[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6199366,"mediaKeyId","3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f","parentId",3836331,"title","MassDOT presents Mount Tom Road shared-use path; Northampton commission closes hearing and applies standard conditions","audioSeconds",2124,"startMs",550000,"endMs",2674000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f&start=550&end=2674","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f/thumbnail_550000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6199366/Massachusetts/MassDOT-presents-Mount-Tom-Road-shared-use-path-Northampton-commission-closes-hearing-and-applies-standard-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199366-b655412554ec32b46ecf28daa5a8895a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770614099&Signature=b6lKlj5LqFE07HZDlQfduL~KYSbOZg5IXXvWiWDA1on7hN5uLcc~L3OBvbXD9lwSfOvUyO5SUBhQ6DO686BJSb797shGzlkE9xWn~gTk0H-1h0FOxitekdMKRhPFt-0xKcTHinIeTxh24CmPg7mpcDsxGRr-hOgkVxoym2BvCToQ26bC9SruB1VaMNSXKp2siMxvB1KBs0oTMLl0mIE08K4wW97Yh9CPDlsK5KhIWIV9avZGtE7lkSaZodWXvEBSv0XZjfmTWcmle-05~OjPSPXjdaygOxkBymwJfnl18b9PpyS3iyEpNztczqz2iujVgKHX2U1DTUCWeU~HvmbQCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Northampton City, MA","date","2025-06-15T19:57:32Z","article","Massachusetts Department of Transportation officials on June 12 presented a notice of intent for a paved, 10-foot shared-use path along the west side of Route 5 (Mount Tom Road) from the Manhan Rail Trail/Atwood Drive area to the East Hampton town line and then north to the I-91 interchange. The Northampton Conservation Commission closed the hearing and, later in the meeting, voted to apply the commission’s standard conditions to the project’s order of conditions.

Erica Larner, MassDOT wetlands and water-resources coordinator for linear projects, opened the presentation, saying the work would make “that connection” between the Manhan Rail Trail and recently constructed bicycle accommodations under an I-91 bridge project and would improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along a corridor that now lacks safe sidewalks. Keith Lincoln (Chapel Engineering) and other project engineers presented maps and cross sections showing resource areas, proposed impacts and mitigation measures. The project crosses bank, land under water, buffer zone, bordering land subject to flooding and floodplain along the Connecticut River/oxbow area.

Project specifics discussed in detail: the shared-use path is proposed at a 10-foot width for most of its length (MassDOT cited current Complete Streets guidance and internal design review as reasons to avoid narrowing); a 72-inch culvert that equalizes flows between the oxbow and the river will be extended about 10 feet with a new headwall to carry the path section; and the vast majority of the Northampton portion is within the mapped floodplain. MassDOT said the culvert cannot practically be upsized because roughly half of the existing culvert is under private railroad property and cannot be accessed; the department described the extension as a flood-equalization measure intended to reduce washouts.

Commissioners and staff asked technical questions about flood elevations (FEMA datum vs. NAVD88), elevations of roadway and catch basins, erosion controls for heavy precipitation events and whether construction would remain feasible when the river is high. MassDOT responded that survey and design use NAVD88 (a different datum than the FEMA 1927 datum), that standard MassDOT prequalified erosion-control practices will be used, and that some inundation in large storms is unavoidable. MassDOT also described stormwater controls where space allowed: grass conveyance swales with check dams in Northampton and an infiltration basin in East Hampton adjacent to the new parking lot.

Commissioners raised safety questions about the 10-foot width and whether an 8-foot width could reduce impervious area and disturbance. MassDOT and its engineers said they had considered narrower sections but that Complete Streets and MassDOT design review favor 10 feet to accommodate the range of users and to avoid design exceptions; where guardrail exists the path will normally run behind it, and where no guardrail is present the path will have a minimum 5-foot buffer from the roadway.

Right-of-way and property impacts were discussed: the largest permanent acquisition will be at property owned by Packaging Corporation of America, and a small acquisition near Atwood Drive for a bus shelter area is required. MassDOT said most other impacts will require temporary construction easements and that takings are in process and expected to be recorded at the 100% design stage. MassDOT said the project will be state-maintained once built.

MassDOT provided a timeline: advertisement is anticipated in late 2025 (November–December 2025), with construction beginning roughly six months after advertisement and the full project duration estimated at about two years. The department also noted invasive plants dominate much of the alignment and that construction would remove many invasives; MassDOT said it will follow statewide vegetation-management procedures.

