H.E.A.L Chicopee; A Strategic Plan for the Uniroyal / Facemate Properties

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

H.E.A.L Chicopee

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy...

A Strategic Plan for the Uniroyal / Facemate Properties Spring 2010

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

H.E.A.L Team

Christian Gruber, Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate 2010 Christopher Hardy, Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate 2010 "I want to at least see something nice built for us. I think that it should be as a memory place. So when something got torn down they could put it in there as a memory of what Chicopee was really like back then. Then when they have the whole place done people can go and remember what it was like back then."

- Student Participant

Christopher Horton, Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate 2010 Declan Keane, Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate 2011 Lee M. Pouliot, Master of Landscape Architecture Candidate 2010

Professor Deni Ruggeri

- Cornell University Department of Landscape Architecture

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C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

H.E.A.L Table of Team Contents

“My grandfather worked there many moons ago, my parents would tell me stories of when my grandmother and father would sit in their car and wait for my grandfather to get out of work. My father worked at facemate for at least 10 years. I also worked there for a summer when I was 16. I have a lot of memories of company picnics behind the old facemate tower.�

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- Survey Respondent

Chapter 1: Introduction

1

Chapter 2: Community Survey

8

Chapter 3: Student Visioning

16

Chapter 4: Preservation Plan

28

Chapter 5: The Chicopee River

35

Chapter 6: Remediation Plan

48

Chapter 7: Redevelopment Framework

57

Chapter 8: Future Projections

64

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

“20 years from now, I would like to see Chicopee turn into an eco-friendly city. I believe that when Factory Village is knocked [down] and if Chicopee builds an ecofriendly park that the whole city would take part in it. I assume this because once they see what the park is made out of and how durable it is, they would want to build more stuff out of it like cars, bikes, and maybe houses. Plus once you see that the items are re-used, they would be cheaper so the city of Chicopee would have more money for schools and other important city stuff. This is what I will think would happen to the City of Chicopee in twenty years.�

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- Student Participant

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chapter 1:

“This town did not grow into an industrial community; it suddenly found that it was one.”

- Vera Shlakman

Introduction

Table of Contents Site Location

2

Site Context

2

Current Site Status Redevelopment Planning Process Clients

Design Challenge

3

Project Impetus

4

Objectives H.E.A.L Process Figure 1: The Fisk Rubber Company Postcard; circa 1901.

Figure 2: The Fisk Rubber Company; Summer 2010 (demolished).

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Extended Site Background

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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1.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Site Location

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Context Current Site Status

“The city of Chicopee is no stranger to the ill effects of economic recessions...”

- At its height, this industrial center employed some 7,000 area residents who worked in armaments, tools and textiles among other industries.

- By 1980, however, these once bustling mills lining the

Chicopee River stood silent, empty and destined to deteriorate beyond any hope of reuse.

- In the spring of 2009, the city successfully gained ownership of all 67.2 acres Factory Village’s remaining industrial lands.

After a fifteen year battle to obtain what has been termed, ‘an albatross for the city,’ officials plan to demolish the remaining 26 historic structures and remediate pollution to allow for future redevelopment.

- However, as city historian Stephen Jendrysik points out, “… the remaining red brick monuments on West Main Street will disappear, signaling the end of an era.”

The Uniroyal / Facemate site is located adjacent to Chicopee Center on the edge of the Chicopee Falls Neighborhood.

Chicopee is located to the north of Springfield, MA. According to the 2000 census, Chicopee had a population of about 54,000 residents and Springfield had 150,000. Although many percieve Chicopee as a bedroom community to Springfield, with more than a third of the city's population and an alternative city center, Chicopee is legally and functionally a distinct municipality and economic district.

Chicopee is a stop along the Massachusetts Turnpike, I-90, which has an exit on Memorial Drive less than a mile from the redevelopment site. Regional connections are further enhanced with nearby access to I-91, a major North - South route through the larger region.

As a stop along the Turnpike, with a distinct city center and historic mill buildings, Chicopee has the opportunity to redefine itself as a gateway to the Berkshires, a linkage to Northhampton and a partner to Springfield.

- Excerpts from Research Paper - Lee M. Pouliot

Figure 4: Current site conditions.

Redevelopment Planning Process In January of 2009, the City of Chicopee applied to the MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, Priority Project Designation Program: - “The redevelopment of the Uniroyal / Facemate property is the top economic development priority for the City of Chicopee...”

- “For 30 years, these once vibrant industrial complexes, strategically situated at the geographic center of the City on the banks of the Chicopee River, have sat largely dormant...”

- “...the City’s focus now is on addressing the extensive and complex legal, environmental and structural issues that have undermined the site’s redevelopment potential and hindered redevelopment efforts...”

- “...the magnitude, complexity and cost of preparing the site for private investment will require the substantial infusion of public resources...

- “The City of Chicopee is not in a position to cover these costs on its own and needs significant assistance from the sate and federal governments...”

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- MASSDevelopment Brownfield Redevelopment Fund Priority Project Designation Form

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Site Context (cont.)

Design Challenge

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Clients - The Community/Economic Development Office does not believe any existing buildings can feasibly be redeveloped - Interest in saving ‘urban relics,’ envisions city razing most structures, guiding remediation and clean-up to prepare the site for redevelopment (private investment).

- Remediation costs estimated at $26 million.

- Desire to develop a ‘vision’ for the site’s redevelopment.

- Interested in developing multiple projections based on differing market possibilities.

Tom Haberlin, AICP - Director of Economic Development

- The Uniroyal / Facemate properties are a brownfield with many stakeholders tied to it via liability, legal accountability, or the redevelopment process. These ties complicate and slow the process, except in regard to demolition.

- The City perceives the buildings as a hazard and is actively seeking to remove all structures on the site.

- There is little to no market for the redevelopment of the property. There are similar sites in Chicopee and the surrounding area that are competing for the same subsidies and grants for site remediation and development. There are also available greenfields that do not have the 26 million dollar estimated remediation costs associated with them.

- The city has recently acquired most of the properties, nearly all structures will have to come down.

- Had hoped for some structures to be converted to new uses, that hope has faded with recent fires and a partial collapse.

- Envisions a mixed-use neighborhood redevelopment strategy.

- Interest in connecting project with conservation opportunities across the river.

How does a small community approach the redevelopment of a contaminated site with unstable structures during an unfavorable market while also addressing the importance of historic legacy?

Kate Brown, Director of Planning & Conservation Officer

- Realizes that most structures are beyond physical preservation.

- Interest in former Facemate office building (Building #3) for local history displays and city visitor’s center.

- Supports the expansion of the Chicopee river walk and bikeway.

