No more Special Permits for Heavy Use projects?
It seems that the City government of Northampton is determined to do-away with the Special Permitting process for Heavy Use projects in the city.
A Special Permit for Heavy Public Use projects has been required since the first Northampton Code Book was adopted in 1975. The City Council has authority to grant Special Permits for Heavy Public Use because these projects have significant and serious impacts on the community. This gives voters a voice in the process. Our elected officials are given great responsibility and are expected to make tough decisions and to be held accountable to the voters.
Now, a new plan forwarded by Wayne Feiden, the Director of Planning and Development, proposes to remove the Special Permitting process altogether and instead make it a legislative decision. This would mean NO public hearings for the citizens' to express their opinions and concerns to the City Council. This also hurts the citizens' because there is NO appeal process against the permit granting authority. The only recourse that we would have is to place a binding question on the ballot, requiring 20% signatures of the registered voters. This places an unheard of burden on the citizens' right to appeal a decision of this magnitude.
Meanwhile, if a business wants to add a sign or homeowner wants to replace some windows, then they have to obtain a permit, but the City will build a landfill over a Protected Water Supply District and NOT have to obtain a permit.
Site plan review does not consider political and economic aspects.
A legislative decision regarding funds is concerned with the business plan and financial risks and benefits.
It is the unique responsibility of the special permit granting authority to hold public hearings, to review and weigh evidence, and to make a judgment including political considerations.
This proposed change weakens the regulations.
It takes away an important power from the City Council.
It diminishes the rights of citizens.
Please join us in opposing this change to our City Ordinance.
Please attend the
Committee on Elections, Rules, Ordinances, Orders and Claims
Monday, September 14th at 6pm
located at City Council Chambers
and the
City Council Meeting
Thursday, September 17th at 7pm
City Council Chambers
We need to let our elected representatives know that we want to keep the Special Permitting Process for Heavy Public Use projects.
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