Chapter 1.
Introduction
1.1 What is the
The
Northfield Plan is a comprehensive long-range guide to the future of both t=
he
Town and
·
Identify
significant trends that have shaped
·
Document
current conditions regarding a variety of topics, including housing,
transportation, the local economy, community facilities and services, and l=
and
use;
·
Predict, to
the extent practical, the trends that will affect change in the future; and=
·
Define the
goals, policies, and implementation strategies for addressing community cha=
nge
in a way that will benefit current and future generations of
1.2 Consistency with Vermont <=
/h1>
The Northf=
ield
Plan was prepared by the Northfield Planning Commission under the authority=
of
24 VSA, Chapter 117, The Vermont
Municipal and Regional Planning Act (the “Act”). While towns are not required to ad=
opt a
plan, those that do must include specific elements required in the Act
('4382). This plan includes a=
ll
required elements. This plan =
also
addresses the twelve general state planning goals also listed in the Act
('4302). Although the plan is
consistent with these goals, the background information, goals, and policies
presented throughout the document were carefully prepared to meet the uniqu=
e conditions
and needs of the Town of
1.3 Regional Coordina=
tion
Due to its
geography, it makes sense for
Despite
physical and geographic barriers,
Compatibil=
ity
with neighboring towns is particularly important with regard to land use, w=
here
incompatible policies could result in conflicting development activities and
land uses along town boundaries.
Northfield’s land use plan calls for agriculture, forestry, lo=
w to
moderate density residential development and very limited non-residential u=
ses
along the boundaries with Roxbury, Waitsfield, Moretown, Williamston and mo=
st
of Berlin. A portion of the s=
hared
boundary with
In additio=
n to
land use, a brief review of neighboring municipal plans does not reveal any
notable incompatibility of plan goals or policies. Likewise, no areas of incompatibil=
ity
between this plan and the Central Vermont Regional Plan have been
identified. Thus, it is the
position of
1.4
Planning Process<=
/span>
In
some respects, the preparation of this plan was a direct outgrowth of the
Northfield Community Visit conducted by the Vermont Council on Rural
Development in association with several state and regional agencies. This visit involved a series of
community meetings held between November 2001 and January 2002 that involved
dozens of community residents and municipal officials. The key community priorities outli=
ned
over the course of that process were carried forward into this document.
In
addition, the Planning Commission circulated early draft chapters of this
document to a variety of interest groups and potential stakeholders to soli=
cit
comments on specific issues of likely interest. Three public informational meeting=
s were
also held to address housing concerns and community and economic development
strategies.
The
plan also benefited from a variety of issue-specific planning and developme=
nt
projects that have been undertaken by the community in recent years (e.g.,
Downtown Study, Gray Building Feasibility Study). Those efforts are cited in appropr=
iate
locations of the draft.
Finally, through a Vermont
Municipal Planning Grant secured by the Planning Commission, the Commission
hired the services of Burnt Rock Inc., Associates in Community Planning, of
Waitsfield who assisted with all aspects of the plan update.
š A
Brief History of
From 1785 through the 1820s, largely Yankees from
The years from 1785 to 1825 saw the development of
First to have a distinct identity was
With the arrival of the railroad in the 1840’s,
Factory Village and Depot Square increasingly became the hub of local
activity. Residents there beg=
an to
demand lighted streets, sidewalks, fire and police protection, and they then
petitioned the legislature to establish a separate Village of Northfield.
Over the next fifty years, village residents voted taxes=
on
themselves for a variety of services.
Sidewalks were laid down, the water
department was established and the first electric plant was built (both in 1895), and the first sewer li=
nes
were laid (1901-1904). Around=
1900 the
police department was set up, =
and
the two independent fire companies=
,
which existed from the 1860’s, came under village control.
The price of such amenities was high; consequently, as t=
hey
were increasingly needed outside the village, police, and fire services were
taken over by the town. The t=
own
and village highway departments were
supported by taxes levied separately on the grand lists of the village and
town.
Once settlements were established, people turned their
attention to making a living. Of necessity,
almost everyone was a farmer first, and most lived by barter (goods and
services were paid for with other goods and services). Eventually people needed hard cash=
, and
it was this quest for individual and collective economic security that has =
been
the paramount concern in Northfield for two centuries.
Until about 1814, residents made potash on their farms a=
nd
sent it to mills in America and abroad which used it for everything from
finishing wool cloth to making glass.
About 1812, as the demand for potash was waning, Elijah Paine built a
huge woolen mill on the site of the now closed Cetrangolo Finishing works
(which closed in 1999).
Paine’s woolen mill employed between 175 and 200 workers and w=
as
for years the town’s largest employer.
When wool prices declined in the 1840’s, Elijah
Paine’s son Charles came to the rescue. As President of the Vermont Central
Railroad, Charles Paine pushed the line from Windsor, Vermont to Burlington,
finishing construction on the last day of 1849, and locating the
railroad’s headquarters in Northfield. For fifteen years the Vermont Cent=
ral
Railroad meant prestige for Northfield and prosperity for its citizens R=
11;
hundreds worked for the line.
In 1852, Paine lost control of his railroad. Over the next decade the new owners
gradually moved operations to St. Albans.&=
nbsp;
John Gregory Smith, the new president, said he would “make the
grass grow in the streets of Northfield.” He very nearly succeeded. The town’s population, one o=
f the
largest in Vermont at the time, dropped precipitously and over fifty houses
stood vacant. It took 25 year=
s to
recover from the loss.
Slate quarrying and finishing, which started early in the
nineteenth century, provided some respite.=
In the 1860’s and 1870’s some two hundred men worked for=
the
slate companies, but by the 1880’s this industry too was in decline.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'>
The next savior was granite. In 1889 investors built a spur lin=
e and
a small finishing shed on railroad land and arranged to have granite brought
down from the Barre quarries. Several
more sheds were eventually constructed, and by the outbreak of World War I,
over 525 people were employed in the sheds.
Times changed, and by 1954 only the Rock of Ages plant w=
as
left, and that too was closed when the head office decided it was too expen=
sive
to ship the rough stone here. In
1999 Cetrangolo Finishing Works, founded in 1955, was the last to close.
In the end, economic rejuvenation came from what at first
might have seemed an unpromising source.&n=
bsp;
Late in 1886, the faculty and student body of Norwich University arr=
ived
in town. Their arrival follow=
ed
acceptance by Norwich trustees of a bid by a group of citizens to have the
college relocated here. It is
doubtful that anyone seeing the four teachers and fourteen students arrive
imagined that the college would become the town’s largest employer.
Beside the large industries, small-scale manufacturing
operations and retail businesses of many kinds flourished here in the
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.&=
nbsp;
This diversity was common in Vermont, and Northfield was no
exception. Collectively these=
stores
and manufacturers gave employment to many, and economic health to the commu=
nity
for decades.
The Great Depression hastened the end of many
businesses. Henry Ford and his
competitors made the demise of other businesses certain. Mass production of the automobile =
and a
revived national economy after 1945 put Vermonters on wheels and took them =
out
of town to work and shop. The
importance of the automobile as a bringer of change cannot be overstated.
As manufacturing jobs declined, the importance of Norwich
University increased. About 1=
950,
Norwich, Rock of Ages, and the Nantanna textile mill each employed
approximately 140 people. By =
1963,
Rock of Ages went out of business.
Though the college has seen ups and downs over the past 125 years, i=
ts
presence has been an economic force for the community and a social and cult=
ural
life Northfield probably would not otherwise have seen.
Since
World War II, population growth has been slow but steady. The town has seen none of the
large-scale tourism that has brought mixed blessings to other Vermont
towns. While no large industr=
y has
come to town, a number of small businesses have sprung up. Slightly more than half of the
Northfield labor force worked out of town.=
Over two centuries, Northfield evolved from farming to manufacturing=
to
a mix of small businesses and a college town economy.
[Northfield Historical Societ=
y]
McIntire, Julia. (1981 Fall). History of Northfield. Central Vermont Views, 3, No. 1, 2=
8-33.
McIntire, J. W., and Cleveland, R.L. (1985). Picture
Northfield: A Photographic Study.
The
Northfield Town Committee (1974). Green Mountain Heritage: The Chronicle=
of
Northfield, Vermont.
Chap=
ter
2. Natural & Cultural Res=
ources
2.1 Overview
Northfield’s
physical character and identity, its unique “sense of place,” is
defined by both its natural setting and its built environment. Local topography and natural featu=
res
helped shape historic patterns of development, which in turn offer a framew=
ork
for future growth. Many of
Northfield’s most significant natural and historic features remain
remarkably intact, and contribute much to the attractiveness of the communi=
ty
and to the overall quality of life in town.
Northfield
does not have to go the way of many communities that are losing their sense=
of
identity and place to nondescript, homogeneous forms of development. Such development can adversely imp=
act
the natural environment, and is inconsistent with the historic character of=
the
built environment. Giving due
consideration to the town’s natural and historic features, and the
potential impacts of development on these resources, is critical to protect
environmental quality and community identity, and to preserve that which ma=
kes
Northfield a special place to live, work and visit.
2.2 Topography &
Drainage
Northfield
lies in the heart of the Dog River valley, defined by the Northfield Range =
to
the west, and the Irish Hill ridge, including Paine Mountain, to the east.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The Dog River, fed locally by a nu=
mber
of tributaries within the local drainage area, flows northward into the
Winooski, west of Montpelier, and eventually into Lake Champlain. Elevations in town range from arou=
nd 650
feet where the Dog River crosses into Berlin, to over 2500 ft along the
town’s western border in the Northfield Range. Prominent peaks to the east include
Paine Mountain (2411 ft.), Turkey Hill (1888 ft.), and Shaw Mountain (1820 =
ft.). Around 62 acres of land are located
above 2,500 feet – all in the Northfield Range – and are subjec=
t to
Act 250 review if developed.
River
valleys provided natural transportation routes for prehistoric populations,=
and
early settlers. The “Pa=
ine Turnpike”
(now called Berlin Pond Road) connecting Brookfield and Montpelier, was fir=
st
constructed up the Dog River valley in 1799, opening up the town to settlem=
ent
and trade with the outside world.
The Vermont Central Railroad, completed through the valley in 1847,
established Northfield Village as an important regional commercial and
industrial center.
Historically,
settlement was concentrated in the narrow confines of the valley floor in
locations where the power of the Dog River and its tributaries could be eas=
ily
harnessed. Northfield’s=
four
historic villages – South Village, Center Village, Factory (Northfiel=
d)
Village, and Northfield Falls – all developed first as mill sites.
As
farms extended into the surrounding hills, much of the forests were cleared=
for
agriculture and potash production – the town’s earliest
industry. Upland areas suppor=
ted
subsistence farming, and for a time commercial sheep and dairy farms. The clearing of steeper slopes, ho=
wever,
also resulted in accelerated stormwater runoff and soil erosion, which depl=
eted
local soils.
With
the abandonment of the hill farms over the last century, most of the
town’s uplands have reverted to forests. These areas now support logging
operations and wildlife populations, and provide a highly visible and scenic
backdrop to the valley below. They
are also increasingly attractive for low-density residential development, a=
nd
high elevation uses such as telecommunications towers and wind generation
facilities. If poorly sited a=
nd
developed, such uses can adversely impact upland headwater and groundwater
recharge areas, timber stands, critical wildlife habitat, and scenic views.=
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image001.gif")
Recent
changes in the state’s regulations now allow septic systems to be bui=
lt
on slopes up to 20%, opening up more upland areas to development (see
map). Site preparation and
development on steeper slopes (15% or more) should be carefully managed
according to accepted management practices to minimize runoff and soil eros=
ion. Development on slopes in excess of=
25%
(estimated at 6,570 acres or 21%of the town’s total land area) should=
be
avoided.
Development
in areas that are highly visible from public vantage points also should be
sited and designed to minimize visual impacts – by siting development
below prominent peaks and ridgelines, minimizing site clearing, screening
development from view, and using colors and materials that blend into the
surroundings.
2.3 Natural Resources=
Northfield
has a wealth of natural resources that contribute to a healthy and diverse
environment, and support local economic and community development. The protection and sustainable use=
of
the town’s natural resource base is necessary to maintain the quality=
of
life for existing and future Northfield residents. Many of the resources noted here a=
re
shown on accompanying maps.
Earth Resources
Geologic Features & Hazar=
ds.
Northfield’s many quarries supported a thriving slate industry=
in
the mid- to late 1800s, rescuing the community from economic decline follow=
ing
the relocation railroad operations.
These quarries, which extend over several acres, are no longer
operational; however several quarries have been reopened in recent years
elsewhere in the state. Other=
rock
and mineral deposits are found locally, though not in commercial
quantities. Avid recreational
panners may find small amounts of placer gold in local streams.
Geologic
hazards are minimal, though isolated rock falls and slides are common on st=
eep
or unstable slopes. Regional =
earthquakes,
typically centered in the Adirondack Mountains or southern Quebec, occur wi=
th
enough frequency and strength that public infrastructure, buildings, and
utility systems should incorporate basic seismic standards for earthquake
resistance.
Sand & Gravel<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-b=
idi-font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>. Sand and
gravel deposits, located mainly along the Dog River and its tributaries, su=
pply
commercial extraction operations.
Based on soil surveys, it is estimated that there are nearly 4,500 a=
cres
of potential sand and gravel, though not all may be suitable for
extraction. Such operations s=
upply
much needed sand and gravel for road maintenance and construction; but if n=
ot
properly developed and managed, can result in unstable slopes and slides, a=
nd adversely
affect surface and groundwater quality, local roads, and neighboring
properties. Phasing to limit
exposed areas, good management practices, and site reclamation can reduce s=
ome
of these impacts.
Agricultural Soils=
. Farmland=
still
in production locally is generally confined to the best agricultural soils =
in
town. Northfield has around 4=
,500
acres of mapped “primary agricultural soils,” including soils of
federal and statewide importance (see map). These soils are considered by the =
state
to be a critical natural resource for local agriculture and food production,
and as such are considered for protection in Act 250 review.
Water Resources
Groundwater. Upland a=
reas,
and glacial sand and gravel deposits, serve as important aquifer recharge a=
reas
that replenish local groundwater supplies – including many private we=
lls
and the town’s well fields.
Most recharge areas have yet to be mapped, but the state has delinea=
ted
“source protection areas” (also known as wellhead protection ar=
eas)
to protect public water supplies (see map).
The
delineated source protection area for the village water supply encompasses =
111
acres. Potential sources of
contamination identified by the Northfield Water Department include road sa=
lt,
accidental spills, failed septic systems, fertilizer, runoff, pesticides,
herbicides, and chemicals. The
Department has developed a source protection plan that was approved by the
state in 2002. Extending sewer
service to this area would eliminate potential contamination from failed se=
ptic
systems. Additional protectio=
n could
be implemented through local land use regulations.
Surface Waters. Northfie=
ld has
approximately 100 acres of mapped surface waters. Prominent surface waters in town i=
nclude
the Dog River and its tributaries (Cox Brook, Union Brook, Stony Brook, Fel=
chner
Brook, Bull Run, Sunny Brook and Robinson Brook) and small upland ponds,
including Felchner Pond, and a number of beaver ponds. Surface waters also include upland
headwaters that feed local brooks and ponds. Although these often do not show u=
p on
maps, headwaters are nevertheless important to sustain local water supplies=
and
maintain water quality. A “surface water protection area” exten=
ding
along the Irish Hill ridge to Paine Mountain also has been delineated by the
state to protect the Berlin Pond that supplies water to Montpelier, and the
headwaters of the Dog River. <=
/span>
Historically
the Dog River suffered the effects of damming, siltation, and pollution.
Surface
water quality is generally good.
Most waters in town are rated “Class B” by the state =
211;
indicating that they will support local fisheries and are generally suitable
for recreation, and drinking with treatment. Within a designated “mixing =
zone”
on the Dog River, extending downstream from the wastewater treatment plant
outflow, uses are more limited.
This stretch of the river has been classified as “impairedR=
21;
by the state because of high concentrations of copper and toxics generated =
from
local industry. Planned treat=
ment
plant improvements are expected to eliminate this source of pollution.
Other
threats to water quality include failed septic systems, stormwater runoff, =
and
sedimentation from construction sites, roads, and other impervious
surfaces. These can be reduced
through the use of surface water setbacks, undisturbed buffer zones, and the
application of best management practices for stormwater management and eros=
ion
control.
Environmentally Sensitive Are=
as
Environmentally
sensitive areas are distinct areas that serve important ecological and
environmental functions, and are particularly vulnerable to the adverse imp=
acts
of development or mismanagement.
Development of these areas should be avoided, or carefully managed w=
here
encroachments are unavoidable.
Wetlands. Wetlands=
, once
thought to be mosquito-ridden wastelands, are now recognized to serve a num=
ber
of important ecological and environmental functions – including but n=
ot
limited to flood management, ground and surface water recharge and
filtration. They also provide
important wildlife habitat, and contribute to the diversity and beauty of t=
he
natural landscape.
The
loss of wetlands through draining and development is an issue of state and
national concern; significant wetlands are now protected under both state a=
nd
federal regulations. Wetlands
regulated by the state are identified on the Vermont Significant Wetland
Inventory (VSWI) map for the town. <=
/span>There
are no extensive mapped wetland areas in Northfield, however many smaller
wetlands are found throughout town, along the Dog River and its tributaries,
and in headwater areas. Not a=
ll
wetlands appear on this map, however.
Site-specific information and delineations may be required for the
review of impacts associated with a particular development. Protection is typically provided t=
hrough
the designation of buffer areas at least fifty feet in width, within which =
very
few activities are allowed. &nb=
sp;
The
town is required, under state and local regulations, to notify the state
wetlands office whenever development is proposed within or adjacent to mapp=
ed
wetland areas. There are a few
cases on record of local wetlands being filled in violation of these
regulations. The town may als=
o opt,
through local regulations, to protect wetlands that do not trigger state
review.
Floodplains. Local fl=
ood
plains, including those areas along the Dog River and its tributaries, which
have a chance of flooding once every one hundred years (the 100-year
floodplain), have been roughly identified on federal Flood Hazard Boundary =
Maps
(FHBMs) for the town. Property
owners within mapped flood hazard areas are eligible to purchase flood
insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as long as the
town regulates development within these areas as required under state and
federal programs. The town is=
also
required to notify the state when development is proposed within mapped flo=
od
plains.
Flooding,
including flash flooding after major storms, may also occur on land outside=
of
mapped flood plains, including upland streams. Stream setbacks, buffers, and stor=
mwater
management requirements under local regulations can help reduce flood hazar=
ds
in these areas.
Wildlife Habitat
- Several
large deer wintering areas
(more than 5,000 acres), also referred to as “deer yards,”
which are critical to the winter survival of local deer populations;
- Seasonal bear habitat (roughly 4,800 acres) located
mostly in remote upland areas, including the Northfield Range; and
- A rare plant community – a
species of fern –on=
the
slopes of Paine Mountain.
Many
other important wildlife areas may exist in town, but have not yet been
identified or mapped. Often t=
hese
are identified on a project-by-project basis; however, a more comprehensive
inventory could be undertaken locally by trained volunteers through Keeping
Track® – a Vermont-based nonprofit that provides commu=
nity
training in wildlife identification and tracking. Wildlife habitat protection could =
also
be incorporated under local subdivision and zoning regulations.
2.4 &nb=
sp;
Cultural
Resources
Northfield
residents have long taken an interest in the town’s historic
development. The Northfield
Historical Society was established to preserve and interpret local history =
for
present and future generations of Northfield residents. The Society maintains a collection=
of
materials and artifacts in its new home – the historic Paine House (t=
he
former site of the American Legion).
Traditional Settlement Patter=
ns
Northfield’s
traditional settlement pattern – of clustered villages linked by an
integrated transportation network, and surrounded by an open river valley a=
nd
forested uplands – has been well-established since the nineteenth
century. Northfield’s
villages were developed at a scale and density that is pedestrian friendly,
with clearly defined streetscapes and public spaces, prominent public
buildings, and a variety of goods, services and employment opportunities
– all within easy walking distance of residential neighborhoods.
As
noted in the town history, the introduction of the automobile significantly
altered the town’s character, yet this traditional pattern of develop=
ment
remains largely intact. North=
field
has yet to suffer the effects of large-scale, auto-oriented commercial strip
development and low density sprawl that are plaguing other Vermont communit=
ies. Issues associated with traffic and
parking, and the effects these have on residential neighborhoods, are more
common locally. Through the u=
se of
local subdivision and zoning regulations, and carefully delineated water and
sewer service areas, Northfield can promote types and patterns of growth th=
at
are consistent with its traditional character, and help preserve its local
identity.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image002.gif")
Historic Sites & Structures
Northfield
has a wealth of historic resources that includes hundreds of documented
historic sites and structures, and many others that have yet to be identifi=
ed
or catalogued. A few of
Northfield’s most historic structures – including its five cove=
red bridges,
the Vermont Central Railroad Station, the Old Mill Building and the Mayo
Building – were accepted for listing on the National Register of Hist=
oric
Places back in the 1970s and early 1980s.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image003.gif")
A more
comprehensive historic sites and structures survey for Northfield, conducte=
d by
the state in 1980-81, identified six separate historic districts, with 342
contributing structures (Table 2.2), and 79 other historic structures locat=
ed
throughout town. A structure
generally must be at least fifty years old, and retain its historic integri=
ty,
to be eligible for listing on state and national registers. Most structures identified to date=
are
historic homes, but also included several school houses, many of
Northfield’s public buildings, the Vermont Central Railroad engine ho=
use,
the Nantanna Woolen Mills complex, the Brown Public Library, and the Vine S=
treet
and Town Highway 57 bridges. =
At the
time the Northfield survey was conducted, many of these structures were in =
good
to excellent condition.
Not
included on the initial survey were potential archaeological sites, includi=
ng
quarry and mill sites along the Dog River; town cemeteries which are an
important historic resource, and other types of historic structures such as
barns and outbuildings, that have yet to be identified or surveyed, but may
also contribute to the town’s cultural heritage.
Northfield’s
six historic districts, and many of the historic structures listed on the s=
tate
inventory may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places, and should be considered for nomination. In addition to conferring state and
national recognition of historic significance, listed properties are eligib=
le
for limited state and federal financial assistance, including historic
preservation grants and rehabilitation investment tax credits.
Listing,
however, offers very limited protection from demolition or alteration ̵=
1;
potential impacts of development on listed properties are considered only f=
or
projects that are subject to federal or state review (e.g., Act 250). Act 250 may also trigger an initia=
l site
assessment to determine if buried archaeological resources are present. The town could consider adopting
historic and/or design review regulations under zoning to further protect t=
he
character of individual historic landmarks or designated historic districts=
.
|
2.2 Northfield Historic Districts |
|||
|
District |
Description |
Structures |
Condition |
|
Northfield Falls Village |
Mid-19th century mill
village, first settled in the 1820s; dominated by Greek Revival architect=
ure |
40 contributing structures; 13 other structures |
20% excellent 40% good 30% fair 10% poor |
|
Water-Pleasant Street |
Historic residential district dat=
ing
from 1840s; 1890s stoneworker housing |
54 contributing structures 34 other structures |
15% excellent 70% good 10% fair =
5% poor |
|
Vine Street |
Historic residential district
developed between 1840 and 1920; houses represent a range of architectural
styles |
97 contributing structures 36 other structures |
5% excellent 40% good 35% fair 20% poor |
|
Crescent Street |
Historic residential district; mo=
stly
Greek Revival architecture; face common and Norwich University |
11 contributing structures 1 other structure |
20% excellent 40% good 40% fair 0%
poor |
|
Depot Square |
Historic commercial district link=
ing Main
Street to the railway; anchored by two 19th century
landmarks– the VCR Rail Station and the United Church; 20th
century infill |
12 contributing structures Depot Square 4 other buildings |
10% excellent 70% good 20% fair 0%
poor |
|
South Main-Central Street |
Historic residential district,
reflecting prosperity associated with railroad, granite industry; Greek a=
nd
Colonial Revival |
128 contributing structures 16 other structures |
50% excellent 40% good 5% fair 5% poor |
|
Source: Vermont
Historic Sites & Structures Survey, Northfield, VT, Division for
Historic Preservation, 1980-81. |
Additional state assistance is available for historic
properties within designated downtowns under Vermont’s Downtown Progr=
am (see
Chapter 5), and for preservation projects conducted by “Certified Loc=
al
Governments (CLGs).”
Northfield could apply for CLG status, which extends federal and sta=
te
preservation partnerships to the local level. CLGs are eligible for additional f=
ederal
and state preservation grants and technical assistance, and may participate
directly in the nomination of historic properties for listing. In order to become a CLG, the town=
would
need to:
§ =
Adopt and
enforce local legislation for the designation and protection of historic
properties;
§ =
Establish =
an
historic preservation review commission to review development within design=
ated
historic districts;
§ =
Maintain a
system for surveying and inventorying historic properties;
§ =
Provide for
public participation in local historic preservation programs, including
community-wide information and education; and
=
§With
assistance from the state, meet responsibilities under the National Historic
Preservation Act.
2.5. Natural & Cultural
Resource Goals, Policies & Tasks
Goals
To identify, protect and pres=
erve
important natural and historic features of Northfield’s landscape, wh=
ich
help define the community’s unique identity and sense of place; and
To maintain and improve the
quality of Northfield’s air, water, wildlife and land resources.