- Does not believes a mixed-use redevelopment strategy is not appropriate for this project.

Stephen Jendrysik, City Historian

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Figure 5: Facemate building; west façade.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Project Impetus H.E.A.L’s Objectives

H -ealth:

H.E.A.L Chicopee

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy...

The former Uniroyal / Facemate properties, part of Chicopee’s former Factory Village industrial development represent one of the largest and most unique brown field redevelopment projects the City can pursue. With master planning and site demolition already in progress, we, a team of students from the Department of Landscape Architecture at Cornell University will develop a resilient ‘strategic vision’ for the properties that utilizes the site’s historic past and future potential.

This plan will detail possible steps through which the site can evolve, from deserted industrial mills into a re-imagined and re-purposed source of civic identity.

Address on-site contamination issues to reveal the opportunities and constraints of Factory Village’s landscape.

E -cology:

Envision Factory Village within a new environmental context.

A -ctivity: Trigger a new socially active and appropriate program for Factory Village.

L -egacy:

Showcase Factory Village’s worldwide influences while interpreting Chicopee’s historic evolution.

Figure 6: H.E.A.L logo.

This strategic plan integrates the elements of Health, Ecology, Activity and Legacy (H.E.A.L.) We believe that these elements are important in defining Chicopee’s identity as well as successfully re-envisioning the site in its new context.

H.E.A.L’s Process

Research & Analysis

- Site context & assessment - Contemporary literature review - Case studies

Community Participation

- City-wide community survey - School participation process - Oral history documentation - City official & public meetings - Re-assessment

Professional Shadowing

- Professional partners - Weekly updates - Collaboration - Re-assessment

Plan Development & Review

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- Development - Iterative design process - Three ‘phased’ visions - Living document - Re-assessment

Figure 7: H.E.A.L team mapping local context.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Extended Site Background [R]-Evolving Relationships: Technology, Nature & Society The shifting images and realities of a ‘factory village.’

and towns could easily be established on the river’s edge.10

The city of Chicopee is no stranger to the ill effects of an economic recession. As, “…a place of profit where people made things,”1 several of America’s largest mill complexes located here in Factory Village during the 19th and 20th centuries. At its height, this industrial center employed some 7,000 area residents who worked in armaments, tools and textiles among other industries.2 The city’s success was intimately tied to the boom and bust cycles common to manufacturing during the period. By 1980, however, these once bustling mills lining the Chicopee River stood silent, empty and destined to deteriorate beyond any hope of reuse. In the spring of 2009, the city successfully gained ownership of the former Uniroyal / Facemate properties. After a fifteen year battle to obtain what has been termed, ‘an albatross for the city,’ officials plan to demolish the remaining 26 historic structures and remediate soils to allow for future redevelopment.3 However, as city historian Stephen Jendrysik points out, “… the remaining red brick monuments on West Main Street will disappear, signaling the end of an era.”4

Less than four years after Pynchon’s arrival and the establishment of Springfield, residents moved out into the ‘frontier’ once again and settled what was then known as the North Springfield district. Two locations, “… one at ‘Skeepmuch’ and the other at ‘Chikkuppy river’s mouth,’ both on the south side of the river,” were documented.11 Figure 912, an early map of the area, locates Chicopee Falls and Chicopee Center (also known as Cabotville). Cabotville roughly corresponds to the settlement at the river’s mouth while Skeepmuch was established just above the Chicopee Falls area.13 The Chapin brothers, in 1675, were the first settlers to be documented as having permanent residence in the boundaries of Chicopee.

By 1687, the settlers established a saw mill and in 1694 both a corn mill and blacksmith shop were functioning. The settlements grew quickly and by 1713, a farmer’s daughter was hired to provide schooling for children.14

Vera Shlakman points out in her Economic History of a Factory Town, that Chicopee did not follow the typical evolutionary pattern of other New England towns and cities.5 As Shlakman states, “This town did not grow into an industrial community; it suddenly found that it was one.”6 The town seal, approved in 1848, solidifies the reality of this statement. As Figure 87 shows, the seal, “…depicts the profile of Chicopee’s brick-constructed factories along with three important products of Chicopee manufacturers…There is nothing on the seal to suggest Chicopee had a historic past. It is as if Chicopee’s beginning was in 1848 rather than 1648.”8 To be sure, Chicopee’s identity is intimately tied to an industrial legacy spanning the majority of the settlement’s existence. While the demolition and redevelopment of the industrial park is future oriented – the removal of these structures signifies a fear of losing civic identity and the end of hopes that Chicopee will return to a status of industrial pre-eminence: to exist once again without a historic past. Industry gave birth to Chicopee and with this ‘final nail in the coffin,’ the death and destruction of the mills can be argued to signal the death of the city itself. To allow this industrial heritage to fade, however, would be to ignore the opportunity to redefine the city and site in a 21st century vision of the relationship between technology, nature and society. To Figure 8: Town & City seals of Chicopee realize a new future for the city and for these former industrial properties, one needs only to understand how the city developed through these elements and how a new relationship between them can be generated to guide re-visioning and redevelopment in the context Chicopee’s industrial heritage.

Early life was not simple, however and it is important at this point, to discuss three forces that had unique impacts on the Chicopee settlements: the wilderness concept, the Puritan ordering of towns and the domineering role of Springfield.

Stilgoe argues that the wilderness motif typical of New England’s first century of settlement went unnoticed by the area’s original explorers. As the, “…husbandmen felled trees and broke up ground for planting they became aware of the wilderness at the edge of the fields.”15 Whereas explorers like Pynchon saw the opportunity of settlement, those that actually settled saw the dark and impenetrable forest.

Puritans feared the forest and those of Chicopee where not unlike other New England settlers. Stilgoe continues, “Puritans disliked the pathless forest because they entered it from open, ordered towns – and the more ordered the town the more its inhabitants disliked the chaos around it.”16 Figure 1017 depicts the ordering of Chicopee from Mount Holyoke while Figure 1118 portrays the road through wilderness as dangerous, dark and challenging to traverse. In figure 10, the improved workings of man dominate the valley near the confluence of the two rivers while wild nature dominates the Figure 9: Original Chicopee villages.

Early Settlements & Agriculture 1630 - 1822 The early settlements within the boundaries of present-day Chicopee are difficult to place in time with much certainty. However, it is generally agreed that the area’s first settlers arrived during the 1630’s.9 William Pynchon from Roxbury, MA is credited as one of the area’s first settlers. He established a Puritan presence in the Connecticut River Valley when he and his associates purchased lands from the Pequot Indian tribe and established Springfield as a trading post to partake of the fur trade. During this time period, the Connecticut River Valley represented the ‘first frontier’ of New England. Prospecting parties that explored the area two years earlier were easily able to navigate the Connecticut River – which meant that water transport from Long Island Sound to Western Massachusetts was possible. Goods could be shipped down the river while also arriving easily from the East.

