Here are YouTube videos of open comment sessions hosted by Northampton’s Planning Board on September 11 and September 12. Members of the public gave feedback on proposed revisions to zoning in urban residential districts URA, URB and URC (look under Hot Topics on the Office of Planning and Development web page). These videos were recorded […]
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Atlantic Cities: “New Research Finds Urban Form Plays Little Role in Sustainability”
New research published in the Journal of the American Planning Association and featured today on Atlantic Cities suggests that an excessive focus on urban density may be a mistake. Some excerpts: “To our surprise, if you compare the compact form versus the current trend, the difference in reduced transport by automobile is very minor. And […]
Videos: Community Discussions on Zoning Changes; Concern for Conz Character
Here are two YouTube videos of recent community discussions of proposed zoning changes organized by Northampton’s Office of Planning and Development (see meeting flyer). Streets to be affected include Hawley Street, Conz Street, Damon Road, and areas of Florence (West Farms, Pine Street). Also proposed are new rules to facilitate the reuse of former educational and […]
LA Times: “A hard road for the poor in need of cars”
This article in the November 3 Los Angeles Times underscores the benefits of having a car: A hard road for the poor in need of cars For more than a century, efforts to help the disadvantaged have focused on education, healthcare, nutrition and housing. Almost nothing has been done to help the working poor afford […]
Video: Planning Board, Ordinance Committee Wrestle with King Street Zoning
Here is a YouTube video of the complete 9/8/11 meeting of Northampton’s Planning Board. The City Council’s Ordinance Committee was also on hand for the portion of the meeting that discussed changing zoning regulations along King Street. Click for a summary of the proposed changes and the details of the changes. This video is 3 hours 8 minutes long […]
New King Street Zoning Ordinances Headed for City Council
The effort to revitalize King Street proceeds. The City Council and its committees are expected to consider the following ordinance changes shortly.King Street Zoning Changes Highway Business District Design Standards Entranceway Business District See also:Zoning Revisions Committee Releases Final ReportMain & King Streets Design Charrette: Final ReportVideos: King Street Zoning Workshop and Planning Board, December […]
As Young Adults Mature, Cities Struggle to Retain Them
Joel Kotkin analyzes the migrations of America’s young adults in a recent post on New Geography.com. Some excerpts: [Wendell] Cox looked at where 25- to 34-year-olds were living in 2000 and compared this to where they were living by 2010, now aged 35 to 44. The results were surprising: In the past 10 years, this cohort’s […]
Video and Literature from Ward 3 Candidate Debate
Here is a YouTube video of the complete Ward 3 Candidate Forum held last night at Bridge Street School. The forum was sponsored by the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association. This video is 1 hour 4 minutes long and was recorded by Adam Cohen.The special election for city councilor will take place on August 2. Voters should […]
Videos: Proposed Zoning Map Changes; Zoning Revisions Final Presentation
Here are two YouTube videos from the 7/14/11 meeting of Northampton’s Planning Board. Both videos were recorded by Adam Cohen. The first video is 29 minutes long and shows Planning Director Wayne Feiden suggesting zoning map changes. These changes include extending the Central Business District down parts of Conz and Hawley Streets. The intent is […]
Zoning Revisions Committee Releases Final Report
Here is the final report of Northampton’s Zoning Revisions Committee. The ZRC was charged with recommending changes to the city’s zoning code to better conform it to the Sustainable Northampton Plan. This report will now be considered by the Planning Board. Zoning Revisions Committee Final Report – July 7, 2011 Here is a complete […]