Policies
Development
should be:
=
1)&n=
bsp;
Carefully
managed on slopes of 15-25% to minimize surface water runoff and erosion, a=
nd
prohibited on slopes of 25% or more;
=
2)&n=
bsp;
Sited to a=
void
prominent ridgelines and hilltops, as viewed from public vantage points;
=
3)&n=
bsp;
Carefully
sited, designed and managed in upland areas (e.g., over 1800 ft) to avoid s=
teep
slopes and shallow soils, and adverse impacts to headwaters, groundwater
recharge areas, and scenic views from public vantage points;
=
4)&n=
bsp;
Sited and
carefully managed to avoid the fragmentation and degradation of critical
wildlife habitat, including core habitat areas and connecting corridors,
=
5)&n=
bsp;
Sited to
avoid, to the extent feasible, primary agricultural soils, which should be
protected for current and future agricultural use;
=
6)&n=
bsp;
Setback
sufficiently and buffered from surface waters and wetlands as needed to pro=
tect
water quality, critical riparian habitat, and cold water fisheries (e.g., 50
foot minimum),
=
7)&n=
bsp;
Sited to a=
void
and/or minimize impacts to designated source and surface water protection a=
reas
that supply community or municipal water systems
=
8)&n=
bsp;
Sited to a=
void
flood hazard areas to the extent feasible, or where necessary, be designed =
to
minimize flood damage and the loss of life and property;
=
9)&n=
bsp;
Sited and
designed to be consistent with Northfield’s historic settlement patte=
rn,
including traditional densities and scales of development, local street
networks, and streetscapes;
=
10)&=
nbsp;
Compatible
with Northfield’s historic architectural styles,
11)
Designed to
minimize adverse impacts to Northfield’s historic sites and structure=
s.
Tasks
=
1)&n=
bsp;
Continue to
inventory, catalogue and map Northfield’s natural and historic featur=
es
[Historical Society, Planning and/or Conservation Commission].
=
2)&n=
bsp;
Update loc=
al land
use regulations as needed to adequately protect Northfield’s natural =
and
historic resources. Consider =
the
adoption of conservation, historic and/or design review overlay districts, =
for
natural and open space protection, and for the adaptive reuse of historic
structures. [Planning Commission, Selectmen, Trustees].
=
3)&n=
bsp;
Consider
nominating one or more of Northfield’s Historic Districts to the Nati=
onal
Register of Historic Places [Historical Society]
=
4)&n=
bsp;
Consider
application for Downtown and/or Certified Local Government designation to
access additional resources and financial assistance for historic preservat=
ion
[Selectmen, Trustees].
=
5)&n=
bsp;
Seek finan=
cing
as needed for the redevelopment of the town’s historic properties,
including Northfield’s historic public buildings [Selectmen, Trustees,
Historical Society].
6)
Seek finan=
cing
as needed to conserve significant natural areas or features, through the
purchase of land or interests in land (e.g., conservation easements,
development rights). [Selectm=
en,
Trustees, Planning Commission, and/or Conservation Commission].
Chapter 3.
Population
3.1 &nb=
sp; Overview
The
composition and fluctuation of a community’s population can have a
significant influence on a number of issues of public concern. Generally, rapid population change=
can
stress community services, result in environmental degradation, create or l=
imit
economic opportunity, and/or impact housing conditions and values. The presence of large age cohort &=
#8211;
such as a large retirement or student population – can place special =
demands
on community services. This c=
hapter
examines population trends and characteristics in Northfield, and identifies
those likely to affect future conditions in the community.
3.2 &nb=
sp; Historic
Trends
Since
its settlement in 1785, Northfield’s population change varied from th=
at
of most Vermont communities (see Figure 3.1). The town’s 19th c=
entury
population peaked around 1860 – at which time Northfield was the
state’s fourth most populous community. The local decline of the railroad,=
which
began in the 1850s, the American Civil War, and subsequent westward migrati=
on,
preceded a period of population decline.&n=
bsp;
For much of Vermont, that period of decline lasted through the 1950s=
. The trend reversed itself much ear=
lier
in Northfield, however, which experienced relatively steady population grow=
th
since 1890.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image005.gif")
3.3 Recent Trends
In recent years, Northfield’s population growth has
been relatively slow. During =
the
1980s and 1990s, the town’s population increased a total of 3.2% for =
each
decade – an average annual rate of 0.3% since 1980. The town’s rate of population
growth has been lower than that of Washington County as a whole. Over the past 10 years communities
located in the western portion of the county have seen rapid population gro=
wth.
All of Northfield’s neighboring municipalities
experienced higher rates of population growth during the previous two decad=
es,
although Roxbury’s rate of increase slowed considerably during the 19=
90s. This is even true with Williamstown
that, despite being located some distance from regional population and
employment centers, exhibited a significantly higher rate of population gro=
wth
since 1980. A comparison of
population change in surrounding towns is provided in Table 3.1.
|
Table
3.1 Northfield=
&
Surrounding Communities
Population
Trends: 1980-2000 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
Change (#) |
Change (%) |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
1980-90 |
1990-00 |
1980-90 |
1990-00 |
|
||||||
|
Berlin |
2,454 |
2,561 |
2,864 |
107 |
303 |
4.4% |
11.8% |
|
||||||
|
Moretown |
1,221 |
1,415 |
1,653 |
194 |
238 |
15.9% |
16.8% |
|
||||||
|
Northfield Town |
5,435 |
5,610 |
5,791 |
175 |
181 |
3.2% |
3.2% |
|
||||||
|
N=
orthfield
Village1 |
|
1,889 |
2,010 |
|
See note |
|
See note |
|
||||||
|
Roxbury |
452 |
562 |
576 |
110 |
15 |
24.3% |
2.5% |
|
||||||
|
Waitsfield |
1,302 |
1,422 |
1,659 |
120 |
237 |
9.2% |
16.7% |
|
||||||
|
Williamstown |
2,284 |
2,839 |
3,225 |
555 |
386 |
24.3% |
13.6% |
|
||||||
|
Washington Co. =
|
52,393 |
54,928 |
58,039 |
2,535 |
3,111 |
4.8% |
5.7% |
|
||||||
|
Vermont |
511,456 |
562,758 |
608,827 |
51,302 |
46,069 |
10.0% |
8.2% |
|
||||||
|
Source:
U.S. Census. 1<=
/b>Northfield Village’s 2000
population, as reported by the U.S. Census, included students residing on=
the
Norwich University Campus, although the campus is located outside the Vil=
lage
boundaries. The on-campus s=
tudent
population – 1,198 residents – was excluded from the Village
population in this table. Student residents were included in both the 1990
and 2000 population figures for the town, which includes all village
residents. |
|||||||||||||
3.4
Components of Population Change
According to the University of Vermont’s Center for
Rural Studies, 66% of Northfield’s population growth during the 1970s=
was
due to in-migration (people moving to town). During the 1980s, however, all
population growth was attributable to natural increase (the number of local
births minus local deaths), with more people leaving town during the decade
than moving in.
This trend was reversed over the past decade, as 79% of =
the
population increase during the 1990s was attributable to net migration. The remaining 21% of the population
growth during the 1990s was due to natural increase (see Figure 3.2).
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image007.gif")
3.5
Population Projections
In additio=
n to
past trends, future population changes should be considered to avoid
unanticipated burdens to the community. In 2001, the Central Vermont Region=
al
Planning Commission contracted with Economic & Policy Research Inc. (ER=
PI)
of Williston to prepare economic and demographic forecasts for towns in the
region through 2020. Accordin=
g to
the ERPI forecast, Northfield’s population is expected to increase by=
an
estimated 221 people by 2010, an average annual rate of growth of 0.4%. This is among the slowest projecte=
d rate
of population increase in Washington County. Figure 3.3 displays the ERPI forec=
ast,
to the year 2020. It should be
noted, however, that since the EPRI projections were developed it was annou=
nced
that a major new employer =
211;
the National Center for the Study of Cyber-Terrorism and Cyber-Crime –
would locate in Northfield (see Chapter 5). The potential influx of new reside=
nts
would likely result in a higher rate of growth than what was projected.
Should
population projections for the town and Washington County come to pass,
Northfield will comprise 9.8% of the county’s population in 2010, a
slight reduction from the 10% of the county population it comprised in 2000=
. That percentage is projected to co=
ntinue
to decline, with the town expected to comprise 9.5% of the county’s
population in 2020.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image009.gif")
3.6 Population
Characteristics
Northfield’s
population, following state and national trends, has aged over the past
decade. The number of childre=
n (17
years of age or less) has declined.
The greatest increase occurred in the 35-64 year old “baby
boomer” category. Norwi=
ch
University’s student population inflates the number of 18-34 year old
residents in town. Omitting t=
he
student population residing in on-campus dormitories considerably reduces t=
he
population of 18-34 year olds. It
also shows that this age group declined significantly during the 1990s. Unless substantial in-migration oc=
curs,
the town’s school-aged population is likely to continue to decline in
coming years. The composition=
of
the population in 1990 and 2000 is presented in Figure 3.4.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image011.gif")
In addition to age distribution, the U.S. Census provide=
s a
range of current information regarding the characteristics of town and vill=
age
population. A statistical pro=
file
of Northfield’s 2000 population is provided in Table 3.2, which revea=
ls
several similarities – and some noteworthy differences – between
town and village population and that of the county and state.
In
many respects, the town’s population characteristics in 2000 were qui=
te
similar to the county’s and state’s population. Similarities exist in:
§ =
Median fam=
ily
income
§ =
Ethnic
diversity
§ =
Formal
education, and
§Family siz=
e
In several
other respects, the characteristics of the town’s population vary
considerably from those of the county and state. This is due to the relatively large
number of Norwich students, which makes the town population younger, less
wealthy (as indicated by per capita income), disproportionately male, and l=
ess
impoverished. It appears, how=
ever,
that if the student population is removed from mix, the town’s popula=
tion
remains similar to the county’s and state’s in most respects.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image013.gif")
Census figures also provide comparative information betw=
een
the town’s population and that portion of the town’s population
residing in the village. Some=
what
surprisingly, the village population contains both a greater percentage of
elderly residents and a greater percentage of school aged children. The elderly population includes
residents of senior care facilities, and the relatively large school aged
population may indicate the presence of younger families, although the
percentage of 18-34 year olds is low relative to the town outside of the
village (see Figure 3.5).
|
Table 3.2 Northfield 2000 Population Profil=
e |
||||
|
|
Northfield Town |
Northfield Village |
Washington County |
Vermont |
|
Population |
5,791 |
3,208 |
58,039 |
608,827 |
|
% Male |
54.9% |
58.7% |
49.0% |
49.0% |
|
% Female |
45.1% |
41.3% |
51.0% |
51.0% |
|
% Minority |
4.6% |
6.6% |
1.7% |
2.1% |
|
% Born in Vermont |
50.0% |
42.2% |
58.5% |
54.3% |
|
% Foreign Born |
2.9% |
3.8% |
3.6% |
3.8% |
|
% Veteran (civilian pop 18=
years
and &nbs=
p;
older) |
14.7% |
11.8% |
13.9% |
13.6% |
|
% With a Disability (civil=
ian
non- &nbs=
p;
institutionalized pop) |
8.2% |
10.1% |
17.3% |
16.1% |
|
Median Age |
29.7 |
22.1 |
38.5 |
37.7 |
|
% Children (< 18 years =
old) |
19.4% |
15.0% |
23.5% |
24.2% |
|
% Elderly (> 65 years o=
ld) |
11.6% |
11.8% |
12.9% |
12.7% |
|
% High School Graduates (p=
op
25 &nbs=
p;
years and older) |
86.6% |
83.6% |
88.4% |
86.4% |
|
% College Graduates (pop 25 years &nbs=
p;
and older) |
29.6% |
25.5% |
32.2% |
29.4% |
|
Per Capita Income |
$15,592 |
$11,760 |
$21,113 |
$20,625 |
|
% Below Poverty Level |
6.7% |
12.1% |
8.0% |
9.4% |
|
% Children Below Pov=
erty
Level |
6.1% |
9.5% |
9.1% |
10.7% |
|
% Elderly Below Pove=
rty
Level |
6.2% |
10.0% |
6.8% |
8.5% |
|
Families |
1,225 |
487 |
15,147 |
157,736 |
|
% Families w/ Children |
32.4% |
32.4% |
31.0% |
31.8% |
|
Average Family Size |
2.95 |
2.92 |
2.91 |
2.96 |
|
Median Family Income |
$51,818 |
$39,783 |
$51,075 |
$48,625 |
|
% Below Poverty Level |
3.2% |
6.5% |
5.5% |
6.3% |
|
Population Living in Group Quarte=
rs1 |
1,312 |
1,312 |
2,117 |
20,760 |
|
% in Institutionaliz=
ed
Population |
2.0% |
3.6% |
1.1% |
0.9% |
|
% in Non-institution=
alized
Population |
20.7% |
37.3% |
2.6% |
2.5% |
|
Source: U.S. Ce=
nsus
data. 1=
Population
figures for the Village include 1,198 Norwich University students residin=
g on-campus,
although the University’s student housing is located outside the
Village. |
The
village population also is less wealthy, as indicated by median family inco=
me
(which excludes students) and poverty rates. While the percentage of village fa=
milies
living below the poverty level (6.5%) is slightly higher than the county
(5.5%), it is considerably higher than that of the town (3.2%, which includ=
es
village residents). Further, =
the
percentage of village individuals living in poverty (12.1%) is significantly
higher than in the town (6.7%), county (8.0%), or state (9.4%).
3.7 Special Populatio=
ns
<=
/o:p>
The 2000 Census identified=
two
significant populations living in group-quarters in Northfield. The village had an institutionaliz=
ed
population of 114, which includes residents of local senior care
facilities. The number of res=
idents
in such facilities has remained stable since 1990.
An
additional 1,198 students were reported to be living on the campus of Norwi=
ch University
in 2000. According to univers=
ity
officials, that number had increased to nearly 1,400 in 2002. An additional 300 students live
off-campus. These commuter
students, which include dependents of university employees, reside througho=
ut
central Vermont, although many are presumed to live in private apartments
within Northfield.
The
university does not anticipate a substantial change in the number of commut=
er
students over the next 5 to 10 years.
The number of students residing on campus, however, may increase by =
as
many as 250 during the same period.
Such an increase in enrollment would be accommodated through the
construction of new on-campus housing, although plans for construction have=
not
been developed. The universit=
y is
presently preparing a facilities plan that will address student housing.
As
stated previously, a relatively high percentage of the village population is
living below the poverty level (232 individuals). A relatively high number of elderly
residents also reside in the Village (378 individuals over 65 years of age),
although the percentage that is elderly is skewed by the student
population. An additional 296
elderly residents reside outside of the village.
In
2000 there were, in addition to the 114 residents of residential care
facilities, 564 elderly residents (aged 65 and over) living in the town.
3.8
Population (Growth
Management) Goals, Policies & Tasks
=
Goal
To accommodate a reasonable r=
ate
of growth which maintains a diverse year-round population and does not
overburden existing or planned facilities and services.
Policies
=
1)&n=
bsp;
Accommodat=
e a
level of development over the next 10 years that results in a minimum avera=
ge
annual rate of population growth of 0.4% (approximately 22 new residents
annually) within the town and village, in addition to potential enrollment
increases at Norwich University.
=
2)&n=
bsp;
Encourage,
through land use and housing goals and policies, a socially and economically
diverse population. To the ex=
tent
possible, such goals and policies should promote a greater increase in
year-round population (in excess of the projected 0.4% annual rate of incre=
ase)
and associated development within Northfield Village and delineated municip=
al
sewer and water service areas.
Tasks
1)
Track annu=
al
permit data, and monitor population and housing estimates prepared annually=
by
the Vermont Department of Health, to identify correlations between housing =
development
and population growth [Planning Commission, Staff].
2) Periodically review and update
enrollment projections in relation to population growth and housing develop=
ment
[School Board, Planning Commission].
3)
Prepare a
Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including an annually updated and adopted
capital budget, to identify and schedule needed capital improvements based =
on
anticipated population growth and available financing [Selectmen and Trustees, in associ=
ation
with the Planning Commission and School Board].
4)
Exercise
statutory party status in Act 250 and other state regulatory proceedings as
appropriate, to ensure that town and village growth needs and limitations a=
re
adequately addressed in accordance with municipal plan policies and recomme=
ndations
[Planning Commission, Selectmen].
Chapter 4.
Housing
4.1 Overview
A
safe, decent place to live is one of life’s basic necessities. For this reason, a main goal of lo=
cal
planning is to ensure sound, safe, and affordable housing for all Northfield
residents, now and in the future.
Northfield
is fortunate to have a variety of housing that offers new and existing
residents a broad range of rental and ownership opportunities. A diverse housing stock supports a
diverse community – providing homes for families and individuals in
various stages of life, who work in town, support community organizations, =
and
contribute to the local economy.
Housing represents a major investment for many local residents. For some, however, household incom=
es may
not be keeping pace with rising housing costs.
Housing
also represents an important community investment. Well-constructed and maintained ho=
mes,
including many of the historic homes that line our village streets, contrib=
ute
much to Northfield’s tax base, historic character, and sense of
place. On the other hand, hou=
sing
that is poorly sited, constructed or maintained can destroy natural resourc=
es,
overburden public services, reduce property values, increase household
operating expenses, and result in unsafe housing conditions and a general s=
ense
of decline. Planning to meet
community housing needs requires a more careful look at local households, a=
nd
related housing and market trends.
4.2 Household Trends & Characteristics
How
the local population is arranged into households – which include all
related and/or unrelated individuals living together under one roof –
affects the demand for housing, employment, public services and facilities.=
The number of households in Northf=
ield
has increased over the years as the town’s population has grown, and
households have gotten smaller. A
snapshot of Northfield’s changing households is provided in Table 4.1=
.
According
to the U.S. Census, in 2000 there were 1,819 households in Northfield, 45% =
of
which resided in Northfield Village.
During the 1990s, 137 new households were established in town –
over half (52%) of which were located in the village. The number of households in town h=
as
been increasing more rapidly than its population, contributing to the local
demand for housing.
|
Table
4.1 Northfield
Household Trends, 1990-2000 |
||||||||
|
|
Northfield
Town |
Northfield
Village |
||||||
| Change |
Change |
|||||||
| 1990 |
2000 |
Number |
Percent |
1990 |
2000 |
Number |
Percent |
|
|
Households |
1,682 |
1,819 |
137 |
8.1% |
741 |
811 |
70 |
9.4% |
|
Avg. Size |
2.61 |
2.46 |
-0.15 |
-5.7% |
2.4 |
2.34 |
-0.06 |
-2.5% |
|
Family |
1,194 |
1,225 |
31 |
2.6% |
469 |
487 |
18 |
3.8% |
|
Non-family |
488 |
594 |
106 |
21.7% |
272 |
324 |
52 |
19.1% |
|
65+ living alone |
202 |
177 |
-25 |
-12.4% |
124 |
102 |
-22 |
-17.7% |
|
Source: U.S. Census. |
Following
national and statewide trends, household size has been declining in recent
decades – the result of an aging population, families having fewer
children, the breakup of extended family households, and a relative increas=
e in
single parent and non-family households.&n=
bsp;
Northfield’s average household size, as noted above, decreased
from 2.61 persons per household in 1990 to 2.46 persons in 2000. Town wide, households were slightly
larger than state and county averages, and included a higher percentage of
households with children and single parent families. Village households are typically s=
maller
– in 2000 averaging 2.34 persons per household. This is likely due to the higher
percentage of non-family, single parent, and elderly households in the vill=
age
(Table 4.2).
Table
4.2
Comparative
Household Characteristics, 2000
|
|||||
|
|
Average<= o:p> Size |
% Non-fa=
mily |
% w/Chil=
dren (<18 =
yrs) |
% Single
Parent w/Childr=
en |
% Elderl=
y (65+ yrs=
) Living A=
lone |
|
Northfield |
2.46 |
32.7% |
34.6% |
9.2% |
9.7% |
|
Northfield Village |
2.34 |
40.0% |
34.3% |
12.7% |
12.6% |
|
Washington
Co. |
2.36 |
36.4% |
32.6% |
8.8% |
10.2% |
|
Vermont |
2.44 |
34.4% |
33.6% |
8.5% |
9.5% |
|
Source: 2000 U.S. Census. |
Non-family
households in Northfield include Norwich University students who live
independently, off-campus. As=
noted
in the previous chapter, there are currently around 300 students living
off-campus. Campus housing,
consisting of dormitories and barracks (group quarters), serve another 1,400
students. It is not known how=
many
commuter students reside in town.
There is concern, however, that off-campus student housing –
created in part through the conversion of single family homes into rental
apartments – is affecting the condition of the housing stock, the
character of some village neighborhoods, and the local rental market. The university considers the manag=
ement
of off-campus housing by private landlords as contributing to this situatio=
n,
but will be evaluating the need to provide additional on-campus housing as =
part
of its facilities planning process to be completed in 2003.
It
is anticipated that locally household size will continue to decline, and th=
at
the shift toward more nontraditional households will also continue –
resulting in increases in non-family, “empty nester,” and elder=
ly
households. New household arr=
angements
may in turn increase local demand for accessory apartments, low maintenance
rental units, and smaller starter or retirement homes, to complement the
town’s growing stock of single family dwellings.
4.3 Housing Trends
Historically,
as a local commercial and transportation hub, Northfield experienced much m=
ore
residential development than did its neighbors. This held true until 1970, when th=
e rate
of housing growth in surrounding communities began to surpass that of the
town. As reported in 2000,
Northfield housing units numbered 1,958, representing 7% of the county̵=
7;s
total housing stock. Of these=
, 857
units (43.7%) were located in Northfield Village. Of its immediate neighbors, only W=
arren
had more housing units – the result of explosive ski area-related
condominium and seasonal home development in the 1970s and 1980s (Table 4.3=
).
|
Table
4.3 Comparative
Housing Trends: 1970-2000 |
|||||||
|
|
Total
Units |
%Change |
|||||
|
|
1970 |
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
1970-80 |
1980-90 |
1990-00 |
|
Berlin |
683 |
918 |
1,022 |
1,172 |
34.4% |
11.3% |
14.7% |
|
Brookfield |
300 |
457 |
565 |
602 |
52.3% |
23.6% |
6.5% |
|
Moretown |
392 |
544 |
639 |
727 |
38.8% |
17.5% |
13.8% |
|
Northfield |
1,312 |
1,704 |
1,877 |
1,958 |
29.9% |
10.2% |
4.3% |
|
Roxbury |
188 |
229 |
335 |
362 |
21.8% |
46.3% |
8.1% |
|
Waitsfield |
392 |
684 |
831 |
908 |
74.5% |
21.5% |
9.3% |
|
Warren |
347 |
1,337 |
1,949 |
2,078 |
285.3% |
45.8% |
6.6% |
|
Williamstown |
555 |
861 |
1,133 |
1,318 |
55.1% |
31.6% |
16.3% |
|
Washington Co. |
16,258 |
22,113 |
25,328 |
27,644 |
36.0% |
14.5% |
9.1% |
|
Vermont |
165,063 |
223,154 |
271,216 |
294,382 |
35.2% |
21.5% |
8.5% |
|
Source: U.S. C=
ensus. |
The
rate of housing development in Northfield has slowed significantly in past
decades – declining from an average of nearly 40 units per year in the
1970s, to 17 units per year in 1980s, down to less than 10 units per year in
the 1990s. During the last de=
cade,
Northfield’s rate of housing growth was the slowest in the area, and
roughly half that of the state. The
rate of housing growth in the village during the same period (7.7%) actually
exceeded that of the town.
Interestingly, 2000 Census data suggest that this was due to the
construction of new single-family homes in the village, rather than the
conversion of existing single-family dwellings into multi-family units.
Given
current population projections through 2010 (~220 persons), average househo=
ld size
(2.46 persons per household), and low vacancy rates, it is anticipated that
Northfield will need 90 to 100 additional housing units by the year 2010
– representing little or no increase in the current rate of housing
development. Such projections=
, however,
cannot anticipate major changes in the housing market that may result from =
such
events as the gain or loss of a large employer, an influx of off-campus col=
lege
students, or other regional development that could increase the local demand
for housing.
4.4 Housing Character=
istics
A
summary of local housing characteristics is presented in Table 4.4. In 2000, housing in both the town =
and
village consisted largely of owner-occupied, single family dwellings, thoug=
h as
expected, the village had a much higher percentage of multi-family and rent=
al
units. Seasonal homes made up=
a
very small portion of both town and village housing.
Local
vacancy rates for both sale and rental units have decreased over the past d=
ecade,
reflecting an increasingly tight housing market. The reported 2000 local vacancy ra=
te for
sale units was only 1.3% –compared to statewide rate of 1.4%. The vacancy rate for rental units =
was
3.4%, compared with a 4.2% rate for the state.
|
Table 4.4 Northfield Housing
Characteristics, 2000=
|
||||
|
|
Northfie=
ld
Town |
Northfie=
ld
Village |
Washingt=
on
County |
Vermont
|
Total Housing Units
|
1,958 |
857 |
27,644 |
294,382 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% occupied |
92.9% |
94.6 |
85.6% |
81.7% |
|
%
owner-occupied |
68.4% |
51.2% |
68.5% |
70.6% |
|
%
renter occupied |
31.6% |
48.8% |
31.5% |
29.4% |
|
% seasonal |
3.4% |
2.0% |
11.2% |
14.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vacancy rate/sale un=
its |
1.2% |
1.4% |
1.0% |
1.4% |
|
Vacancy rate/rental =
units |
3.4% |
3.9% |
3.5% |
4.2% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% single family-detached |
61.5% |
50.7% |
61.5% |
65.6% |
|
% single family attached/t=
wo-unit |
8.9% |
13.6% |
10.9% |
10.6% |
|
% multi-family (3+ units)<= o:p> |
17.0% |
30.0% |
21.3% |
15.8% |
|
% mobile homes |
12.5% |
5.7% |
6.2% |
7.7% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median # rooms |
5.7 |
5.6 |
5.6 |
5.6 |
|
% w/ >1.0 occupant/room=
|
0.7% |
0.7% |
1.3% |
1.5% |
|
% lacking complete plumbin=
g |
0.6% |
0.0% |
0.7% |
0.6% |
|
% lacking complete kitchen=
|
0.9% |
0.0% |
0.8% |
0.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% built since 1990 |
12.8% |
4.7% |
10.7% |
13.7% |
|
% built before 1939 |
44.7% |
63.2% |
35.4% |
30.0% |
|
Source: U.S. Census 2000 (including samp=
le
data). |
Much
of Northfield’s housing stock, including many of its historic village
homes, was built prior to 1939.
