Landfill Expansion Status through March 2010
Since the
election, there have been several interesting developments with the proposed landfill expansion over the Barnes Aquifer.
In January, the Northampton Board of Public Works held a public hearing regarding a motion they intended to make about the landfill expansion. Over 50 people turned out to speak on the issue with the majority speaking against the expansion. The BPW, however, in what was a confusing document, stated that they supported the expansion of the landfill, yet were not prepared to move forward at this time.
The motion, which passed unanimously, stated that:
"The next step would normally be to prepare an application for the site plan approval with the Planning Board. This would require allocating additional staff resources as well as more funds in technical assistance and design. However, without a clear indication of City support, we have decided not to pursue further investment in the landfill expansion project at this time."
BPW Landfill Motion [pdf]
In March, the City Council countered with their own resolution calling on the BPW to "suspend further action on landfill expansion in order to begin planning for both the scheduled closure of the existing Glendale Road facility and for how Northampton will manage its solid waste when our landfill closes."
The resolution passes 7 to 1 with one councilor absent.
In February, citizens wanting more than just symbolic gestures, presented a Zoning Ordinance Amendment petition that would ban landfills in all Water Supply Protection Districts in the city of Northampton.
The Zoning Ordinance Amendment moved its way through committee and was forwarded back to the full City Council with no recommendations. It is currently on hold as a similar, non-zoning, ordinance is being considered by the City Council.
March 25, 2010
Planning Board and Ordinance Committee at joint hearing discuss citizen-led zoning amendment that would ban landfills in all water supply protection districts. Video recorded by Adam Cohen and provided by North Street Neighborhood Association.
In January, the Northampton Board of Public Works held a public hearing regarding a motion they intended to make about the landfill expansion. Over 50 people turned out to speak on the issue with the majority speaking against the expansion. The BPW, however, in what was a confusing document, stated that they supported the expansion of the landfill, yet were not prepared to move forward at this time.
The motion, which passed unanimously, stated that:
"The next step would normally be to prepare an application for the site plan approval with the Planning Board. This would require allocating additional staff resources as well as more funds in technical assistance and design. However, without a clear indication of City support, we have decided not to pursue further investment in the landfill expansion project at this time."
BPW Landfill Motion [pdf]
In March, the City Council countered with their own resolution calling on the BPW to "suspend further action on landfill expansion in order to begin planning for both the scheduled closure of the existing Glendale Road facility and for how Northampton will manage its solid waste when our landfill closes."
The resolution passes 7 to 1 with one councilor absent.
In February, citizens wanting more than just symbolic gestures, presented a Zoning Ordinance Amendment petition that would ban landfills in all Water Supply Protection Districts in the city of Northampton.
The Zoning Ordinance Amendment moved its way through committee and was forwarded back to the full City Council with no recommendations. It is currently on hold as a similar, non-zoning, ordinance is being considered by the City Council.
March 25, 2010
Planning Board and Ordinance Committee at joint hearing discuss citizen-led zoning amendment that would ban landfills in all water supply protection districts. Video recorded by Adam Cohen and provided by North Street Neighborhood Association.
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