In the March 17 Gazette, Alexandra Dawson cautioned against well-intentioned efforts to “improve” wetlands, as opposed to giving them adequate buffer zones and leaving them undisturbed. An opinion piece by Hugh Raffles in the April 2 New York Times underscores this sentiment, cautioning against indiscriminate attempts to eradicate non-native species: Mother Nature’s Melting Pot …just […]
Continue reading New York Times: Non-Native Species Contribute to “Mother Nature’s Melting Pot”
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 […]
Continue reading Making Smart Growth Better: Critiques, Guidelines, Cautions
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 […]
Continue reading See Zoning Revisions Proposals for URA, URB and URC Ahead of March 30 Meeting
Here are two YouTube videos covering the complete 3/16/11 meeting of Northampton’s Zoning Revisions Committee. Segment 1 (1 hour 1 min) shows the committee drafting ordinances relating to urban agriculture, in particular the maintenance of 12 or fewer hens on residential lots. Segment 2 (1 hour 4 min) covers a variety of topics, including the future […]
Continue reading Videos: Zoning Revisions Committee, March 16, 2011; Urban Chickens, Future of ZRC
Alexandra Dawson has an excellent column in today’s Gazette. Here is an excerpt: …in the long run, nearby development [to wetlands] can result in grass clippings, raked leaves and dog droppings – or worse – getting pushed over the line. And then the wetland loses a lot of its resource value.The Northampton City Council some […]
Continue reading Alexandra Dawson: “Standing tall for our wetlands”
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 […]
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 […]
Continue reading Video: Zoning Revisions Committee Studies Feedback from Forums
Here is a complete blip.tv video of the 2/15/11 public forum, “Rezoning Northampton for a Sustainable Future”. The Zoning Revisions Committee (ZRC) presented proposals and alternatives for comment. This video is 1 hour 49 minutes long and was recorded by Adam Cohen. A similar forum will be held at Bridge Street School tonight at 7pm (details). Several citizens […]
Board of Health Charter Change Proposed 11-18-2010
Continue reading March 1: Joint Hearing on Board of Health Charter Change
We encourage you to attend: See also: Video: Zoning Revisions Committee, January 19, 2011; Examples of Design Guidelines The committee discussed how to encourage home-based businesses and how aggressively to push for zoning changes in light of potential political resistance. Video: Zoning Revisions Committee Discusses Densifying Infill Areas (12/15/10) Unlike the situation on King Street, we believe […]
Continue reading February 15 and 16 Forums: Rezoning Northampton for a Sustainable Future