This week’s unusual July flooding by both the Mill and Connecticut rivers destroyed farmers’ crops, closed roads, and left several recreation areas, including Musante Beach, unusable in Northampton. There was no significant damage to roads and bridges in the city, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra told the City Council on Thursday.
While the Connecticut River in Northampton fell below flood stage on Friday, a flood watch issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect at least though midnight because of “the potential for additional localized heavy rainfall from thunderstorms.”
The Connecticut River in Northampton crested at 115.53 feet on Wednesday, when moderate flooding occurred, temporarily closing Route 5 near the Oxbow, and covering surrounding farmland. Flood stage is 112 feet. Friday night, the river’s level was at 110.69 feet. Readings from the Connecticut River at Northampton are available here: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=box&gage=nhmm3
On Monday, the Mill River flooded Meadow Street in Florence, nearby farms and three city recreation areas: Musante Beach, Florence Fields and Maines Field. West Street near the bridge over the Mill River was closed so the city could activate the flood-control gates. The road was reopened after a state dive team inspected the bridge and determined that there was no damage.
The recreation areas remained closed all week, affecting a soccer field at Florence Fields, the softball field and four sand volleyball courts at Maines Field, and the swimming area at Musante Beach.
Ann-Marie Moggio, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said Musante Beach will remain closed until tests show that E. coli bacteria are reduced to an acceptable level. The next test is scheduled for Monday, with results expected Tuesday. Also, Moggio said that the ropes and buoys that defined the swimming area either were lost or pulled from the water and must be replaced.
The soccer field at Florence Fields is expected to be usable beginning Monday. However, damage is more extensive at Maines Field and significant work is needed before the softball field and volleyball courts can be used again. Moggio expects that the pavilion will be available again for rental starting July 22.
The timing of this week’s rising waters – instead of the more typical flooding during the spring before many crops are ready for harvesting – is particularly devastating for farmers who lost both summer and fall crops.
In remarks to the City Council on Thursday and a statement issued Friday, Mayor Sciarra said: “Our main focus must be to support local farmers and help them recover. We are actively collaborating with the governor’s office, Senator (Jo) Comerford, and Representative (Lindsay) Sabadosa to explore ways to access state assistance. Our goal is to provide the necessary resources and aid to those affected. … We will provide updates on our progress in accessing state assistance for our farmers. Please stay connected with my office for the latest information.”
Also, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture is accepting applications through Sept. 30 for no-interest loans of up to $25,000 from farmers in Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties who suffered losses resulting from the flooding. Information and the application is available here: https://www.buylocalfood.org/resources-for-farmers/cisa-emergency-farm-fund/
And the mayor and Merridith O’Leary, commissioner of the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services, each issued statements Friday warning about swimming in the city’s rivers because of the dangers resulting from flooding, including bacterial contamination, swift currents and debris.
“As a precaution, due to the possibility of bacterial contamination, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends avoiding all recreational use of local waterways and beaches along the Connecticut and Mill rivers – including swimming, boating, and fishing – until the waters subside,” O’Leary said.
The mayor’s statement is available here: https://northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22573/Statement-by-Mayor-Sciarra-about-River-Flooding—July-14-2023-PDF?bidId=
Here’s the statement from the Department of Health and Human Services:
“The Connecticut River remains at a very high water level in the wake of flooding in Northampton and upstream. Until the waters fully subside, we recommend avoiding all recreational use of local rivers and beaches, including swimming, boating, and fishing in the Connecticut or Mill Rivers.
Floodwater can contain:
• Human and livestock waste from sewage overflow upstream
• Household, medical, and industrial waste
• Deceased animals
• Physical objects such as lumber, vehicles, and debris
• Sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments
Water sampling at Musante Beach shows high levels of E. coli. Testing from the Connecticut River since the flood is not available, but levels are likely to be above safe limits. For up-to-date information on Connecticut River water testing, see https://connecticutriver.us/it-clean
In addition, the high water level can lead to fast currents and aerated waters. Fast currents can trap even strong swimmers and boats. Aerated water is extremely dangerous because even with a life vest, you may be heavier than the water and unavoidably sink to the bottom.
If you do come in contact with floodwater:
• Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
• Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before reusing them.
