The document summarizes public comments from two forums about zoning changes for King Street in Northampton. 33 people spoke at the forums and 51 total comments were recorded. The comments covered several categories: commerce, bikes/pedestrians/transit, setbacks, design standards, permits, outreach, and environment. There was support for making King Street more bike and pedestrian friendly. Opinions varied on setbacks and attracting businesses. Some emphasized the need for design standards and limiting "big box" stores, while others supported being open to market forces.

1. DRAFT
ZRC King Street Forums: Attendee's Comments
Blue Bonnet Forum, Sept 21,2010. 14 people spoke, 25 recorded comments
Jackson Street Forum, Sept 29,2010. 19 people spoke, 26 recorded comments
Total people who spoke at both forums, 33. Total recorded comments, 51.
Comments were sorted by the categories listed below:
Categories Blue Jackson Total
Bonnet Street
Commerce 10 8 18
Bikes/pedestrians/public transit 1 8 9
Set backs 4 3 7
Form base codelDesign standards 3 2 5
Special permits 2 1 3
Outreach/public input 2 1 3
Environment 1 1 2
Housing 2 0 2
2 stories 0 1 1
Other 0 1 1
Total 25 26 51
Below are the recorded public comments organized by categories. The notes in
italics represent a summary of the comments. Discussion points are made for some
categories.
Where the speaker's name is in bold print the comments are from the Blue Bonnet
forum. Where the speaker's name is not in italics the comments are from the Jackson
Street forum
Commerce
Concern was expressed regarding attracting "big box" stores, questions about
what kind ofbusinesses are we attempting to attract? Also what efforts are being made
to attract business? The premise that zoning has been a major cause of not seeing
businesses come to N King Street was questioned.
On the other hand there was supportfor the Chamber's plan, in whole and in
part. Concern that we are trying to control what businesses can come to N King, that the
market should decide. There was also an expression of a willingness to "compromise" to
benefit from the tax revenues that would come with businesses on N King Street.
Discussion point: Does the Chamber's plan represent a trade off, compromising
some aspects ofNorthampton's character, or the Sustainability plan for development and
tax revenue? If so, is it worth it?
1

2. Bill Dwight
Does not agree with the narrative that the current zoning has delayed development on
King Street. Both the Hill'n'Dale and Lia Honda sites have been hindered by non-zoning
issues. He expressed frustration with getting developers in the past to meet buffer
requirements. It was his experience that Developers will at times look to do the
minimum of what zoning requires around buffers and will find loopholes defeat the intent
of zoning. He recommended that Design and Structural Standards be incorporated into
the zoning.
Megan
Who are we trying to attract here? Walmart? We already have a Stop & Shop and Big
Y. Fine with driving to Hadley to access their stores. Commutes to work in Holyoke.
Likes the way the community is and does not want to see it changed. Would like to see
more flexibility to support morn & pop businesses.
Mary Lou LaBarge
Northampton is increasingly becoming more expensive to live in and willing to
compromise and allow development on King in exchange for greater tax revenue.
Barry Goldstone
Thinks that the Central Business zone should go beyond Trumbull street and up to Stop
& Shop.
Denise McKahn
What are we doing to attract the right developers?
Teri Anderson
Banks do not like to finance projects without national credit making it more difficult for
local start ups.
Sue Stubbs
Businesses and customers will flock to King if it looks nice, even if the business is a
national retailer.
Bill Dwight
Obstacles on King have been the covenants with the city like with Stop & Shop limiting
grocery stores, the lease with Firestone limiting the Hill'n'Dale site. The Gem on King is
the combined Kollmorgen and Hill'n'Dale property. King Street properties require
different approaches for each due to the complications of each site.
Why would developers want a dense green buffer because the screening blocks the view
of the store, parking, and signage?
Walmart has served citizens well in a reused structure. We need to provide safe access
for these same citizens.
Dave McCormick - What do we want to attract to King St.? Municipal lot where Honda
lot is. Attract businesses next to bike trail (behind transformer)
James Lowenthal- pleased to see proposal to make King St. more bicycle and pedestrian
friendly. 30% of popUlation doesn't drive for whatever reason. Supports idea of
"EQUAL ACCESS". Wants more evidence that current zoning has prevented
development. Many years before zoning with little development and so what's the cause
2

