Manhan Rail Trail Extension to Village Hill Northampton:
Yesterday I was contacted by Wayne Feiden , the Director of Planning and Development for Northampton and Ward Four City Councilor David Narkewicz regarding my concerns over the Manhan Rail Trail Extension to Village Hill. They provided me with more details regarding the extension. Below is a revised copy of my letter with what should be a more accurate description of the extension.
Hope to see you at the Planning Board meeting Thursday, June 11.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Spencer
What follows is a guest column I have submitted to The Daily Hampshire Gazette regarding the Manhan Rail Trail Extension to Village Hill Northampton.
I would encourage you to attend the site plan meeting before the Planning Board this Thursday, June 11th at the City Council Chambers to give your input on this project. If you are unable to attend but would like me to read a brief statement into the record at the meeting I would be happy to do so. Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Spencer
Northampton, MA
Manhan Rail Trail Extension to Village Hill Northampton:
I am very concerned about the Planning Board’s approval of the new bike path extension off the Manhan Rail Trail and into Village Hill. It is clear to me that there are several serious safety concerns along this new route.
The Extension would leave the trail and cross Earle Street just northeast of the driveway for VCA, INC. and another light industrial business. There was no mention of a signal or other traffic calming measures at this crossing. The bike path would share a sidewalk and follow Earle Street to the intersection with Route 66. Ideally a bike path should be "separated from car traffic, the off-road multi-use path offer(ing) families and beginning bicyclists and walkers a calm stretch for recreation and commuting." American Institute of Architects – Northampton Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) Report – October 19, 2005 – page 37.
Earle Street has been designated as the preferred route for all traffic traveling to and from South Street and Route 66. Along this current path the users would have to ride alongside a road that will become increasingly busy as the Village Hill project continues to develop. At the intersection with Route 66 users will cross the road at it's widest point due to the turning lane for cars entering Earle Street. This crossing is located at the base of a long hill and on a significant curve in the road. Infrastructure is already in place for an eventual signal controlled crosswalk that would be installed when future traffic studies determine a need. There are very poor sight lines here and it is a difficult place to cross alone, let alone with kids in tow. The path would continue up the backside of the “sledding hill” and connect with the bike path at the top. This is contingent upon Smith College granting an easement to for that section. Should you lose control riding down this stretch of the path you would be headed straight for Route 66.
I feel strongly that the bike path needs to return to the route shown on the Village Hill Site Plan presented on December 9, 2008. This plan had the bike path traveling up the southern slope of Village Hill in a series of switchbacks culminating on the crest of the hill and then traveling to Laurel Street where it connected to the network of bike path lanes already planned for Musante Drive into the North Campus of Village Hill. Additionally, I think it would be logical for the path to be extended and follow the ridge of the hill easterly towards Route 66 bringing users out by the main intersection at Village Hill Road and Route 66. Here the road could be crossed safely thanks to the traffic signals with walk buttons that are currently being installed. This is also a more centrally located entrance that would be equally convenient to everyone living in Village Hill. The bike path could serve a double purpose by acting as the fire lane that is required to run along the south side of the Kollmorgen building. This would be an improvement to the site plan that would benefit everyone.
At the Planning board meeting on Thursday, May 28th I asked if a route such as the one described above would be possible. I was told that for security reasons Kollmorgen would not allow the path to run alongside their building. I would like to know why it is that for over fifty years Kollmorgen has been able to operate at it's King Street location with a sidewalk no more than twenty feet away from it's front door but now a bike path is out of the question. What facts can they give me at the next Planning Board meeting to justify this new requirement?
There have been many concessions made to accommodate Kollmorgen and their desire to move to this site. The original plan of creating a small business and retail center on the South Campus has been set aside to allow an industrial facility and its required parking. It seems reasonable to ask Kollmorgen to agree to this bike route as a demonstration of their willingness to be good neighbors and to help retain the original vision of a mixed-use village open to everyone. The SDAT Report presents a “comprehensive plan (based) on principals of sustainability in conjunction with the mayor’s initiative for a “sustainable Northampton.” It was agreed at the outset that the intent of sustainable design is to take an integrated approach that balances three aspects of sustainability, namely social, economic and environmental implications. It was noted that a great advancement in one of these three areas to the detriment of one or two of the others will not be sustainable overall.” – Northampton SDAT Report – page17
From this location the views of the Pioneer Valley and the Holyoke and Mount Tom Ranges are stunning. The Overlook Bike Path would provide a common place for residents, workers, families and cyclists to share and enjoy. On this overlook the community will be able to meet each other and connect with the beautiful valley we all call home. The Northampton SDAT Report states that it is desirable to “create trails and bike paths along greenways; these alternative transportation strategies provide areas of scenic beauty, improve air quality, provide habitat protection and passive recreation, and are accessible for people with disabilities.” – Northampton SDAT Report – page 31
I think a much safer, more interesting and ultimately more desirable route would be the one I have tried to describe. Kollmorgen resisted the notion because it would bring the path in proximity to the south side of their facility. However, the Kollmorgen Site Plan that was presented on December 9, 2008 depicted a bike path going almost exactly where I'm suggesting. The Outlook Extension would be a return towards what had been a better, safer plan. This would be an important improvement to the Village Hill Northampton Master Plan.
Before approving Kollmorgen’s Site Plan the Northampton Planning Board needs to revoke the approval of the flawed Earle Street bike path and require the creation of the Overlook Bike Path Extension described above in its Order of Conditions. Mass Development must commit to building the Overlook Bike Path Extension. Public access to this valuable resource will help to achieve the stated goal of building a community at Village Hill Northampton.
Please attend the Planning Board meeting on Thursday, June 11th at 7:00 in the City Council Chambers to voice your support for the Manhan Rail Trail Overlook Extension. This will be the only opportunity to have your voice heard. Be there and help make your community a better place to live.
Thank You,
Benjamin Spencer
Northampton Planning Board
Thursday, June 11, 2009
7:00 PM (Kollmorgen hearing scheduled for 7:20 PM)
City Council Chambers, Puchalski Municipal Building
212 Main Street, Northampton
The Planning Board will continue the Public Hearing on the application for Site Plan Approval from Kollmorgen Electro Optical Corporation for its proposed new facility on the South Campus of the former Northampton State Hospital. Drawings and plans for the project are available on the City's website here .
Plans for the new facility were recently presented to neighbors at a "Kollmorgen to Hospital Hill Neighborhood Meeting" hosted by Ward 4 City Councilor David Narkewicz on May 20th. You can watch the video of that meeting below (with thanks to Adam Cohen and the North Street Neighborhood Association).