It was noted that the valley was fertile; farms could be cleared and worked (as observed by Pequot Indian plantings in meadows) 1 John Robert Mullin, “Bellamy’s Chicopee: A Laboratory for Utopia?,” Journal of Urban History 29, no. 2 (December 2003): 140.

2 John Robert Mullin, 140-141.

3 Jeanette DeForge, “Uniroyal site takes first step to future,” Sunday Republican (Springfield) 16 August 2009: C1.

4 Stephen R. Jendrysik, “Chicopee home to area’s early factories,” Chicopee Plus: The Republican 30 September 2009: CP4.

5 Vera Shlakman, Economic History of a Factory Town: A Study of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Smith College Studies in History 20, no. 1-4 (October 1934 – July 1935).

6 Vera Shlakman, 25.

7 Town & City of Chicopee Seals: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ma/county/hampden/graphics/chic2.gif.

10 December 2009.

8 John Robert Mullin, 140-141.

9 John Robert Mullin, 136.

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Figure 10: Chicopee villages from

Mount Holyoke.

Figure 11: Corduroy-Bridge, Mount Mansfield

Road.

10 Vera Shlakman, 15-16.

11 Collins G. Burnham, “The City of Chicopee,” The New England Magazine 24 no. 4 (May 1898): 361.

12 Vera Shlakman, 10.

13 Collins G. Burnham, 361.

14 Vera Shlakman, 16-17.

15 John R. Stilgoe, Common Landscape of America, 1580 to 1845, New Haven: Yale University Press, 1982. 51.

16 John R. Stilgoe, 51.

17 Barrows Mussey, Old New England, New York: A.A. Wyn, Inc., 1946. 78.

18 William F. Robinson, Abandoned New England: Its Hidden Ruins and Where to Find Them, Canada: Little, Brown and Company, 1976. 12.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Extended Site Background (cont.) surrounding hills and mountains. As the caption reads, “…observing everywhere the improvements of man.”

There were also the Pequot Indians to fear. Attacks and war were common with the tribe from the early days of Springfield.19 Fear of the natives was a constant concern for Chicopee. As Burnham writes, “The fear of Indians was upon the settlers. When Hannah Chapin was making a dress for her marriage to John Sheldon, Jr…her mother advised her to make it strong enough to wear into captivity…”20 Doors were often thickly studded with nails to resist the damaging blows of the Indian hatchet.21 It would not be until the mid-19th century with new technologies that the fear of Indians would finally subside.22

In 1635, the Ordering of Towns was written for New Englanders as a guide to the proper development of a town. While much less detailed than the Spanish version of the document its themes are identical:

…a plantation of six concentric zones set within a territory six miles square; the meeting house, ‘the center of the whole circumference,’ is the point about which the whole plantation should be ordered. Around is a zone of houses, ‘orderly places to enjoy comfortable communion,’ and beyond a ring of common fields, where everyone works for the common welfare….23

As Mullin notes, “Chicopee, due to its prime soils and proximity to Springfield’s marketplace, evolved as an agricultural community.”24 This may not seem surprising to many, since as John Stilgoe points out,

Most of the settlements of…New England were agricultural from the beginning because their founders intended them to be permanent. Some of the colonists carefully modeled after the traditional territorial landschaft of the Old World, and for many decades they feared the new roadless wilderness…the first shaping of New World wilderness was distinctly agricultural…no settlement would survive if it could not feed itself.25

What is unique, however, is that Chicopee never developed beyond an agriculturally based community as other New England towns did without outside influence. While this could have been the result of Springfield’s domineering qualities it was most likely an effect of farms not being prosperous enough to allow the pursuit of other investments. Shlakman confirms the continued agricultural focus of Chicopee in her argument that by the end of the colonial period (early 19th century), Chicopee had not developed enough to allow the emergence of mercantile capital.26 The Ordering of Towns also implies that, “...shaped space controls society.”27 Chicopee differed from other settlements in this respect as well. Springfield, being settled earlier, became the commercial, religious and residential hub of the area.28 It would not be until 1750 that a successful petition for Chicopee’s incorporation passed in Massachusetts General Court and a church finally built in 1751. However, Chicopee would remain under the municipal jurisdiction of Springfield until 1848.29 Further diverging from the typical New England town format, Chicopee men did not invest in the canals, bridges and turnpikes of Springfield, a collective effort among all New Englanders that Stilgoe argues confirms the desire, “…to establish in New England the revered landshaft order of the past…”30 Whether or not the settlers of Chicopee desired the landshaft order can be argued, however, what is quite evident is that in 1822, what was an agricultural settlement would evolve nearly overnight into something quite different in form, function and identity.

The Transition to Industry: Technology’s Domination David Nye, in Technology, Nature and American Origin Stories, argues that, 19 Vera Shlakman, 16.

20 John Robert Mullin, 137.

21 John Robert Mullin, 138.

22 Vera Shlakman, 17.

23 John R. Stilgoe, 43.

24 John Robert Mullin, 136.

25 John R. Stilgoe, 34.

26 Vera Shlakman, 19.

27 John R. Stilgoe, 44.

28 John Robert Mullin, 136.

29 Vera Shlakman, 17.

30 John R. Stilgoe, 49.

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When repudiating the colonial past, Americans wove stories of origin that emphasized particular technologies, notably the ax, the mill, the canal, the steamboat, the railroad, the steel plow, and the irrigation dam. The use of these technologies to reshape the land defined an American story of origins in which the nation was conceived as a second creation built in harmony with God’s first creation.31

Arguably, Chicopee’s first origin story revolved around the ax and the clearing of forest land for agriculture. In 1822, however, that story would nearly disappear to be replaced with a new origin story. Unlinked to that of the community’s agricultural past this new story focused on the power needed to drive industry, specifically textile mills and Skenungonuck Falls (Chicopee Falls) was a prime source.32 The balance between land, market and community changed abruptly when the Boston Associates purchased water and property rights along the river in the Chicopee Falls village. Builders of the famed mills of Waltham, Lowell and Holyoke, the original plans called for a, “…simple L-shaped mill village layout with the mill structures, a canal, and road running parallel to the river while boarding houses were perpendicular…”.33 However, the builders soon realized that much more extensive development was appropriate on the site and in a minimal period of time four Lowell System mills were constructed.