3. - global recession vs. zoning. Agrees with Michael about setbacks affecting pedestrian -
if get rid of setback requirements and height requirements, will look like Hadley, rte. 5 in
W. Springfield. As for bike access, concern about side paths (parallel to major highway
like King St.) and how to minimize curb cuts. Doesn't see how to do it. .. took picture of
sidepath on University Ave. in Amherst and each car in photo potential accident for
biker. Need to accommodate bikers and King St. needs road diet. Example 2 lanes on
Bridge St. now one each way.
Julie Howland -lives in Ward 4 (15 years in town and member of economic
development committee) current zoning since 2002 and King St. challenges require that
we address matters now. Development done smartly will provide economic opportunities
- taxes to help city and those in need, jobs. Appreciates that Chamber reached out and
did not do work in bubble - community outreach occurred and is happening tonight.
Strongly supports recommendation.
Michael di Pasquale - when think about sustainability value much of Northampton, don't
want trade-off resulting in big boxes. They will compete with downtown stores and
doesn't like what do, doesn't want to lose shopping of small stores. Need to see what
more development on King St. does to downtown.
Mary - Sees downtown evolving and losing more of established businesses. Worries
about development on King St. and how will affect downtown so becomes place just for
visitors, not a real downtown. Locksmith leaves, office supply store leaves, tobacco shop
leaves and ends up attracting out-of-towners. Left with tourist attraction shops and
Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. Worried about becoming just like all small towns. King
St. very important since will affect all.
Kelsey Flynn - urges ZRC to consider what Ann Seton Parish has started - not beholden
to zoning. Plan calls for 15000 sq. ft. development across from Subway with lots of
parking. Supports diversity of businesses.
Wants more mixed use at entranceway - residential parking permits make it easier to live
there. Public discussion about monopolistic owning of property?
Rich - (on economic development committee) nervous when talk about trying to control
businesses that come here. Market will develop what will develop. Lots of big empty
spaces on King St. and could have had more stores. Need to be open to what wants to
come - not willy nilly about anything goes, but current zoning too hard to get through.
Outcome needs to be predictable
Bikes/pedestrians/public transit
Much support for making King more bike and pedestrian friendly and increasing public
transit. A lot of interest in a multi use path incorporated in the buffer zone. Skepticism
was expressed regarding the safety of a multi use path for bikers including the comment
that a multi use path is in fact dangerous for bikes.
3

4. There was also concern that the development of N King will make King and down
town Northampton less accessible to cyclists and pedestrians coming from the Damon
Road area and north.
Discussion point: Does the Chamber's plan make King, north of the bike path
crossing, more bikefriendly? Ifnot, what would?
Kate Richardson
Lives in Laurel Park. Accessing king by bike is daunting and will often go to Florence
instead. Heartened by the idea of a multiuse path, not convinced it will work for two way
traffic.
Colleen Currie - people who live off King st. who use King st. who don't have cars or
choose not to use cars - need more housing, but many folks there who want to use King
St. and want to walk, use bikes and we're already there. We welcome sidewalks.
Greg Klein (Laurel Pk) - representing folks in Laurel Pk and folks in that section of town
- What are the ways to improve bike safety and access in short term; proposes bicycle
task force to work in conjunction with planning people. In other words people who ride
down King St. - but it's too frightening
Robin - Laurel Pk. - feels not part of Northampton. Ifput stores with bigger footprints
on King St. larger trucks will get off at exit 21 and puts more traffic on road where folks
want to be biking and tractor trailers even scarier than cars for bikes. So consider what
happens to traffic flow.
Colleen - what about public transportation?
Alex - letter being delivered for ZRC to consider bus access and fact that within two
years there will be passenger rail service in Northampton. Seeking input for public
transportation committee. 4:00 public transportation committee.
James Lowenthal- pleased to see proposal to make King St. more bicycle and pedestrian
friendly. 30% of population doesn' t drive for whatever reason. Supports idea of
"EQUAL ACCESS". Wants more evidence that current zoning has prevented
development. Many years before zoning with little development and so what's the cause
- global recession vs. zoning. Agrees with Michael about setbacks affecting pedestrian -
if get rid of setback requirements and height requirements, will look like Hadley, rte. 5 in
W. Springfield. As for bike access, concern about side paths (parallel to major highway
like King St.) and how to minimize curb cuts. Doesn't see how to do it ... took picture of
sidepath on University Ave. in Amherst and each car in photo potential accident for
biker. Need to accommodate bikers and King St. needs road diet. Example 2 lanes on
Bridge St. now one each way.
Steven - address highway business portion. Supports no required second story and
flexibility of setback - some kind of change in order to spur development. Also, more
4

