The Valley Advocate: Northampton Redoubt

New Nukes with Stewart Brand

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Stewart Brand talks about world population growth and his views on the wisdom of nuclear energy.

The comments portion of the blog sometimes does not post links correctly.

From kenneth mitchell:

http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear_power/nuclear_power_and_global_warming/

And from Ronald Khouri Ali's reference to The Rendon Group

http://www.rendon.com/

and from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rendon_Group

Stewart Brand

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/stewart_brand_proclaims_4_environmental_heresies.html

Senator Brown on Cap & Trade

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Former U. S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich and Massachusetts U. S. Senator John Kerry engaged in a public engagement on global warming in 2007. Part of their conversation focused on cap and trade. Listen to their discussion aired by Word for Word at:

http://wordforword.publicradio.org/programs/2007/04/13/

I am not an expert on cap and trade but it is a sound idea with regards to reducing global emissions, and one that the newly elected U. S. Senator from Massachusetts Scott Brown opposes. From his website:

Energy and Environment
I support common-sense environment policy that will help to reduce pollution and preserve our precious open spaces. I realize that without action now, future generations will be left to clean up the mess we leave. In order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, I support reasonable and appropriate development of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal and improved hydroelectric facilities. I oppose a national cap and trade program because of the higher costs that families and businesses would incur.

As well according to WBUR.org cap and trade first came about successfully under a Republican Vice-President, George H. W. Bush, to address sulphur emissions which contribute to acid rain. Simply put cap and trade programs utilize free market principles. They monetize or place a dollar value on air and limit (cap) emissions. In other words, if someone wishes to pollute they must pay for it.

If implemented poor states or countries receive compensation for the negative impacts or externalities created by the, "first world," through trade allowances. To reduce pollution costs industry responds to cap and trade disincentives by adopting new or otherwise improving technologies that reduce emissions, which may in turn create new jobs. While it might be true cap and trade's costs are passed on to consumers in the shorter term it is also true over the longer term that a free market which does not block trades will find an equilibrium point that is efficient. At this point there is no market.

From Consumer Energy Report:

Cap-and-trade is a system whereby corporations would be capped in the amount of potentially harmful carbon emissions they can produce. Companies that are “over budget” in their emissions could purchase larger emission quantities from corporations that are under budget. Proponents of cap-and-trade claim that reform would limit damage that manufacturers could impart on the environment. Detractors counter that cap and trade is merely a stopgap measure that would merely drive up costs without having any significant effect at reducing emissions.

From the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency website:

Cap and trade is a market-based policy tool for protecting human health and the environment by controlling large amounts of emissions from a group of sources. A cap and trade program first sets an aggressive cap, or maximum limit, on emissions. Sources covered by the program then receive authorizations to emit in the form of emissions allowances, with the total amount of allowances limited by the cap. Each source can design its own compliance strategy to meet the overall reduction requirement, including the sale or purchase of allowances, installation of pollution controls, and implementation of efficiency measures, among other options. Individual control requirements are not specified under a cap and trade program, but each emission source must surrender allowances equal to its actual emissions in order to comply. Sources must also completely and accurately measure and report all emissions in a timely manner to guarantee that the overall cap is achieved.
A well-designed cap and trade program delivers:
Greater environmental protection at lower cost
Broad regional reductions, facilitating state efforts to address local impacts
Early reductions, a result of allowance banking and market incentives
Environmental integrity and transparent operations and results
Fewer administrative costs to government and industry
Efficiency and innovation incentives
Incentives for doing better and consequences for doing worse
Accounting for all emissions
Partnership with existing requirements to ensure protection of the local population and environment