Flooding can also contaminate the ground, soil, and other outdoor areas with both bacteria and viruses. Floodwater can overflow from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems into spaces like ball fields, playgrounds, and residential yards. It is recommended to avoid the use of flooded athletic fields or other recreational areas for at least one week after flooding subsides, and to discard any garden produce that came into contact with floodwater.”
Reparations commission
City Council President Jim Nash on Thursday announced the appointment of 11 members to the Commission to Investigate Racialized Harms Perpetrated Against Black Residents and Workers in Northampton. They are: At-Large City Councilor Marissa Elkins, Ward 4 City Councilor Garrick Perry, Jeremy Baker-Paquette, Felicia Lundquist, Alton McCray, Renika Montgomery-Tamakloe, Marsha Morris, Rachel Naismith, William Newman, Sarah Lynn Patterson, and Ousmane Power-Greene.
Nash and Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra made the appointments in consultation with Elkins, Perry and At-Large City Councilor Jamila Gore, sponsors of the resolution establishing the commission that was approved unanimously by the City Council on Feb. 16.
The commission is composed of Northampton residents “with a demonstrated interest, experience or expertise in the issues under review by the special commission.” Its charge is “to consider what initiatives should be funded and implemented by the city to support redress and fair treatment for Black people who live, work, and learn in this community, examine ways to restore, grow, and nourish Black community and culture in Northampton for future generations, and suggest ways the city might meaningfully atone for historic wrongs.”
Twenty candidates were interviewed. Eight of the commission members are Black.
Sciarra said she will send a financial order to the City Council on Aug. 17 proposing funding for the commission.
A preliminary report to the mayor and City Council is requested by May 24, 2024, with a final report by Oct. 5, 2024.
The commission’s website is at: https://northamptonma.gov/2508/Commission-to-Investigate-Racialized-Har
The resolution approved by the City Council is available here: https://northamptonma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/20871?fileID=177683
Pickleball courts
The City Council on Thursday unanimously appropriated $29,150 for the design of outdoor pickleball courts at Ray Ellerbrook Field off Burts Pit Road.
Ann-Marie Moggio, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said the money will pay for survey and design work, permitting and bidding for construction. She expects that to be done by September, which will help determine a final cost estimate to build the courts. Potential sources of money for construction include Community Preservation Act funding and other grants.
The project follows a feasibility study for outdoor pickleball courts in Northampton completed last year by the Berkshire Design Group. That report is available here:
Forbes Library trustees
The City Council on Thursday unanimously approved an order seeking special legislation to amend the city’s charter to increase the number of trustees for Forbes Library from five to seven. Legislative approval is needed for such changes to the city’s charter.
Because the number of trustees was specified in the will of Judge Charles Edward Forbes establishing a public library for Northampton, the change also must be approved by the Hampshire Probate and Family Court. The library trustees in March voted to authorize a petition to the court that would increase the trustees to seven.
Library trustees and Director Lisa Downing said the change is needed because of the increased workload for board members, who are elected to the unpaid positions. The size of the board was last increased in 1982 from three to five.
Three of the five seats are on the Nov. 7 ballot in this year’s election. If the change is approved, it would take effect for the 2025 municipal election.
Taste of Northampton
The Taste of Northampton, which returned in 2022 after an absence of about two decades, will be held again this year from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, on Main Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic between Old South Street Street and King and Pleasant streets.
Local restaurants will showcase food and beverages at the event sponsored by the City of Northampton and the Downtown Northampton Association.
The City Council on Thursday unanimously approved an order allowing mobile food vehicles owned by restaurants in the city to be set up during the Taste of Northampton. Normally such mobile vehicles are prohibited in the Central Business District.
More information, including a list of participating restaurants and vendors, is available here: https://northampton.live/taste-of-northampton
July Bike Party
Friends of Northampton Trails will sponsor a 90-minute, four-mile bicycle tour of the Meadows section of the city on Thursday, July 20. Bicyclists should meet at 6 p.m. at Pulaski Park.
Organizers hope that this week’s flood waters will recede so that participants can tour the Meadows near the Connecticut River and view several small farms and the Northampton Airport. .
More information about the Friends of Northampton Trails is available here: https://fntrails.org
Stan