Older homes, while lending to the town’s historic character, a=
re often
more difficult and expensive to heat and maintain because of their age, size
and condition. No comprehensi=
ve
survey of local housing conditions has been conducted recently, but 2000 Ce=
nsus
data suggest that all but a few homes in town have been upgraded over the y=
ears
to include complete plumbing and kitchen facilities. Overcrowding is also not a problem
– less than 1% of units house more than one occupant per room.
The
general condition of housing varies in the community – there is conce=
rn
that the conversion of older single-family homes into rental units is leadi=
ng
to their deterioration. This
perceived trend could be more clearly evaluated and documented through a lo=
cal
housing survey.
Special Ne=
eds
Housing
Group Housing. As noted=
, Norwich
University provides on-campus housing for 1,400 resident students. The need for additional student ho=
using
will be addressed in the university’s 2003 facility plan, which is un=
der
development.
There
are also licensed Level III residential care facilities in town – the
Four Seasons Care Home on South Main Street, Mayo Assisted Living on Water
Street, and the Mayo DeLary House on Vine Street. Mayo Nursing Home on Richardson Av=
enue
offers an advanced level of long-term care. These homes have a combined capaci=
ty to
serve up to 113 elderly men and women and adults with disabilities. Services, provided on a fixed fee =
basis,
include room and board, help with personal care, 24-hour non-medical
supervision, and limited nursing assistance.
Subsidized Housing=
. There are
currently 84 publicly subsidized housing units in Northfield, which provide
housing for low-income families and individuals (Table 4.5). These units, located in six housing
developments, represent 4.3% of the town’s housing stock, and 5.0% of=
the
county’s total supply of subsidized housing. The three largest developments =
211;
accounting for 72 of the 84 units – are managed by the Vermont State
Housing Authority. The others=
are
managed locally. One-bedroom =
units
specifically designated for elderly housing make up 38% of the total. Only 3 of the 84 units (3.6%) are
three-bedroom units, which can house larger families.
|
Table 4.5 Subsidized Housing |
||||||
|
Development |
Units |
Bedrooms |
Elderly |
Handicapped Accessible |
||
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
||||
|
28½ Vine=
|
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dogwood Glen I<= o:p> |
32 |
16 |
16 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dogwood Glen II=
|
20 |
12 |
8 |
0 |
12 |
1 |
|
Green Mt Apts |
20 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
20 |
2 |
|
Vine Street Apt=
s |
7 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
|
Water Street |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
84 |
49 |
32 |
3 |
32 |
10 |
|
Source: Directory of Affordable Housing,=
. VT Dept. of Housing & Commun=
ity
Affairs, 2000. |
Mobile Home Parks
Six
of Washington County’s 27 mobile home parks are located in Northfield=
, which
include 18% of the county’s total inventory of leased mobile home lots
(Table 4.6). All but one of
Northfield’s parks were established prior to 1980, and all are privat=
ely
owned and managed. Monthly lot
rents in 2001 were generally less than state ($229) and county ($258) media=
ns,
and varied in part based on the number and types of services provided.
Table 4.6<= o:p>Northfield Mobile Home
Parks |
|||||||
|
Park |
Year Est. |
Lots |
Mobile
Home Ownership |
Lot
Rent [Oct
01] |
|||
|
Total |
Leased |
Vacant |
Park |
Leasehlder/Oth |
|||
|
North Main MHP<= o:p> |
1994 |
7 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
$230 |
|
Northfield Falls
MHP |
1965 |
51 |
42 |
9 |
0 |
42 |
$314 |
|
Smith’s
Trailer Park |
1970 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
$120 |
|
Trombly’s
Trailer Park |
1973 |
15 |
15 |
0 |
7 |
8 |
$204 |
|
Tucker MHP |
1975 |
32 |
31 |
1 |
0 |
31 |
$220 |
|
Winch Hill MHP<= o:p> |
1966 |
13 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
$170 |
|
Total |
|
124 |
113 |
10 |
9 |
104 |
NA |
|
Source: 2001
Registry of Mobile Home Parks, VT Dept. of Housing & Community Af=
fairs
[2/02]. |
Mobile
home parks are viewed by the state as a means of providing safe, sanitary, =
and
affordable housing for low and moderate-income households. Given the age of many parks, the r=
ate of
their sale and conversion to other uses, the lack of new park development, =
and
limited vacancy rates statewide, retaining and improving mobile home parks =
have
become matters of state policy. As
such, a number of laws and programs have been adopted in recent years to
improve and protect existing parks.
This includes the “Mobile Home Park Law (Act 252)” which
requires that park residents be given notice of any intent by the owners to
sell the park. Residents then=
have
a limited period of time to consider purchasing the park, with some assista=
nce
from the state, either through a resident cooperative or a nonprofit housing
agency.
There
is concern that mobile home parks in the vicinity of the town’s well
field, which are not hooked up to the municipal wastewater system, may poll=
ute
the public water supply. A li=
ne
extension to serve these parks is under consideration as part of the propos=
ed
upgrade of the municipal wastewater treatment system.
4.5 Housing Affordability
When
viewed statewide, housing in Northfield is less expensive than housing
elsewhere in Vermont (Table 4.7).
According to U.S. Census data, the median reported value for a house=
in
Northfield in 2000 was $96,700 – 94% of the county median, and only 8=
7%
of the statewide median.[1] Housing in the village generally w=
as
relatively even more affordable.
Reported monthly mortgage and owner costs for local homeowners were =
also
generally lower than county and state medians – however local monthly
rental rates were higher than the county median.
Table 4.7<= o:p>Housing Co= st Comparisons, 1999 |
||||
|
|
Northfield Town |
Northfie=
ld
Village |
Washingt=
on
Co. |
Vermont |
|
Median Household
(HH) Income |
$41,523 |
$33,348 |
$40,972 |
$40,856 |
|
Median House Va=
lue |
$96,700 |
$89,100 |
$102,500 |
$111,500 |
|
Median Monthly
Mortgage |
$984 |
$952 |
$1,008 |
$1,021 |
|
Mortgage > 30% HH Inc (% units=
) |
26.7% |
27.4% |
22.6% |
23.1% |
|
Median Monthly =
Gross
Rent |
$547 |
$531 |
$519 |
$553 |
|
Rent > 30% HH Inc (% units) |
33.1% |
32.3% |
36.0% |
37.5% |
|
Source: 2000 U.S. Census. |
Relative
affordability, however, is also determined by household income. Between 1989 and 1999, Northfield&=
#8217;s
median household income increased by more than 40%, however median mortgage
costs increased by 56.7% over the same period, suggesting that local incomes
were not keeping up with rising homeowner costs.
According
to federal and state definitions currently in use, housing is
“affordable” when households at or below the median income level
spend no more than 30% of their gross household income on housing costs.
An
affordability analysis based on federal and state 2000 income and housing c=
ost
data (summarized in Table 4.8) suggests that local housing is currently
affordable for all but Northfield’s very low-income households. This analysis, however, assumes
household incomes based on two wage earners. One-wage earner, single parent, and
elderly households on fixed incomes may also be expected to have difficulty
keeping up with rising housing costs.
|
Table 4.8 Housing Affordability Analysis |
||||||
|
Income Level Estimates (2000=
) |
Given an annual household Income of … |
And that total monthly housing co=
sts
should not exceed 30% of income, or … |
The maximum price of a house that
could be purchased (with 5% down) would be… |
Given the median value of a house= in 2000 was $96,700, the difference (gap) for homeownership would be…<= o:p> |
Given the median gross rent for a rental unit in 2000 =
was
$547, the difference (gap) for renting would be… |
|
|
US Census
(1999) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Income |
$41,523
|
$1,038
|
$131,454
|
$34,754
|
$491
|
|
|
Low (80%) |
$33,218
|
$830
|
$105,162
|
$8,462
|
$283
|
|
|
Very Low (50%) |
$20,762
|
$519
|
$65,729
|
($30,971) |
($28) |
|
|
HUD County |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Income |
$43,900
|
$1,098
|
$138,979
|
$42,279
|
$551
|
|
|
Low (80%) |
$35,120
|
$878
|
$111,183
|
$14,483
|
$331
|
|
|
Very Low (50%) |
$21,950
|
$549
|
$69,490
|
($27,210) |
$2
|
|
|
MAGI (x2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Median Income |
$55,066
|
$1,377
|
$174,328
|
$77,628
|
$830
|
|
|
Low (80%) |
$44,053
|
$1,101
|
$139,463
|
$42,763
|
$554
|
|
|
Very Low (50%) |
$27,528
|
$688
|
$87,148
|
($9,552) |
$141
|
|
|
Avg Wage (x2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Income |
$48,030
|
$1,201
|
$152,054
|
$55,354
|
$654
|
|
|
Low (80%) |
$38,424
|
$961
|
$121,643
|
$24,943
|
$414
|
|
|
Very Low (50%) |
$24,015
|
$600
|
$76,027
|
($20,673) |
$53
|
|
|
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Notes: |
||||||
|
1) |
Housing
is defined as "affordable" when households with incomes at or b=
elow
median income pay no more than 30% of their gross household income on hou=
sing
costs; low income=3D80% median, very low income=3D50% median. |
|||||
|
2) |
US
Census income is the 1999 median household income for Northfield as repor=
ted
in the 2000 U.S. Census. |
|||||
|
3) |
HUD
County income is the estimated median family income for Washington County=
in
2000 [US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development]. |
|||||
|
4) |
Median
adjusted gross income, as reported by the VT Tax Dept. for Northfield in =
2000;
doubled to estimate income from 2 wage earners. |
|||||
|
5) |
Average
annual wage as reported by VDET for Northfield in 2000; doubled to estima=
te
household income from 2 wage earners. |
|||||
|
6) |
Mortgage
amount assumes financing for 30 years, at a fixed rate of 7%. |
|||||
|
7) |
The
median reported value of an owner-occupied unit in Northfield was $96,700=
as
reported in the 2000 U.S. Census; the median sale price of R1 property in
Northfield in 2000 was $93,000, and
R2 property $105,000 [VT
Tax Dept]. |
|||||
|
8) |
The
median gross rent of an occupied rental unit was $547 as reported from the
2000 US Census. |
|||||
It
appears that homeownership may be financially out of reach for some low- and
moderate- income Northfield residents.&nbs=
p;
Home purchase programs are available for income-qualified local
residents through the Central Vermont Community Land Trust and the Vermont =
Housing
Finance Agency. County reside=
nts
with household incomes less than $57,100 (or $66,600 for a family of three =
or
more) currently may qualify for low interest Vermont Housing Finance Agency
mortgages to finance existing homes selling for up to $152,000, or new homes
valued up to $179,000. These
figures are updated annually in relation to reported incomes and rising hou=
sing
costs.
4.6 Regulating Housing =
Vermont
municipalities may regulate residential development, but cannot exclude cer=
tain
types of housing, such as mobile homes and mobile home parks, from the
community. Towns are also req=
uired
to address local housing needs, and to provide for their share of regional
housing, as determined for Washington County by the Central Vermont Regional
Planning Commission.
Under
“equal treatment of housing” provisions in state law, the town =
must
also allow for mobile homes, other types of manufactured housing, and small
group homes (serving six or fewer residents), in the same manner that
conventional single family homes are allowed. “Accessory apartments”=
to
single-family dwellings, to house elderly or disabled family members, must =
also
be allowed subject to review under local zoning. To encourage the development of mo=
re
affordable housing statewide, state law was amended recently to allow
municipalities to grant density bonuses of up to 50% for affordable housing
within planned residential or planned unit developments. Northfield’s current zoning =
allows
for planned residential and planned unit development to encourage a variety=
of
housing types and clustered residential development, but does not allow for=
any
increases in density.
At
present, it appears that Northfield is generally providing for its fair sha=
re
of local and regional housing; however, local regulations should be reviewe=
d to
make sure they are consistent with state housing definitions and requiremen=
ts,
and to allow for the development of affordable housing as needed in areas
supported by infrastructure which are close to services. Local regulations could also be up=
dated
to define and better address affordable and elderly housing, accessory
apartments, group homes, residential care facilities, mixed use buildings (=
that
could include apartments), potential inconsistencies with state statute reg=
arding
the current prohibition of mobile home parks, and the conversion of single
family to multi-family dwellings.
4.7 Housing Goals, Po=
licies
& Tasks
Goal
To ensure the availability of
safe and affordable housing for all Northfield residents.
Policies
=
1)
Housing sh=
ould
be encouraged to meet the needs of a diversity of social and income groups,
particularly for Northfield residents of low and moderate income.
=
2)
New and
rehabilitated housing should be safe, sanitary, and located conveniently to
employment and commercial centers.
=
3)
Housing
development should be coordinated with the provision of necessary supporting
public infrastructure, services, and facilities.
=
4)
Sites for
manufactured and multi-family housing should be made available in locations
similar to those used for conventional single-family dwellings. Higher densities of residential
development should be considered in areas served by municipal water and
wastewater facilities.
=
5)
Accessory
apartments should be allowed within or attached to single-family dwellings =
to
provide affordable housing, supervision and care for elderly or disabled
relatives.
=
6)
Off-campus
student housing should be monitored and regulated locally as needed to mini=
mize
adverse impacts to residential neighborhoods in Northfield Village. Any expansion in student enrollmen=
ts at
Norwich University should be accommodated through the development of on cam=
pus
housing.
=
7)
Northfield=
’s
existing affordable housing stock, including subsidized housing units and
mobile home parks, should be managed, maintained and improved as needed to
ensure their long-term availability and affordability.
=
8)
The charac=
ter
of Northfield’s historic homes and neighborhoods should be preserved =
and
enhanced through historic designations, voluntary preservation efforts, and=
/or
historic or design review criteria that ensure compatible development.
Tasks
1)
Conduct a
local housing survey, funded through a state municipal or community develop=
ment
planning grant, to evaluate local housing conditions, and to identify ways =
to
address affordable or substandard housing [Selectmen/Trustees in association
with the Planning Commission and Staff].
2)
Conduct pu=
blic
education on housing issues by mailing residents on issues such as fire saf=
ety
and lead paint [Selectmen/Trustees in association with the Planning Commiss=
ion
and Staff].
3)
Participat=
e in
the proposed Home Share program=
that
is being developed by Central Vermont Council on Aging to match elderly
homeowners needing limited services with tenants who are willing to provide
services [Selectmen/Trustees, Central Vermont Community Land Trust.]
4)
Provide a
voluntary program of heath and safety inspections through the fire departme=
nt
[Selectmen/Trustees, Fire Department, Health Officer].
5)
Identify a=
nd
support unique housing development opportunities, such as the adaptive reus=
e of
historic buildings, which potentially could be funded through Community
Development Block grants [Selectmen/Trustees and Staff, Planning Commission=
].
6)
Maintain
representation on, and work with Norwich University’s facilities plan=
ning
committee to address on-campus student housing needs; and work with univers=
ity
officials, local landlords, and neighborhood groups to monitor and address
off-campus student housing impacts on residential neighborhoods. Update and enforce noise and parki=
ng
ordinances as needed [Selectmen/Trustees and Staff].
7)
Extend
municipal wastewater services to existing mobile home parks within the vici=
nity
of Northfield’s well fields, to abate failing on-site systems, and to
protect the town’s public water supplies [Selectmen and Trustees].
8)
Consider
nomination of a “Northfield Village Historic District(s),” to t=
he
National Register of Historic Places to provide tax credit options to
interested homeowners for the renovation and improvement of historic proper=
ties
in the village [Planning Commission, Historical Society].
9)
Update and
revise local zoning regulations for consistency with state “equal
treatment of housing” requirements [24 V.S.A. §4406] to incorpor=
ate:
- Provisions
for accessory apartments within or attached to single family dwellings=
,
- Manufactured
home and mobile home park definitions and requirements, and
- Group
homes and residential care facilities licensed by the state;
and to consider or more clearly address in regulations a=
nd
ordinances as appropriate:
- Density
bonus provisions for affordable housing within planned residential or
planned unit developments, as allowed under state law,
- The
establishment and/or expansion of mobile home parks in appropriate
locations,
- Allowing
multi-family dwellings and Planned Residential Developments (PRDs) in
additional districts (e.g., with a cap on the number of dwelling units=
per
structure in lower density districts or residential neighborhoods),
- Elimination
of incompatible or low density residential uses in principally industr=
ial
zoning districts,
- Increased
density and/or reduced lot size requirements for multi-family dwelling=
s in
higher density (e.g., village) zoning districts,
- Provisions
for “mixed use” buildings that may include apartments, in
appropriate districts (e.g., village and commercial districts),
- Reduced
parking requirements for elderly and/or affordable housing development,
and for accessory apartments,
- Wastewater
allocations for elderly and/or affordable housing development within a
defined sewer service area, and for pollution abatement (e.g., for mob=
ile
home park connections) outside the service area,
- Additional
standards for the conversion of single family to multi-family dwelling=
s to
address potential infrastructure and neighborhood impacts, and
- Histo=
ric
or design review criteria (e.g., regulatory standards or advisory
guidelines) to encourage the preservation of historic homes, or to req=
uire
compatible development within historic neighborhoods. [Planning Commission, Selectm=
en,
Staff]
10)
Review hou=
sing
recommendations, and any regional fair share allocations, included in the n=
ext
Central Vermont Regional Plan or related regional housing studies, for
consideration within local housing programs and/or regulations as appropria=
te
[Planning Commission, Staff].
Chapter
5. Local Economy
5.1 Overv=
iew
The Town and Village of
Northfield[2]
have long supported an economic climate in which local residents have acces=
s to
meaningful employment within the community. Not only does a healthy economy di=
rectly
benefit Northfield citizens, economic development can benefit the community=
by
expanding the municipal property tax base.=
Although taxes to support local schools are no longer based solely u=
pon
a community’s property wealth, municipal services and facilities are
still funded through locally levied property taxes. This section addresses economic tr=
ends
and conditions, and provides background regarding the community’s ong=
oing
economic development efforts.
5.2 &nb=
sp; Economic
Trends
Labor Force
=
Northfield&=
#8217;s
resident labor force is composed of residents aged 16 and above, excluding
full-time students, retirees, and others who choose not to work for wages or
salary. Of the 4,825
Northfield residents aged 16 and over, 3,100, or 61.2%, are in the labor fo=
rce. This relatively low percentage (co=
mpared
to 69.3% for the state and 70.5% for the county) is largely attributable to
Norwich University’s student
population. Nearly half
(48.5%) of the town’s labor force resides in Northfield Village.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, approximately 35% of
local workers are employed in education, health, and social services
– a much larger percentage than that of the county and state. This includes local residents empl=
oyed
by Norwich University – the town’s largest single employer. A breakdown of the labor force, by
industrial sector, is presented in Figure 5.1.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image015.gif")
Journey to work=
da=
ta,
compiled by the U.S. Census, identify where local residents are employed. Although these 2000 census data ha=
ve not
yet been published, 1990 data indicated that 46.9% of the resident labor fo=
rce
(1,228 workers) was employed in town.
In addition, 14.6% of local residents worked in Montpelier, 7.6% in
Barre City or Barre Town, and 4.4% in Berlin. An additional 29% of all workers
employed in town commuted into Northfield from other places.
Des=
pite
the lack of more recent journey to work data, it is noteworthy that the ave=
rage
commute to work for town residents in 1990 was 18.9 minutes. In 2000, the
average commute had increased only slightly to 21.1 minutes. This likely indicates that a signi=
ficant
percentage of local residents are still employed within the community. Such a conclusion is supported by
employment data reported for the town.
Covered Employment
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image016.gif")
In contrast to the resident labor
force, which is composed of all workers living
in Northfield, regardless of their place of work, covered employment[3]
is composed of jobs located within the town regardless of the employeesR=
17;
place of residence. Covered e=
mployment
increased by 9.6% between 1990 and 2000, reflecting the creation of 154 new
jobs. This represents an aver=
age
annual rate of job growth of slightly less than 1% – lower than the
annual average of 1.5% experienced by both Washington County and the state
during the same period. Total
covered employment, by type of industry, is provided in Table 5.1.
Most job growth during the 1990s occurred in the manufacturing, services, and government sectors. Government, which accounts for=
over
14% of Northfield’s total covered employment, experienced job growth
primarily in local educational services.&n=
bsp;
Manufacturing, which in=
2000
accounted for nearly 16% of total employment, saw a sharp increase between =
1990
and 1995, although the number of manufacturing jobs declined after 1995.
The broad services category accounts for nearly 39% of
covered employment in the community.
This category includes a variety of small businesses. In addition, Norwich University, t=
he
mainstay of the local economy, currently employs approximately 500 workers.=
Local Employers
The total number of reporting units[4],
or employers, also increased sl=
ightly
in Northfield from 128 reporting units in 1990 (120 of which were private
businesses) to 133 reporting units in 2000 (125 of which were in the private
sector). Most of the increase in new businesses was in services (+10) and who=
lesale
trade (+2), with retail (-=
5), manufacturing (-4), construction (-1) and transportation & public utilities=
(-1)
all showing a decline in the number of businesses operating in the
community. The breakdown of a=
ll
employers, by sector, is presented in Figure 5.2.
While Norwich University is the most important local
service industry employer in terms of total jobs, there are an additional 46
service sector employers in town, making this the most dominant employer
category. Retail trade was se=
cond,
with 27 businesses in 2000, and construction was third with 22 businesses
primarily composed of tradesmen and small builders. Each of the other categories was c=
omposed
of fewer than 10 reporting units.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image018.gif")
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image020.gif")
Average Wages
There is widespread concern in Vermont regarding the abi=
lity
of full-time workers to earn an income sufficient to meet a family’s
basic needs. This is commonly
referred to as a “livable wa=
ge.” The Vermont Joint Fiscal Office has
identified that an annual livable wage for a family of four with two working
parents in 2000 ranged from $11.34/hour per earner ($47,163) to $16.12/hour=
per
earner ($67,065), depending upon access to employer-assisted health insuran=
ce.
The range of a livable hourly wage for a single parent with one child ranged
from $15.28 to $21.48, while =
that
for a single person was $9.57 to $12.38.
Based upon the Joint Fiscal Office’s study, many l=
ocal
wage earners may be earning less than a livable wage, especially if workers
lack adequate health insurance coverage.&n=
bsp;
Focusing economic development activities on the creation of well-pay=
ing
jobs is especially critical in Northfield to ensure that local residents can
meet their basic needs.
Sales Recei=
pts
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image022.gif")
Total gross ret=
ail
sales receipts, adjusted for inflation, increased a total of 4.1% betwe=
en
1996 and 2001. In comparison,=
gross
retail sales within the county increased nearly 38% during the same period.=
In 1996 retail sales in Northfield
accounted for 3.3% of total retail sales in the county. In 2001, Northfield’s share =
of the
county total decreased to 2.5%, indicating a potential weakness of the local
retail sector relative to the county.
This is further indicated by the decline in retail establishments in=
the
community during the 1990s.
5.3 &nb=
sp; Economic
Outlook
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image024.gif")
Northfield’s history is marked by economic diversi=
ty
and innovation in responding to changing circumstances and opportunities.
Although a
detailed economic forecast was not prepared as part of this planning effort,
there are several reasons for optimism regarding the community’s econ=
omic
outlook that may offset many of the concerns discussed above. The causes for optimism include se=
veral
recent developments that combine to create a much stronger environment for
community and economic development efforts than existed a short time ago.
§ =
Constructi=
on
of the Kreitzberg Arena at Norwich University;
§Constructi=
on
of the new National Guard Armory and training facility on the Norwich campu=
s;
§Recent and
projected enrollment increases at Norwich University, coupled with the appa=
rent
stability of the school’s employment base;
§Infrastruc=
ture
improvements in the Village, including upgraded sidewalks to provide better
access to the school and the planned creation of a small riverside park
adjacent to the downtown;
§Renovation=
and
expansion of the Brown Public Library and Governor Paine House complex;
§The transf=
er
in ownership of the old Armory to Norwich University;
§Upgrade of=
the
municipal water system, which tripled the system’s capacity from 500,=
000
gallons per day (gpd) to 1.5 million gpd, and
§ =
The pending
upgrade of the municipal wastewater treatment facility.
§Electric
upgrade
Any one of these projects is an enhancement to the
community. Taken together, th=
ey
serve to increase the community’s capacity to accommodate additional
growth in a well planned manner, attract new visitors to the community, exp=
and
cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, and rei=
nforce
the village as the community’s commercial, civic and residential
center. This can form the
foundation for future economic and community development efforts.
Community & Economic
Development
Effective
community and economic development programs typically require the cooperati=
on
of a variety of groups and individuals.&nb=
sp;
Most important is that municipal officials and local businesses
communicate openly and work together in a cooperative and coordinated fashi=
on. The following are key participants=
in a
coordinated economic and community development program.
§
§The Northfield Business & Professional
Association (NBPA), whose
members are volunteers representing a variety of local business and communi=
ty
interests. After a period of
limited activity, the NBPA has undergone a resurgence in recent years and is
actively working to promote a better economic climate in the community.
