bikepath maintenance, train routing, and
walking buses

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor – Angela

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne
-Discussion about procedure for distributing profits of Garden
Tour

14. Social Committee Report – Owen
-Upcoming Social Events

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim
-Saluting New Businesses in Ward 3

16. New Business

February 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association

Agenda for Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 7 PM

Bridge Street School Library

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

Vote

-Minutes approved

2. Treasurer's Report – Fred

Ward 3 Treasurers' Report February 2011

1. Previous Balance $1930.62

2. DUES: $0.0

3. EXPENSES: Copies of WmStBrook Report $6.04

4. DONATION: $100 Rep Neal Arson Fund refund

5. NEW BALANCE: $2024.58

6. Note: $178.01 Allocated to Neighborhood Watch

7. LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 274; New = 274

8. Total Members = 271; New = 0

9. LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 1

7:07

3. President's Report – Jerry

Proposed Pomeroy Terrace Historic District Meeting

-Unfortunately, there was no publicity about the meeting so no one was there except for Jerry and Fred. It was a good presentation. Spoke about the process of the designation.

Gerry

Should W3NA pay for a flyer and hand it out to ask them if they are interested? to have another meeting? If we move forward and then everyone opts out- it dies.

Bob

It's a trivial amount of money and we should do it.

Jim

Why don't we cosponsor the meeting.?

Vote

approved

Neighborhood Associations Update

-Had usual breakfast meeting and talk about zoning revisions.

-Thinking about another social event.

Bob

The more we encourage neighborhood boards, the better.

Owen

Maybe we should open it up beyond boards

-Spoke about beautification committee. Trying to get a meeting together: BID, Chamber interested, etc.

Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People

-No report from last month.

-Any questions this month? Email with more questions.

Owen

+What's happening with Shaw's Hotel/Shaw property? What is the City thinking…

+Degraded wetland question – what is the Mayor's take? What if you could claim it was degraded and then remediate?

Tim

-We've been stuck with properties that had proposed improvement but we cannot approve it because the wetland ordinance is too strict.

-It passed first reading.

Owen

+Why was it necessary to buy the adjacent property next to the reservoir? Why not a smaller piece?

Fred

+Have there been more fires? What has happened with fire statistics since December 2010?

Jerry

+What about the break-ins? Any progress?

Owen

+Is she happy with the snow emergency situation? Is the towing down?

Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update

Bob

-Withdrew the amendment, CC said OK, going forward with the first proposal.

Trash Issue – Do We Take Stand As A Board?

Maddy

-Concerned that Pedal People will be out if there is no station at Locust Street.

Mike B.

-There is a public meeting on March 7^th.

Fred

-The idea of a regional landfill was not considered.

Bob

-There are sufficient opportunities to comment.

7:29

Pleasant Street Corridor Planning Proposal

-Refer to Lola's email updates on getting the State potentially getting involved in traffic calming of this entire area.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Fred

-They will give tour in the spring.

-I spoke to George Brehm (2/7/11) the Director of WWTP about Report of Dike examination by US Army Corp of Engineers last year. Nothing yet. But US Army Corp of Engineers did inspect Storm Water Pumping Station, this year and it's fine.

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen

-NTA

5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee/School Committee News – Deborah Christakos and Howard Moore

Howard

-I don't know anything about what is happening at BSS.

-The school committee is trying to figure out who the ideal candidate for school committee would be, and balancing that with $ reality.

Fred

-Will they be hiring a recruitment firm to find someone?

Howard

-Yes.

-February 14^th the screening committee will be looking at a stack of applications.

Fred

-Who will be checking the references? In the past, references haven't really been checked.

Howard

-The firm is checking references.

7:41

Jerry

-There is going to be an alumnae lunch in April. Gloria and Jerry and Deb are working on this.

-Also, a centennial for the school is coming up. We could do a nice event for that.

