City staff seeks authorization to pursue grants, CPA funds to buy 72‑acre Mineral Hills South for conservation

Barra LaValle, a planner in the Office of Planning and Sustainability, presented the council on July 10 with a staff proposal to acquire about 72 acres known as Mineral Hills South for conservation and recreation and asked the council to approve authorizing language needed for a state grant application.

The property, bordering East Hampton on the Manhan River and offering views of the Mount Tom Range, is owned by a private family trust and has a negotiated purchase price of $600,000, LaValle said. Planning staff described the parcel as ecologically diverse, with a robust existing trail network that already connects to nearby conserved land including the Ridge Conservation Area and the Hartnett/Manhan Memorial Forest, and noted opportunities for an accessible trail segment and expanded parking for nearby trailheads.

The immediate request is procedural: staff asked the council for the general obligation bond authorization required by the state's Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity grant program so the city can apply for a $297,000 grant toward a project's roughly $700,000 total cost (purchase price plus surveys, conservation restriction and other “soft” costs). LaValle told councilors the city does not intend to actually issue a bond; instead staff plan to combine Community Preservation Act funds and donations with the state grant to complete the acquisition. "The order that's before you is asking for, authorization for general obligation bond. That is a requirement of the state local acquisitions for natural diversity grant program," LaValle said.

Why it matters: The acquisition would add a relatively large conserved parcel to a corridor of protected land in southern Northampton, preserve varied habitats and provide trail connections and parking capacity for nearby public lands. Staff described rare or locally uncommon plant species, exposed ledge, vernal pools and evidence of historical mining as notable site features.

Actions and next steps: The council took no final appropriation on July 10; staff said no council bond will be issued unless needed. The planning department has applied for the $297,000 state grant and plans to seek Community Preservation Act funding and private donations to cover the remainder of the roughly $700,000 total. LaValle and the conservation commission will return with a financial order and any required conservation restriction language when funding is secured; the matter was placed on the council agenda for further action on Aug. 21.

Clarifying details: Staff estimate the parcel is approximately 72 acres (a formal survey was not yet complete), the agreed purchase price with the family trust is $600,000, and the state grant request is $297,000 toward about $700,000 in total acquisition and soft costs. Staff said interior trails and few invasive plants make the site suitable for conservation and public access.

Community context: Several councilors, including Councilor LaBarge, expressed support and noted the property’s connection to existing conserved lands and to neighborhood recreation history (the site formerly hosted the Clear Falls swimming area). Mayor Sherra praised planning staff for their work finding and advancing conservation opportunities. The item requires future council votes if and when staff secure matching funds; no bond will be issued without further council action.

Speakers quoted or referenced (first reference with title): Barra LaValle (Planning staff), Councilor LaBarge, Mayor Sherra.