The Oregonian reports this month: Researchers used satellite images to compare tree cover around the houses of 5,696 women who gave birth in Portland in 2006 and 2007. Pregnant women living in houses graced by more trees were significantly less likely to deliver undersized babies… “Maybe it sounds a bit daft at first,” says lead […]
Neighborhood Character
State of Emergency Declared; Pomeroy Terrace Meeting Postponed
The City of Northampton announces today: Governer Deval Patrick has declared a state of emergency as of 1:18 p.m. today, January 12, 2011. Northampton Mayor Higgins has also declared a local state of emergency. The mayor asks that all residents with the exception of essential personnel remain off the roadways to facilitate the plowing operations […]
January 12: OPD Neighborhood Meeting – Pomeroy Terrace National Register Historic District
Northampton’s Office of Planning and Development announces: A neighborhood meeting to discuss National Register designation for the Pomeroy Terrace area (including sections of Bridge Street, Hawley Street, and Hancock Street) will be held this Wednesday:When: January 12th, 6:00 PMWhere: Northampton City Hall Hearing Room, 210 Main StreetWhat: To learn more about National Register status and […]
Video: Zoning Revisions Committee Discusses Densifying Infill Areas
Here is a complete blip.tv video of the 12/15/10 meeting of Northampton’s Zoning Revisions Committee. This recording is 1 hour 56 minutes long and was made by Adam Cohen. Here are documents that the committee discussed: Proposed Revisions to Home Occupation Zoning in Northampton Proposed Language for Infill Special Permit in Northampton Zoning Zoning: Dimensions […]
Next American City: “How Hyperlocal Media Are Taking Urban Planning to the Streets”
Next American City welcomes the proliferation of hyperlocal media in the Washington, DC area: Washington’s dozens of hyperlocal online news sources—those that cover a narrower audience than traditional media outlets, whether a neighborhood or just a portion of it—are filling important information gaps left by mainstream media. As local print newspapers have folded and news […]
Videos: King Street Zoning Workshop and Planning Board, December 2, 2010
Here are complete blip.tv videos of the 12/2/02 meeting of the King Street Zoning Workshop Subcommittee (2h 14m) and the Planning Board meeting (1h 26m) that immediately followed it. The workshop was recorded by Mary Likins, and the Planning Board meeting was recorded by Lachlan Ziegler. Click for the meeting agendas.While there will be future meetings for the public […]
Videos: Meadow City Conservation Coalition Founded; Farmers Wary
Here is a complete blip.tv video of the 11/29/10 meeting establishing the Meadow City Conservation Coalition. The primary goal of the new organization is to preserve the natural character of the floodplain of the Connecticut River and nearby areas in Northampton. Former Ward 3 City Councilor Maria Tymoczko chaired the meeting. This video is 1 […]
“The Place Making Dividend”
Planning Commissioners Journal has made available free Edward McMahon’s new article, “The Place Making Dividend”. An excerpt: Georgetown is the one of the single best retail locations in the nation. Why? Because, the historic neighborhood is one-of-a kind. It is charming, walkable, and filled with tech savvy young adults. Georgetown is the kind of neighborhood […]
November 29: Open Meeting to Found the Meadow City Conservation Coalition in Ward 3
The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association announces: AN OPEN MEETING IS BEING CALLED TO FOUND THE MEADOW CITY CONSERVATION COALITION IN WARD THREE The Coalition’s purpose is to foster Conservation in the Connecticut River Flood Plain. Please join us on Monday November 29th at 7 pm at Bridge Street School Library. We welcome Ward Three residents […]
Poem: “Developing the Land”
Reprinted by kind permission of American Life in Poetry: See also: Poem: “Dear Neighbors” Poem: “We Have Faith” Poem: “Song for Rana”