6. Update on creation of related organization to do conservancy in Ward 3 – Fred

Fred

David Herships <dherships@verizon.net> of BBC has invited us to walk the Sheldon Field perimeter during the annual inspection. Given present conditions this seems unlikely now.

We are still planning a future meeting to consolidate our directors followed by a talk by Tim Silva of Kestrel about stewardship. If you have any questions about stewardship I will be glad to forward them to Tim before the mtg.

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim

-Meeting on Saturday which was a continuation of the outreach with Smith last fall. There was some confusion about who was the sponsoring agency. There is a cross course between architectural and landscape design programs, which will talk about regional resilience. They want to look at Ward 3 in particular. About half dozen people attended.

Fred

Will we get anything out of it?

Owen

Yes. Smith has focused on Ward 3 for some valuable projects, drawings, plans. They see Ward 3 as a place with a lot of vibrancy, etc.

8:09

-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee discussions

We've been tackling King St., working on narrowing down the differences of the recommendations for King St.

Bob

The only sticking point is on one section near the highway regarding set-backs. The planning board is now looking at it and will be having public meetings.

Angela

Were the dissenters from Ward 3?

Bob

Yes

Jim

Stop & Shop to Damon Road. The plan is to have a wide multi-use trail with a green strip/tree belt. There would be some type of buffer to be determined . From then on, the Chamber said that developers could build right up to the edge of the buffer. This would be for new development only.

Bob

Some people thought people could build anywhere back from the belt, other people want them to have to build right at buffer.

8:20

Jim

Next week ZRC will have two public forums- Tuesday at Florence Civic Center, and the 16^th at BSS. Snow date Thursday after at BSS. On the agenda: 1) potentially allowing more home-based businesses; 2) potentially allowing multi-family (re)conversion of existing homes; and, 3) allowing home building on smaller lots. We will be talking about dimensional standards, lining them up with what is currently in the ward. (Standardization is difficult.)

-Update on efforts to collect Ward 3 input on rezoning topics for ZRC (questionnaire)

This is key to understanding what the "comfort zones" are of ward residents.

Owen

We are using the board as guinea pigs. Please answer and give feedback if you don't understand the question, etc. 8:35

Jerry

What is your plan for this survey? How can we incorporate this data in ZRC surveys?

Owen

Soon. Fill it out and we'll make a deadline.

Jim

We will share it with OPD, ZRC, other wards. It's important for us to do our own and produce our own data.

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update –

-See above.

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

Sidney

-Frank is a little confused about the date of the public hearing.

Angela

-The trash meeting and exit 19 meeting appear to conflict.

Fred

-What about using the snow date; March 10?

Jerry

-They wanted to do it February 8^th, and I said no. They are welcome to change it.

Angela

-The flyers are already out.

10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen NTA

-Jim will be watching the development of train service/train station in the ward.

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen NTA

-Ward 6 looking for help, W3NW will assist.

12. Legislative Update from City Councilor – Angela

-March 1 having a joint hearing on proposed changes to board of health.

7:53

-March 7 is the public forum on solid waste; JFK at 6:30. Also, I-91 night and public safety committee meeting. Trying to switch it. I will be at I-91 meeting.

-Snow emergency has stayed in place so long because the snow removal is so challenging. Plus, they had some technical issues with equipment. Hoping that some of the neglected streets will be taken care of soon.

-Angela met with constituent who had concerns about proposed change to wetland ordinance with Sarah.

Fred

-Concerned about truck detouring… they can't do it with the snow banks. There were 3 trapped there this week. Can they go down Hancock for a more gradual turn?

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne; NTA

-Discussion about procedure for distributing profits of Garden Tour

14. Social Committee Report – Owen

-Would like to do an event with The Roost.

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim

-The Roost is open!

16. New Business

Truck traffic into the city is detoured from passing under our Main Street RR Bridge because of the limitation of the bridge. Trucks traveling down Bridge St are first requested by signage to detour down Lincoln Street. If this opportunity is missed the signage request trucks to take a left onto Hawley Street, then a left onto Phillips Place and then a left onto Pomeroy Terrace and then a right back on to Bridge Street.