5. important than setbacks - design standards. Add voice - King St. scary for bikers - do
anything to make safer
Mike Hempstead - multi-use path, take closer look at fatalities on multi-use path. Many
more points of conflict with motorists turning. Much better way would be to construct
road so there is adequate space for bike path - one lane car traffic each way. If sincere
effort to integrate cycling, needs to be revisited.
Set Backs
There were many comments supporting the buffer proposed for the Highway Business
district. There were questions about the dimensions of the buffer and how far back
buildings would be from the buffer. There were some who did say they would like to see
the possibility of buildings up to the street in the HB area.
Discussion Point: what are the details regarding the buffer?
Unidentified Member of Public
The Upper part of King is an embarrassment and avoids biking it entirely with guests.
All in favor of residential development because it puts less stress on the roads and it
could be good for kids. Would like to see building up to the street. Would like a
developer to explain the need for parking in front of store.
Owen Freeman-Daniels
Likes the idea of increasing uses by right. Likes the idea of the buffer zone. Concerned
we will get larger and higher signs due to vegetative buffer. Would like to see additional
public parking as part of the middle zone.
Aaron Helfand
It is not unreasonable to imagine dramatic change on upper King Street. He has seen
these radical transformations occur in other communities. The 25 foot setback is
probably desirable if abutting a parking lot, not if abutting a building, then the setback
should be smaller. Expressed worry that the greenway is not conducive to pedestrians.
This recommendation is short on environmental sustainability, especially around density.
Density on King will lessen pressures to develop outlying areas.
Fran Volkman
Appreciates all the hard work that has gone into the proposal and by the committee.
Likes the idea of three zones. Likes the flexibility of uses in the proposal. Wants to see
design standards part of the zoning and form based codes. Believes that the input thus far
represents business interests and has yet to hear various other views. Environmental and
Design concerns are not part of the proposal. Not for unlimited setbacks. Go for
uniqueness every time. Pay attention to the Equities.
Michael di Pasquale - if you want to encourage bikes and pedestrians, walking closer to
building instead of huge parking lot is more attractive situation. Ifbig box comes, put
parking on side or back. Try to hold to less parking in front.
Cindy - had shop with window that attracted folks into shop. Compares to Maryland and
strip mall- no identity, nobody walks, businesses come and go. Unpleasant experience -
5

6. and setback is critical as shopper, pedestrian, biker. For shop owner (small business
owner) big setback wouldn't appeal. Too big a division from road to shop.
Form base code/Design standards
Comments were made supporting the creation of design standards and developing a form
based code for King Street.
Bill Dwight
Does not agree with the narrative that the current zoning has delayed development on
King Street. Both the Hill 'n'Dale and Lia Honda sites have been hindered by non-zoning
issues. He expressed frustration with getting developers in the past to meet buffer
requirements. It was his experience that Developers will at times look to do the
minimum of what zoning requires around buffers and will find loopholes defeat the intent
of zoning. He recommended that Design and Structural Standards be incorporated into
the zoning.
Adam Cohen
Would like to see infill design standards incorporated in proposal. Also, more public
control on large development projects, mentioning the Hilton Garden Inn as a project that
lacked public input. .
Fran Volkman
Appreciates all the hard work that has gone into the proposal and by the committee.
Likes the idea of three zones. Likes the flexibility of uses in the proposal. Wants to see
design standards part of the zoning and form based codes. Believes that the input thus far
represents business interests and has yet to hear various other views. Environmental and
Design concerns are not part of the proposal. Not for unlimited setbacks. Go for
uniqueness every time. Pay attention to the Equities.
Bob Reckman - Big support of Notre Dame Project, need for form base code, but short
range problem and Chamber Committee will allow for form based code. Encourages
ZRC to improve Chamber proposal and take to Planning Board, not to wait for form
based code.
Steven - address highway business portion. Supports no required second story and
flexibility of setback - some kind of change in order to spur development. Also, more
important than setbacks - design standards. Add voice - King St. scary for bikers - do
anything to make safer
Special permits
There was support for reducing the need for special permits, typically noted in
conjunction with deterring developers by making the permit process too cumbersome.
This was also talked about in connection with a greater range of uses for King Street
properties.
Maureen Carney
Wants to see the relaxing special permitting for manufacturing, medical and residential.
Feels that residential could be attractive being so close to services. Concerned about the
accessibility of residents of Hampshire Heights and River Run.
6