At the meeting’s close, the commission voted to close the hearing (roll call unanimous) and later took a vote to apply its standard special conditions to the project’s order of conditions. The roll call on the standard-conditions motion recorded: Paul — yes; David — yes; Jeff — yes; Downey — no; Anne Mason — yes. The motion passed and the commission chair and staff noted staff will draft the final order for issuance within the 21-day period allowed under local procedures.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Northampton Conservation Commission | June 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","MassDOT presented plans June 12 for a paved, mostly 10-foot shared-use path on Route 5 (Mount Tom Road) linking the Manhan Rail Trail to the I-91 interchange; the Northampton Conservation Commission closed the public hearing and voted to apply standard conditions to the project.","taxTitle","Northampton City, Hampshire County, Massachusetts","taxId",68541,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199370,"Northampton conservation panel issues negative determination for 10-by-20 shed at 9 Cross Path Road",362,10000,372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f&start=10&end=372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f/thumbnail_10000.jpg","/articles/6199370/Massachusetts/Northampton-conservation-panel-issues-negative-determination-for-10-by-20-shed-at-9-Cross-Path-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199370-d43d093dcfef22f2e17a4a4e58043a22/orig.mp4?Expires=1770614099&Signature=bQQ4K9vK9EYOMU5vPwgl6Vx4Y5rBQon5ZLQ~V-bLp2Zpd08SLbTdOj77Pcvalznab2GGLTUdRbFZ6TOAXxwvhU0GoeIHdw~P025LwQBS7Wr2iPxWiUrbw-8U1LqWHD-ScfYItEwMt1LxdTeuANP200QsuA~cpK3908fM6ukwt-sKptyo07X04n3QqcdFrO5jCWUw6l3jcvDDgc6Iu4lZw~P6JewzGlxTNBRxqdkF4r~HfazrjMFMsLwk8tApfva0veRkjdWF8gjxm83q3-BrzOZ~Xf6jguYrOWERFLl4x-i5NedINSuLIL1~0O4kV13W~vL7QEoyCPkofkV2hQzIkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northampton Conservation Commission voted unanimously June 12 to issue a negative determination of applicability for a proposed 10-by-20 shed at 9 Cross Path Road, allowing the owner to proceed subject to local ordinance rules and an appeal period.

The determination affects who must comply with the Wetlands Protection Act and the city’s wetlands ordinance. Elaine Fitzgerald, the property owner, told the commission she bought the single-family house last year and wants the shed “behind the house, basically, at the end of where the driveway is,” and that the structure would sit on “a stone pad of gravel.”

Commission staff told the panel the site is across the paved street from the top of bank, entirely lawn, outside the mapped floodplain and would not require vegetation removal. The commission chair said the project is ‘‘an exempt activity under the Wetlands Protection Act’’ for state purposes but noted it remains subject to Northampton’s local wetlands ordinance, which is why the application was before the city commission.

A motion (motion text: issue a negative determination checking Box 2 because the project site is subject to protection but will not remove, dredge, fill, or alter; and checking Box 5 noting the project is exempt under the Wetlands Protection Act) was offered and the commission voted by roll call: Paul — yes; David — yes; Beth — yes; Downey — yes; Anne Mason — yes. The vote was unanimous. The chair told the applicants a form with the negative determination would be mailed and reminded them there is an appeal period before the decision becomes final: “There is an appeal period, but there was nobody here to raise an objection.”

The commission record notes the shed will sit on a gravel/stone pad rather than a poured concrete slab and that no vegetation removal or floodplain impacts are expected at the proposed location. Staff said they will send the signed determination form to the applicant; the decision may be appealed in accordance with procedures tied to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local ordinance.

Next steps for the owner are procedural: await the mailed negative determination form, and proceed if no timely appeal is filed. The commission provided no additional special conditions beyond the negative determination in this action.

","The Northampton Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a negative determination of applicability for a 10-by-20 backyard shed at 9 Cross Path Road, finding the work exempt under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act but subject to the city wetlands ordinance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6199361,"Northampton commission issues certificate of compliance after Eversource tree mitigation payment received",66,478000,544000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f&start=478&end=544","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3836331-7fd110fd5ee86df607b12a585eedf91f/thumbnail_478000.jpg","/articles/6199361/Massachusetts/Northampton-commission-issues-certificate-of-compliance-after-Eversource-tree-mitigation-payment-received","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199361-48d332b1e1416ac9576ecc57e46991a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770614099&Signature=AZ8yhE6ViJY1H8k2uV~eNW5GYwg7V5E6arPByjeLiXUX16GqgR8Zz5DMYC4hBL~nlA9of20oT9ngClkmPnuBFDpY8wD0vfAu24oKQtLUqrb8uqyiUFBI2cHEatsVi918Q1FTsDDHW966cIUQkKUXzIG2DlU47f4BClkOVMAW4I-TKT062XvKCqYuY6zJwQTTXNCb1kHY4fKrWkdyPrOYdFqRYgse5L0rdCDF3oKe0vSYrCGcQGJ8U9Kkt2w3bxUpBcIoen1sMwIGDCUlQcpgHj~UTV8cPXsS3VWvwZ0DEaCiFM79bTHIAydRIa-ltoN8eA3w72AU29d0Tb6z2kOu5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northampton Conservation Commission voted unanimously June 12 to issue a certificate of compliance for an Eversource project after hearing that the company had provided a payment to the city’s tree mitigation fund in lieu of on-site plantings.

Commission staff reported the check to the tree-mitigation fund had been received and that, ‘‘except for that outstanding item, the project was completed and as permitted,’’ recommending that the commission reconsider and accept the certificate of compliance. Commissioners moved and voted by roll call: Paul — yes; David — yes; Beth — yes; Downey — yes; Anne Mason — yes. The motion passed unanimously.

The certificate confirms to the commission’s satisfaction that the project was completed in accordance with the permit conditions, with mitigation provided as allowed by the permit terms. Staff said the matter is now resolved and the certificate will be issued.

","The commission accepted a monetary contribution to the tree mitigation fund from Eversource in lieu of on-site plantings and voted unanimously to issue a certificate of compliance for the project.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MassDOT presents Mount Tom Road shared-use path; Northampton commission closes hearing and applies standard conditions

Northampton conservation panel issues negative determination for 10-by-20 shed at 9 Cross Path Road

Northampton commission issues certificate of compliance after Eversource tree mitigation payment received