Because Pomeroy Terrace is a street that can be reduced to almost single line traffic when snow banks accumulate on both sides of the street the left had turn onto Pomeroy Terrace from Phillips Place is difficult for the tractor trailer trucks during winter conditions. The front end of the truck becomes stuck in the snow bank on Pomeroy Terrace while the rear of the tractor trailer become stuck in the Phillips Place snow bank. Usually Harold's Garage is called to relieve the vehicles. This can be dangerous since the trucks completely block traffic for up to an hour or more. During the recent storms this happened twice to my knowledge. It's been an ongoing problem for years which can be verified by observing the depressed curbing on Phillips Place and Pomeroy Terrace.

Examination of the nearby streets reveals that a route up Hancock Street instead of Phillips Place would allow the trucks to negotiate the more gradual turn from Hancock to Pomeroy Terrace. Could Ms. Laura Hanson, Assistant Civil Engineer at the Department of Public Works consult the formal street maps and turning radii for various trucks and ascertain if this would allow the truck drivers a successful passage when are streets have huge snow banks and otherwise be a suitable as a detour? Maria Tymoczko approves the change if it's approved.

Other possibilities include special snow removal at that location and banning parking from 51 and 59 Phillips to the corner to allow trucks to swing wide.

ADJOURN 8:38

Zoning Revisions Forum at Bridge St School, JFK this week

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:04:00 +0000

ZONING REVISIONS COMMITTEE PUBLIC FORUMS ON POSSIBLE ZONING CHANGES
FEB 15th @ FLORENCE CIVIC & BUSINESS CENTER, 90 Park St, Florence
OR
Feb 16th @ BRIDGE STREET SCHOOL CAFETORIUM, 2 Parsons St, Northampton
BOTH @ 7:00PM - 9:00PM
*Snow Make Up Day = Feb 17 at Bridge St, 7 PM(Public School Closings will automatically postpone either date)
413-587-1287 or cmisch@northamptonma.gov for more information

The Zoning Revisions Committee has drafted proposals and would like your feedback on:
• Allowing more home based business
• Allowing additional units in existing homes
• Allowing new homes on smaller lots
• Residential design guidelines.

OPD to discuss greater pedestrian and Bike Path accessibility on edges of Ward 3

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:59:00 +0000

Wayne Feiden Director of the Office of Planning & Decelopment will be holding a meeting discuss the opportunities for future pedestrian and multi-use path connections in the South Street neighborhood. The OPD is currently looking at the possibilities of bicycle and pedestrian access at the following locations:

1. From South Street to the Manhan Rail Trail using Hebert Avenue;

2. From Fruit Street to Lyman Road using the Lyman Estate Carriage Road;

3. Changing Dike Road, Manhan Road, and Potash Road from roads to trails (with vehicle access only for property owners).

This discussion will take place on:

Wednesday, January 26

7:00 - 8:30 pm

City Council Chambers, City Hall

If you can't make it but would like to learn more or share your thoughts, please don't hesitate to email Wayne Feiden at wfeiden@northamptonma.gov .