Chicopee converted instantly from a farming community into a town built for profit. As Mullin states, “...it was as if with the coming of the mills, its 170-year dependence on agricultural production, its village character, and its traditional self-governance were simply crushed.”34 Now controlled by bankers, insurance companies and investors located in Boston, the city no longer fit the bill of Winthrop’s idealized city upon a hill. Change was so quick, that an author of the time wrote, “...this pleasant village is growing up with astonishing rapidity and bids fair to become…a second Lowell. A few weeks produce changes here that almost destroy the identity of the place and give to the visitor new objects of admiration…”35 Nye further develops his argument regarding origin stories in stating that,

A foundation narrative often was not about an individual hero, but was told in the passive voice and emphasized the technologies themselves. It is the ax, the mill, the canal, the railroad, or the irrigation dam that ‘caused’ the chain of events. While a particular person or a corporation is acknowledged to have initiated the process or to have profited from it, the story is presented as a typical case of what ‘inevitably; will take place…36

If then, inevitably, Chicopee was destined to become a factory village, was it also destined to be viewed as a utopian entity? To understand this new turn in Chicopee’s character, one must study America’s most famed Utopian, Edward Bellamy, and the evolution Chicopee experienced during his lifetime.37 Bellamy was born in 1850, just as Chicopee was converting into a factory town. His highly religious family was of ‘Yankee stock.’ Bellamy expressed deep interest in the spirit of the Civil War and applied to West Point but was rejected. After a year of study at Union College, he travelled to Germany where he witnessed, “…the mammoth inequities of the industrializing city and the beginnings of applied socialism…”38 In 1888, he wrote Looking Backward39 which lead to his instant fame and elevation to the status of prophet. Looking Backward led also to Bellamy being the spokesperson for the 1890’s nationalist movement, which produced a political party that garnered over a million votes in the 1892 elections.40 In both Looking Backward and its sequel Equality41 (1897), Bellamy depicts a Utopian society set in Boston during the year 2000. Here, the elements of prosperity, peace and equality are achieved through adherence to a strict 31 David E. Nye, “Technology, Nature, and American Origin Stories,” Environmental History 8 no. 1 (January 2003): 8-9.

32 Stephen R. Jendrysik, CP4.

33 John Robert Mullin, 137.

34 John Robert Mullin, 138.

35 John Robert Mullin, 137.

36 David E. Nye, 8-9.

37 John Robert Mullin, 133.

38 John Robert Mullin, 135.

39 Edward Bellamy, Looking Backward (Boston: Ticknor, 1888).

40 John Robert Mullin, 135.

41 Edward Bellamy, Equality (New York: Appleton, 1897).

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Extended Site Background (cont.) set of rules. Large cities take on an aura of magnificence in a time when small towns no longer remain culturally isolated from one another. Direct democracy does not exist, while the spirit of an ‘industrial army’ rules. Differences between the two books are not numerous, however, one difference stands out in particular importance: The city of Looking Backward is a large city with colossal public buildings and glistening fountains whereas Equality portrays small cities defined as regions connected by technology and including all the services and activities one finds in the great city.42 The two publications together showcase Bellamy’s ambivalence towards the city’s place in Utopia – he saw both the greatness and the evils of the emerging city right at home in Chicopee.43

to fall back on during hard times.49 The 1870’s brought further waves of immigration including Poles, FrenchCanadians and Italians. Immigrants typically fulfilled common labor positions while the Yankees filled skilled worked and management positions. No longer was the town meeting,

While Bellamy realized both the positive and negative aspects of industrialization on his hometown’s evolution, those who have written about him often misinterpret the true influence Chicopee had on the man. As Mullin discusses, “…Chicopee is typically described as a pastoral, peaceful, small, rural, and a village environment…a quaint community with overtones of a Puritan or Colonial Era village ensemble.” To be sure, Chicopee was no such place during Bellamy’s lifetime. Mullin continues,

Such realities would continue in Chicopee throughout much of the early 20th century.

…it [Chicopee] was a constantly changing and growing industrial center that was rapidly evolving from a mill town to a city…it was a place of power industries, of firms chaotically buying and selling in the world’s marketplace, and of newcomers with different values.

And it was a place that was attracting people from the nearby New England villages as it was almost daily moving to city status…

For a man who loved order, symmetry, and harmony, these trends were disconcerting. For a writer who loved to commune with nature and espoused village life, this was an anathema. And for a futurist who, like most nineteenth-century utopians, was endeavoring to create a society marked by equality, Chicopee must have represented that which he hoped would be eliminated in his New Jerusalem.44

…a place of like people deciding the future of their like neighbors. There are now people who speak differently, pray differently, and play differently who are clamoring for democratic rights…It was a place of divisions where class, ethnicity, skill level, political affiliation, and even gender determined how one fit in the community.50

Realities of the Present Day Today, twenty-six vacant buildings on some seventy acres of land are all that remain of this once booming industrial center. Names like Ames, Belcher, Lamb, Dwight, Stevens, Spalding, Fisk, Duryea and so many others once known around the world for the products produced in Chicopee are now shadows of a once vibrant past. Feelings are mixed in regards to the future of the Uniroyal / Facemate properties. Online responses to an article entitled, Chicopee prepares for planned demolition of former Uniroyal buildings, posted on May 29, 2009 received such comments as, “This can’t happen soon enough! Get rid of those eyesores and make good use of that land!”

Bellamy himself was not always true to the realities of the city. Years after writing Looking Backward, he described the city as such, “…I had lived almost continually in a thriving village of New England where there were no very rich and very few poor and everyone who was willing to work was sure of a fair living.”45 Those who lived in Chicopee this time, however, would call this statement far more than Mullin’s ‘significant degree of embellishment.’46

“[H]ow is it that the city can come up with millions of dollars to tear the buildings down and they could not come up with one cent to save the jobs of the people that worked there.”

For much of Bellamy’s early life, the city grew and diversified as efforts to find faster machinery and a cheaper workforce were required to stay competitive in a growing economy. The city ‘built for profit’ was now tied to the economic booms and busts that were common to manufacturing. One specific description of Chicopee paints a vivid picture of the economic and social pressures placed on the city and its industries, “…the residential parts of the manufacturing sections are crowded with the homes of the workers, individual frame or brick dwellings with little tree-shaded yards, or solid blocks of tenements. Springfield Street, in the better residential quarter, has a look of considerable prosperity and Victorian charm.”47 To be sure, many people were poor in Chicopee.

Images such as Figure 1248 depict a young boy walking through what appear to be piles of trash.

The seal of the City reads, ‘Industry Varies’ and one could argue that the disappearance of industry altogether may just be part of the dynamic aspect referred to in this tag line. However, if history gives us any glimpse of what the future of Chicopee can hold – its residents may see yet another identity story form and play out on the landscape.