§
=
To date, no
comprehensive economic development strategy or program has been developed in
Northfield. However, the incr=
eased
emphasis on the community’s economic needs has prompted local officia=
ls
to assume a more active role regarding business development. Typically, successful economic and
community development programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and
opportunities present in a particular community. In the case of Northfield, opportu=
nities
that should be the focus of future economic development efforts include: &=
sect; =
Enhancing =
the
vitality of the downtown &=
sect; =
Reuse and
development of existing industrial and commercial facilities &=
sect; =
Continued
support for Norwich University §Targeted
infrastructure development to maintain capacity for new development Downtown
Vitality The economic vitality of the downtown is an issue of
widespread public concern. Th=
e need
to focus the community’s attention and resources on the downtown was =
one
of five top priorities identified during the January 2002 Northfield Commun=
ity
Visit sponsored by the Vermont Council on Rural Development. Participants at the community visi=
t emphasized
the need for a downtown planning committee and called attention to the Northfield Village Downtown Plan,
prepared by the Cavendish Partnership in 1997. The 1997
downtown plan specifically addressed many of the concerns and suggestions
raised during the community visit.
Based upon background analysis, community input and market study, the
downtown plan set forth a conceptual master plan that included several
initiatives for improving the vitality and economic climate in the
downtown. Key recommendations
include: §Enhancemen=
t of
physical connections between the downtown and the University through the
creation of walking/bicycle path along Dog River, and associated improvemen=
ts
to a University owned “eco-park.” §Better
organization and more efficient use of the Northfield Business Park, with t=
he
objective of better integrating this area with the historic downtown. §
Table 5.2 Use # of users sq. ft. % of total Warehouse/W=
holesale/Manufacturing 11 81,214 33% Office 26 74,637 30% Retail/Serv=
ices 28 37,771 15% Public 6 19,298 8% Lodging 1 4,350 2% Vacant 3 16,610 12% TOTA=
L 78 245,079 100% Source: §Redevelopm=
ent
of the Cetrangolo parcel, which is well situated to serve as a cornerstone =
for
downtown development efforts. While
several possible uses for this parcel exist, downtown lodging facilities ha=
ve been
identified as priority by some local officials and business leaders. § =
The adapti=
ve
reuse of the Gray Building (former school) for community services (e.g., el=
der
and child care, social service outreach programs). In 2002, the community received a =
community
development grant to study the feasibility of rehabilitating the building f=
or
various uses. The results of this study w=
ere
compiled in a Feasibility Assessment report dated February 2003. In July 2003, it was purchased by =
the
Gray Building Coalition organization. §Greater
viability of downtown retail establishments and related commercial services
(e.g., restaurants, personal services) through a variety of parking, lighti=
ng,
and streetscape improvements. §Improvemen=
t of
the streetscape to maintain and enhance South and North Main Streets and the
area around the Common. =
Since the
downtown program was launched, several of Vermont’s largest cities ha=
ve
secured downtown designation. The
goals and benefits of the downtown program are not limited to cities, howev=
er,
and many smaller village centers are also eligible. Designating a portion of Northfield
Village as a downtown district would provide greater access to funding for a
variety of infrastructure and capital improvement projects, and would allow=
for
the town to recapture some tax revenues that would otherwise go to the stat=
e. Norwich University Physical reminder=
s of
Northfield’s industrial history are plentiful. The former Cabot facility, several
buildings within the Northfield Business Park (railroad property) and the
Nantanna Mill have been used and reused for a variety of industrial and
commercial activities. In add=
ition,
the Bean Industrial Park – established in 1995 – includes eight
building lots served by municipal water and sewer. Additional land adjacent to the pa=
rk is
available for expansion. Anch=
oring
the park on the only developed lot is the 53,000 square feet Cabot Hosiery =
facility,
which was relocated from its former Main Street location with the assistanc=
e of
a community development grant from the state. The former Cabot facility has rece=
ntly
been renovated for retail use. The Bean Industrial Park, Nantanna Mill, and Northfield
Business Park all offer a variety of facilities for the location and/or
expansion of many types and sizes of industries and businesses. Presently, these areas are include=
d in
the regional database of available commercial and manufacturing space, and =
are
marketed by the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation. The community has designated these=
areas
as industrial sites within local zoning bylaws, which allow a wide range of
commercial and industrial uses. In
addition, all of these facilities are presently served by municipal water,
sewer, and three-phase power, and have good access to Route 12– the
principal arterial serving the community. In addition to the sites in and around the Village, the =
town
has designated land in the vicinity of the Route 12/Route 64 intersection a=
s an
industrial district under current zoning.&=
nbsp;
The intent of this designation was to take advantage of the areaR=
17;s
convenient access to I-89 (via Route 64).&=
nbsp;
Steep terrain, the lack of municipal water and sewer, and the
predominance of single-family homes in the vicinity may, however, undermine=
the
potential transportation advantages.
Issues associated with community facilities and services=
are
addressed in detail in Chapter 7, and transportation is addressed in Chapte=
r 6.
The local economic climate is, however, partly dependent upon the availabil=
ity
of infrastructure, including transportation facilities. It is critical that planning for
community facilities, transportation and land use be integrated with the
community’s economic development goals. Several infrastructure needs associated with the downtown
were described above. Example=
s of
other key considerations in Northfield, which are addressed elsewhere in th=
is
plan, include improvements to Route 12 north of the Village to provide a sa=
fer,
more efficient highway access to the Barre-Montpelier area; protection of t=
he
municipal water supply from potential contamination; and. upgrade of the
wastewater treatment facility. Finally, it should be noted that business decisions
regarding location or expansion are made by entrepreneurs who may be influe=
nced
as much by the amenities, or quality of life, offered by a particular
community. Maintaining
Northfield’s unique character, ensuring that the community is a pleas=
ant
place to live, work and go to school may be the most important economic
development policy the community can pursue. 5.4 Economic Developm=
ent
Goals, Policies & Tasks Goal A
strong local economy characterized by well paying jobs for area residents, a
vibrant downtown, business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and a bro=
ad
tax base. Policies=
=
1)&n=
bsp;
Encourage
strongly the expansion of existing businesses, and establishment of new
businesses that pay a livable wage and reinforce the community’s hist=
oric
settlement pattern are strongly encouraged. 2)
Expand
municipal efforts to plan for and promote economic and community developmen=
t,
including efforts to: ·=
; =
Improve the
local economic climate and quality of life; ·=
; =
Support the
expansion of existing businesses; ·=
; =
Recruit new
businesses to the community which are compatible with the goals and policie=
s of
this plan; ·=
; =
Focus effo=
rts
to strengthen the vitality of the downtown; ·=
; =
Identify a=
nd
secure funding sources from regional, state, federal and private sources to
support community development activities; ·=
; =
Strengthen
relationships between existing businesses to create an environment of mutual
reliance in the community. 3)
Support
reinvestment and revitalization of downtown properties to enhance the econo=
mic
vitality of the downtown as the community’s civic, cultural, and
commercial center. To this en=
d, the
implementation of the Northfield Village Downtown Plan is strongly encourag=
ed. 4)
Encourage
additional industrial development within the Bean Industrial Park. 5)
Support th=
e transfer
of railroad property adjacent to the downtown to private development intere=
st,
either through purchase or long-term lease, for activities that complement =
the
downtown through the creation of compact, mixed use development. 6)
Encourage =
a campus
for the establishment of the National Center for the Study of Cyber-Terrori=
sm
and Cyber-Crime, in association with Norwich University. The Center should occupy a locatio=
n in
or adjacent to the Village, where utilities and infrastructure already exis=
t,
or in a location to which the existing utility would be extended. Financial incentives associated wi=
th the
Center and made available to the community should be used to implement the
goals and policies of this plan. 7)
Continue to
support regional development organizations to the extent that those
organizations are serving the needs of local businesses and are making a
positive contribution to enhancing Northfield’s economic climate. 8)
Reinforce
Northfield as a destination for visitors by encouraging the development of a
downtown hotel, to be designed to enhance the area’s pedestrian-scale=
and
urban fabric. 9)
Reinforce,
through the capital budgeting and facility allocation policies, existing la=
nd
use and development policies by focusing economic activity in designated
village centers, industrial districts and Norwich University.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image025.gif")
Consolidat=
ion
of municipal offices into a new municipal center, with the secondary benefi=
t of
transferring existing municipal space to a private user. In 2002, the Vermont legislature a=
greed
to transfer ownership of the old Armory – located in the core of the
downtown – to the municipality for public use.
Industrial
& Commercial Development
Infrastruct=
ure
Improvements
10) Encourage = the re-use of the Gray Building in accordance with the February 2003 Feasibility Assessment, including the municipality acting in partnership with the Gray Building Coalition to secure grant funding for the project and assist with developing a long term ownership structure that best serves the community.<= o:p>
11)
Support
efforts of government and educational institutions to ensure training is
available on business issues relevant to local small businesses.
Tasks
=
1)&n=
bsp;
Establish a
position of Community Development Director, either as a municipal employee
accountable to a Community Development Board composed of local business
representatives and municipal officials, or as the director of a newly crea=
ted
Economic Development Corporation.
To ensure success, such position and organization should be supporte=
d by
annual town property tax appropriations for a minimum of three years. [Selectmen, Trustees, Staff]
2)
Assist the
Gray Building Coalition to carry through on the recommendations of the Febr=
uary
2003 Feasibility Assessment.
[Selectmen, Staff]
3)
Work with =
the
Northfield Business & Professional Association and the Downtown Study C=
ommittee
to revisit, update as needed, and implement the 1997 Downtown Plan. [Planning Commission, Northfield
Business & Professional Association, Staff]
4)
Explore
designation of the downtown as a Vermont Downtown Development District. [Planning Commission, Staff]
5)
Convene a
meeting of regional development officials to consider how their services ca=
n be
better focused on Northfield to expand local utilization of available progr=
ams
and services. [Planning Commission, Staff]
6)
Maintain
regular communication with officials at Norwich University to ensure the
successful establishment of the Center for the Study of Cyber-Terrorism and
Cyber-Crime, and to take full advantage of that center through an upgrade to
the communities telecommunications infrastructure and the revitalization of=
the
downtown through targeted infrastructure improvements [Selectmen, Trustees,
Planning Commission, Staff]
Chap=
ter
6. Transportation<=
span
style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-b=
idi-font-family:
"Times New Roman";text-transform:uppercase'>
6.1 &nb=
sp; Overview
Northfield’s
historic development has been shaped by transportation, especially the rail=
road
in the 19th century followed by the automobile in the 20th<=
/sup>. The location, condition, and capac=
ity of
the regional transportation network and transportation facilities and servi=
ces
continue to influence Northfield’s land use patterns, economic
development, and the use of resources.&nbs=
p;
This chapter provides an overview of how the existing transportation
network functions and how it might be improved.
6.2 Travel Patterns
As
is the case throughout Vermont, the private automobile is the dominant mode=
of
transportation in Northfield.
According to the 2000 Census, 68.6% of Northfield’s labor force
commuted to work in a single occupancy vehicle (i.e., they drove alone).
As mentioned in Chapter 6, nearly half of Northf=
ield’s
labor force worked in town in 1990 (the last year for which data is availab=
le),
while the majority of those commuting out of town headed to Montpelier, Bar=
re
City or Town, or to Berlin. G=
iven
this reliance on the automobile, the location and condition of the townR=
17;s
highway network is of primary concern when considering Northfield’s
transportation network.
6.3 &nb=
sp; Roads
& Highways
Northfield has over 93 miles of public highways, includi=
ng
over 82 miles of municipal roads. A
breakdown of roads, by classification, function, and location, is presented=
in
Table 6.1.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image026.gif")
State Highways
The principal arterial highway serving Northfield is Rou=
te
12, which follows the Dog River and connects the community with Berlin, Mon=
tpelier,
and several important transportation corridors to the north, and Randolph to
the south. Route 12A diverges=
from
Route 12 just south of Northfield Village and provides access to Roxbury be=
fore
rejoining Route 12 at Randolph.
These highways run parallel to one another until they re-converge in
Randolph. Route 12A provides =
access
to the neighboring Town of Roxbury.
Traffic volumes on Route
12 are heaviest in the Village, especially in the vicinity of Depot Squ=
are.
The highest volumes outside of the Village are along the segment of highway
between its intersection with Route 12A and Route 64 – which provides
access to Interstate 89 – and north of the village into Berlin. Traffic south of the Route 64
intersection is relatively low (see Figure 6.1).
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image028.gif")
Traffic on Route 12 to the north of the Village has decl=
ined
in recent years, with the Average Annual Daily Trips (AADT) between Depot
Square and Cox Brook Road declining from 5,600 trips in 1986 to 5,400 trips=
in
2000, a reduction of 3.6%. No=
rth of
Cox Brook Road, the AADT declined from 4,950 trips to 3,900 trips in 2000, a
reduction of over 21%. Volumes
south of the Village, however, have increased over the same period. Most significant has been the incr=
ease
in traffic volumes along the segment of Route 12 from its junction with Rou=
te
12A to the intersection with Route 64, which has increased 21.2% from 3,640
trips in 1986 to 4,400 trips in 2000, indicating that a growing number of
motorists are opting to use I-89, rather than Route 12, for out-of-town tra=
vel.
Although Interstate 89 brushes Northfield, Exit 5 is loc=
ated
just east of the town boundary in Williamstown. This important highway is accessed=
via Route 64, a limited access highway
constructed as part of the interstate highway system. Route 64 intersects with Route 12
approximately 2.7 miles west of Exit 5.&nb=
sp;
Traffic on Route 64 has increased steadily in the past 15 years. According to VTrans, traffic along=
the
portion of highway between Route 12 and the Williamstown town line increased
from 1,630 trips in 1986 to an estimated 4,500 trips in 2000 – an
increase of 176%.
Traffic on Rout=
e 12A
has also increased, with traffic volumes in 2000 estimated to have reached
2,100 trips between Lovers Lane and Stony Brook Road (TH-8), and 1,800 trips
between Stony Brook and Felch=
in
Road (TH-6). These changes, along with increased traffic volumes on Route 6=
4,
indicate the growing importance of Route 12A and Lovers Lane as key connect=
ions
to I-89 from Northfield and surrounding communities.
Each of the three state highways is in relatively good
condition and no major construction projects or highway upgrades are presen=
tly
included on the state or regional transportation improvement programs. The condition of Route 12 north of=
the
Village, however, does raise concerns regarding traffic safety, access and
potential disincentives for future economic development in the community.
§ =
Narrow
shoulders and inadequate bicycle lanes
§ =
Several sh=
arp
curves
§ =
Numerous
locations with restricted sight distance, and
§ =
Ledge
outcroppings within the highway right-of-way which inhibit sight distances =
and
pose a risk to motorists, prevent the installation of bicycle lanes and make
snow removal difficult which exacerbates potential safety hazards
The
town would like to work with VTrans to develop a plan to upgrade this secti=
on
of highway, including some widening and/or straightening of travel lanes and
shoulders, ledge removal and the installation of traffic calming to mitigate
potential adverse impacts of such an upgrade.
Municipal Roads
Northfield maintains
approximately 82 miles of local roads.&nbs=
p;
These include heavily used regional collectors, quiet streets servin=
g village
neighborhoods, lightly used rural roads providing access to a few homes, an=
d a
few roads not maintained for year-round traffic. The road network includes 47 bridg=
es
(five in the Village), including six covered bridges addressed separately
below.
In Vermont, municipal roads a=
re
designated as Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or trail.&=
nbsp;
Class 1 roads include all state highways under the jurisdiction of
municipalities – typically state routes through village centers. Clas=
s 2
and 3 roads are defined for the purposes of state aid and must be negotiabl=
e,
under normal conditions, year-round by a standard passenger car. The state determines which town ro=
ads
are Class 2, which typically provide access to neighboring towns. Class 4 roads are not generally
maintained on a year-round basis.
Class 3 and 4 roads are designated by the local Selectboard. Roads are shown by classification =
and
surface type on the Transportation Map.&nb=
sp;
Currently, 12 miles of town road outside of the Village are paved, a=
nd
all but one mile of road in the Village is paved.
Until 1997, VTrans applied the
national American Association of Surface and Highway Transportation
Organizations (AASHTO) highway design standards to roads in the state. In response to growing concern tha=
t AASHTO
standards were inappropriate for Vermont’s small villages and rural
settings, the state prepared and adopted Vermont
State Standards for the Design of Transportation Construction, Reconstructi=
on
and Rehabilitation of Freeways, Roads & Streets. These include standards for roads
serving urban, village, and rural contexts that are designed specifically f=
or
Vermont. These standards shou=
ld be
applied to future upgrade and construction of state, town, and private road=
s in
Northfield.
Although Northfield’s r=
oads
are generally in good shape and adequate to accommodate current traffic
volumes, several improvement projects are planned to address existing
deficiencies. Projects listed in Table 6.2 are included on VTrans
“Transportation Improvements Projects” (TIP) list and are in so=
me
stage of project design and
For the most part, identified
improvement projects include the rehabilitation or replacement of bridges.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> These improvements are part of an
aggressive effort on the part of the town over the past several years to
upgrade several deficient bridges.
It is anticipated that these projects are eligible for the states to=
wn
highway bridge program, which provides 90% state funding. The town has allocated money in re=
serve
funds on an annual basis to fund bridge improvements.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image029.gif")
Other projects, including the proposed le=
dge
removal on Route 12 north and the need to upgrade Lovers Lane to accommodate
increasing through traffic using this road as a short cut from I-89 to Route
12A south to the Roxbury Mountain Road, would need to be undertaken by VTra=
ns
under a different funding program.
Both of these projects should, however, be supported, and funded by
VTrans because they are either part of, or directly serve, the state highway
system. The Lovers Lane proje=
ct is
especially critical to the community, given its use as a regional collector=
.
In addition to existing
deficiencies, it is important that the municipality monitor development to
ensure that the local road network is not overburdened by anticipated growt=
h in
the community. An effort to m=
onitor
traffic and road conditions on an ongoing basis, and standards to identify =
and
mitigate the impacts of new development on the road network, can avoid futu=
re
problems.
Covered Bridges
The five covered bridges currently in use in Northfield
deserve special note. Three of
these bridges are located along a half-mile segment of Cox Brook Road ̵=
1;
the highest concentration of covered bridges along any road in Vermont. Each of the five bridges continues=
to
provide the function they were designed for in the 19th century,
which not only contributes to the community’s character but also
represents a wise financial investment.&nb=
sp;
Two of the bridges recently underwent minor repair, including new ro=
ofs,
and no major upgrades are anticipated in the near future other than routine
maintenance. It is important =
that
there be continued protection from damage caused by overweight and/or overs=
ize
vehicles. All of Northfield&#=
8217;s
covered bridges are historic structures and are now eligible for federal
funding to cover the cost of future rehabilitation.
Maintaining and enhancing the
local road network in a safe and cost effective manner is an important
community responsibility. The=
town
highway department is responsible for maintaining both town and village roa=
ds,
the latter of which is funded through an annual contract with the Village.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> The total cost of road maintenance=
to
the town is second to education in terms of annual expense to the
community. In 2002, the town
budgeted $783,750 for the highway department, of which approximately 65% was
funded through town property taxes, 17% through a maintenance agreement with
the Village, and 19% through state highway aid and miscellaneous fees and
interest.
The highway department is bas=
ed
out of the town garage, located just off Route 12 just north of the
Village. In addition to the h=
ighway
department, the garage also houses the Ambulance Service and provides stora=
ge
for other municipal departments and social service agencies. Recent renovations included a roof
replacement, new garage doors, and a new heating system. With the exception of the need for=
some
site work, including resurfacing the parking and work-area around the garag=
e,
the facility is adequate to meet the foreseeable needs of the community.
An ongoing maintenance issue =
is
the need for a stable and affordable source of gravel to maintain the
town’s roads (almost all Village roads are paved). Fortunately, there are local vendo=
rs
that have minimized the high cost of hauling that has driven up the cost of
gravel in other communities. =
The
long-term availability of gravel, however, is not guaranteed. The town may want to consider the
acquisition of a gravel source to avoid future gravel shortages and/or seve=
re
price fluctuations.
To stabilize expenditures from
year to year, the town maintains reserve funds for capital improvements,
including road construction, reconstruction and paving, bridge repair and
replacement, and equipment replacement.&nb=
sp;
In addition to road and bridge projects described above, the current
capital improvement plan anticipates replacing the town’s 1987 grader=
in
2004 and the 1994 dump truck in 2004.
The town also purchased a new loader in 2001.
Highway Access Management
The
frequency, location, and design of highway accesses – or curb cuts
– have a direct bearing on the safety and efficiency of both town roa=
ds
and state highways. The desig=
n of
curb cuts also is important with regard to stormwater management and road
maintenance. Managing access =
can
improve safety and better maintain highway capacity over time. Several techniques may be applied
through Northfield’s zoning regulations, road policies and ordinances,
and additional land use regulations (e.g., subdivision regulations). These include requirements for:
·=
; =
Minimum si=
ght
distance at a driveway or street intersection,
·=
; =
Maximum nu=
mber
of driveways per lot,
·=
; =
Mandatory
shared driveways,
·=
; =
Maximum wi=
dth
of curb-cuts,
·=
; =
Minimum and
maximum driveway lengths,
·=
; =
Minimum or
maximum on-site parking, shared-parking, and parking design,
·=
; =
Minimum ar=
ea
for loading and unloading, and
· =
Landscaping
and buffers to visually define and enhance access points.
Traffic
Management & Traffic Calming
As stated above, state and local roads are generally
adequate to meet current demand.
Over time, however, traffic volumes are likely to increase due to the
cumulative impacts of ongoing, small-scale development. Efforts to monitor traffic volumes=
on an
ongoing basis would help the community plan for future capacity
deficiencies.
One category of techniques to maintain relatively slow
traffic speeds in settled areas, enhance pedestrian safety, and improve the
overall environment is often referred to as traffic calming. Such techniques include narrow veh=
icle
traffic lanes, wide sidewalks, medians, on-street parking, roundabouts, rai=
sed
and/or textured crosswalks, bulb-outs, street-tree plantings, and street
furniture. Traffic calming is especially important along state highways and
town roads in Northfield Village, Northfield Falls and in Northfield Center=
.
6.4 &nb=
sp; Parking
<=
u>Downtown
parking
Public parking in downtown appears adequate to meet curr=
ent
demand. Better management and=
/or
organization might make more efficient use of available space. Should current demand increase, ho=
wever,
the Village and local businesses may need to explore options for expanding
parking. Possible causes of
increased demand may be a more intensive use occupying the old armory build=
ing
or additional in-fill development in the downtown area.
The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC)=
has
assisted other communities in the region to study parking demand and
availability in villages and downtowns, and may be available to assist
Northfield with the preparation of a downtown-parking plan. Such a plan should look at existin=
g and
anticipated demand, the current use of available spaces and, if appropriate,
alternatives for creating additional public parking opportunities.
Outside of the downtown area, land uses that require acc=
ess
by employees, customers, residents, and/or visitors are required to provide
off-street parking adequate to meet anticipated demand. Current parking requirements shoul=
d be
reviewed to determine whether existing standards are sufficient. In addition to the number of spaces
required, the location, configuration, and design of parking facilities can
have a significant impact on the community’s character, as well as on=
the
safety of motorists and pedestrians.
As the population ages more handicapped parking should be considered=
.
Res=
idential
Neighborhoods
One issue of special concern is the extent to which the
conversion of single-family homes in historic neighborhoods to multi-family
housing can limit the availability of on-street parking. The Town and Village presently enf=
orce a
parking ordinance to minimize such impacts, and zoning standards could requ=
ire
that adequate off-street parking is provided for all dwelling units. The continued update and enforceme=
nt of
these tools should avoid problems for residents and homeowners in Village
neighborhoods.
Commuter Parking
The only formal commuter parking lot serving local resid=
ents
is located adjacent to Exit 5 of I-89 in Williamstown. VTrans is planning to upgrade and =
expand
this facility in the coming years, which should benefit Northfield
commuters. The town, in conju=
nction
with the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission, should also explore =
the
feasibility and benefits of establishing a small commuter lot within the
Village to serve commuters headed north on Route 12 or west to the Mad River
Valley.
6.5 &nb=
sp; Pedestrian
& Bicycle Circulation
In Northfield Village, where historic settlement patterns
reflect a pedestrian scale and orientation, an extensive sidewalk network
exists. The presence of the
existing sidewalk network has a significant impact on traffic volumes, as
indicated by the nearly 15% of local commuters who walk to work – a r=
ate
that is significantly higher compared to the 5.2% of commuters who walk to =
work
statewide.
In recent years, many sidewal=
ks
that had fallen into a state of disrepair were upgraded, and some key sidew=
alks
were extended to strengthen pedestrian connections. Recent improvements include the
extension of sidewalks to the school, which provides better access for
students. This project was fu=
nded
in part through a VTrans enhancement grant.
The extension of the existing sidewalk system, an/or the
creation of connected walking and bicycling paths outside of the Village, c=
ould
decrease congestion and increase options for local residents, including
children, students, and the elderly.
A priority connection is a multi-purpose path linking Memorial Park =
with
Northfield Falls Recreation Fields.
Such a path, which would preferably run parallel to Route 12 outside=
of
the highway right-of-way, would also provide a connection from the Village =
to
the Bean Industrial Park. Ano=
ther
possible connection would involve the construction of a path adjacent to the
Dog River, providing an additional link from the village to Norwich
University. This was recommen=
ded in
the downtown study (see Chapter 5.)
