Here is the final report from March’s Main & King Streets Design Charrette as released today by Nelson\Nygaard, the transportation consultants, and Northampton’s Office of Planning and Development.Northampton Main King Charrette v61511 Master Plans Main King Charrette v61511 Tabloid Size See also:Videos and Slides: Main and King Street Transportation Charrette, Final Presentation and Q&A (3/17/11)Many […]
Neighborhood Character
Clarifying Our Position on Smart Growth
A recent article in Northampton Media, referring to NSNA member Adam Cohen, suggests that NSNA is flatly opposed to Smart Growth: Cohen, known for videotaping of public meetings, has used his blog posts and email blasts to oppose so-called “smart growth” as a land-use planning tool. Our actual position is more nuanced. By definition, most […]
Video and Documents: Tour of Proposed Pomeroy Terrace Historic District
Here is a YouTube HD Video of a May 21 tour of the proposed Pomeroy Terrace Historic District. As described at the website of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association: 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 […]
Video and Text: Arnie Levinson Campaign Kickoff Speech
Here is video and text from Arnie Levinson’s May 9 campaign kickoff speech published on his website. He seeks the open Ward 3 city council seat. Mr. Levinson is director of Ward 3’s Neighborhood Watch Program. Opposing him is Owen Freeman-Daniels (website), vice president of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, who was the campaign manager […]
Making Smart Growth Better: Critiques, Guidelines, Cautions
As the Zoning Revisions Committee discusses what infill and Smart Growth should mean for Northampton’s urban residential neighborhoods (preview the ZRC’s proposals for these neighborhoods and come to their March 30 meeting), let’s review some insights from other cities: Washington: “Infill Development: Strategies for Shaping Livable Neighborhoods” (June 1997) Cities seeking investment in older urban neighborhoods […]
See Zoning Revisions Proposals for URA, URB and URC Ahead of March 30 Meeting
Here are rezoning proposals (summary and details) to be considered by the Zoning Revisions Committee at its March 30 meeting (7-9pm, City Council Chambers). The proposals aim to increase density moderately while preserving the character of Northampton’s traditional neighborhoods. We urge concerned citizens to attend the meeting.The proposals below have been suggested by individual members of […]
Videos and Slides: Main and King Street Transportation Charrette, Final Presentation and Q&A
Here are two YouTube videos covering the complete final presentation (53 min) and Q&A session (41 min) from this week’s Main and King Street Transportation Charrette, featuring consultants from Nelson\Nygaard. These videos were recorded by Adam Cohen.Here are the slides from the final presentation: Main Street King Street Charrette Final Presentation Many of the ideas […]
March 23: Smith College Landscape Studies students to show their work
The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association announces: Smith College Landscape Studies students to show their work March 23DATE: March 23rdTIME: 7-8:30 PMPLACE: Bridge St School CafeteriaPlease 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 […]
Videos and Slides: Main and King Street Transportation Charrette, Introduction and Goal Setting
Here are YouTube videos from the first day (3/14/11) of the Nelson\Nygaard transportation charrette focused on Main Street and King Street in Northampton. These videos were recorded by Adam Cohen. The consultants’ overarching philosophy is informed by New Urbanism and makes a priority of building mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly urban environments. It is reminiscent of proposals made during the Notre […]
Video: Zoning Revisions Committee Studies Feedback from Forums
Here is a blip.tv video of the 3/2/11 meeting of Northampton’s Zoning Revisions Committee. The committee reviewed public comments from their February 15 (video) and 16 (video) forums. This video is 1 hour 54 minutes long and is complete except for two brief gaps for camera changeover. The recording was made by Arnie Levinson. Here are […]