January 2011 Board Meeting Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:36:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Agenda for Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 7 PM
Bridge Street School Library
7:08 Meeting Begins
Board Members Present: Owen: Bob, Gloria, Marian, Maddy, Jerry; Member
of public: Joel
Absent: Joanne M, Tim P.
1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy
Maddy: email list for board does not include Angela or Frank, is that
correct? Yes However, they chair committees/give reports, so do they
weigh in on the minutes? No
2 Treasurer's Report – Fred
Previous Balance $1930.61
DUES: $0.0
NEW BALANCE: $1930.61
Note: $178.01 Allocated to Neighborhood Watch
LIST SERVE: for Ward 3ab = Previous 274; New = 274
Total Members = 271; New = 0
LIST SERVE MESSAGES: for this period = 1
2. President's Report – Jerry
a. Ward 3 House Breakins
Still having them, lock doors all the time, even during the day.
b. Contribution From Representative Neal; Commemorating one year
anniversary of the arson fires
There was a very nice, silent memorial held on Dec. 27th. Richard Neal
came, and he said that the $500.00 for the reward fund can be diverted
to the W3NA. (later corrected to $100.00)
-Board will add funds to general coffers
c. Proposed Pomeroy Terrace Historic District Meeting
Tomorrow night, a meeting will be held for abutting property owners. 6
pm at City Hall, weather permitting. If a majority of property owners
opt out, it won't happen. (A few years ago there was a proposal for
creating a federal historical district. Held up by lack of historic
narrative that cost $4000.00. Recently Wayne Feiden said CPA $ could
be used for this. People are having a meeting in January to revive the
process.)
Jim: What is the benefit to the greater ward of this designation? This
is important because it's a significant use of CPA $.
d. Neighborhood Associations Update
Neighborhood association presidents continue to meet each month. We
have finally gotten the beautification committee off the ground. We
should be meeting soon, to plan for working on the city's "gateways."
e. Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People
Arnie: What about the senior center? How much money is going to it?
Are you satisfied? Mayor believes the senior center is well-attended,
but it is an open center that can receive input on programming or
services at any time.
Owen: How old are the city's optical scanning voting machine? Have
they been a success?
They are from Mary Ford's day. A committee chose them and I am happy
with them. Helpfully, they leave a paper trail, but are expensive to
maintain.
Group: Why don't the fairgrounds or the city fix the Williams Brook and pipe?
The best way to do this is to leverage other projects that impact it.
A huge area is covered by this pipe, a Storm water Survey is occurring
that will aid in beginning to address this.
Phil: Why didn't the soccer team reapply for a special permit? Maybe
they thought they were back to pre-Western, pre-conflict times and
thought they didn't have to.
Mayor: we will be looking for a new area for new train station and
will be having a meeting on this. Please consider where you think
would be a good site. Also, we will plow the bike path from Earl St.
to Moshi Moshi which will create a safe route for kids. A metal
channel is being put in for cyclists to forge the steps up and down to
the paths.
Jim: Considering the Probate, Honda lot or the old Depot. I'll be
following this. The city is piggybacking on an assessment by the
courts who are considering merging/relocating/building.
Jerry: Please keep us updated. All the potential locations are in our ward.
f. Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update
Jerry: In the amended plan, the committee was given permission to take
down old buildings, put in new buildings, add show rings, and do
landscaping. A group of citizens has appealed this decision.
Bob: As a result, we are asking to withdraw the amendment, and go back
to the original plan of just tearing down the decrepit horse
buildings, building 3 new horse barns, and repairing one ring.
Jerry: Is putting more water in the Brook part of the original plan or
the amendment?
Bob: Only the amendment.
Jerry: BTW, Pipe runs from Sheldon field to the Old Mill River. We had
a meeting on Sunday to begin a process of organizing to
renew/replace/repair that pipe. (Jerry is doing that as a private
citizen, not as W3NA president.)
7:42
g. Pleasant Street Corridor Planning Proposal
Lola gave an update on "Paddlegate" via email. Two people went to the
Parking Meeting.
h. CDBG
Grant applications are out if anyone is interested
Owen: We looked into it last year. It was too much organizational work.
i. Investment Group
Will be starting an informal investing group.
4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen NTA
5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee/School Committee News –
Deborah Christakos NTA
6. Update on creation of related organization to do conservancy in Ward 3 – Fred
-Since the public meeting we've had calls from the president of BBC
offering his congratulations. Also Kristen DeBoer, President of
Kestrel Trust, Harvey Allen of Valley Land Trust, and Bob LeVite of
Umass Extension have offered help.
-A future meeting is being planned to consolidate our directors
followed by a talk by Tim Silva of Kestrel about stewardship. If you
have any questions about stewardship I will be glad to forward them to
Tim before the mtg.
7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-We have more open space than any other ward. In the future, looking
