Northampton’s planning department is eager to boost density in places like Ward 3 with the hope that it will make public transit — notably buses — more viable. Problem is, buses have come to be, in general, a relatively inefficient way to move people around in America, to say nothing of their increased commuting time and reduced convenience […]
Infill
New York Times: “As Sewers Fill, Waste Poisons Waterways”
It is common for Smart Growth proponents to claim that adding density to existing urban infrastructure is cheaper than building infrastructure in new areas. The reality, however, is more complicated. The 11/23/09 New York Times reports: As Sewers Fill, Waste Poisons Waterways In the last three years alone, more than 9,400 of the nation’s 25,000 […]
Video: Urban Design Discussion with Planning Board, Zoning Revisions Committee, Northampton Design Forum and West Street Design Committee, 11/12/09
Here is a blip.tv video of a portion of the 11/12/09 meeting of Northampton’s Planning Board. This segment includes a “discussion about design issues with: West Street Design Committee, Northampton Design Forum, Zoning Revisions Committee.” This video was recorded by Adam Cohen and is 1 hour 33 minutes long. See also:Paradise City Forum: Smith College […]
Mayor’s Email Update – 11.10.09
MEETING LOCATION CHANGE: After the 11/10/09 update was circulated, the Mayor’s office announced that the location of the 11/16/09 Comcast and NCTV Annual Review meeting has changed to the City Council Chambers in the Puchalski Municipal Building.Mayor Clare Higgins’ office circulated the following update on 11/10/09: Mayor’s Email Update 11.10.09 In this update: · Veterans’ […]
CNNMoney: Single-Family Homes Part of Turnaround for South Bronx Neighborhood
The single-family home, disfavored by many Smart Growth advocates, is a key part of “The greatest real estate turnaround ever”, according to CNNMoney today. Charlotte Street was an apocalyptic nightmare version of urban life.Weed-choked, junk-filled lots flanked the three-block stretch. Burned out tenement buildings punctuated the sky, and abandoned cars littered the landscape.The street, like […]
Video: Zoning Revisions Committee, 11/4/09
Here is a complete blip.tv video of the 11/4/09 meeting of Northampton’s Zoning Revisions Committee. This video is 2 hours long and was recorded by Lachlan Ziegler. Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the next meeting on November 12, 8pm in City Council Chambers (212 Main Street), where the ZRC will meet with the Planning […]
Ward 3: Your Next City Councilor, Angela Plassmann
Today’s Gazette reports: Angela D. Plassmann defeated incumbent Ward 3 City Councilor Robert C. Reckman Tuesday by 68 votes.Plassmann captured 576 votes to Reckman’s 508 votes, winning in both Ward 3 precincts. On her campaign website, Ms. Plassmann outlines her priorities as follows:As your Ward 3 City Councilor, I will represent your interests in these […]
Video: Zoning Revisions Committee, 10/28/09; Attract People to Infill Areas with Amenities
Here is a complete blip.tv video of the 10/28/09 meeting of Northampton’s Zoning Revisions Committee. This video is 2 hours 1 minute long and was recorded by Adam Cohen. The next meeting will take place on November 4 in the Bridge Street School Cafeteria at 7:00pm. The 11/4 agenda includes:1. Public comment2. Subcommittee reports3. Planning for a public […]
Northampton Media: “Northampton’s Built Environment: Squandered Public Equity” by Tris Metcalfe, AIA
We are reprinting this 11/1/09 article by kind permission of Northampton Media. This material is presented for the purpose of voter education. NSNA does not endorse individual candidates for political office. [Article amended 11/3/09 by Mr. Metcalfe.] Northampton’s Built Environment: Squandered Public Equityby Tris Metcalfe, Massachusetts, #5393 Registered ArchitectI am an architect who has been […]
Northampton Media: “Angela Plassmann Issues Candidate Statement”
Northampton Media today posted a statement from Angela Plassmann, who is challenging incumbent Bob Reckman for the Ward 3 City Council seat. Here is the text of the statement. Dear Residents of Ward 3: I would like to take a moment to pause from the busy campaign schedule and share a few of my thoughts […]