To learn more about cap and trade visit the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency at:

http://www.epa.gov/captrade/

Fundraiser for Sunrise Foundation at Packards

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Host:	Emily Mew & Lisa Hall
Location:	Packard's - 3rd Floor 14 Masonic St Northampton, MA 01060 US View Map
When:	Thursday, February 11, 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Phone:	(413) 519-1673
Please join supporters of The Sunrise Foundation for a night of learning and fundraising on the third floor of Packard's in downtown Northampton. We are eager to share what we are doing at our children's project in Nicaragua with more local people and community organizations in order to increase cross-cultural involvement and support. Several times throughout the night we will show a short 20 minute film about our project in Camoapa, Hogar Luceros del Amanecer, that is supported by The Sunrise Foundation. We will talk and answer questions about some of the social and economic concerns in the region (and for many children all over Nicaragua) and how we are successfully addressing them at the local level. We will also share ways in which you can become involved. A raffle will be held at 8:45. It will include some typical Nicaraguan artisan work, various donations from local businesses and other fun surprises! Don't forget to stop by in time to participate and WIN! Small munchies will be served, but of course dinner and drinks downstairs at Packard's will also be available. Check out their menu here. Because we are trying to raise awareness about the social and economic issues in rural Nicaragua, while also gathering additional support for our project, we hope you will invite friends and family who might be interested in learning and/or sharing ideas around the topic of international development work. For more information, see our website and blog at: www.thesunrisefoundation.org and hogarluceros.blogspot.com. Hello everyone! I have recently received a message from a co-worker in Nicaragua who has asked me to try to round up TOOTH BRUSHES and TOOTHPASTE. We have just begun a new outreach program in Camoapa to get 50+ elementary age children into school (some have dropped out and some have never even started.) We would like to be able to offer them basic hygiene supplies because most of them have nothing. If everyone who attends the fundraiser brings one tooth brush and small toothpaste, we will be on our way to getting at least one to each child! We are also trying to locate girls softball equipment (primarily gloves and balls). If anyone has any lying around the house that they'd like to get rid of, it would be much appreciated! Thank you to those who have already responded. For those who haven't, we would appreciate an RSVP as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly. Thanks! Emily

Ward 6 Community Hearing

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

February 10 @ 6:30 PM @ Finn-Ryan Road School Gymnasium in Florence.

In case of inclement weather will reschedule to February 24, same time and place.

Presentation will be given by

Mayor Mary Clare Higgins
Northampton Fire Department:
Chief Brian Duggan
Captain Larry Therrien, Fire Inspector
Deputy Chief Chris Norris
Northampton Police Captain Joe Koncas
Building Commissioner Tony Patillo
Hampshire Sheriff's Office-David Fenton, Crime Prevention Officer
Hampshire County Jail & House of Correction-Sheriff Robert Garvey

Public Comment to follow presentation

Organized by City Councilor Marianne LaBarge

413-584-7937

mlabargeward6@aol.com

and the Ward 6 Association

BPW forgoes landfill expansion

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Below is an excerpt from a draft of a Resolution approved unanimously by the Board of Public Works the evening of Wednesday, January 27 at JFK Middle School. BPW Chair Terry Culhane made available drafts of the Resolution before the meeting officially started.

Resolved: That the BPW, after carefully considering the expert reports and citizen input, has determined that the expansion of the Glendale Road Landfill is a safe and responsible option for solid waste disposal in the region. While we recognize that the citywide discussion has been a controversial and difficult process, we feel the weight of the evidence supports our final determination. We are persuaded that a local landfill is a safe, convenient, environmentally sound and economical method for the City to handle the solid waste generated by the residences and businesses in Northampton and the region.

But concluded:

The next step normally would be to prepare an application for site plan approval. This would require allocating additional staff resorces as well as more funds in technical assistance. However, without a clear indication of City support, we have decided not to pursue further investment in development of the landfill expansion project at this time.

About fifty people showed up for the BPW's discussion on the proposed landfill expansion. The other item on the agenda for the evening, the Chesterfield Road Dam, was moved to another evening.

Nonetheless, about fifteen to twenty people spoke in opposition, and maybe four or five spoke in favor of proceeding as planned regarding the landfill expansion. One speaker in opposition went on as long as nine minutes Culhane said during the meeting.