Change is coming slowing to Chicopee. Some of the Cabotville mills have already been converted to apartment complexes, while the city has gained permission from MASSHistoric demolish the oldest building on the Uniroyal property. The mayor views this as progress and as a, “…unique opportunity” for the City.

Figure 12: ‘Scavenger’ - Chicopee Falls, June 29, 1916

Immigration to the city happened in a number of waves, beginning with the Irish during 1850’s. The Irish, originally attracted to jobs on the railroads and canals, were willing to replace ‘Yankee’ workers for lower wages.

However, as economic competition grew, further wage cuts were attempted by mill owners, causing labor strife and protests. These ‘replacements’ differed greatly from the original Yankee workers. ‘Yankees’ were, “… rooted in the area, were of the same faith as the owners…had some schooling, and, in hard economic times, had a family network as a social and economic safety net.” The Irish were rootless, illiterate and of the Catholic faith. They had no commitment to community and had no family

42 John Robert Mullin, 136.

43 John Robert Mullin, 136.

44 John Robert Mullin, 134-135.

45 Edward Bellamy, “How I Wrote Looking Backward,” Edward Bellamy speaks Again! (Kansas City: Peerage, 1937), 217.

46 John Robert Mullin, 145.

47 Federal Writer’s Project of the Works Progress Administration for Massachusetts, “Massachusetts: A Guide to Its Places and People,” Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1937. 208-210.

48 Image from, http://explorewmass.blogspot.com/2009/02/tired-faces-of-children-industrial.html. 10 December 2009.

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“Anyone know why the [sic] big rush to tear these buildings down? What are they going to do with the land once it’s cleared.”51

While some may view the loss of these structures as the true ending of Chicopee’s industrial era, Stilgoe would argue that nothing may be lost at all - we just may need to look a little harder to find vestiges that can remind us of what was. “Contemporary Americans recall landscape with vague delight and understanding…” writes Stilgoe, “… remembering it as space objectifying a traditional sense of order…” What keeps these memories alive? For Stilgoe it is the, “…thousands of vestigial remains of former landscapes now transformed into urban or suburban space and dominated by new structures, juxtapositions, and patterns.”52 Regardless of whether or not the buildings of Uniroyal and Facemate remain, the impact and influence that industry had on Chicopee will never completely fade away.

Industry is embedded in the culture of the city’s residents – events like the annual Sword Game played by the two high school football teams incorporate a Civil War sword made at the Ames Factory. If we can accept that industry and the city are both dynamic entities then we can also accept that this once dominant identity will continue on in new forms well into the future.

49 John Robert Mullin, 138.

50 John Robert Mullin, 140.

51 Article and posted responses can be found at http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/chicopee_prepares_for_planned.html. 8 December 2009.

52 John R. Stilgoe, 3.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

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Chapter 2:

Community Survey

“My father and grandfathers worked for Fisk/Uniroyal. As a child, I was able to watch tires being made.”

- Survey Respondent

Executive Summary

Community Survey Table of Contents Introduction

9

Uniroyal Facemate Redevelopment Plan This report is the result of a survey that was distributed in February and March of 2010. The survey solicited information from the citizens of Chicopee, Massachusetts concerning the Uniroyal / Facemate Property, local history education, river usage, desired future public amenities and visioning for the City. This information is intended to inform the Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Plan that is currently underway.

404 participants took part in the survey. This sample size is large enough to extrapolate, with confidence, the views of the City’s population. Younger generations responded proportionally more than older generations and so the data is slightly biased in favor of those 18-35. The impact of this bias is documented and incorporated into all recommendations.

Purpose of the Survey

Methods

9

Survey Questionnaire Distribution

Survey Response

10

Sample Size

The three most important results from this survey are:

Survey Bias

1. The citizens of Chicopee want a waterfront park with a walking and bicycling trail. They would like to see the Facemate tower and if possible, the Uniroyal office building preserved. Other structures were not particularly favored.

Results

11

Part 1a: site identity and preservation Part 1b: written responses

2. The citizens of Chicopee want more river access, primarily for walking along and viewing, but also for canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Part 2: relationship with the river Part 3: future activities

3. The citizens of Chicopee would like to see Chicopee Center revitalized into a vibrant, mixed use community similar to Northampton, Massachusetts.

Part 4: imagine chicopee in 20 years...

Analysis of Results

13

The Effect of Age: knowledge of site & preservation values

The scale of survey response and the length / complexity of the survey, provided a large base of information that can be used for many different purposes during the redevelopment process. If there are any questions in regard to a particular result or analysis, please call Chris Hardy at 607-592-7195 or e-mail at Yggdrasil.twig@gmail.com.

The Effect of Age: preferred future The Effect of Location: preferred future

Design Recommendations

15

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers

Appendix I Figure 1: Facemate building tower.

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15

Full Questionnaire

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Introduction

Methods

Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Plan

Survey Questionnaire

The Uniroyal / Facemate properties are located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The properties consist of former industrial complexes that have been abandoned for over 20 years. During that time, the buildings have deteriorated, in some cases to the point of collapsing.

In order to determine citizen opinions, the survey was developed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data could be used for value based, option based or frequency based information.

The qualitative questions were reserved for future visioning and past memory reflection about the site and City. The full questionnaire can be found in Appendix I. The following are the subject questions asked; the highlighted questions are the qualitative text responses.

The Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Plan is currently being completed by the City of Chicopee Figure 2: Facemate property with consultants VHB, RKG and BETA, among others.

This plan is intended to create a feasible vision for the future of the properties. The site, however, is faced with many constraints. A very low market for development forces all projections for residential or commercial infill to be extended out 20 years in order to be plausible. The existing flood protection system compromises more than an eighth of the total Figure 3: Uniroyal property area of the site. Former industries have left a legacy of contamination that requires a remediation plan.

Within these constraints, the Redevelopment Plan will create a goal for the City of Chicopee to move toward, incorporating development, open space and new amenities.

Although the site has many constraints, there are also many opportunities. These factories are adjacent to Chicopee Center and land use is instrumental to downtown’s character. The buildings are already registered with MASSHistoric and the legacy of the workers who built Chicopee can be told through historic preservation, either with particular buildings, a museum, or architectural salvage. The site currently cuts off the Chicopee Falls neighborhood from the Chicopee River.

Reestablishing a connection with the river, promoting civic pride through history and open space programming are all non-market based strategies that are possibilities for the site. The refurbishment of the long abandoned factories can be a turning point for the City, a step towards redefining downtown and showcasing the citizens of Chicopee’s values.