7. Fran Volkman
Appreciates all the hard work that has gone into the proposal and by the committee.
Likes the idea of three zones. Likes the flexibility of uses in the proposal. Wants to see
design standards part of the zoning and form based codes. Believes that the input thus far
represents business interests and has yet to hear various other views. Environmental and
Design concerns are not part of the proposal. Not for unlimited setbacks. Go for
uniqueness every time. Pay attention to the Equities.
Colleen - supports more variety of uses without special permits ...
Tom Andrews -lives on North King. How much do special permit requirements really
restrict development. Banks all along King St. Big Y expanded and bank disappeared to
let Big Y do so.
Outreach/Public input
Comments raised the question, has there been enough effort to solicit input from
local residents?
Discussion point: has the outreach been reasonably balanced between residential
and business parties? What more should be done, if anything?
Fran Volkman
Appreciates all the hard work that has gone into the proposal and by the committee.
Likes the idea of three zones. Likes the flexibility of uses in the proposal. Wants to see
design standards part of the zoning and form based codes. Believes that the input thus far
represents business interests and has yet to hear various other views. Environmental and
Design concerns are not part ofthe proposal. Not for unlimited setbacks. Go for
uniqueness every time. Pay attention to the Equities.
Adam Cohen
Would like to see infill design standards incorporated in proposal. Also, more public
control on large development projects, mentioning the Hilton Garden Inn as a project that
lacked public input.
How much outreach to Hampshire Heights since are major stakeholders - many are
deeply affected by such proposals.
Environment
See comments.
Teri Anderson
Teri AndersonSees the proposal as environmentally sustainable because it increases
greenspace along the corridor and encourages pedestrian and bike access. Does not see
Downtown extending down King in the near future. Is of the view that may residents of
upper King Street do not wish to shop at the stores downtown.
Paul Voss - plan step in right direction and conversation worth having. Worried that
we're building infrastructure that will be with us for next 30-40 years and facing energy
crisis. Needs to be piece of conversation - how much energy needed with proposals.
Need to watch out for couple of points in plan - setbacks key if its all about cars, but
7

8. raises issues of energy use. Other energy piece - 2 story vs. one story more energy use
than more rectangular buildings - big, flat buildings are "energy pigs". If have big
setbacks folks won't use bike path at night - need to think about what will happen during
different times of day.
Housing
Comments were made in support of housing on N King.
Deb Jacobs
Would like to see Affordable Housing on King
Unidentified Member of Public
The Upper part of King is an embarrassment and avoids biking it entirely with guests.
All in favor of residential development because it puts less stress on the roads and it
could be good for kids. Would like to see building up to the street. Would like a
developer to explain the need for parking in front of store.
2 Stories
Paul Voss - plan step in right direction and conversation worth having. Worried that
we're building infrastructure that will be with us for next 30-40 years and facing energy
crisis. Needs to be piece of conversation - how much energy needed with proposals.
Need to watch out for couple of points in plan - setbacks key if its all about cars, but
raises issues of energy use. Other energy piece - 2 story vs. one story more energy use
than more rectangular buildings - big, flat buildings are "energy pigs". If have big
setbacks folks won't use bike path at night - need to think about what will happen during
different times of day.
Additional comments
The zoning/planning process needs to be concerned with the state and need for
development of Northampton's infrastructure.
Gerry Budgar - infrastructure in rough shape throughout city, especially downtown and
that's where proposals for development. Need to think about zoning and development
with regard to infrastructure changes and wants to see ZRC think about what city has for
infrastructure when consider zoning changes. Need to think about it - could be hidden
horror. All city officials agree this is problem and needs to be looked at.
8