Culhane mentioned the board had expended about $500 thousand on studies and would need to receive a, "request from above," in order for it to reconsider applying for the Heavy Public Use Special Permit from the City Council. During the meeting he said the application would cost the DPW about $200 thousand to prepare.

The issue of our solid waste management is therefore left in limbo.

Would the Special Permit have passed at the Council level with six votes as is necessary? Maybe not.

Taking it all in

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

A friend of mine paid to me what I took as a twisted compliment the other day. He said if he doesn't hear me complaining about something, "they," must be doing okay. Ha! Good one.

Regarding recent events almost everything has been said somewhere by someone somehow. Whether concerning the local and state elections or the alleged arsons people have weighed in via the print and broadcast media or through blogs, online forums and social networking sites like Facebook. Today a more savvy public has access to new platforms for information and communication.

As Redoubt approaches its third anniversary in February, the face of the local media has changed considerably with the addition of Northampton Media, the North Street Neighborhood Association, the renewed Northampton Community Television and countless other online venues for news, information and commentary. More issues are covered more often shedding light on the pros and cons of various scenarios.

As well I've found the first two meetings of the new City Council encouraging. All four of the new councilors ask thoughtful questions though clearly a learning curve exists for them in the ways of the board.

It wasn't long ago that Paul Spector, Maureen Carney, David Murphy and David Narkewicz were the Council's newbies. For the most part members of this now veteran group of councilors share a similar political acumen. Thus far the current crop of four newly elected councilors has changed the tenor of the board's discussions by providing pertinent and candid commentary.

Additionally under the stewardship of Ward 7 Councilor Gene Tacy the city seems to have reached consensus on the proposed purchase of a portion of the Bean Farm along with the abutting Allard Farm in Florence. With the acquisitions the city could add to its conservation land holdings, preserve agricultural land uses in the vicinity and begin the process of developing much needed recreational playing fields for our city's youth.

Due to its new members the Council is presently in a somewhat pliable standing and residents have an opportunity to step up and participate with the board before policy makers become too set in their ways. If the public comment portion of the last City Council meeting is an indication other citizens think similarly. Twenty-nine people signed up and the public comment portion of the meeting ran until nine o'clock in the evening.

Moreover, this Council has a full agenda with issues before it like the aforementioned purchases of the Bean and Allard Farms respectively, the rezoning of the city, the proposed landfill expansion, the proposed flood plain zoning changes, the preservation or removal of the Chesterfield Road dam, the redevelopment of the Three County Fairgrounds, the proposed Interstate 91 expansion at Exit 18, the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and public safety issues not to mention the impending budget shortfall. It will be busy and there's a governor's race to consider on top of that.

As Northampton moves further into the age of information technology it should be an exciting year as the community grapples with various decisions and new unforeseen issues creep into the public consciousness.

Text, "haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to Haiti Relief

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Via the Red Cross************

Visit the U. S. Department of State Haiti Earthquake page at http://www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/ha/earthquake/index.htm

Visit the U. S. Department of State Haiti page at: http://www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/ha/index.htm

James Geary, metaphorically speaking

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Democracy by Parker Palmer

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

According to author and educator Parker Palmer (Infed), democracy is not easy. In fact, Palmer says a truly functioning democracy must contain elements of tension and conflict in order to thrive. Palmer (Wikipedia), founder and senior partner of the Center for Courage and Renewal, described the building blocks of the American democratic experiment in a February 19, 2008 speech at the Commonwealth Club of California.

Downtown hotel petition in circulation

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:00:00 AM EST

Please see the cover letter below containing a link to a petition regarding the downtown hotel property. You will need to scroll down to view the text of the petition. If you agree, please sign the petition, remember to put your Ward number in the Comments box under your email signature, and then forward to as many like-minded residents of Northampton as you can to send a message to our Ward Councilors.

Let’s start anew on the hotel, 1/7/2010

We are writing to enlist your support for a petition to the Mayor and the City Council regarding construction of a Hilton Garden Inn in the Pulaski Park/Round House area. Specifically, the petition asks the Mayor and the City Council for two actions:

First, to not extend the deadline for the developer to come up with the required funds for the project beyond February 15, the latest established deadline.