Purpose of the Survey This survey is a research tool intended to inform the designers, consultants and decision makers for the Redevelopment Plan of the opinions of the citizens of Chicopee. The survey was organized around four issues that community input would be beneficial to gain during this process. The first issue was the identity of the site and knowledge of it’s history. Preliminary talks with community members indicated that there is little sense of history in the City of Chicopee, primarily with the younger population and there is a need for increased history education and celebration. Since many of the buildings cannot be saved, the survey was used to garner community feelings as to which structures they would prefer to see preserved.

The survey was also used to quantify the use and potential value of use of the Connecticut and Chicopee Rivers while identifying what activities citizens would like to have access to on the Chicopee River. Finally, the survey asked the citizens of Chicopee what they would like to have on the site and in their city. These opinions and relationships between different neighborhoods and age groups will help build a framework for the redesign, grant applications and public expenditures for non-market amenities that the site could support.

Q6: Which neighborhood do you think the former Uniroyal / Facemate Industrial complex shown above is in?

Q7: What experiences have you had with this site?

Q8: What elements would you like to see in Chicopee 30 years from now?

Q9: Do you have any stories of, or connections to the Uniroyal/Facemate site?

Q10: Which products do you think were made on or near this site?

Q11: How far do you think Chicopee’s industrial influence has extended?

Q12: How do you use the Connecticut River?

Q13: Please select any of the activities below that you may have done on the Chicopee River.

Figure 5: Online survey using a professional subscription of Q14: What activities would you like to participate in on SurveyMonkey.com. http://www.surveymonkey.com the Chicopee River?

Q15: Which of the following open space amenities are in highest demand in Chicopee?

Q16: What new buildings do you think are in highest demand?

Q17:Where do you go for recreation and entertainment?

Q18: Imagine 20 years from now, what would you be excited to see in Chicopee?

Distribution The survey was distributed in two forms. The first was online, using SurveyMonkey.com as an accessible web site that citizens could log on to and complete. The second was a hardcopy paper survey. Since participation was self-selective, distribution and advertisement were targeted to each specific age group and neighborhood to aim for a representative sample for the demographics. Since the survey was self-selected, the degree of interest in the project may be higher than the City average for the survey participants, but this cannot be proven or disproven.

The online survey was advertised on the City of Chicopee’s web site, in the Chicopee Register (a local newspaper) and to the Chicopee and Chicopee High School Facebook groups.

Note: We are a group of Landscape Architecture students from Cornell University. We have worked with Tom Haberlin, the City Economic Development Director, Kate Brown, the City Planner & Conservation Officer and Stephen Jendrysik, City Historian, in the development and distribution of this survey. All survey responses were collected in an anonymous fashion.

All results, save direct quotes, are based on generalizations across the data set.

Figure 6: Survey station.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 4: Paper survey packet, introduction, questions and open response.

The paper survey was distributed via the Chicopee Public Library, the Chicopee Senior Center, Profiles Salon, the Edward Bellamy Historic Society, and the office of Selser Memorial School.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

9.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Survey Response

Sample Size

Survey Bias: Chicopee Falls Neighborhood

404 people responded to the survey. 105 of the responses were paper, the remainder were online. Based on Cochran’s equation, the sample size needed for a 95% confidence level for the population of Chicopee (54,653 by the 2000 Census) would be 384 responses.1 This means that all conclusions drawn have a confidence interval of 5%. In other words, the sample is representative of the characteristics of the city population, as long as the sample bias is considered.

The site is located in the Chicopee Falls neighborhood. It is likely that the high visibility of the site and awareness of the redevelopment process influenced participation.

Community members participated in greater numbers from Chicopee Falls than from any other neighborhood.

In the Analysis of Results section, their opinions are compared to the rest of the City’s population.

n0 = {Z2pq}/e2 Figure 7: Cochran’s equation to determine sample size for a large population (n). Z2 is the abscissa of the normal curve that cuts off an area at the 95% confidence level.

Sample Bias: Neighborhood representation as percent of sample and city population Chicopee Population Survey Sample

Fairview

NOTE: The number of responses for the survey is large enough to be

Aldenville

considered representative of the city population, as long as the sampling bias is considered. All mean values from the results would not be expected to change greater than +/- 5% if the entire population of Chicopee had participated.

Burnett Road Willamansett Chicopee Falls Chicopee Center

Survey Bias: Demographics

Sample Bias: comparision of survey sample to census data by percentage per age group

The method of survey distribution can have a significant effect on the sample by creating a sample bias.2 The nature of self-selection also causes a bias.

In general, the response numbers were equal between 19 to 55 year old citizens, with tapering numbers for 55-75 and lowest for over 75. This is likely due to POP2000 the targeting of college age citizens via Facebook, Survey Sample balanced by the paper survey distribution and the City web site. The older population was targeted at the Senior Center. The proportion of responses to the proportion of age groups in the city shows a much 19‐25 26‐35 higher proportion of participation by ages 19-35. This 36‐55 56‐75 >75 means all general conclusions favor the younger Figure 8: Sample Bias: comparison of survey sample to census population of Chicopee. The Analysis of Results data by percentage per age group.

This chart shows how the section compares the difference in opinion between sample demographics do not reflect the demographics of Chicopee. the younger and older populations of Chicopee. No surveys were counted from participants under 18. One unusual note is that the average survey respondent had lived in Chicopee for 30 years, with a standard deviation Sample of survey of 16 years.

This Bias: meanscomparision that the average respondent has lived in Chicopee for greater than 80% of their life - the sample to census data by percentage per survey respondents are citizens for whom Chicopee has always been their primary home.

Figure 10: Map of neighborhoods. The survey simplified neighborhoods into larger units through limiting options.

Figure 11: Neighborhood representation as a percentage of City population per the 2000 Census and the sample group.

Chicopee Falls demographics and economics are subtly different from other Chicopee neighborhoods. Chicopee Falls generally has a higher ethnic diversity, higher renter occupied residences and lower population density than the rest of Chicopee, specifically the part of the neighborhood formerly referred to as Chinatown. The average age is not significantly different from the rest of the City.

Ethnicity

Population Density

Figure 12: Demographic information for the City of Chicopee based on the 2000 Census.

Ethnicity: Orange is the highest nonwhite population, blue is the most white population.

Population Density: Orange is the highest population density, blue the lowest.

gender

POP2000 Survey Sample

An unexpected bias was a disproportionately high representation of women to men in the survey. This could possibly be due to the paper survey stations in the school and Profiles Salon, but could also be an indication of selfselection. The difference is subtle enough that for any mean greater than 5% difference this sampling error can be discounted. Nevertheless, the survey had more female participants proportionally than would be reflected by a perfectly random sample of Chicopee.