at how to better utilize and access these public spaces.
Owen: We need to have a good handle on the infrastructure of the city
too. Storm and sewer and parking in the master plan, we should look at
that in light of sustainable northampton.
-Update on efforts to collect Ward 3 input on rezoning topics for ZRC
We have put together a survey to get people's feedback. Rough draft
has been sent to the board. There will be a meeting February 15th in
Florence and 16th at BSS by the ZRC to discuss these issues. We want
to have the survey results ready. Feedback on the survey welcome.
Joel: We need more context to the survey so that people won't just say
"not in my back yard."
Marian: When I look at this survey, I wonder which lots you are
referring to- people with a lot of room or people who are already
encroaching?
Bob: We're looking at lots that are just barely too small to make
additions/build, but could have some smart infill development.
Joel: That is just the context we are looking for.
Marian: For me, this has real-life consequences. It depends on the neighbor.
8:04
Jerry: How close is close? I don't want people to build right on the lot line.
Jim: This is the dialogue we want to have. Fill out the survey with
these thoughts.
8. Traffic Calming Committee Update – NTA
9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski NTA
Jerry: Problem with February date on three options so they are trying
to reschedule for March.
10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen NTA
11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen
Phil: Spoke with Arnie about the $100.00 in arson reward fund from Neal.
Jerry: Would be great to have you folks meet before our next meeting
vis a vis the break-ins.
8:17
12. Legislative Update from City Councillor – Angela (sent by email)
1. Weather Advisory - Just a reminder of winter storm parking
restrictions. During the storm on Christmas weekend, I received
several calls from Ward 3 residents whose vehicles had been towed.
Please try to take note of the on-street parking restrictions during
winter storms. If your vehicles has been towed in error, you can
submit a claim to the City for possible reimbursement. Please be
aware that the parking restrictions are strictly enforced when issued.
2. Neighborhood Safety - Home break-ins continue to be an issue in
Northampton and surrounding communities. Please remember to lock your
doors and windows (a large number of break-ins have been as a result
of unlocked doors). Please also lock your vehicles and remember to
leave outside lights on at night.
3. Proposed Ordinance - There is a proposed ordinance sponsored by
the Conservation Commission that Ward 3 residents should be aware of.
The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to recommend several
amendments to the Wetlands Protection Ordinance. According to Sarah
LaValley, "there have been recent permit applications that have come
before the Conservation Commission that the Ordinance (as currently
written) does not allow work of any kind within an established
"no-encroachment zone" regardless of whether the projects would
benefit wetlands resource areas. The proposed amendment will allow
the Commission to permit these types of activities, according to a set
of performance standards while maintaining the strict level of
protection that exists under the Ordinance as currently written."
However, one specific change, may allow developers to potentially
encroach on a wetland by conserving wetlands elsewhere. The proposed
language states:
[6] Alteration may be allowed notwithstanding the criteria [2] [3]
and [4] of this section
at a ratio in square feet of at least 2:1 when an applicant proposes
off-site restoration of resource areas, conservation restrictions
under M.G.L. c. 184, §§ 31 to 33 to preserve undisturbed resource
areas that could be otherwise altered ,the purchase of development
rights within resource areas, or similar activities undertaken
voluntarily by the applicant.
A resident in Ward 3 has raised concerns with me regarding this
language. I have discussed these concerns with the resident and will
be requesting a meeting with Sarah LaValley and the concerned resident
to go over the concerns. I am attaching a copy of the proposed
ordinance for your review.
Fred: I'd like a fresh copy of the amendment
Bob: I spoke with Kevin. In the past year the ConCom has had 4
requests to develop in degraded wetlands, which could be even paved
over. Because of the ordinance, they were denied, despite that the
development might improve/remediate the wetlands. A distinction
between wetlands and degraded wetlands is all this proposed ordinance
adds.
Owen: Criterion is the issue, no. 5.
Maddy: I'm concerned this will crack open arguments that wetlands are
degraded and allow development. This is not so much of an issue for
individuals, but large developers regularly challenge the authenticity
of the wetlands area with significant legal and scientific team.
Also concerned that replication is ineffective.
Bob: But the person will also have to go through a special permit
process. It is not carte blanche.
13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne NTA
14. Social Committee Report – Owen
-Trying to have an event around the opening of "The Roost."
15. Report from Business Representative - Jim See above…
8:31
16. New Business
Joel: Democratic caucus is occurring on 2/12/11 11 -1:30 for
registered democrats.
Phil: Thursday at 4 pm in front of the PO, there will be a ceremony to
mail off the aid checks.
Adjourned at 8:35