Second, to develop a process for determining how the land can best be used and designed based on good practices and full public participation.

As we all know, the plan to build this hotel has been controversial since its inception two years ago. It precipitated a major public outcry at the time the proposal reached the Planning Board, and resulted in expensive lawsuits, which the city settled out of court. Now, two years later, the developer has not secured the funds or performance guarantees necessary to begin construction. A number of deadlines have been extended. We think it is time to bring this project to a close.

Allowing the agreement to expire would enable the city to develop a new process for deciding the future of this site. The undersigned are not opposed to developing the site but rather want to see it developed in a manner that maximizes its value to the whole community. The Pulaski Park/Round House lot lies at the very center of our city, and should become a jewel in the crown of downtown Northampton – a Center that serves our residents, visitors, arts communities, and businesses. We need to develop a workable vision for this site. A carefully designed process that generates a wide range of ideas and public buy-in will provide the groundwork for a successful project going forward.

The project may not reach fruition in the short-term, given the present economy. But the land has essentially lain idle for decades, and the Hilton Garden Inn project has not gotten off the ground either. We can do better as a City than remain in this limbo by continuing to extend deadlines – we can seek a new direction for this site.

If prior to Feb.15 the developer manages to raise the funds and guarantees needed, then we will have no case; but if not, we have an opportunity to make our voices heard on this matter. The Mayor has indicated that she intends to consult with the City Council prior to further extensions to the developer. This is our chance to urge our City Councilors, and through them, the Mayor, to revisit the project and start anew.

Will you help us to do this? We need you to send e-mails to your contacts who live in Northampton, to talk with people about this initiative, to get as many names as possible on the petition. It all has to be done by January 18 as the next City Council meeting is January 21 – plenty of time if we get going right away.

Here’s what is required:

Click on the following link. It will take you to an on-line petition that you can sign:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/northamptonnewdirectionsforhotelproperty/

It is important that when signing the online petition, you add your Ward number if you know it in the Comments section immediately below your email address so that your Ward Councilor can be made aware of the number of people in his or her Ward who have signed.
Forward this e-mail to everybody you can think of who might wish to join this petition.
Let us know any additional ideas you have about making our voices heard on this matter.

Together we might just make a real difference here!

With best regards,

Joan Cenedella, Frances Crowe, Mary Ford, Alex Ghiselin, Mari Gottdiener, Joel Russell, Gordon Thorne, Fran Volkmann, Penny Burke

The Petition reads:

PETITION

Whereas more than two years have passed since the Pioneer Valley Hotel Group signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the City and received approvals to build a Hilton Garden Inn hotel and parking garage behind Pulaski Park in the city’s Round House parking lot; and

Whereas construction has not yet begun and the agreement has expired on several previous occasions; and

Whereas each time the agreement has expired, the Mayor has extended the deadline, the most recent extension granted in December, 2009, giving the developer until February 15, 2010 to obtain a performance guarantee; and

Whereas the Mayor could make a new beginning by returning to the initial stages of consideration for the use and design of this property and fully engaging the public using best practices, and thereby recapture this critically important land in the center of our downtown and create a truly useful and beautiful center for our city; and

Whereas the Mayor has stated her desire that the new City Council be involved in decision-making on the project; and

Whereas this petition is a vehicle for residents of Northampton to communicate through our City Council representatives our collective desire to re-examine the use and design of this parcel;

THEREFORE,

We, the undersigned hereby petition our Councilors at Large and Ward Councilors to:

Urge the Mayor to grant no further extensions of the purchase and sale agreement to the Pioneer Valley Hotel Group when the 45-day extension granted in December 2009 expires; and
Work with the Mayor and the community at large to create an inclusive and unbiased process for determining the best future use and design of this critically important parcel; and
Work with the Mayor to ensure that the City solicits and evaluates a range of ideas that would lead to a better plan, one that represents our collective vision, is financially feasible, and enjoys broad community support as the best use of the property.