Cochran, T.D.; Harvey, S. 2008. Homology and derived series of groups II: Dwyer’s Theorem. Geometry & Topology, Vol. 12, pp. 198

1

M

F

Figure 9: Sample Bias: comparison of survey sample to census data by percentage per gender.

Median Age

Renter Occupied

Median Age: Orange is the oldest average age, blue is the youngest (or no population).

Renter Occupied: Orange is the highest renter occupied population, blue is the highest owner occupied (or no population).

Chicopee Falls

Lapane, K. 2009. A comparison of two distribution methods on response rates to a patient safety questionnaire in nursing homes. Journal of the American medial Directors Association, Vol. 8, no. 7 pp. 4461

2

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C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

10.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Results Part 1b: Written Responses

Part 1a: Site Identity and Preservation Site neighborhood as identified by participant To understand how visible the site is to the residents of Chicopee, the survey asked participants to locate the neighborhood of the site. The overwhelming response was the correct neighborhood, Chicopee Falls or the adjacent neighborhood, Chicopee Center. This clearly shows that the site is visible to the citizens of Chicopee and is recognized as a landmark in the landscape.

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Figure 13: Site neighborhood as identified by survey participants.

To understand the generally held public knowledge of industrial history, the survey asked which products from a list were made on the site. A large majority of Chicopee citizens recognize that tires were made on the site. This may have to due with the scale of employment, recent nature of the industry, or even the smell associated with the industry. Only about 40% of respondents recognized textiles as being made on site. The rest of the products, all of which were at one time made on site, were ranked below 25% by recognition count. We can conclude that the knowledge of the extents of the industrial history of the site is not generally known in Chicopee.

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

To the open response question about personal experience with the site, 55 of the participants wrote about relatives who had worked on the site, 13 wrote about the former haunted house that used to be held in the Uniroyal office building and 10 wrote about their experiences working on site. These responses are compared in two ways. The first is Figure 17, a Wordle.net diagram. This diagram graphically shows the number of times a particular word was repeated (common English words are filtered out). As one can see, the memories shared were primarily related to work performed on site, the companies themselves, relatives and events (either the haunted house or fires). Below the Wordle diagram are particular quotes that stood out from the total survey as representative or well worded. These quotes reveal the good and bad memories of the site, industry and mention programs or activities that could be brought back, such as the haunted house, a picnic area behind the Facemate tower, a softball diamond and a farm stand.

Figure 17: This diagram was generated using Wordle.net. The size of the words reflect the number of times they were used in total from all survey respondents. This reflects key ideas and subjects most often repeated by participants.

Super Quotes:

Negative Memories: “I still remember the smell of rubber in the air as I grew up.”

“In high school teachers would warn that ‘drop outs’ would go to Uniroyal University.”

Figure 14: Products produced on site as identified by participants.

The majority of survey respondents had little experience with the Experience Respondents had with site had site. The primary ways participants identified their experience Worked on the site when it was active 2.07% was through driving or walking past the properties. An Worked on the site after it was abandoned 1.38% unexpected result was that 18.76% of the sample, 76 people, A family member worked on the site 18.76% noted that they had family members who worked on site while Informally explored the site 9.79% Driven past the site 43.17% the factories were still active. Due to the extents of the sample Q8: What elements would you like to Walked past the site 21.38% size, it is not an exaggeration to state with 95% likelihood that Not familiarsee in Chicopee 30 years from now? with the site 3.45% almost a fifth of the citizens of Chicopee have a relative who Figure 15: Participant relationship to / or experience with site. worked in these factories. This identity is not direct, for only 60% 3.45% of respondents have personally worked on the site at some point, and only 9.79% have otherwise explored the site.

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

52% of respondents indicated that they would like to have the tower on the Facemate building preserved. The next highest vote was for the Uniroyal office building. Other charismatic Percentage for structures, such as the smokestacks, were not significantly preservation preferred for preservation. This may be because some structures are currently not as visible as the Facemate tower, based on the existing site configuration.

“My dad worked at Fisk for 3 days - his skin started to turn yellow from the tire resin, and he left his job.”

“My grandparents worked there, lots of people worked there. It smelled really bad but it paid enough that they could survive and raise their kids. It all ended and Chicopee is left with this big monument... Please do not make things worse... it has so much potential, it just needs a gentle hand.”

Positive Memories: “My first job was with Chicopee mtgco (Johnson & Johnson) where we made cotton products from the Greigh mill to finished goods.... It would be great if the Greigh mill portion could be preserved.”

“During my early 20’s I played semi-professional softball for a woman’s team that was sponsored by Uniroyal. Uniroyal built a softball diamond next to the building, where we played ball every Sunday.”

“My father and grandfathers worked for Fisk/Uniroyal. As a child, I was able to watch tires being made.”

“-My- family came to Chicopee in 1944 from economically depressed Vermont for a job in defense work during WWII. My father was given a job and housing for his family. At the time it was the Fisk Rubber Co. In time extended family members also arrived.”

“My family came here from Poland and these factories are how they survived. My grandfather and his father worked for savage arms, my great grandmother worked for Johnson and Johnson and was even involved in the first ‘strike,’ - my aunts and uncles were foremen at Uniroyal. Please clean this area up and make it a resource for Chicopee again.”

“My grandfather worked there many moons ago, my parents would tell me stories of when my grandmother and father would sit in their car and wait for my grandfather to get out of work. My father worked at Facemate for at least 10 years. I also worked there for a summer when I was 16. I have a lot of memories of company picnics behind the old facemate tower.”

“It’s part of the fabric of the landscape... many citizens worked there and have ties... it’s become a landmark.”

“My mother worked as a tire builder at Fisk/Uniroyal for 34 years. My father owned a family farm in Hadley, MA. Every summer we would fill our car with sweet corn, strawberries and cukes. We would park on Oak st and sell vegetables to the Uniroyal employees when they were leaving work.”

Events: “My father was a Chicopee Fire Fighter and went to Facemate several times for fires, including the huge fire caused by a lightning strike where they lost the building and had to call in several other fire departments from nearby cities to fight the fire.”

“I remember going to a haunted house put on by Chicopee High School in the Uniroyal office building when I was about 8 years old! I still remember it to this day... it’s a great memory!”

“For several years my father’s friend used the Uniroyal office building as the site for an annual haunted house.”

Figure 16: Participant selection for building or architectural remnant preservation.

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“I remember walking out of the department store as a child and seeing the whole sky light up with orange when the building exploded. I was a little guy and the store was Two Guys.”

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

11.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Results (cont.)

Part 2: Relationship with the River

Part 3: Future Activities

The site is bordered by the Chicopee River to the north and west. The factory complex serves as a barrier between the neighborhood of Chicopee Falls and the riverfront along this section of the river. The survey hypothesized that the Chicopee River would be significantly less used due to its low level of accessibility.