There are no sidewalks outside the village. Most of Northfield's rural roads, =
both
paved and unpaved, have little or no shoulder. Because of generally low traffic v=
olumes
and vehicle speeds, however, they are generally safe for walking and
bicycling. Future increases in
traffic volumes or speeds could result in safety concerns. One opportunity to expand walking =
and
cycling opportunities outside of the village includes the expansion of bicy=
cle
lanes, or construction of an off-street bicycle path, along Route 12 and Ro=
ute
12A concurrent with the planned extension of municipal sewer lines.
6.6 &nb=
sp; Transit
& Public Transportation
Regional Transit
Rail Service Air Transport The Burlington International
Airport (BIA), located in South Burlington, provides regional and internati=
onal
airline service. BIA has expa=
nded
both facilities and service in recent years. Manchester, N.H., airport also pro=
vides
regional and international flights.
Due to service from discount airlines, the Manchester airport has be=
come
popular with Vermont travelers.
Commercial service also is provided by the Knapp Airport in Berlin. =
6.7
Transportation Go=
als,
Policies & Tasks Goal The maintenance and enhancement of an efficient, cost effective, and
multi-modal transportation network to serve the needs of Northfield residen=
ts,
visitors, and businesses Policies 1) &nbs=
p;
The Town a=
nd
Village road systems should continue to be maintained in a manner that
maintains safe and efficient traffic conditions for current and future dema=
nd. 2) &nbs=
p;
Major road
improvements and associated capital improvements will continue to be schedu=
led
through the municipal capital budgeting program, and securing alternative
funding sources to finance transportation projects will remain a priority of
the town. 3) &nbs=
p;
New roads,
including private roads serving new development, shall be constructed to th=
e Vermont State Standards for the Design=
of
Transportation Construction, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Freeways,
Roads & Streets.
Construction to such standards, however, does not obligate the Town =
or
Village to take over new roads.
Decisions on the acceptance of new roads shall be at the discretion =
of
the Village Trustees or Town Selectmen.&nb=
sp;
Private roads will only be accepted if it is clearly in the public
interest and will not place an undue burden on local taxpayers. 4) &nbs=
p;
Northfield=
’s
five covered bridges not only serve an important transportation function
– they contribute to the community’s heritage and unique
character. These bridges shou=
ld be
maintained to continue serving their historic function. 5) &nbs=
p;
To ensure
pedestrian safety and the long-term efficiency of the local road network,
access to state and local roads should be carefully controlled and existing
deficiencies (e.g., excessive or oversized curb-cuts) eliminated. 6) &nbs=
p;
New
development shall not result in adverse impacts to traffic or pedestrian sa=
fety
of a significant decline in the level of service of the impacted road
network. The cost of mitigati=
on to
avoid such impacts will be the responsibility of the developer. 7) &nbs=
p;
Northfield=
’s
transportation needs should be considered when decisions regarding the regi=
onal
and statewide transportation network are discussed and made. 8) &nbs=
p;
Road
improvements and development projects in Northfield Falls, Northfield Villa=
ge,
and Northfield Center should maximize pedestrian safety through site design=
and
traffic calming. 9) &nbs=
p;
Safety
improvements to Route 12 north of Northfield Village should be implemented,=
to
include ledge removal, road widening, and the installation of
pedestrian/bicycle lanes. 10)
Lovers Lan=
e,
which is subject to deterioration due to through traffic accessing I-89 to =
and
from Route 12A south of Northfield, should be upgraded and maintained with =
the
assistance of the Vermont Agency of Transportation. 11)
The contin=
ued
operation of a local and regional transit system at a minimum level of serv=
ice
as was provided by Central Vermont Wheels® in 2001/2002 is
critical to the economic and social well-being of Northfield and should be
ensured. 12)
Vanpooling=
and
car-pooling opportunities for local commuters are encouraged, and should be
supported through the provision of new or expanded state park & ride
facilities at Exit 5 and in the Village. 13)
The provis=
ion
of an integrated and well maintained pedestrian and bicycle path network in=
and
around the Village is a key feature of the local transportation network. 14)
Parking in
residential neighborhoods shall be controlled to prevent nuisances to resid=
ents
of those neighborhoods stemming from excessive on-street parking. 15)
New
development should provide adequate off-street parking to accommodate
employees, residents and/or patrons, unless the development is located in an
area where alternative parking exists (e.g., off-site parking lot, on-street
parking). 16)
If feasibl=
e,
passenger rail service (e.g., Amtrak) should be re-established with a stop =
in
Northfield Village. 17)
The
feasibility of installing sidewalks in Northfield Falls and Northfield Cent=
er
should be studied. 18)
Improvemen=
ts
should be continued on the Village Common. Tasks Chapter 7.
Community Facilities & Services 7.1 &nb=
sp; Overview The Town and Village of Northfield provide or support a =
full
range of municipal services to local residents and businesses. Each facility or service addresses=
a particular
public need, which is partly determined by demographic and economic
conditions. Depending on the =
type
of facility and its capacity, changes in the composition or size of the loc=
al
population, or the local economic climate, can affect the ability of the
municipality, or service providers, to meet local needs. This chapter briefly describes existing faciliti=
es
and services and their respective capacities. It also describes associated costs=
and
factors underlying municipal or public financing. Consideration of the capacity of
existing facilities and services in relation to associated costs provides t=
he
foundation for shaping growth so that desired levels of service are maintai=
ned
or enhanced without placing an undue financial burden on taxpayers. 7.2 <=
/span>Municipal
Government Northfield consists of two municipal entities –
Northfield Town, which encompasses all land within the municipal boundaries;
and Northfield Village, incorporated in 1855, which is located in the cente=
r of
the town. Village residents v=
ote in
both the town and village, and village landowners pay property taxes to both
entities. Northfield’s =
other
historic villages were never incorporated as separate municipalities. The town and village h=
ave
achieved a high degree of cooperation over the years, and presently share m=
any
services and facilities. The =
town
is governed by an elected five-member Board of Selectmen, while the village=
is
governed by an elected five-member Board of Trustees. Both entities have a municipal man=
ager
form of administration and have opted to share a single Town/Village Manager
for several years. The town is responsible for emergency services (see belo=
w),
recreation, planning and zoning, maintenance of property records and, under
contract with the village, highway maintenance. The village operates the water and=
sewer
facilities and electric utility (see Chapter 9). Most services that are open to the
public, including the manager, town clerk, zoning administrator, public wor=
ks
supervisor and utility office are located in the municipal building on Main
Street. The municipal buildin=
g is
owned by the village and is partly supported by rent paid by the town. Other services and facilities are
located in and around the village (see Facilities Map). Like most Vermont
communities, Northfield is heavily reliant on citizen volunteers for many
important government functions. In
addition to the two governing bodies, the following town and village elected
positions include: §
Town &am=
p;
Village Moderators §
Delinque=
nt
Tax Collector §
5 School
Directors, and §
Town
Clerk/Treasurer §
3 Lister=
s ·
14 Justices of the Peace §
Village
Clerk/Treasurer §
7 Library
Trustees In addition, several a=
ppointed
positions depend upon volunteers to fulfill municipal functions, including a
five-member planning commission, five-member board of adjustment and
seven-member recreation board. Cost of Government Municipal taxes, however, are generally higher than in
neighboring communities. This=
is
largely due to the fact that Northfield residents enjoy a higher level of
municipal service than most neighboring towns. Such services include a full-time =
police
department, recreation facilities (including a municipal swimming pool),
staffed fire and ambulance services, and exceptional road maintenance. When compared with municipalities that share similarities
with Northfield – such as a comparable population, the presence of a
large tax-exempt property owner, an incorporated village, and/or a community
that provides a broad range of public services and facilities – local=
tax
rates are not unusual. A comp=
arison
of effective tax rates in selected municipalities that share with Northfield
one or more of the aforementioned features is presented in Figure 7.1. The effective tax rate is not, however, by itself an
accurate measure of local tax burden.
When compared with the average tax burden on residential properties =
with
less than six acres (“R1” properties, the most common residenti=
al
property in the state), Northfield’s relative burden is not out of li=
ne
with comparable communities (see Figure 7.2). Northfield’s tax rate is higher than those of neig=
hboring
communities because the Grand List includes a higher than average percentag=
e of
properties that are exempt by law from property taxes. Maintaining the balance between the
obvious benefits of the university and the demand for services it places on=
the
community will be an important component of the town’s ability to
continue providing quality services without overburdening local property
owners. In addition, strategies aimed at promoting additional
economic development, especially the creation of new industrial facilities =
in
established industrial parks and the revitalization of the downtown (Chapte=
r 5)
should serve to expand the municipal grand list, thereby spreading the tax
burden among a greater number of taxpayers. It should be noted, however, that =
few
Vermont communities have managed to “outgrow” a heavy tax
burden. Development strategies
should be broadly focused on promoting activities that pay high wages and
enhance the local quality of life, in addition to expanding the tax base. <=
o:p> Another important strategy for financing public faciliti=
es
and services as efficiently as possible is generating alternative, non-tax
revenues. The town and villag=
e have
been aggressive in pursuing a range of grant programs from such sources as =
the
Vermont community development program, VTrans “enhancements”
program, VTrans local bridge program, Vermont municipal planning grant prog=
ram,
and other project-specific grant programs.=
In addition, the community has demonstrated an ability to raise priv=
ate
funds to support worthwhile projects, such as the recent expansion of the B=
rown
Public Library that was supported, in part, with donations. Continued focus on alternative rev=
enue
sources as was currently done successfully by the Gray Building Coalition w=
ill
continue to be an important local goal. Village-Town Coordination The town and village have discussed the consolidation of
village and town governments as a means of improving efficiencies. Past proposals to merge the two ha=
ve
been defeated by the voters.
Providing, managing, and financing municipal services is an increasi=
ngly
complex and challenging task. Since
this trend is virtually certain to continue, it is necessary to raise the
question of whether Northfield Town and Village should continue to exist as
separate political entities. At their annual joint policy review meeting in the Fall =
of
each year, the Village Trustees and the Town Selectmen should review this
question and determine whether the timing is appropriate for a merger study=
to
be undertaken. If a merger st=
udy is
undertaken and concludes that merger is advisable, the boards should present
the question to the voters for their consideration. Regardless of whether the two governments completely
consolidate, they have made significant strides over the past two decades to
cooperate and coordinate the provision of services and facilities. Today, responsibility for emergency
services, recreation, municipal administration, planning and zoning, and ro=
ad
maintenance are shared. In 20=
02,
the two governments strengthened this record of cooperation by entering int=
o an
inter-local agreement regarding the management of the wastewater treatment
system capacity outside of the Village limits. 7.3 &nb=
sp; Emergency
Services Fire Department The Northfield Fire Department is one of three emergency
response providers serving the entire community. The department operates from the f=
ire
station in the village, located adjacent to the downtown on Wall Street. In 2000, the department responded to 140 calls, including
grass fires, propone leaks, automobile accidents, and structural fires. The number of calls was considerab=
ly
higher than the average of 99 calls per year experienced over the past five
years. The department is a me=
mber
of the Capital Fire Mutual Aid system, which obligates the department to as=
sist
neighboring departments in responding to major fires in exchange for assist=
ance
in fighting major fires in Northfield. The fire department is presently staffed by 20+ volunteer
firefighters, which is considered adequate to meet current needs. Firefighters are paid for time spe=
nt
responding to calls and volunteer for training and administrative duties. Capital equipment is generally replaced on a ten-year
cycle. In recent years, the
department has upgraded its self-contained breathing apparatus, replaced its
ladder truck, acquired a new pumper and thermal imaging camera, and improved
the fire station. The town has
established several reserve accounts to cover the cost of capital equipment
replacement, including vehicles, although no major expenditures are anticip=
ated
within the next five years. Ambulance Service The Town of Northfield supports a fully equipped, full-t=
ime
volunteer ambulance service. =
In
addition to serving the town and village, the ambulance service also respon=
ds
to calls in Roxbury and parts of Berlin and Moretown. The service is operated by a full-=
time
supervisor, part-time ambulance attendant, and 20+ volunteers with varying
levels of state certification as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The service maintains two fully eq=
uipped
rescue vehicles, a rescue vehicle.
They recently upgraded their rescue capacity with the acquisition of=
a
“jaws of life” extraction tool. The ambulance service presently op=
erates
out of space in the town garage. In 2000 the service responded to 602 calls, including
emergency responses, non-emergency transports and stand-by service at local
events. The ambulance service=
is
also responsible for maintaining the local “E-911” emergency
response system (see below), and has incorporated the functions of the local
health officer. Funding for t=
he
ambulance service comes from a combination of user fees, private fundraisin=
g,
and municipal allocations, with approximately 70% of operating costs being
covered by fees. The town bud=
geted
$143,830 in 2001 for operating expenses.&n=
bsp;
The most pressing capacity issue facing the service is l=
imited
daytime coverage due to a shortage of available volunteers. With regard to capital facilities,=
a
reserve fund has been established to replace Rescue Unit 1 in the next five
years. Other minor equipment =
needs
include new defibrillators, which are also budgeted in the town’s cap=
ital
improvement program. An issue that has yet to be addressed is the need for a =
new
location from which the ambulance service can operate more efficiently and
effectively. Space at the town
garage is limited, and conflicts exist between emergency response and
maintenance operations on the same site.&n=
bsp;
The most likely site for a new ambulance location is a shared facili=
ty
with the fire department, which is possible with the expansion of the build=
ing
presently housing the fire department.&nbs=
p;
Plans for such an addition are only preliminary at this time. An important consideration is whet=
her
the ambulance and fire department should be co-located at an existing locat=
ion,
or whether the police department should also be located within a new public
safety facility housing all emergency service providers. Police Department Law enforcement services are provided by the Northfield
Police Department, a full-time, full service law enforcement agency serving=
the
town and village. The departm=
ent is
staffed by a chief of police, six full- time officers, and occasionally
part-time officers. All offic=
ers
have received training at the Vermont Police Academy. The department, which is served by an on-site dispatcher
during regular working hours and a state police dispatcher after hours and =
on
weekends, responds to an average of 1,840 calls per year. Annual operating
costs for the department were budgeted at $401,090 in 2001 – making t=
he
police department second only to the highway department in terms of total
annual cost to the municipality. It is difficult – if not impossible – to dra=
w a
correlation between criminal activity and police effectiveness. Crime statistics appear to indicat=
e,
however, that Northfield is a relatively safe community and is getting
safer. In 1997, there were 50=
.5
“Part 1” crimes per thousand residents, and 93.3 “Part
2” crimes per thousand residents.&nb=
sp;
Part 1 crimes include homicide, rape, aggravated assault, arson, and
larceny. Part 2 crimes are of=
a
relatively less serious nature, including forgery, vandalism and drug and
alcohol offenses. In 2000, the
number of Part 1 crimes per thousand residents had decreased to 22.3, while=
the
number of Part 2 crimes had reduced to 56 per thousand residents (see Figure
7.3). This compares favorably=
with
crime rates for Washington County as a whole, which in 2000 had experienced
32.1 Part 1 crimes and 100.1 Part 2 crimes per thousand county residents,
respectively. In addition to the police department, Major equipment used by the police department, including
patrol vehicles, are replaced on a scheduled basis. A reserve fund has been establishe=
d for
that purpose. In addition to
vehicle replacement, the most pressing facility issue facing the department=
is
the need for building improvements.
The department is presently housed in the old electric department
building in the village. That
facility does not meet current life-safety standards. No plans presently exist for renov=
ating
the police station, and such plans are partly dependent upon other discussi=
ons
concerning the municipal offices and fire and rescue facilities. Enhanced 911 A state board supervises the operation of Vermont’s
Enhanced-911 system, instituted in the 1990s. This includes monitoring and audit=
ing
E-911 databases for street addresses, contact information and responders, t=
he
E-911 network, and four public safety answering points (PSAPs) which take
calls, and forward them to local dispatchers. The system depends on regular info=
rmation
updates from municipalities to ensure complete coverage. In Northfield, the ambulance servi=
ce is
responsible for maintaining the local “E-911” emergency response
system. 7.4 Water & Sewer Facilities The
source of water is an automated system of wells adjacent to Route 12A and t=
he
Dog River, just south of the Route 12 junction. This system was upgraded in 2000.<=
span
style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> In addition to the upgrade, a new
1,000,000-gallon reservoir was constructed on Garvey Hill. The reservoir and well upgrade were
funded through a $1.9 million bond.
As a result, the system has a three-day reserve capacity, improved f=
ire
protection capacity, and ample capacity to accommodate anticipated growth f=
or
the foreseeable future. Additional upgrades and
improvements to the water system are planned, along with steps to protect t=
he
existing water supply from potential future contamination. A source protection plan has been
prepared, as required by state and federal regulations. The most significant threat to the=
water
source identified is that posed by possible septic contamination from exist=
ing
land uses, especially two mobile home parks in the vicinity. To avoid contamination, the wastew=
ater
collection system is planned to be extended to serve residential parcels wi=
thin
the source protection area. O=
ther
planned improvements include updating and/or replacing the 100-year old wat=
er
mains and railroad crossings, improving system security, and planning for t=
he
replacement of the Cheney Farm Reservoirs in 2020. <=
span
style=3D'font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Sewage
Disposal Like
the water system, Northfield’s wastewater treatment facility is owned=
and
operated by the village. Loca=
ted
adjacent to Route 12 in the village, the facility’s service area incl=
udes
the entire village and most of Northfield Center, including Norwich Univers=
ity. Constructed
in 1967, the facility has a treatment capacity of 1.6 million gallons per d=
ay
(GPD), although current flows of 400,000 GPD from approximately 730 connect=
ions
is well below the maximum capacity.
Due to outdated treatment technology – and changes to industri=
al
processes used in local textile industries that altered the composition of
waste entering the system – the treatment facility is presently in
violation of state wastewater discharge standards. Given existing and potential pollu=
tion
of the Dog River, it is critical that the facility be brought into complian=
ce
with all applicable standards. In
2002 the village passed a $7 million bond to overhaul the facility and expa=
nd
the local service area. The u=
pgrade
will reduce phosphorus levels and address other concerns to bring the facil=
ity
into compliance with state standards.
As a result, the maximum capacity of the treatment plant will be red=
uced
to 1.0 million GPD, which will still allow significant capacity for new and
expanded users. In addition, =
the
service area will be extended south of the university to encompass the area
surrounding the municipal well fields, eliminating threats to the municipal
water supply. No other facility improvements or expansions to the serv=
ice
area are anticipated. It has =
been
suggested that the system extend to Northfield Falls; however the extension
would require a forced main, and is consequently considered too costly at t=
his
time. Given the historic
concentration of development in the area – all served by private, in
ground septic systems – such an extension may be necessary in the fut=
ure,
should the need arise. It
has also been suggested that the system extend to the area adjacent to the
Route 12/Route 64 intersection to serve possible industrial development. Outside
of the sewer service area, residences and businesses are responsible for
disposal of wastewater through in-ground systems. Since 2002, all new systems requir=
e a
permit from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and must comply with st=
ate
design standards. Alterations=
to
existing systems currently do not require a state permit, although permit
requirements will be phased in until such alterations fall under state
requirements in 2007. Water
& Sewer Department Although
the village maintains separate water and sewer departments for budgeting
purposes, the two systems share supervisory, technical, and administrative
staff. Presently, the water a=
nd
sewer departments are staffed by four full-time workers who are cross-train=
ed
as licensed water and wastewater facility operators. In
addition to staffing needs, the water department has historically been loca=
ted
in the municipal building, while the sewer department has stored equipment =
and
operated from the treatment plant.
The consolidation of the operation at the treatment plant would resu=
lt
in a more efficient operation while providing options for more efficient us=
e of
the municipal building. If su=
ch a
consolidation of maintenance functions occurs, however, residents should st=
ill
have access to administrative staff in the Village for such purposes as pay=
ing
bills and seeking information. 7.5
Recreation Northfield
residents enjoy a variety of public recreation facilities and programs not
available in smaller communities.
Recreation facilities and programs are overseen by a seven-member
Recreation Board (appointed by the Selectmen) and several local volunteer
organizations. The board hire=
s a
seasonal recreation director to coordinate the use of the pool by the summer
program and the swimming program, and to oversee the operation of the munic=
ipal
pool and maintenance of other facilities.&=
nbsp;
Lifeguards and maintenance workers are also hired on a seasonal basi=
s. The total recreation budget in 200=
1 was
$46,710. The
two developed recreation facilities are: § =
§ Combined,
these facilities provide adequate space and facilities to serve existing
demands for organized field space and less formal youth recreation. A short-range plan of the Recreati=
on
Board is to connect the two facilities with the construction of an off-road,
multi-purpose recreation path. Such
a path would also provide a pedestrian and bicyclist connection between Nor=
thfield
Falls and Northfield Village. In
addition, the proposed path connection between the downtown and Norwich
University, and associated development of an “eco-park” along t=
he
Dog River, would further enhance recreation and transportation opportunities
(see Chapters 5 and 6). In
addition to developed facilities, Northfield also boasts a well developed
network of winter trails maintained by the Vermont Association of Snow
Travelers (VAST), excellent fishing opportunities in the Dog River and
tributary streams, good hunting (in large part made possible by private
landowners); and hiking trails on Paine Mountain. Trails to Paine Mountain cross the
municipal forest, lands owned by Norwich University and the local telephone
company. 7.6 Solid Waste Manag=
ement Northfield
is one of 22 member towns forming the Central
Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD), first organized in
1984. The district, governed =
by a
board of supervisors made up of an appointed representative from each
municipality, is charged with administering regional programs for the
reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal of solid waste. District planning and programs are
funded primarily through a municipal per capita assessment ($2.10 in FY03),=
and
a surcharge on trash generated within the district ($16/ton in FY03). Northfield’s municipal asses=
sment,
included annually in the Selectboard’s budget, was set at $12,140 for
2001-02 – up significantly (41%) from previous years due to rising
administrative costs. Programs The
district offers several programs to help member communities reduce, reuse a=
nd
recycle solid waste, including recycling depots, hazardous waste collection=
s,
illegal dumping and burning programs, Green Up Day grants, an award-winning
DeTox Family Program, junk car removal assistance, clothing reuse (“d=
rop
and swap”) events, and a reuse business grant program. The district also negotiates contr=
acts
with private entities for waste collection and disposal. Recycling The
District’s mandatory recycling ordinance went into effect in 1995. Solid
Waste Disposal The district has not yet undertaken a waste
generation survey to determine the amount of waste generated from each of i=
ts
member communities; however, nearly 40,000 tons of garbage (or 3.5 pounds p=
er
person per day) from the district is land filled annually. The majority of waste (73%) is shi=
pped
to the Waste USA landfill in Coventry, another 25% ends up at the Waste Sys=
tems
International (WSI, formerly Palisades) landfill facility in Moretown, and a
small amount (2%) is delivered to Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Given the distance to these end
facilities, portions of the region’s trash are dumped and packed into
trailers at transfer stations in Hardwick and East Montpelier. Disposal
currently costs between $75 and $98 per ton – an estimated $2.8 to $3=
.7
million annually for the district.
The cost to local residents is currently $2.25 for each 30 gallon/25
pound bag of trash. The distr=
ict
anticipates no reduction in these rates, even as additional landfill capaci=
ty
is developed statewide. The
Waste USA facility has permitted capacity through 2009. WSI’s permit extends through=
2007;
however, they are expected to seek authorization to open another cell prior=
to
permit expiration. In 1993, a=
nd
again in 2001, citizens in the district overwhelmingly opposed the siting o=
f a
new landfill within the region.
Accordingly, the CVSWMD currently has no intent to pursue a
district-owned landfill, but will be re-evaluating its landfill siting crit=
eria
for the review of any proposed private landfill facilities. Solid
Waste Planning Under
Act 78, passed by the state in 1987, CVSWMD must develop plans and programs
that are consistent with the state’s solid waste implementation
plan. The district is current=
ly
updating its solid waste plan for state approval, scheduled for completion =
in
the winter of 2003. Over the =
life
of this plan, the district intends to embrace a “zero waste”
philosophy that emphasizes resource conservation through the reuse and
recycling of materials. In
addition, all solid waste management facilities, including proposed landfil=
ls,
must be identified in the district plan in order to receive certification f=
rom
the state. Proposed solid was=
te
management facilities are also subject to local regulations and require the
support of the host community. 7.7 Health & Soci=
al
Services There
have been dramatic changes over the past several years in health care and in
service and insurance industries, resulting in rising costs and increased
differentiation among service providers to access available federal and sta=
te
funding. Many industry proble=
ms,
including rising health care costs, are beyond the reach of municipalities =
and
local organizations to address, but affect local businesses, workers,
residents, and municipal budgets.
Coordination and collaboration between funding agencies and service
providers to ensure the effective delivery of services is more important th=
an
ever, and could be improved through local information and referral
services. It is also reasonab=
le to
expect that volunteer efforts, and municipal funding and support for local
service organizations, will become more important given anticipated cuts in
state and federal programs. A
variety of private, state and nonprofit agencies provide health and social
services to Northfield residents.
Of particular importance locally are services provided to
Northfield’s elderly population, and to children and families in need=
. State and regional services are
generally based in Montpelier or Barre.&nb=
sp;
Many area nonprofits, described below, have a local presence, and de=
pend
in part on volunteers, municipal funding, and donations for support. Non-budgeted municipal appropriati=
ons to
requesting organizations are decided annually by town voters.
<=
br
clear=3Dall style=3D'page-break-before:always'>
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image031.gif")
An issue of particular concern to Northfield residents is
the local property tax burden.
