Condo Monotony: The Future of Ward 3?

At the February 7 meeting of Northampton’s planning board, one member characterized as “carbuncles” condo developments that integrate poorly with their surrounding neighborhoods. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of some attractive streets with detached houses in the North Street neighborhood, and then contrast them with three carbuncle candidates–two built and one proposed. Trees […]

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Transcribed Public Comments from the Best Practices Forum of May 13

Members of Northampton’s Best Practices Committee have just made available this transcription of some of the citizen comments from their public forum of May 13. We added a small amount of formatting to improve readability. Click for video of the public forum and see pictures of the comments as they were written. The committee has […]

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May 7: Northampton Redevelopment Authority Meets to Discuss Northampton Industrial Park

An intriguing public meeting is on tap for Wednesday. The Northampton Redevelopment Authority will discuss changing the rules at the Industrial Park… NORTHAMPTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 6:00 PM Wednesday May 7, 2008 Consider repealing the Industrial Park Covenants regulating the redevelopment of the Northampton Industrial Park. Discuss possible future directions of the Northampton Redevelopment Authority. Any […]

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May 8: Planning Board Revisits Sustainable Northampton; Green Roofs = Open Space?

Concerned citizens are urged to attend the May 8 meeting of Northampton’s Planning Board. Among other things, it looks like green roofs may be classified as “open space”. In effect, this implies some open space will become privatized, as the public may not have access to these green roofs… NORTHAMPTON PUBLIC MEETING FOR Thursday May […]

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May 13: Best Practices Forum at JFK Middle School

We encourage citizens to attend this public forum on best practices in Northampton city government. Here is the agenda from the Best Practices Google Group: Agenda Best Practices Public Forum #1 When:  May 13th, 2008 7:00 – 9:00 pm    Where:  Jackson Street School Facilitator: Lisa DePiano   Topic Time History & mission of BPC, intro […]

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Water, Water Everywhere: A Forum on Water Issues in Northampton, May 15

It is our pleasure to publicize these announcements from the Ward Three Neighborhood Association… Water, Water Everywhere A forum on water issues in Northampton JFK Middle School Community Room 100 Bridge Road, Florence Thursday, May 15th 6:30-8:30 pm Free and Open to the Public The Northampton Department of Public Works and the Ward Three Neighborhood […]

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April 17, 6pm: Mayor, City Council, and Planning Board to Discuss Sustainable Rezoning Committee

An important public meeting concerning the Sustainable Northampton Plan is on tap for Thursday, 6pm in City Council Chambers (212 Main Street). The Planning Board will meet with the Mayor and City Council to discuss forming a Sustainable Rezoning Committee. This committee would suggest new zoning laws that could change Northampton neighborhoods considerably. In particular, […]

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Video Guide: Certifying a Vernal Pool in Massachusetts

On April 12, Northampton’s Broad Brook Coalition hosted a presentation and nature walk by Heather Ruel of the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Heather presented this 15-minute video on vernal pools and their certification in Massachusetts, then led a tour through vernal pools in the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. According to Broad Brook, “Vernal pools […]

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