A Vigil to mark the fires of Dec. 27 and to remember those who died or suffered

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:11:00 +0000

December 27 marks the one-year anniversary of the horrible fires that ravaged Ward 3 last year, and the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, in conjunction with the City of Northampton, is sponsoring a silent one-hour vigil on that date to mark the occasion. The vigil will occur in Lampron Park, which is in front of Bridge Street School from 6 to 7 p.m. The Sheriff's Department is donating glow sticks to provide a source of light for the evening.

The vigil will allow all of us to remember two Ward 3 residents, Paul Yeskie Sr. and Paul Yeskie Jr., who died in one of the fires. We will also be able to stand in solidarity with those who suffered other losses and are still working to heal from the terror of that night. We also want the vigil to express our gratitude to city officials who stood with the people of Ward 3 in our time of need, and the local and state public safety officials whose hard work resulted in a quick arrest.

We hope you will join us for this vigil as a way to express our united concern for those who were affected by the fires and our gratitude to those who gave so much of themselves to help the residents of our ward when it was needed most.

Jerry Budgar

Should Northampton Have a Dog Park?

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:52:00 +0000

The Office of Planning and Development is hosting a survey of Northampton residents on the question of whether Northampton should try to develop a Dog Park in the city limits. You can take it here.

Take Survey

Agenda For Board Meeting Tuesday, Dec 14, 2010 7 PM

noreply@blogger.com (OwenFD) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:12:00 +0000

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Agenda for Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 7 PM
Bridge Street School Library

Please note:
We have been asking all committee chairs to email the board a written report of their committee's activity BEFORE our meeting, and this has allowed us to get through more material than usual. Please continue to send committee reports out to the board before the meeting so they can be read and digested before we gather. Thanks for your cooperation on this. Jerry Budgar

We'll gather after the meeting at Paradise City Tavern for a period of socializing..

1. Approval of Minutes – Maddy

2 Treasurer's Report – Fred

3. President's Report – Jerry
Ward 3 House Breakins
Neighborhood Associations Update
Monthly Meeting with the Mayor – Topics/People
Fairgrounds Redevelopment Update
Pleasant Street Corridor Planning Proposal
Ward 3 Historic District

4. Nominating/Membership Committee Report – Owen
-Discussion about unfilled alternate position for 3B
-Discussion about membership drive

5. Update from Bridge Street School Committee/School Committee News – Deborah Christakos

6. Update on creation of related organization to do conservancy in Ward 3 – Fred

7. Sustainability Committee Update – Jim
-Update on Zoning Revisions Committee discussions
-Update on zoning notifications letter
-Update on efforts to collect Ward 3 input on rezoning topics for ZRC

8. Traffic Calming Committee Update –

9. Exit 19 of I-91 Committee Update – Frank Werbinski

10. Report of Transportation Committee - Owen
-Update about sidewalks, bikepath maintenance, train routing, and walking buses

11. Update on Neighborhood Watch – Arnie, Phil, Owen

12. Legislative Update from City Councillor – Angela

13. Vegetable Garden Tour – Joanne
-Discussion about procedure for distributing profits of Garden Tour - Lola

14. Social Committee Report – Owen
-January Social Event

15. Report from Business Representative - Jim
-Saluting New Businesses in Ward 3

16. New Business