Partly as a result of Act 60, local education taxes in Northfield are
comparable to those of surrounding communities (see Chapter 8). ![](3D"TownPlan_files/image033.gif")
Capital Bud=
get
& Program
Another strategy that =
the
town and village have used effectively to stabilize spending – and
therefore tax rates – has been capital budgeting and programming and =
the associated
use of reserve funds. By
anticipating the need for future capital projects, multiple purchases may be
coordinated, and funds set aside in reserve accounts, to equalize the burden
over several years. This avoi=
ds
sharp fluctuations in local tax rates, allowing residents and businesses to
plan ahead with a greater degree of certainty. In addition, the capital improveme=
nt
program is a necessary tool to have in place, should the community consider
enacting impact fees or require the phasing of large developments. <=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-b=
idi-font-family:
"Times New Roman";font-style:normal;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image035.gif")
Norwich University provides private, on-campus security
services. This has the effect=
of
reducing the burden on the police department. The unique law enforcement ne=
eds
associated with hosting a college in the community, however, place ongoing
off-campus pressures on the department.&nb=
sp;
As the university – and community – grow, it is likely t=
hat
an additional full time officer will be required to maintain existing cover=
age;
one addition has already been budgeted. Water Sy=
stem
Northfield
Village has maintained a public water system since establishing a water
department in 1895. The system
serves the entire village (approximately 750 users), in addition to
approximately 300 users outside village limits in Northfield Falls and
Northfield Center. Current de=
mand
for water is 520,000 gallons per day (gpd), 300,000 gpd of which is
metered. Water is distributed
through approximately 25 miles of water mains. In addition to providing potable w=
ater,
the system includes 130 hydrants that provide a high level of fire protecti=
on
with the service area.
Health
Care Services
Northfield
residents have access to general health care services locally through sever=
al
private practitioners– Green Mountain Family Practice and several den=
tal
practices. The People’s Health and Wellness Clinic in Barre also off=
ers
health care services to area residents who are uninsured.
The
town’s hospital closed several years ago; however, the Mayo Health Care facility now ser=
ves as a 50-bed Level I/II nursing home=
that provides
intensive and intermediate residential nursing care and therapies. There are also three state-licensed
Level III care facilities in town – Four Season Care Home, Mayo Assis=
ted
Living, and Mayo-DeLary House – which provide room and board, personal
care, 24-hour non-medical supervision, and limited nursing services to seni=
ors
and adults with disabilities. The
three facilities have a combined capacity of 113 residents.
The
Central Vermont Medical Center=
in
Berlin is the region’s full-service hospital, providing patients with
emergency, medical, surgical, psychiatric, pediatric and social services,
including counseling and referrals to area health and welfare agencies. A variety of outpatient services a=
re
also available. Northfield
residents also have access to the =
Gifford
Memorial Hospital, located in Randolph. Both hospitals are associated with=
the
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Social
Services
Locally,
Community Emergency Relief Volunte=
ers
(CERV) provides food, clothing, utility, and other emergency assistance to
residents in need. CERV also =
runs
the local food shelf, located in the town’s ambulance garage. It receives no public funding and
operates through the generosity of the Northfield community and local
businesses.
The
Central Vermont Community Action C=
ouncil
(CVCAC), based in Berlin, offers a wide range of programs to serve the
needs of low-income households and residents in the region – including
food assistance, emergency fuel and weatherization, family support, Head St=
art,
welfare-to-work, and community economic development programs. Community Action offers emergency
assistance, to help offset the immediate impacts of poverty, and also long-=
term
support for those working their way out of poverty. In 2000, CVCAC helped 284 Northfie=
ld
residents and 197 families.
Senior
Services
The
Greater Northfield Senior Center, =
on
Wall Street, serves as a gathe=
ring
place for local residents, and offers a variety of health and social progra=
ms
and events, often in association with area agencies, to serve the town̵=
7;s
senior population. The center
offers regular health screening, workshops, and an on-site meals program.
Youth & Family Services<=
/u>
There are currently twelve state registered child care
providers operating in Northfield, including three day care centers: the
Northfield Community Day Care Center, the Northfield Early Education Progra=
m,
and St. Mary’s Nursery School.
The Family Center of Washin=
gton
County, based in Montpelier, <=
/b>is
the area’s childcare resource and referral agency. The Center also provides preschool=
and
after-school child care services, playgroups, parent education and support
activities, training for childcare providers, and assistance to parents to =
pay
for child care services. In 2=
000,
the Center assisted 374 Northfield residents.
The Northfield Boys & Girls C=
lub was established to provide a supervised place for youth=
to
congregate that is safe and secure from dangerous and/or illegal substances;
provides youth an opportunity to plan and take part in social, recreational,
and educational activities and community service; and allows youth to
experience democracy by exercising self governance under the guidance of an
adult advisor. The Club’=
;s
credo is “Honor Youth.”
The Club, which is open to any youth from Northfield, Roxbury, and
Riverton, provides a number of programs including community service. It operates out of a facility adja=
cent
to the downtown.
The Northfield/Roxbury Drug Free Communities Support
Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. The program’s goals are to r=
educe
substance abuse among youth and to form a coalition of community groups who=
se
members will focus on helping to provide resources to create a healthy
environment with emphasis on the prevention of substance abuse. To achieve these goals, grants are
awarded to youth-serving groups in support of their programs designed to re=
duce
risks that lead to substance use and abuse. Other strategies include coalition
building with adult leaders and youth, increased media attention and the
evaluation of youth use and attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other d=
rugs.
Good
Beginnings of Central Vermont, based
in Northfield, is a nonprofit program that provides volunteer support and
education to new parents and their newborn or adopted babies, to help ease =
the
transition into parenthood.
Volunteers visit all families with infants, and also work with local=
libraries
to distribute information. Th=
e Washington County Youth Service Burea=
u
provides crisis intervention, parenting, family counseling, substance abuse
services, and transitional living programs for runaway and homeless youths.=
&nbs=
p;
In 2000, services were provided to 75 Northfield youths and fami=
ly
members. Battered Women’s Services and Shelter, opened in 1990 in
Montpelier, provides services to more than 1000 victims of domestic violence
annually. The closest homeless
shelter is the Good Samaritan shelter in Barre.
7.8 &nb=
sp; Communications
Services & Facilities
Northfield is served by both traditional and more modern
forms of communication that inform the community, connect residents with ea=
ch
other, and increasingly the wider world.
Newspapers
The Northfield News, the local weekly newspaper, was first established in 1878, an=
d is
the municipality’s official newspaper for public warnings, notices, a=
nd
announcements. Many Northfield
residents also get their news from the Times-Argus, central Vermont&#=
8217;s
daily paper based out of Barre, which offers some local coverage. Norwich University’s newspap=
er, The
Norwich Guidon, also covers some local events.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications facilities and services, until very
recently, were limited to local and long distance phone systems, and wirele=
ss
radio and television networks. The
information access provided by cell phones and “personal digital
assistants” (PDAs), on-line Internet services, and the World Wide Web=
was
unheard of a decade ago. Tele=
communications
services available to Northfield residents are now multiplying at an
unprecedented rate, due to ongoing technological advances and an expanding
number of local and national service providers.
Technology and deregulation have blurred the lines betwe=
en
what were once distinct, separately regulated services – phone and ca=
ble
systems are now used as much for data transfer as for more traditional form=
s of
communication. Wired and wire=
less
networks are being developed that allow for high-speed internet access, voi=
ce
and data integration, video conferencing, distance and on-line learning, and
telecommuting.
Telecommunications networks that support new information
technologies and provide access to worldwide information and markets are al=
so
important economic engines. This is most evident locally in
recent federal funding for the development of the National Center for the Study of Cyber-Terrorism and Cyber Crime at
Norwich University, scheduled to go on-line in 2003. As a result of this center, Northf=
ield
is expected to become a regional hub for cutting-edge technology research a=
nd
education.
Unlike traditional phone and broadcast networks, availab=
le
for a nominal fee or the cost of purchasing a radio or television, many of =
the new
technologies and services require a substantial initial capital investment
(e.g., for computers, dishes or wiring), and subsequent monthly payments.
Telephone
Service. The Northfield
Telephone Company, first established in 1896, is the area’s incum=
bent
local exchange company. It is=
now a
subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS Telecom), a national telecommunications provider with local=
and
regional offices in Northfield. TDS
provides a variety of phone, data, and Internet services to Northfield and
Roxbury area businesses and residents for monthly fees. Local consumers have the option of
selecting from a variety of long-distance telephone service providers.
In 2002 TDS agreed, in response to an order from the Ver=
mont
Public Service Board, to reduce its local residential and business rates wi=
thin
the Northfield calling area, which encompasses approximately 53,000
subscribers; to use associated reserves to help offset costs incurred by lo=
cal
schools participating in the state’s “Distance Learning”
initiative; and to continue expanding broadband services, including Digital
Subscriber Line (DSL) services, to a wider area. TDS also participates in “Li=
nk Up
Vermont,” which provides subsidized phone installation services for
income-eligible residents.
Wireless P=
hone
Services. Cellular phone service is also
improving, but because of local topography, remains spotty in the Dog River
valley. Providers are actively
pursuing tower sites throughout Vermont to expand cellular coverage. Northfield, under the federal 1996
Telecommunications Act, cannot exclude such facilities, but can regulate th=
eir
siting and appearance through local zoning or ordinances. Emissions, including related
interference and health considerations, are regulated separately by the Fed=
eral
Communications Commission (FCC).
Radio,
Television & Cable. Because of the mountainous terrain, Northfield residents
without cable or satellite service get limited radio and television recepti=
on. Norwich University’s noncomm=
ercial
radio station, WNUB (88.3 FM) =
has
been broadcasting to central Vermonters for 35 years. The station’s signal is
transmitted from a 30-foot tower located on the roof of Jackman Hall, and
reaches listeners within a 10-mile radius.=
Trans-Video Inc., based=
in
Norwich, provides cable television packages for a monthly fee. Trans-Video also provides three ch=
annels
for public, educational, and government (PEG) use, as required by the Vermo=
nt
Public Service Board (e.g., Channel 7, 15, and 16). Currently meetings of the Selectme=
n and
Trustees are broadcast on Channel 7 but other local programming is
limited. Northfield residents=
outside
the cable service area have access to other wireless television services.
Internet
& Web Services
Increasingly, more information and services, including
government and educational services, are being provided through web sites,
accessed through the Internet.
Northfield residents with a phone line, computer, and modem, or a di=
rect
line connection, have access to a growing number of local and national Inte=
rnet
Service Providers (ISPs) – and a variety of associated services,
including e-mail, file and data transfer services, web sites, and access to=
the
World Wide Web. Residential
Internet services currently offered through TDS include dialup access, Digi=
tal
Service Lines (DSLs), and web hosting.&nbs=
p;
Businesses also may have access to dedicated (Integrated Services
Digital Network [ISDN] and T1) lines for higher speed service. Trans-Video offers its cable custo=
mers
cable modem Internet access. =
For
residents without a computer or cable service, the Brown Public Library now
offers public on-line access, in partnership with TDS and Norwich
University. The Senior Center
offers classes and online access for senior citizens.
The Internet is increasingly important as an educational
tool for information access and on-line (“distance”) learning
opportunities. Northfield sch=
ools
have broadband access to online services and resources through “K12ne=
t,”
an extension of Vermont’s GOVnet, which supports local and distance
learning programs. The Washin=
gton
South Supervisory Union and both Northfield schools maintain basic web site=
s,
and participate in VITA-Learn, the Vermont Information Technology Associati=
on for
the Advancement of Learning, which encourages the use of information
technologies to meet Vermont educational standards. Norwich University has also establ=
ished
on-line courses, including an on-line MBA program for business professional=
s.
The current Northfield web site (www.northfieldvt.com)
was developed and is maintained by the Northfield Business & Profession=
al
Association. NBPA offers the =
site
as a resource for both local residents and visitors. Current web pages include a brief
history of the town and its four villages, community and municipal informat=
ion,
listings of health, senior, educational, and recreational resources, and li=
nks
to local businesses. A separa=
te
municipal web site is currently under development.
7.9 &nb=
sp; Cultural
Facilities & Activities
Brown Public Library
The Brown Public Library is governed by an elected Board=
of
Trustees. The library is open=
six
days (43 hours) a week, and is run by an eight-member staff, including a he=
ad
librarian, a youth librarian, and several assistants. Recent years have witnessed a trem=
endous
increase in both circulation (which reached 21,880 in 2000) and use of the
library’s Community Room. The
library’s catalog was automated in 1995, the result of hundreds of ho=
urs
of volunteer effort. Norwich
University has provided computer services to get the library on-line. It is now linked to other librarie=
s all
over the state and worldwide. The
library maintains its own web site, and offers free e-mail addresses to
patrons. The library also off=
ers a
variety of community programs including youth workshops, story hours and su=
mmer
reading programs, adult reading programs, and an off-site circulation servi=
ce
at the Northfield Senior Center.
Friends of=
the
Brown Public Library is a
membership-based nonprofit group organized to support the activities of the
library through fundraising activities and volunteer efforts. The organization currently include=
s over
150 area families, and is financed through annual membership dues, the sale=
of
book bags, and gifts. The Fri=
ends,
in consultation with the librarian and library trustees, use funds raised e=
ach
year to purchase books and equipment, and support library programs.
In 1995 the Library developed an expansion plan that wou=
ld
more than double the size of the building, modernize facilities, and enhance
patron services. It would also
include a new permanent home for the Northfield Historical Society in the
historic Paine House (the former site of the American Legion). Over several years, the library in
conjunction with the Northfield Historical Society conducted an ambitious f=
und
raising effort to raise $1.3 million.
This resulted in substantial federal and state grants, and private
donations, including $100,000 from the Northfield Savings Bank and $50,000 =
from
Norwich University. In Septem=
ber
1998, town voters approved a $400,00 bond for the project to go forward.
Community Organizations & Event=
s
Northfield is home to nearly forty service, educational = and community organizations that support a wide variety of local activities and cultural events, and contribute much to community life. Norwich University also supports community activities though its community service and youth mentoring progr= ams, and by making university facilities available for use by community groups.<= o:p>
The Greater Northfield Arts Activities Group, Inc., is a
not-for-profit community organization formed in 1999 and dedicated to build=
ing
multi-generational relationships that engender mutual respect, responsibili=
ty,
and recognition by bringing together children, youths, and adults to perfor=
m,
produce, and exhibit for the enjoyment of themselves and others. All events, workshops, meetings, a=
nd
programs are substance free (including a prohibition of alcohol and tobacco=
).
Annual events that attract both local residents and visi=
tors
include the Vermont Quilt Festival, held in June of each year at Norwich
University; Summer on the Common entertainment series held Tuesday evenings
through July and August; Labor Day Observances and Parade, a three-day fest=
ival
held on the village common; the Haunted Hayride, held two weekends in Octob=
er,
and “Ellie’s Farm Market Jock-o-Lantern Show,” a 25-year
local Halloween event. Northf=
ield
also is known for the annual “Cabot Hosiery Sock Sale,” held ea=
ch
fall at the Cabot sock mill and the Barry T. Chouinard, Inc. tee shirt sale=
.
Cultural events attracting outside visitors present
Northfield in a positive light, and also contribute to the local economy.
The Northfield
Business & Professional Association (NBPA), created in 1978, serves as a local chamber of co=
mmerce
by promoting member businesses, local economic development, and Northfield =
as a
tourist destination; but it also takes a broader interest in larger issues
affecting the community. NBPA
sponsors community events, recognizes outstanding community service, repres=
ents
the community in regional organizations, and provides information and assum=
es
positions on issues affecting the community. NBPA, as noted, also maintains
Northfield’s web site on behalf of the community at large. Membership is open to anyone who l=
ives
in the greater Northfield area, or who is associated with a local service,
business, or professional activity.
7.10 Commu=
nity
Facilities & Services Goals, Policies & Tasks
Community
Facilities & Services Goal
The provision of effective and cost efficient community
services, facilities, and utilities is needed to meet present and future de=
mands
of Northfield citizens and visitors.
Community
Facilities & Services Policies
1)&n=
bsp; =
;
Provide
municipal services and facilities in an efficient and cost effective manner=
to
ensure a high level of service without creating an undue financial burden on
taxpayers. To this end:
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Village and Town governments should continue to coordina=
te
and cooperate to avoid redundancies and maximize efficiency; wherever possi=
ble,
facilities and services should be shared;
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Alternatives to the property tax to fund local services
(grants, user fees, etc.) will be used wherever practical;
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Capital expenditures will be programmed to avoid sharp
fluctuations in the property tax rate;
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
The municipality will coordinate with neighboring commun=
ities
to share services and associated costs to the extent practical;
· &nb=
sp;
Expansion of not-for-profit institutions, including Norw=
ich
University, shall be planned in a manner that does not place an undue burde=
n on
municipal services and facilities or result in an undue adverse impact on t=
he
property tax rate.
2)&n=
bsp; =
;
Plan for
adequate facilities and services to accommodate anticipated future demands,=
so
that those demands do not create an unreasonable burden on the municipality=
's
ability to provide one or more facility or service. To this end:
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
The scale =
and
timing of development shall be controlled to ensure that the resulting dema=
nd
for services and facilities does not exceed the municipalities ability to
provide them;
· =
&nb=
sp;
In the eve=
nt
new or expanded public facilities required to accommodate new development a=
re
not available or planned, the developer shall reimburse the municipality for
the proportional cost of the facility(s) needed to accommodate the new
development unless the municipality determines that the proposed development
will provide community benefits which outweigh or offset the cost of
facilities.
=
3) =
Make the m=
ost
effective and efficient use of existing services, structures, facilities, a=
nd
utilities before expanding capacity or constructing new buildings or
facilities.
4) =
Coordinate=
the
provision of facilities and services with local land use and development go=
als
and policies outlined in this plan.
5) =
Continue to
staff municipal departments at levels adequate to maintain and/or enhance e=
xisting
municipal services.
6) =
Provide
municipal water and sewer facilities to customers within defined service ar=
ea
boundaries. The extension of
facilities to customers outside of those service area boundaries shall be
limited to instances in which the extension is necessary to address a threa=
t to
public health and safety or to reinforce and support local land use and
development policies unless extension is paid for by customers.
7) =
Allocate
municipal water and sewer capacity in accordance with the goals and policie=
s of
this plan, including those related to land use, economic development and
housing.
8) =
Operate the
municipal wastewater system in a manner that ensures the highest practical
level of protection to the Dog River.
9) =
Continue t=
he
Northfield Village function as the civic and cultural center of the
community. To this end, munic=
ipal
offices and emergency services should be located in Northfield Village,
preferably in or adjacent to the downtown.
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
Community
Facilities & Services Tasks
=
1)&n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
;
Maintain a=
nd
update the Capital Budget and Program on an annual basis. [Municipal Manage=
r,
Selectmen, Trustees]
=
2)&n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
;
Continue to
explore opportunities to coordinate and share the responsibility for provid=
ing municipal
services and facilities between the Town and Village [Municipal Manager,
Selectmen, Trustees]
=
3)&n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
;
Review
proposals for development to determine what impact they will have on the
ability of the municipality to provide adequate services and facilities wit=
hout
an undue adverse impact on local tax payers, and place appropriate conditio=
ns
on new development regarding the timing of construction and provision of
services or facilities. [Plan=
ning
Commission, Board of Adjustment]
=
4)&n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
; &n=
bsp; =
;
Maintain
representation on, and work with Norwich University’s facilities plan=
ning
committee to address the impact of new development and enrollment expansion=
on
the municipalities’ ability to provide services and facilities and im=
pact
on the local tax rate.
[Selectmen/Trustees and Staff].
5) &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p; &=
nbsp; &nbs=
p;
Conduct an
assessment of municipal office space and related facilities to identify cur=
rent
and anticipated space needs for all municipal departments, and determine
strategies for addressing those needs.&nbs=
p;
Such an assessment should include:
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Considerat=
ion
of relocating the ambulance service, and police department, with the fire
department, in a single public safety building or complex located next to t=
he
existing Fire Station; and
· &nb=
sp;
Options for
upgrading, expanding, and/or relocating the municipal offices. [Municipal Manager, Selectmen, Tru=
stees]
6) &nbs=
p; Prepare
a wastewater allocation ordinance that ensures that reserve capacity is
allocated in a manner that reinforces the land use, development, and natural
resource protection policies of this plan [Planning Commission, Municipal
Manager, Trustees]
7) &n=
bsp;
Evaluate a=
nd
comment on the regional solid waste management plan in relation to
Northfield’s needs, prior to its adoption by the District. [Municipal Representative(s) to Di=
strict;
Municipal Manager, Planning Commission]
8) &n=
bsp;
Evaluate
existing and anticipated recreation programs and facilities and prepare a p=
lan
for the long-range management and, if appropriate, upgrade or expansion of
those facilities. [Recreation
Committee]
9) &n=
bsp;
Continue to
ensure that public meetings are broadcast on community access television, a=
nd
either develop a municipal web site or make better municipal use of the site
sponsored by the Northfield Business & Professional Association.
10)
Adopt
telecommunications provisions under local zoning which require:
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Providers =
to
demonstrate existing gaps in coverage, and coverage improvements that will
result from the siting of a new facility;
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Collocatio=
n of
facilities where feasible;
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
Telecommun=
ications
towers to be removed if not in use (e.g., for 18 months or more);
·=
; =
&nb=
sp;
That new
facilities comply with standards to minimize potential environmental and vi=
sual
impacts resulting from such facilities; and
· &nb=
sp;
That small
facilities may be located within existing structures (e.g., church steeples=
).
11) &nb=
sp; Evaluate
current user fee structures and potential alternative funding sources for l=
ocal
services and facilities to reduce reliance on the local property tax. [Municipal Manager]
12) Evaluate water distribution =
system
rehabilitation for the water system.
Chapter
8. Local Education
8.1 Overview
The goal of the Northfield School system is to
“encourage the highest quality educational system for all students of
Northfield, and to encourage preparedness to handle the future of (the) sch=
ool
system’s growth.” The
town has worked toward this goal through the Northfield School Board, sever=
al
volunteer organizations, and the Washington South Supervisory Union, which,
together with the Town of Roxbury, helps to oversee separate elementary sch=
ools
in each community and the Northfield Middle/High School (6-12) in Northfield
Village. This chapter provides
brief background information regarding the school system, and identifies is=
sues
likely to affect the system in the coming years.
8.2 <=
/span>School
Facilities
Northfield educates all pre-Kindergarten (PK) through gr=
ade
12 students at a central location on Cross Street in Northfield Village.
Elementary School.=
Students =
in PK
through grade 5 are educated at the Comiskey School. The Comiskey School is administere=
d by
the five-member Northfield School Board elected by Town voters. A summary of recent trends and
conditions regarding school participation, class size, access to technology=
and
staffing is presented in Table 8.1.
Table 8.1<= o:p>Northfield
Elementary School
|
|||||
|
|
1998-99 |
1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
Vermont (most recent) |
Participation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Enrollment |
377 |
343 |
356 |
362 |
100,867 |
|
Attendance Rate |
95.7% |
95.6% |
94.4% |
95.1% |
95.1% |
Class Size |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Class Size |
19.3 |
17.4 |
18.5 |
18.9 |
16.0 |
|
Student/Teacher Ratio |
15.5 |
13.9 |
15.3 |
15.0 |
11.4 |
|
Eligible Special Education |
10.9% |
7.6% |
9.8% |
11.0% |
13.0% |
|
Home Study (number) |
15 |
12 |
8 |
11 |
1,540 |
Technology |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Students per Computer |
7.1 |
6.6 |
5.0 |
N/A |
5.0 |
|
Internet Access |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
97%
Yes |
|
Type of Internet Connection |
Dial-up |
Direct
Link |
Direct
Link |
Direct
Link |
N/A |
Personnel (FTEs) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Classroom Teachers |
18.6 |
18.6 |
17.5 |
17.5 |
6,413.1 |
|
Other Teachers |
7.2 |
8.1 |
7.8 |
8.7 |
2,510.2 |
|
Instructional Aids |
16.7 |
18.0 |
18.0 |
20.0 |
3,580.8 |
|
Licensed Administrators |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
1.0 |
420.8 |
|
Administrative Support |
1.0 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
2.0 |
502.8 |
|
=
Other Staff |
10.6 |
7.2 |
10.8 |
8.8 |
2,715.4 |
|
Average Teacher Salary |
N/A |
$36,865 |
$42,010 |
$40,948 |
$39,166 |
|
Source:
VT Dept. of Education |
Originally built in 1978, the school was upgraded in
1994. Due to the 1994 upgrade=
, the
current facility is adequate to meet anticipated enrollments for the
foreseeable future (see section 10.3, below). One deficiency that exists, howeve=
r, is
the lack of outdoor recreation facilities.=
Expansion of existing recreation fields is limited by terrain, other
physical constraints (e.g. wetlands), and adjacent residential neighborhood=
s.
Northfield Middle/High
School. Northfield Middle/High School is located in a shared
facility adjacent to the Comiskey School on Cross Street. The facility, which provides educa=
tional
services for middle school (grade 6-8) and high school (grade 9-12) student=
s,
respectively, from Northfield and Roxbury[5],
is administered by the Northfield School Board. A summary of recent trends and
conditions regarding school participation, class size, access to technology,
and graduate aspirations is presented in Table 8.1.
