Several public officials have asserted that the proposed Wetlands Ordinance, scheduled to return to the City Council’s agenda on 9/20, is a continuation of existing policy, or even a strengthening of it. We encourage you to judge for yourself. First we present the current policy, in effect since 10/23/03:While the Conservation Commission has granted limited exceptions […]
Infill
Flooding Around Barrett Street Marsh: Development Eyed as Factor
Beavers bore the brunt of the blame for rising waters in Barrett Street marsh in 2006, but some believe encroaching development played a role. Let’s revisit a Gazette article from March 17, 2006: Beaver trapping extended, Some still oppose bid to lower marsh in NorthamptonThe Health Department on Thursday granted a 10-day extension on the emergency […]
Gazette’s Hampshire Life: Development of Forests and Open Fields Impacts Birds
This week’s Hampshire Life discusses the impact of development on birds in “Birding: Not just an idle pastime”… This year, the U.S. Geological Survey’s annual Breeding Bird Survey and the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count both indicated a decline in bird numbers…According to a 2003 Mass Audubon report, development in the state ate up 40 […]
Northampton Open Space Plan: “This loss of habitat and natural flood buffering areas is Northampton’s most serious environmental problem”
Some have criticized members of NSNA for intruding themselves in the wetlands debate at a late hour. Where have you been, they say. We’ve been discussing this for years.That’s true, although not a convincing rebuttal to our arguments. Sometimes the downsides to a concept that sounds good (infill) aren’t obvious until someone proposes a specific development. Moreover, we have […]
The Economic Value of Wetlands: Wetlands’ Role in Flood Protection in Western Washington
This 1997 report was prepared for the Washington State Department of Ecology. It underscores how wetlands on private land can benefit the larger community, and how infill can pressure wetlands in a way that increases flood risks. Highlights include (emphasis added): The Economic Value of Wetlands: Wetlands’ Role in Flood Protection in Western Washington…Episodic flooding along […]
North Street Gets Support from South Street: A Letter from Virginia Schulman
We received this open letter today from a fellow resident, sharing our concerns about infill projects that consume downtown greenspace: Statement from Virginia Schulman, living at 358 South Street, Northampton, since 1983We had a lovely small wooded area on one corner of the intersection of South Street with New South and Old South streets. The owner […]
Northamptonist: A New Blog Joins the Fray
A new blog, P. Mastrangelo’s Northamptonist, comments on infill and the Kohl Construction and Hilton Garden Inn controversies: …There’s a reason people leave the great cities in Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere, feeling inspired about life. Northamptonist wants people who live in and visit Northampton to be able to replicate those same feelings.The Kohl Development […]
Northampton Redoubt: Urban Ecology, Planting Trees, and the Long-Term View
Daryl LaFleur urges the long view in “Northampton developments: Barrett Street Marsh in Jeopardy”, published yesterday on Northampton Redoubt. We have emphasized certain passages with bold type. Mr. Kohl is an influential real estate developer in the greater Northampton area. He purchased Thornes Marketplace for $6.4 million in 2006 according to media reports and has helped […]
Seabright Neighbors Association: Infill Imbroglio in Santa Cruz
On the opposite coast, a large proposed infill project is generating its own share of controversy. The Seabright Neighbors Association of Santa Cruz, CA opposes a “high density” townhouse project that will abut a park: The proposed development is a Hummer! It does not respect the character of the neighborhood, violates zoning rules and packs […]
NSNA Members Engage Bill Dwight on WHMP
NSNA members Steve Hathaway and Adam Cohen visited with Bill Dwight today on WHMP radio, a response to Dwight’s previous discussion of infill and the merits of North Street concerns on July 26. Cohen and Hathaway emphasized that NSNA is not against all infill, but that it deserves a critical look when acres of green space […]