Table 8.2<= o:p>Northfield
Middle & High School
|
|||||
|
|
1998-99 |
1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
Vermont (most recent) |
Participation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Enrollment |
525 |
512 |
505 |
510 |
100,867 |
|
Attendance Rate |
93.7% |
94.1% |
93.1% |
93.1% |
95.1% |
Class Size |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Class Size |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
16.0 |
|
Student/Teacher Ratio |
13.4 |
11.5 |
11.9 |
12.4 |
11.4 |
|
Eligible Special Education |
13.7% |
14.8% |
14.7% |
17.8% |
13.0% |
|
9-12 Dropout Rate |
3.3% |
5.7% |
4.6% |
2.5% |
3.9% |
|
Home Study (number) |
6 |
10 |
8 |
8 |
1,540 |
Technology |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Students per Computer |
8.3 |
6.3 |
5.1 |
N/A |
5.0 |
|
Internet Access |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
97%
Yes |
|
Type of Internet Connection |
Dial
Up |
Direct
Link |
Direct
Link |
Direct
Link |
N/A |
Personnel (FTEs) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Classroom Teachers |
29.8 |
30.9 |
27.7 |
28.8 |
6,413.2 |
|
Other Teachers |
12 |
16.8 |
17.8 |
15.2 |
2,510.2 |
|
Instructional Aids |
14.3 |
15.0 |
16.5 |
15.5 |
3,580.8 |
|
Licensed Administrators |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
420.8 |
|
Administrative Support |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
2.0 |
502.8 |
|
Other Staff |
10.5 |
11.8 |
11.6 |
9.6 |
2,715.4 |
|
Average Teacher Salary |
N/A |
$34,246 |
$35,818 |
$41,624 |
$39,166 |
|
Mean SAT Scores |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Verbal |
N/A |
456 |
448 |
505 |
514 |
|
Math |
N/A |
445 |
439 |
490 |
512 |
|
% Seniors who took exam |
N/A |
51% |
46% |
59% |
63% |
|
Post
Secondary Aspirations (Srs)=
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4-Year College |
62% |
56% |
50% |
N/A |
54% |
|
2-Year College |
4% |
4% |
18% |
N/A |
8% |
|
Other School |
7% |
0& |
7% |
N/A |
3% |
|
Homemaker |
0% |
2% |
0% |
N/A |
0% |
|
Full-time Job |
23% |
26% |
11% |
N/A |
32% |
|
Military Service |
0% |
2% |
0% |
N/A |
3% |
|
Take Time Off/Don’t Know |
2% |
0% |
13% |
N/A |
2% |
|
Source:
VT Dept. of Education |
The High School was constructed in 1954 and underwent
substantial upgrade and expansion in 1994, at which time the separate middle
school was established. The
respective schools operate out of separate portions of the building.
The school’s academic
program includes college preparatory, business, and limited vocational
courses. Curriculum is supple=
mented
with vocational education provided to local students at Randolph Area
Vocational Center (RAVC) – one of sixteen vocational centers serving
local high schools around the state.
Quite a few high school students take regular college level courses =
at
Norwich University and Vermont Technical College. In addition, the school offers Adv=
anced
Placement (AP) courses in English, Calculus, History, and Biology. As described in detail in Chapter =
8, the
Washington South Supervisory Union Board (composed of three Roxbury
representatives and five Northfield representatives) and both Northfield
schools maintain basic web sites, and participate in VITA-Learn, the Vermont
Information Technology Association for the Advancement of Learning, which
encourages the use of information technologies to meet Vermont educational
standards.
8.3 &nb=
sp; Enrollment
Trends
Enrollment in both the elementary, middle and high schoo=
ls
has remained relatively stable in recent years. As explained in Chapter 3, however,
Northfield’s aging population and modest growth will likely result in
declining enrolments in the coming years.&=
nbsp;
This is supported by recent trends and enrollment projections provid=
ed
by the Washington South Supervisory Union which are presented in Figure 8.1=
.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image037.gif")
From a facility standpoint, the declining enrollment is =
good
news in that additional space will not be needed in the foreseeable
future. From a program and
financing standpoint, however, a declining enrollment places additional bur=
dens
on the school to maintain a full range of programs with fewer students. This is especially true under the
present method of funding education that is based upon enrollment and the
per-pupil cost of education. =
Development trends in the community and surrounding regi=
on,
and municipal economic and community development policies and programs, can
influence future enrollment trends by encouraging job creation and resident=
ial
development in the community. Recent
initiatives, such as the Center for Cyber Terrorism (see Chapter 5), indica=
te
that some additional growth should be anticipated. Not only should local schools be a=
ble to
accommodate anticipated growth in the near term without experiencing substa=
ntial
burden, such growth may be beneficial to the school by helping to maintain a
consistent student body while enhancing community vitality.
8.4 <=
/span>Cost
of Education
Funding local education is the
largest single expenditure for most Vermont municipalities, typically
accounting for between 65% to 90% of all local tax dollars. With the passag=
e of
Act 60 in 1997 (first implemented in FY99) the state instituted a statewide
property tax to fund education, and an “income sensitization”
feature that limits the amount of education property tax to be paid by
income-qualified Vermont residents. &=
nbsp;
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image039.gif")
The statewide property tax is
calculated for each community using an “Equalized Education Property =
Tax
Grand List,” as determined by the state based on estimates of the fair
market value of all listed real property in the community. This is used to measure the proper=
ty
wealth of a school district.
Currently (2002/2003), the equalized statewide education tax rate is=
$1.10;
every student receives a general state support grant of $5,651. For districts spending above the g=
rant,
a local share tax is imposed in addition to the statewide tax, as in the ca=
se
of Northfield. The local shar=
e tax
is determined directly from per pupil spending above the block grant. As a result, Northfield’s
effective tax rate for education – $1.61 in 2003 – is lower than
the state average ($1.68) for the same year.
Despite Northfield having a per-pupil cost above the sta=
te
block grant ($7,462 in 2002/03), it is still below the state average ($7,72=
5)
and Northfield remains a “receiving” town under Act 60, meaning
that the town receives more in state property tax revenue than is raised
locally. This is partly due to
lower than average budget increases since Act 60 was put into effect. When funds are adjusted for inflat=
ion,
the average annual budget increase over the past five years has been
approximately 1.5%. Total annual expenditures for 1998/99 through 2002/03 a=
re
presented in Figure 8.2
8.5 &nb=
sp; Northfield
Schools & the Community
The Northfield Community School Organization (CSO) was
formed in 1988 with a mission of “build(ing) bridges between the
Northfield School and parents of Northfield students and the greater Northf=
ield
population, with an organizational focus on PK through 8th
grade. Composed of volunteer
parents, teachers, school administrators and community members, the CSO
sponsors several activities, including an after-school program offering
enrichment programs between January and March, an Artist in Residence progr=
am,
family activities, and fundraising to supplement school budgets and expand
curriculum.
Among the most important issues raised at the Vermont
Council for Rural Development’s community visit in January 2002, was =
the
need to promote academic excellence in the Northfield School system. As part of that process, a group of
local residents focused on the local school system’s strengths and
challenges. Summaries of the =
three
key challenges identified are:
=
1)&n=
bsp; =
;
Deficits in
terms of academic atmosphere, curricular opportunities, and performance.
=
2)&n=
bsp; =
;
A lack of
field space for playground and sports.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-f=
areast-font-family:
Arial'>3) &nbs=
p;
A lack of
sustained parental involvement and leadership toward academic, rather than
athletic, excellence, especially for higher grades and high school.
With the exception of facility
concerns (e.g., ballfields), which are mentioned above, issues associated w=
ith
curriculum and academic programs are generally outside of the scope of this
plan.
8.6 &nb=
sp; Adult
Education
Adult education opportunities=
for
Northfield residents are available locally through Norwich University and at
various regional centers.
Regional
Adult Education. The Community College of Vermont (CCV)’s
Montpelier campus provides a variety of courses and degree programs. In addition the Vermont Technical
College in Randolph and the University of Vermont and several other college=
s in
the Burlington area provide higher learning opportunities for local residen=
ts. A growing number of opportunities =
for
“distance learning” are available on-line and through the Vermo=
nt
Interactive Television (ITV) site in Waterbury.
A variety of
adult basic educational programs are also available through Central Vermont
Adult Basic Education, with offices in Barre, Montpelier, and Randolph. These include individualized and g=
roup
educational services to adults in their homes, at the learning center, and =
in
community settings. Basic edu=
cation
programs serve those who wish to improve their reading, writing, and math
skills for use on the job or in daily life, those who are studying for their
high school equivalency degree (GED) or adult diploma, and those who want to
learn English as a second language.
Computer training is also available.
Central Vermont Adult Basic
Education also offers a family literacy program, an out of school youth
program, a teen parenting education program, and a getting ready to work
program for welfare recipients who are seeking academic and job skills to
improve their occupational outlook.
Norwich
University. Norwich
University is the nation’s oldest military college whose student body=
is
composed of the Corps of Cadets and civilians with the majority belonging to
the Corps of Cadets. The ROTC
program at the University is represented by all branches of the armed
services. Norwich offers stat=
e of
the art science, engineering, communications, nursing, architecture, sports
medicine, humanities, criminal justice and liberal arts degree programs,
including several post graduate degrees.
8.7 &nb=
sp; Education Goals, Policies & Tasks
Goal
The
availability of high quality educational facilities and programs to enable =
all
Northfield residents, especially children and youth, to become competent,
productive, and responsible citizens.
Policies
1) &nbs=
p;
Continue to
provide sufficient and appropriate K-12 school facilities to meet current a=
nd
anticipated enrollments.
2) &nbs=
p;
Support
programs and efforts to strengthen the central role that Northfield’s
schools play in the community.
3) &nbs=
p;
Continue to
support and possibly expand the interaction between the Northfield High Sch=
ool
system and Norwich University.
4) &nbs=
p;
Support
efforts to reduce the reliance on the local property tax for funding educat=
ion
and ensure that Northfield students have access to educational facilities a=
nd
programs equal to students in other Vermont communities.
5) &nbs=
p;
Encourage =
the
greater participation of Northfield residents in available adult education
programs.
Tasks
1) &nbs=
p;
Explore
options for expanding recreational facilities in or adjacent to local schoo=
ls.
[School Board]
2) &nbs=
p;
Continue to
monitor enrollment and population trends, and to make regular enrollment
projections to ensure that the school system is prepared for significant
changes in enrollment trends.
[School Board, Planning Commission]
Chapter 9.
Energy
9.1
Overview
Reliable,
affordable, and sustainable sources of energy are vital to Northfield’=
;s
economy, social well-being, and future development. Every individual, home, office and
business in town relies on some sort of fuel or energy for transportation,
heating, lighting, and the operation of equipment and appliances. International events and rising fu=
el
prices are reminders, however, that too heavy a reliance on any one source =
of
energy can leave the nation, and local residents and businesses, vulnerable=
to
market changes and shortages. It is
also increasingly well documented that our current patterns of energy
consumption are contributing to global warming and climatic change which, if
they remain unchecked, will dramatically affect Vermont’s climate over
the next several decades.
Factors
influencing the cost and availability of energy, at present, are largely be=
yond
the control of the local community.
Changing technologies, and evolving national and state energy polici=
es
– including utility deregulation, demand side management, infrastruct=
ure
investment, and the promotion of more efficient and renewable
“green” energy sources – all have an affect on local ener=
gy
supplies. There are several t=
hings
Northfield, and its residents and businesses can do to influence our energy
outlook, particularly to promote energy conservation and efficiency, and to
encourage the development and use of alternative energy sources and
technologies.
9.2
Demand
Statewide Trends
Information
included in Fueling Vermont’s
Future, the state’s 1998, 20-year comprehensive energy plan,
indicates that overall energy demand continues to escalate statewide. This is due largely to a dramatic =
growth
in fuel consumption for transportation, resulting from increases in both the
number of vehicles on the road and total vehicle miles traveled. During the economic boom of the 19=
90s
commercial and industrial energy demand also grew significantly. Residential use also increased, bu=
t at a
much slower rate. This is
attributed to more energy efficient residential construction in recent year=
s,
and the wider use of energy efficient appliances.
Transportation
currently accounts for around 43% of Vermont’s total energy use, and
space heating another 28%. Wa=
ter
heating (9%), process heat for industrial purposes (8%), and other
miscellaneous uses (lighting, air conditioning, appliances, etc.), are
responsible for the rest of the demand.&nb=
sp;
Energy use varies by sector, as noted in Table 9,1.
|
Table
9.1 Principal
Energy Use by Sector in Vermont |
|||
|
Sector |
Primary |
Secondary |
Tertiary |
|
Residential |
Transportation<= o:p> |
Space Heating |
Water Heating |
|
Commercial |
Transportation<= o:p> |
Space Heating |
Lighting |
|
Industrial |
Process Heat |
Transportation<= o:p> |
Motors |
|
Source: Fueling
Vermont’s Future, VT Dept. of Public Service, 1998. |
Demand
also varies by energy source.
Petroleum is by far the most predominant fuel used in Vermont, and w=
ill
continue to be in demand well into the future, despite growing uncertaintie=
s regarding
long-term oil supplies and associated costs. Total electrical energy use has al=
so
risen steadily, despite efficiency gains.&=
nbsp;
Propane (LPG) use is also increasing while wood, used mainly for home
heating, has fluctuated over the years in relation to the price of heating
fuel.
Total
energy demand statewide is expected to increase 54% between 1990 (base year)
and 2015. This increase will
continue to stem largely from growth in the transportation sector, due to
increases in the number of vehicles, miles traveled, declining fuel
efficiencies, and dispersed patterns of development.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image040.gif")
The associ=
ated
impacts of increased energy use are increasingly well documented. Motor vehicles fueled by petroleum
sources are the state’s largest source of toxic and carcinogenic air
pollutants – the average vehicle emits around a half a ton of air
pollution each year. Vehicle
emissions pose a health threat locally (even at low levels), contribute to =
acid
rain, and can cause widespread damage to crops and forests. “Green house gases” su=
ch as
carbon dioxide, emitted from motor vehicles and oil-fired furnaces also
contribute to climatic warming.
Future
energy expenditures are also expected to increase accordingly (1.7% per year
through 2015), due to increased consumption levels and rising energy
prices.
![](3D"TownPlan_files/image042.gif")
Local Demand
There
is much less information available regarding local energy use –
particularly commercial and industrial use– but given available data,
local use generally reflects state and national consumption patterns.
Municipal Energy Expenditures=
.
According
to annual report information, the Town and Village of Northfield spent over
$200,000 on energy in 2000, for electricity, gas and diesel fuel, and heati=
ng
fuel. The village accounted f=
or 64%
of total expenditures, including 83% of the amount spent on electricity.
The
high demand for electricity in the village is largely the result of water a=
nd
sewer system operation – accounting for 45% of total municipal
electricity costs. This is in
keeping with energy consumption associated with industrial equipment and
processes. Street lighting
accounted for another 41% of electricity expenditures. In 2000, the combined cost of
electricity for water and sewer system operation and street lighting ($120,=
695)
represented 60% of total municipal energy expenditures. Transportation fuel costs accounte=
d for
26% of the municipal total – including 63% of the town’s energy
expense.
Transportation. According
to Vermont Agency of Transportation data, vehicle miles traveled annually on
state routes through Northfield increased by nearly 3,300 miles (8%) between
1990 and 2000 – much less than the 15% increase in vehicle miles trav=
eled
countywide. Nevertheless, rece=
nt
U.S. Census data suggest that Northfield residents are more auto-dependent =
than
ever (Table 9.2).
|
Table
9.2 Transportation
Indicators, 1990-2000 |
||||
|
|
1990 |
2000 |
Change |
% Change=
|
|
Vehicles Available (# households) |
|
|
|
|
|
None |
174 (10.4%) |
112 (6.1%) |
-62 |
-35.6% |
|
One |
565 (33.7%) |
594 (32.6%) |
29 |
5.1% |
|
Two |
718 (42.8%) |
859 (47.1%) |
141 |
19.6% |
|
Three or more |
219 (13.1%) |
259 (14.2%) |
40 |
18.3% |
|
Commuting to Work (# employed) |
|
|
|
|
|
Drove alone to work =
|
1,645 (67.8% |
2,017 (68.7% |
372 |
22.6% |
|
Carpooled to work |
282(11.6%) |
361 (12.3%) |
79 |
28.0% |
|
Took public transpor=
tation |
0 (0.0%) |
5 (0.2%) |
5 |
-- |
|
Walked or worked at =
home |
441(18.2%) |
520 (17.7%) |
79 |
17.9% |
|
Mean travel time to =
work
(min) |
|
21.1 |
|
|
|
Aggregate travel time
(min) |
43,900.0 |
60,100.0 |
16,200 |
36.9% |
|
Source: U.S. Census. |
The
number of cars per household has grown, and 68% of Northfield’s
population continues to drive to work alone. Total commute time increased by 37=
% over
the last decade. The number of
employed working at home, walking, and carpooling also increased, but conti=
nued
to represent around 30% of the town’s working population. Of those walking or working =
at
home in 2000, 86% lived in Northfield Village.
Home Heating. Home
heating methods used by Northfield households are also reported in the U.S.
Census (Table 9.3).
|
Table
9.3 Home
Heating, 1990-2000 |
||||
|
Home Hea=
ting
Fuel (#
occ. units) |
1990 |
2000 |
Change |
% Change=
|
|
Fuel
oil, kerosene, etc. |
1,076 (64.2% |
1,374 (75.3% |
298 |
27.7 |
|
Bottled,
tank or LP gas |
85 (5.1%) |
217(11.9%) |
132 |
155.3 |
|
Electricity |
147 (8.8%) |
80 (4.4%) |
-67 |
-45.6 |
|
Wood |
327 (19.5%) |
151 (8.3%) |
-176 |
-53.8 |
|
Solar |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
Other |
3 (0.2%) |
2 (0.1%) |
1 |
-33.3 |
|
Source: U.S. Census. |
These
data suggest that while fuel oil continues to be the dominant home heating =
source
in town, as it is throughout New England, there has been a shift from
relatively expensive and inefficient electric space heating to more efficie=
nt,
and cleaner burning gas heat. New
state energy standards for residential and commercial construction generall=
y no
longer allow electric space heating.
These standards apply to commercial buildings, including multi-family
dwellings, all new homes, and to residential additions over 500 square feet=
.
Wood,
though a renewable and locally available fuel, has decreased in importance =
as a
primary heating source. This =
may
change as the price of heating oil continues to rise – the comparative
cost of wood heat per Btu (a unit of heat energy) is currently about 25% le=
ss
than that of fuel oil. As exp=
ected,
solar energy is insignificant as a primary residential heating source; howe=
ver
new construction often incorporates passive solar orientation and technique=
s to
reduce space-heating requirements.
9.3 Energy Supply
Electricity
The
Northfield Electric Department, under
the authority and management of Northfield Village, is one of fifteen munic=
ipal
utilities in Vermont chartered to provide electric service within its
established service area. The
department’s territory now includes most of Northfield and part of
Roxbury. A small area of Nort=
hfield
is served by the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation (CVPS), the
state’s largest electric utility.
The
department serves around 1,600 residential and 180 commercial customers, an=
d maintains
a substation and around 25 miles of transmission and distribution line with=
in
its territory. There are curr=
ently
no commercial generating facilities in town. Line maintenance is also contracted
through Green Mountain Power. In
1998 Northfield voters approved a $1.2 million bond to upgrade the
department’s distribution system, including rebuilding a 12 KV
transmission line, which was completed in August 1999. This work and a recent substation =
upgrade
are expected to provide customers with needed voltage and reliable service =
for
years to come. The capital bu=
dget
also anticipates ongoing line and substation circuit upgrades, and pole
replacements.
Northfield
Electric purchases around 5 MW of electricity for distribution to its custo=
mers
under contract from outside sources, including Hydro Quebec, the McNeil
generating plant in Burlington, and the Vermont Public Power Supply
Authority. The departmentR=
17;s
contract with Vermont Yankee ended.
Any excess power is sold on the open market. The cost of power purchased from
contracted sources increased significantly in the late 1990s, resulting in
annual operating deficits. In=
2000
the department applied to the Public Service Board to restructure its rates=
in
relation to rising power costs, and to maintain competitive commercial
rates.
In
recent years the state legislature has considered, but not implemented,
statewide utility restructuring that could affect municipal utilities. In 1996 a plan was filed by munici=
pal
utilities that recommended the creation of municipal generating companies, =
or
“Municos,” that would allow each municipal utility to continue =
to
offer monopoly distribution services within its service territory. Problems encountered with deregula=
tion
nationally have dampened such initiatives in Vermont, at least for the near
future.
Fossil
Fuels
Vermont
has no petroleum infrastructure, and relies on tanker trucks for its petrol=
eum
supplies. Residences and busi=
nesses
are supplied by local oil and gas distributors. Several gas stations in town serve=
local
motorists and the traveling public.
Fuel
prices are typically higher in northern New England, and have increased
dramatically in recent months.
National and regional fuel shortages, compounded by an especially co=
ld
winter in the northeast, have resulted in major increases in the cost of
heating oil, as well as gasoline, kerosene, propane, and diesel fuel. Recent international events, and o=
ur
heavy reliance on foreign oil, have fueled the ongoing national debate over
energy policy and supplies, and the use of federal fuel reserves. Such events also highlight our
region’s reliance on limited sources of fuel to supply most of our en=
ergy
needs, and leave local residents – particularly low income residents
– very vulnerable to fuel shortages and price fluctuations.
The
environmental impacts of such heavy reliance on fossil fuels are also promp=
ting
state efforts to diversify Vermont’s energy portfolio, to include the=
use
of cleaner, more efficient natural gas systems, co-generation systems that
produce electricity and heat, and greater reliance on renewable energy
resources, including wood and wind power.
Renewable Energy
Renewable
energy resources found in Northfield include wood, wind power, and limited
solar and hydropower, but the extent to which they can be harnessed and use=
d to
replace other sources of energy is not clear. The availability since 1998 of
“net metering” – which allows utility customers with
small-scale renewable energy systems to sell excess power back to the utili=
ty
– may promote increased use of renewable sources.
Wood. A
“biomass fuel,” wood is the town’s most abundant, indigen=
ous
renewable energy source. For =
much
of Northfield’s history, wood was the town’s principal source of
heat. It is a relatively low cost, renewable energy source that is not
disrupted by embargoes, high transportation costs, or tariffs. The heavy use of wood for heating,
however, can result in environmental degradation and air pollution.
Northfield
has a large amount of forested land – including municipal forests =
211;
that under effective management could serve as a renewable source of wood
heat. Extensive wood harvesti=
ng,
however, if not properly managed, can cause increased stormwater runoff and
soil erosion, sedimentation, water pollution, and habitat loss. Woodlot management (and adherence =
to
state accepted management practices for logging operations) reduces the adv=
erse
impacts of harvesting operations, and it can enhance local timber stands to=
meet
a variety of landowner objectives – including fuel production.
Newer
high efficiency wood stoves and furnaces, if properly installed and maintai=
ned,
provide effective home heating.
Stoves sold since 1990 must be airtight and meet EPA emission standa=
rds.
The addition of catalytic converters reduces harmful emissions and particles
that are released into the atmosphere.&nbs=
p;
As noted, however, the number of homes in town using wood as a prima=
ry
heating source has declined in recent years. Though wood-burning technologies h=
ave
improved, wood heat remains less convenient than oil or gas heat. It is anticipated that as heating =
oil
prices increase, more households will use wood as a primary or supplemental
heating source.
Wood
is not currently used to heat Northfield’s school or municipal buildi=
ngs,
but several other Washington County schools have shifted over to biomass (w=
ood
chip or pellet) heating systems under state-sponsored programs. Automated, wood-fired systems are
proving to be an affordable heating alternative to conventional oil systems=
in
such settings.
Wind. Wind is =
an
emission-free renewable energy source that, with rapidly improving turbine
technologies, is receiving increased interest statewide. In the late 1990s, the Public Serv=
ice
Department, in association with Green Mountain Power and other energy
interests, conducted a statewide wind assessment to determine the potential=
for
commercial wind energy development.
This work was updated in 2002 in association with the departmentR=
17;s
efforts to promote utility-based wind energy, and to address related siting
issues. Tentatively identifie=
d high
wind areas include the ridgeline extending from Irish Hill to Paine Mountai=
n,
and south to Shaw Mountain east of Route 12, and the Northfield Range west =
of
Route 12. Elevations between =
2000
and 3500 feet above sea level are ideal for maximum power production. Wind energy projects also typically
require power lines, substations, and access roads.
The
extent to which local zoning can regulate wind generation facilities is not=
yet
clear, since such facilities are also regulated by the Public Service Board=
and
must be issued a Certificate of Public Good by the state. Potential impacts of such faciliti=
es,
however, include aesthetic impacts associated with highly visible ridgeline=
development;
potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat in the vicinity; and
potential safety hazards, when sited in close proximity to other
development. Some of these im=
pacts
can be mitigated through careful site selection and design, as discussed in=
the
Department’s 2002 guide, Wind
Energy Planning Resources for Utility-Scale Systems in Vermont, and rel=
ated
documents.
Hydropower. The Dog =
River
and its tributaries provided waterpower for Northfield’s earliest mil=
ls
and manufacturing plants. Tod=
ay
these industries are gone, but the potential remains for small-scale hydrop=
ower
development. This was long
considered a particularly clean source of renewable energy. The environmental impacts of dam
construction, operation and management – including the effects of
changing water levels on river flow, stream habitat and water quality, and =
on
adjoining riparian areas – are now given much more weight in federal =
and
state dam licensing procedures.
There are few if any sites locally that are suitable for utility-sca=
led
power plants, but there may be opportunities to develop smaller
“microhydro systems” to supply individual users, which would ha=
ve
much less impact on the local environment.
Solar. Solar en=
ergy,
like wind and hydro, is one of the few energy resources that is not depleted
with use. Advances in solar
technology have made it easier, and increasingly affordable, for solar ener=
gy
to be harnessed for residential space and water heating, and for electrical
generation. Building orientat=
ion
and site exposure are critical to access available energy. Northfield has some south-facing s=
lopes
that could provide access for both solar heating and solar power on individ=
ual
building sites.
The
contribution of solar energy to Northfield’s total supply is likely to
increase only modestly over the next few years. More structures are being designed=
to
take advantage of passive solar energy for heating and light; however not a=
ll
structures can support the panels and systems needed to collect and store s=
olar
energy. Up front costs for
materials and installation remain relatively expensive for the average
homeowner, and Northfield may not have enough sunny days each year to ensur=
e a
reliable source of energy to justify the expense. Passive solar building design, how=
ever,
can significantly reduce heating costs.&nb=
sp;
Technological advances, including the incorporation of photovoltaic
components in roofing and building materials, should make solar power a more
viable source of electricity in the near future.
9.4
Conservation
The
state’s energy conservation efforts since 1990 have focused on
“Demand Side Management” (DSM) to increase energy efficiency,
reduce energy demand, and in effect increase available energy supplies. In 1990, under order of the Public
Service Board, electric utilities were required to develop a variety of dem=
and
side management programs for their customers, which have since been
consolidated into one statewide energy efficiency utility – Efficiency
Vermont. In recent years the =
state
also passed energy standards for commercial and residential construction, w=
hich
are administered and enforced through the Department of Labor and
Industry. Net-metering to enc=
ourage
the use of more decentralized, renewable energy resources went into effect =
in
1998, and legislation is now pending to promote greater energy efficiency a=
nd
renewables through the use of tax credits and other state support
programs. Legislation is also
currently being considered that would establish minimum statewide outdoor
lighting standards.
The
need for increased energy efficiency and conservation, in part to reduce en=
ergy
costs, is also recognized locally – particularly for Northfield’=
;s
older, historic homes and public buildings. For example, the Gray Building Coa=
lition
is seeing that the building is energy efficient. A number of programs are available=
to
local residents and businesses to increase energy efficiencies and reduce
costs.
Efficiency
Vermont
Efficiency
Vermont, created by the Public Service Board in 1999, consolidates the ener=
gy
conservation programs offered by individual utilities into one statewide en=
ergy
efficiency utility – a first in the nation. Vermont’s “Invisible P=
ower
Plant” to date has saved the equivalent of 11.8 MW during the peak wi=
nter
period, and 6.2 MW at summer peak &nb=
sp;
Its efficiency programs are financed by the state’s electric
utilities through an “energy efficiency charge” that is passed =
on
to ratepayers (2.372% to Northfield customers and 2.095% to CVPS customers =
in
2002). Current programs avail=
able
to Vermont residents, businesses, and municipalities, include:
- Efficient Products<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'> – provides energy effic=
ient
product information and discount coupons.
- Vermont Energy Star ® Homes
Program –
provides technical assistance and rebates to homebuilders and buyers w=
ho
build energy efficient homes.
- Commercial Energy Opportunitie=
s – provides technical and
financial assistance to commercial and industrial businesses to improve
the efficiency of existing and new facilities.
- Dairy Farm Program<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'> – provides technical as=
sistance,
financial incentives, and low-interest financing for energy efficient =
farm
equipment.
- Residential Energy Efficiency
Program (REEP) ̵=
1;
provides technical and financial assistance to developers, owners and
managers of low income multi-family housing to reduce energy costs
- Income-Eligible Services – provides technical and financial
assistance to low-income Vermonters who are participating in the
state’s weatherization program to make additional electricity-sa=
ving
improvements.
- Emerging Market Initiatives
Program – ident=
ifies,
evaluates and tests innovating energy efficiency technologies, and
practices to promote their use.
Transportation
Few
alternatives currently exist that would allow Northfield residents to become
less dependent on automobiles for transportation. Nevertheless, as gasoline prices c=
limb
and vehicle emissions continue to erode air quality, reasonable efforts sho=
uld
be made to promote ridesharing, alternative modes of transportation, and le=
ss
auto-oriented patterns of development.&nbs=
p;
The Central Vermont Transportation Authority provides information on
carpooling, ridesharing, vanpooling, and special public transportation need=
s.
Local
initiatives that could help reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled inc=
lude
the completion of the proposed bicycle and recreation path between Northfie=
ld
Falls and Northfield Village, and the development of a local park and ride
facility. Northfield could al=
so
take advantage of municipal programs offered through EVermont, a nonprofit
affiliated with the Agency of Natural Resources, which advocates for the us=
e of
cleaner, more energy efficient alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). AFVs include vehicles powered by
electricity, compressed natural gas, propane, and biodiesel fuels. EVermont, in association with the =
Agency
of Transportation, currently offers electric vehicle (EV) leasing programs =
to
municipalities, businesses, and institutions. It is also involved in testing a v=
ariety
of alternative fuel technologies for use in Vermont.
Land
Use & Development Patterns
As
shown by the number of local residents who walk to work in Northfield Villa=
ge,
concentrated development can reduce reliance on the automobile, vehicle mil=
es
traveled, and inherent system energy costs – including energy costs
associated with maintaining roads and related infrastructure. Clustering development in the vici=
nity
of existing development and infrastructure, including roads and power lines,
generally disturbs less land, and requires less energy to construct and
maintain. Sidewalks and conne=
cting
paths encourage people to walk, rather than drive, to destinations within a
quarter to a half-mile of where they live.
At
the site level, a southern building orientation and landscaping can effecti=
vely
reduce energy demand. Cluster=
ing,
and other energy efficient development patterns can be encouraged, and/or
required through local zoning and subdivision regulations.
Buildings & Equipment
In
addition to the adoption of energy codes for residential, commercial, and p=
ublic
buildings, there are a number of other programs offered by the state to pro=
mote
municipal energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources. These include but are not limited =
to the
various programs offered through Efficiency Vermont, EVermont electric vehi=
cle
leases, the School Energy Management Program (SEMP) targeted to school
administrators, and programs to support the conversion of school heating
systems to wood-burning systems.
Municipal
energy savings can be realized through regular energy audits of municipal
buildings and the use of “life cycle costing” practices that
incorporate long-term energy savings in the fiscal analysis of facility
construction and equipment purchases.
Such costing methods often demonstrate that long-term energy savings
more than offset the higher initial purchase or construction cost of energy
efficient equipment and building improvements.
9.5 Assistance Progra=
ms
Rising
energy costs for heat, electricity, and transportation are particularly har=
d on
low-income households who can least afford them. Programs administered through the
Central Vermont Community Action Council, which are specifically targeted to
help income-eligible residents, include seasonal and emergency fuel assista=
nce,
supported in part through the WARMTH donations collected by private utiliti=
es,
and free weatherization services to help reduce heating costs. Northfield can assist such program=
s by
providing program information locally, and by continuing to support Communi=
ty
Action. Limited emergency fuel
assistance is also available locally through Community Emergency Relief
Volunteers (CERV), which at present receives no municipal funding.
9.6 &nb=
sp;
Energy
Goals, Policies & Tasks
Goal
The
availability of affordable energy supplies to meet the needs of current and
future Northfield residents in a manner that maximizes energy conservation,
maximizes the use of renewable resources, and reinforces traditional land u=
se
patterns and municipal development policies.
Policies
1) &nbs=
p;
The availa=
bility
of electric energy at reasonable cost to local customers through active
involvement in the state’s formulation of electric utility policy will
continue to be ensured, to the extent of the municipalities’ abilitie=
s.
2) &nbs=
p;
Energy
efficiency and conservation will be a primary consideration in new municipal
construction projects, equipment purchases, and operations. Life cycle costing shall be used b=
y the
town in evaluating energy-related capital expenditures as appropriate.
3) &nbs=
p;
Programs to
assist low-income residents in meeting or reducing energy costs, including
weatherization, rehabilitation, and affordable supply programs, will by
supported by the town in relation to local need.
=
4)&n=
bsp; =
;
Reliance on
single-occupant vehicles should be reduced through:
·
Greater
pedestrian opportunities, including the construction of the Memorial
Park-Northfield Falls bike/pedestrian path and the Dog River path connecting
the Village with Norwich University.
5) &nbs=
p;
The locati=
on
of renewable energy generation facilities in the community should be allowe=
d after
the community has developed standards to ensure such facilities will have
minimal adverse impact to wildlife populations and water quality; will miti=
gate
to the extent possible aesthetic impacts; will not cause a nuisance to the
surrounding area (e.g., due to excessive noise) and will not result in undue
risk to public health and safety (e.g., through a lack of security or
uncontrolled access).
6) &nbs=
p;
An adequate
land base will be maintained for sustainable forest management through
continued stewardship of public forest land, support for current use tax
abatement programs for managed woodland, and land use regulations which
discourage the fragmentation of large tracts of productive forest.
Tasks
1) &nbs=
p;
Undertake =
an
energy audit of existing buildings, and street light fixtures, to determine
whether cost savings could be realized through greater efficiencies. [Staff]
2) &nbs=
p;
Review and
update as needed existing town policies, bylaws and ordinances to promote e=
nergy
efficiency and conservation; to protect renewable energy resources and acce=
ss
for their sustainable use; and to support settlement patterns and site desi=
gns
that minimize energy consumption.
[Planning Commission]
3) &nbs=
p;
Develop
criteria and standards for the development of wind-energy facilities. [Planning Commission]
4) &nbs=
p;
Include an
assessment of energy efficiency to determine eligibility for weatherization
programs in the local housing survey (see Chapter 5).
5) &nbs=
p;
Evaluate l=
ocal
knowledge of, and access to, Efficiency Vermont programs to determine if lo=
cal
electric customers could make greater use of available programs. [Electric Department]
Chapter 10.
Land Use
10.1
Overview
Historically,
land use and development patterns were largely influenced by dominant
transportation networks and economic systems. As Northfield’s economic bas=
e has
changed, and transportation networks have become more dispersed, land use
patterns have become less dependent upon these factors.
To
address modern development pressures in a manner that protects the health a=
nd
safety of local residents and promotes community interests, such as maintai=
ning
a healthy environment and a vibrant economy – the Town and Village ha=
ve
enacted rules and regulations to guide land use and development. A principal purpose of the municip=
al
plan is to provide the foundation for those regulations, and to identify ot=
her
policies and actions that can be taken to support the future land use plan.=
This is especially important today=
, as
the Town and Village appear to be poised for a period of renewed growth and=
new
development.
10.2
Settlement Patterns
Although
significant changes have occurred over the past 100+ years, a citizen of 19=
th
century Northfield would likely recognize the community today. The historic settlement pattern =
211;
characterized by four village centers built adjacent to power and
transportation networks, and surrounded by rural countryside, including
scattered homesteads in more accessible stream valleys and limited or no
development in rugged, inaccessible upland areas – remains largely in=
tact
today. The significant featur=
es of
that historic pattern are briefly described below.
Village Centers
Although
linear, automobile-oriented development along the Route 12 corridor has blu=
rred
the boundaries of Northfield’s historic village centers. The four villages are distinct in
character and function, and, in combination, continue to serve as the civic,
commercial, cultural, industrial, and residential centers of the
community.
Beginning
to the north, along the Berlin Boundary, Northfield Falls retains much =
of its
historic character. With the
exception of a handful of small commercial businesses located along Route 1=
2,
the “Falls” is a predominately residential neighborhood. The boundaries of Northfield Falls=
are
fairly well defined. The rura=
l Dog
River Valley stretches north toward Riverton. A rugged, ledgey terrain and the D=
og
River form a physical and visual break from Northfield Village to the south;
and steeper terrain, and three covered bridges, forms a clear boundary to t=
he
east and west.
Northfield Village is the main hub of the community. Centered around Depot Square, Nort=
hfield
Village functions as the community’s downtown and the site of histori=
c residential
neighborhoods. The incorporat=
ed
boundaries of the Village stretch well beyond the downtown and surrounding
neighborhoods, encompassing nearly a mile of the Route 12 corridor to the n=
orth
of the Square, encompassing the community’s principal industrial areas
and scattered commercial establishments.
The
Center
Village, home to Norwich University, may at first appear to a motor=
ist
heading south on Route 12 as an extension of Northfield Village. The physical presence of the Unive=
rsity,
however, sets this area apart from that Village. With over 1,000 students living
on-campus, coupled with surrounding houses and apartment buildings, the
population of Center Village may nearly equal that of Northfield Village wh=
ile
school is in session. The lan=
d use
pattern of Center Village is as much created by the campus setting, with
buildings oriented more toward, and relating to one another, and to formal =
open
space (e.g., quads, parade grounds), than to the street as is the case in
Northfield Village.
South Village, centered around the Interstate 89 access road, is the least
developed, and least defined, historic center.
The
four villages have all served as historic centers for community growth. They also are well suited to serve=
as
the focus of much of the growth and development anticipated in future years,
particularly Northfield Village and the Norwich University Campus in Center
Village.
Rural Areas
Historic
development in Northfield’s rural areas outside of the four villages =
has
primarily consisted of single-family dwellings associated with agriculture =
and
resource-based commercial activities (e.g., sawmills, gravel extraction).
With
the decline of agriculture – and the decline of the steam engine and =
its
thirst for fuel wood – came the return of the forest. Forests now cover the vast majorit=
y of
the total acreage of the town, covering nearly all of the steep hillsides a=
nd
mountainous land in the Northfield Range and on Turkey Hill and Paine
Mountain. Despite all other c=
hanges
the Town has experienced, the return of the forest may well be the greatest
land use change of the past century.
Current La=
nd
Use
Forest
land – whether actively managed for timber production or large tracts=
of
wooded land associated with rural-residential uses – is by far the
dominant land use in the community, encompassing nearly 87% of the total la=
nd
area of the Town.
Agricultural and open land is the second most common land use
– in terms of total acreage.
Although there currently are no working dairy farms, other commercial
agricultural enterprises presently exist in Northfield, including but not
limited to vegetable, flower, and goat farms. Open land associated with resident=
ial
uses continues to contribute to the rural character and scenic beauty of ma=
ny
of Northfield’s backroads and rural neighborhoods. This sentiment is apparently share=
d by
many local landowners who are responsible for keeping the land open.
![3D"Text](3D"TownPlan_files/image043.gif")
The domina=
nt
land use in terms of total parcels is for residential purposes. Much of Northfield’s residen=
tial
development is concentrated in village neighborhoods – especially in
Northfield Village and Northfield Falls (see Chapter 5). In recent years, however, the majo=
rity
of the new residential development has occurred outside of the traditional
centers. Primarily consisting=
of
single-family homes on large (relative to village) lots, most residential
development is expected to continue to occur in areas outside of the villag=
es
unless additional opportunities for village scale development, such as
including in-fill development and redevelopment of village sites, can be
facilitated.
Industrial
development encompasses 70 acres, although additional vacant land has been
identified for industrial development and is presently served by municipal
facilities. Most industrial s=
ites
are located in Northfield Village, primarily the Nantanna Mill, Bean Indust=
rial
Park, and railroad property west of the downtown.
Commercial
land uses are largely found in the downtown and north of the downtown in a
low-density linear pattern along Route 12 and, to a limited extent in
Northfield Falls. Other scatt=
ered
commercial activities are located in town, including at the Intersection of
Route 12 and Lovers Lane.
Educational
uses include the Northfield schools and Norwich University campus, while mo=
st
other governmental and institutional uses are located in Northfield
Village. An estimate of curre=
nt
land use, by general category, is contained in Table 10.1.
10.3 =
Current
Land Use Regulation
The Town and Village have been actively guiding land use=
and
development in the community for several decades through the use of develop=
ment
regulations. The current zoni=
ng
regulations, adopted in 1986 and subsequently revised, are generally design=
ed
to reinforce Northfield’s historic settlement pattern of an urban core
along the Dog River/Route 12 corridor north from the Berlin Town boundary s=
outh
to the area surrounding intersections of Route 12 and Route 12A, and Route =
12
and Route 64. This core area
encompasses each of the four historic villages.
Outside of the urban core, land is generally designated =
for
moderate to low-density residential uses and such land-based uses as
agriculture, forestry, and outdoor recreation. Two limited commercial areas are a=
lso
located outside of the urban core, although neither is served by municipal
water or sewer. A brief descr=
iption
of current land use districts is provided in Table 10.2.
|
Table 10.2 Northfield Land Use Districts |
||
|
Land Use
District: Urban |
Purpose |
Density<= o:p> |
|
Urban
Residential |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
allow for a mix of uses, including commercial, mixed residential and
institutional, at moderate densities in unincorporated village centers and
adjacent areas. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.25
acre (water & sewer) <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.5
acre (water or sewer) <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>1.0
acre (no water/sewer) |
|
Low
Density Residential |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
allow for predominantly single-family residential and public uses, at
moderate densities, in portions of the incorporated village that are less=
accessible
and may not be served by public facilities. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.25
acre (water & sewer) <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.5
acre (water or sewer) <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>1.0
acre (no water/sewer) |
|
Residential
A |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
reinforce historic residential neighborhoods and limit uses other than on=
e and
two-family dwellings to public facilities and offices. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.25
acre |
|
Residential
B |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
support a mix of uses at moderate to high densities within and immediately
surrounding Northfield Village’s downtown area |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.25
acre |
|
Business
(Commercial) |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
support a full range of mixed commercial and high density residential uses
within the historic downtown and other appropriate locations within the
incorporated Village. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.25
acre |
|
Industrial |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
support mixed commercial and manufacturing uses in appropriate locations,
including historic industrial sites and planned industrial parks. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.5
acre |
|
Land Use District: R=
ural |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'> |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'> |
|
=
Industrial
(Commercial) |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
allow for the continuation, and careful conversion, of industrial uses in=
a
portion of Town historically used for such purposes. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>0.5
acre (water or sewer) <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>1.0
acre (no water/sewer) |
|
=
Mill
Hill Industrial |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
provide for an area capable of accommodating concentrated commercial and
industrial uses related to the area’s proximity to I-89. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>1
acre |
|
=
Rural
Residential |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
allow for low agriculture, forestry and moderate to low density residenti=
al
development in rural areas of Town served by Town roads. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>3
acre (<1/4 mile of road) <=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>5
acre (other) |
|
=
Secondary
Agricultural |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
encourage agricultural and forestry uses on land characterized by primary
agricultural soils and traditionally used for farming, while allowing low
density residential uses. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>5
acres |
|
Conservation
& Forestry |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
limit development in upland areas (generally elevations of 1,800’ a=
nd
above) characterized by steep slopes, thin soils and poor access, and to
allow forestry and low-density residential development in such areas. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>10
acres |
|
=
Recreation
|
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>To
maintain areas dedicated to outdoor recreation uses. |
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman"'>5
acres |
Northfield’s
current zoning regulations regulate the types of uses that are allowed in v=
arious
zoning districts, the densities in which they are allowed (expressed as the
number of units/principal uses per acre), and the dimensional standards wit=
hin
each district (e.g., minimum setbacks, maximum height). Few regulations regarding the over=
all
pattern of development, or to achieve other district purposes are included
(e.g., maintain agricultural land, avoid development of steep slopes).
The
Town also does not presently regulate land subdivision. As the community grows –
especially as more residential development occurs in the rural residential,
secondary agriculture and conservation and forestry districts –
regulating land subdivision could help to achieve many of those district
purposes while ensuring the orderly layout of new development and coordinat=
ed
extension of facilities and roads. <=
/span>
Within
the urban core, site development standards could address how new buildings =
and
associated improvements (e.g., lighting, parking, sidewalks) relate with the
surrounding area, enhance streetscapes, and contribute to the pedestrian-sc=
ale,
urban fabric of the community. This
is especially important as in-fill development and redevelopment occurs in =
and
around the downtown and along the Route 12 corridor.
Options
for improving Northfield’s land use and development regulations to
achieve the assorted policies of this plan, including those related to econ=
omic
development, housing, transportation,
and the protection of natural and cultural features, are described in
the following section.
10.4
Future Land Use
“U=
rban
Core” Growth Center
Northfield’s historic
settlement pattern of compact villages surrounded by rural countryside has
served the community well for nearly 220 years and should continue to suppo=
rt a
vital and diverse community.
Although concentrating development in village, or “growth,R=
21;
centers is not as important for economic and transportation purposes as it =
once
was, supporting growth centers is good public policy in that it:
• =
Is cost-ef=
fective
by limiting expensive facility extensions into un-served areas,
• =
Maintains =
the
community’s historic character,
• =
Is an
efficient use of land and resources,
• =
Promotes
transportation alternatives, thereby conserving energy and ensuring that al=
l citizens
have access to services and employment,
• =
Promotes
economic vitality, and
• =
Avoids soc=
ial
isolation and fosters a healthy, safe community.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;mso-b=
idi-font-family:
"Times New Roman"'>
The
urban core as presently defined should continue to accommodate a majority of
the community’s residential growth and nearly all of its commercial a=
nd
industrial growth. Existing l=
and
use regulations could, however, better achieve this objective – and
strengthen existing settlement patterns – through the following:
• Such a district could correspond t=
o a
designated downtown district (see Chapter 6), and should include dimensional
and other site design standards that reflect existing patterns. Current setbacks, building coverag=
e and
on-site parking requirements discourage a high density of development and
likely cause many important buildings that contribute to the character of t=
he
downtown to be non-conforming.
=
•Maintenance of the Industrial District by
carefully considering the allowed uses to ensure that adequate space is
available for manufacturing and related business and that industrial distri=
cts
are not dominated by retail uses that could detract from the downtown or
existing shopping centers.
=
•Evaluation of the uses allowed in the Urban Residential
District to determine whether all presently allowed commercial uses –
including retail – are appropriate throughout the district, or whethe=
r a greater
focus on residential uses could help channel anticipated residential
development into the urban core.
• =
Review of
Planned Unit Development (PUD) provisions to ensure that they are practical,
provide a reasonable incentive to applicants to seek application, and will
allow for attractive, high quality master-planned development in appropriate
areas. Consideration should a=
lso be
given to developing specific PUD standards to address different development=
contexts
(e.g., university campus, industrial park, downtown development).
Rural
Character
Land use and development is currently regulated with the
intent to maintain the rural character of the countryside that surrounds
– and stands in contrast to – the village centers. As the community grows, it is
anticipated that much of the pressure for residential development will focu=
s on
these areas due to the availability of land, transportation technology that
allows access to remote locations (e.g., prevalence of four-wheel drive
vehicles), and a desire of many homebuyers for a rural lifestyle. Methods to achieve this goal while
accommodating anticipated residential development include:
• =
Review the
effectiveness of the secondary agriculture district. While established to maintain
agricultural land, the only significant difference from the rural residenti=
al
district is density (the rural residential district allows 3 acre lots with=
in
¼ mile of town roads, compared with a 5 acre minimum lot size in the
secondary agriculture district).
• =
Review of =
the
Conservation and Forestry District to determine whether additional standards
are needed to achieve the purpose of the district, including standards to
address development on steep slopes and associated erosion and runoff.
• =
Consider (=
in
addition, or as an alternative to, the options described above) the adoptio=
n of
subdivision regulations to guide emerging settlement patterns in a way that
reinforces the objectives of each respective zoning district, and ensures t=
hat
development patterns, infrastructure and roads are extended in an orderly,
coordinated manner.
• =
Review
industrial and commercial districts and consider whether uses allowed within
these districts are best suited for locations within the urban core where
municipal sewer and water facilities presently exist.
• =
Review Pla=
nned
Unit Development (PUD) provisions and consider whether they adequately addr=
ess
rural residential land use concerns, and whether they could be strengthened=
to
foster clustered residential development which encourages clustering and th=
e preservation
of open space.
10.5 =
Land
Use Goals, Policies & Tasks
Goal
=
To maintain the Town a=
nd
Village’s historic settlement pattern while managing development in a
manner to further the other goals and policies of this Plan.
Policies=
1)
2)
3)
=
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Tasks 1)
[Planni=
ng
Commission]
2)
[Planning Commission]
3)
[Pla=
nning
Commission]
4)
[Planning Commissi=
on,
Selectmen, Staff]
5)
[Staff]
Chap=
ter
11. Implementation=
11.1 Overv=
iew
11.2 =
Plan
Adoption
Adoption by the Northfield Boards of Town Selectmen and
Village Trustees, pursuant to the procedures established in 24 V.S.A. Chapt=
er
117 §4384 and <=
span
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>&sec=
t;4385, is the first step in putting the plan into
action. Through adoption, the
Selectmen and Trustees accept this document as the guide for future physica=
l growth
and change in the Town and Village.
11.3 =
Central
Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) Approval
Approval by the CVRPC allows for greater regional planni=
ng
and cooperation among towns in addressing mutual problems and challenges,
maintains the Town and Village’s eligibility for municipal planning f=
unds
as well as its authority to enact certain programs (e.g., impact fees). Once the plan is approved by the T=
own
Selectmen and Village Trustees, it should be submitted to CVRPC for regional
approval.
11.4 =
Ongoing
Planning
Ongoing planning is one of the most important elements of
the process of keeping a town plan up to date and relevant. The Planning Commission, Selectmen,
Trustees and Town and Village Staff should use the plan on an ongoing basis=
to
ensure that its goals and policies are integrated in day-to-day decisions
concerning public facilities and services, transportation, land use, and
development in the town.
The Planning Commission is responsible for maintaining a=
nd
amending the plan. As conditi=
ons
change and new information becomes available, amendments may be needed to k=
eep
the plan current. Special stu=
dies,
public forums to consider specific issues, and regular meetings between loc=
al
boards are effective ways to sustain an ongoing planning process. The plan automatically expires five
years from adoption. Before t=
he
Plan expires, it should be thoroughly reviewed, and information on which the
plan is based should be updated.
11.5 =
Municipal
Land Use & Development Regulations
11.6 =
Other
Municipal Policies & Programs
11.7 =
State
Permit Procedures
11.8 =
Public
Spending
11.9 =
Implementation
Tasks
[2]Employment and economic data were not available for
Northfield Village; consequently, all figures presented in this chapter
represent both Town and Village combined unless otherwise noted.
[3]Covered employment includes only jobs covered by unemplo=
yment
insurance and typically excludes self-employed persons.
[5] Roxbury
students are only in grades 7 through 12.