The goal of this section of the survey was to determine what Chicopee’s citizens think the City needs. These questions were divided into two sections: outdoor recreational program and built program.

To test this hypothesis, survey participants were asked to mark how they used the river from five options: viewing, fishing, boating, birding and walking or bicycling along. For each of these options they were further asked to rank frequency of use: daily, weekly, monthly and annually. This data was compiled from all participants. Each score was ranked per frequency (a daily use = 365, weekly use = 52, monthly use = 12, and annual use = 1) and summed to determine an estimate of the number of daily experiences per year per activity.

Connecticut River Viewing Fishing Boating Birding Walking/bicycling Annual experiences (sample) 48769 1187 1040 4296 7233 Experiences per citizen per year 120 3 3 11 18 Hypothetical value per experience* 0.2 2 5 0.2 1 Total experiences per year 6581165.8 160180.5 140343.51 579726.6 976062.0963Total Value Hypothetical value per year* $1,316,233 $320,361 $701,718 $115,945 $976,062 $3,430,319 Chicopee River Annual experiences (sample) Experiences per citizen per year Hypothetical value per experience* Total experiences per year Hypothetical value per year*

42700 105 0.2 5762180.5 $1,152,436

2123 930 5 2 2 5 286489.7 125499.48 $572,979 $627,497

5703 14 0.2 769595.2 $153,919

7439 18 1 1003860.906 $1,003,861

60% 50% 40%

0.4 0.35 0 35 0.3 0.25 0 25

30% 20%

0.2 0.15 0.1

10% 0%

0.05 0

Figure 20: These charts show what percentage of survey participants considered each program to be of high demand in Chicopee.

$3,510,693

Figure 18: This table shows the number of daily experiences per year, and the hypothetical associated value.

When this information was compiled, the total experiences were divided to average the number of daily experiences per person per year. Each activity was assigned a monetary value. These values are based on “contingent valuation,” where individuals are asked how much they are willing to pay for something, or how much they would ask to be paid if the rights were taken away. This theoretical value can then be put on a non-market based product.1 Valuation questions were not included in the survey and would be needed to determine price tags that are appropriate for the Chicopee market. These values were loosely based (more conservative) on recreation values taken from Hitzhusen’s compilation on the Great Lakes watershed,2 but for any serious valuation conclusions the local market and values would need to be assessed. These numbers provide a generalized estimate of the value of the river’s annual contribution to the viewshed and recreation.

The surprising conclusion from these questions is that there is not a significant difference in the number of daily experiences per year between the two rivers. We cannot conclude that the Chicopee River is under used, but we can conclude that it is visible to the community and is a recreational resource for the city.

It is clear from the response that recreational trails are in high demand within the city, with over 55% voting for bicycle trails and 59% for walking trails. The next highest outdoor programs were nature reserves and picnic areas. Over a fifth of the sample also wanted to see more canoe/kayak access, public pavilions, BBQ areas and baseball fields.

The citizens voted in significantly lower numbers for built program. Outdoor program received 1,465 total votes, while indoor program received exactly 1,000. This may be due to fewer options or less interest. The most popular programs were restaurants, followed by a new Senior Center - although no programs ranked in a majority opinion.

Other programs that ranked above a fifth of the population were a local history museum, more shopping areas and more homes (note: there were many comments against low income housing being built).

In order to gauge the character of Chicopee Center, the survey asked participants where they currently go for entertainment and recreation. The results show that the vast majority of the population (89%) do not use downtown.

Instead, the highest ranking places were the Holyoke Mall and Memorial Drive. One area of considerable note, in Chicopee Center and near the site, is Szot Park. This park is remarkably popular, with over half of the participants indicating they use the park for recreation.

60% 50% 40% 30%

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

When asked what activities participants wanted to participate in, on or along the Chicopee River the vast majority (65%) indicated walking or bicycling. Viewing the river was still a majority (57%), followed by canoeing/kayaking (41%). Due to the scale of the sample size, both walking and viewing can be confidently considered to be desired by the citizens of Chicopee.

20% 10% 0%

0%

Cameron, T.; James, M. 1987. Efficient Estimation Methods for “Closed-Ended” Contingent Valuation Surveys. The Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol. 69, no. 2 pp. 269-276

1

Figure 19: This chart shows the activities respondents indicated they

would like to participate in, on or along the Chicopee River.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 21: This table shows where Chicopee’s citizens currently go for recreation.

F.J. Hitzhusen (Ed.), Economic Valuation of River Systems. Edward Elgard, Cheltenham UK, 2007. ISBN 978 1 84542 634 7

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE 0.800

0.800

0.700

0.700

0.600

0.600

0.400

0.400

0.300

0.300

0.200

0.200

Results (cont.)

Analysis of Results

Part 4: Imagine Chicopee in 20 years...

The Effect of Age: knowledge of site & preservation values0.500 0.500

This open response question asked participants what they would like to see in Chicopee 20 years from now. Besides more jobs (which was mentioned in some form by most participants), the most frequently mentioned vision was for Chicopee Center to undergo a renaissance, developing a character that was often cited to be, “like Northampton [MA].” A combination of restaurants, boutique and name brand stores and a walkable shopping district were all elements of this vision. The next most discussed item was a river walk and waterfront park along the Chicopee River. The third most mentioned program was a theater space, either movie or performance. This was tied with more places for teens to recreate.

To better understand both the survey bias and the population of Chicopee, we decided to analyze how age and location affect the results.

“We need more open space, and more motion to keep people who grew up in the city interested and able to stay in the area. I think we also should celebrate the history of the city and try to bring back “Cabotville” (Chicopee Center), “Skipmuck” (Chicopee Falls). I would like to see the Falls cleaned up and re-done (it is an eyesore - a result of the glorious age of urban renewal, which ruined the village). The city has also grown on the backs of French Canadian and Polish immigrants - cafe culture...imagine a beautiful Cabotville with cafes, bookstores, ethnic restaurants (not just French and Polish, but Puerto Rican, Portuguese, etc...some already exist). Also, the mouth of the Chicopee River could be a wonderful nature preserve!”

“In this area, I’d be excited to see brick sidewalks from the demolished buildings, Maybe a park with a water play area for kids in the summer. and maybe some small retail. restaurants...”

>5

0.000

35

t the site Walked past the site

t the site Driven past the site

35‐55 25‐35 18‐25

0.1 0

Q7: experiences

“Cutting-edge tech industry and research facilities related to alternative energy or nano-tech, incorporated with a green buffer between industrial operations and the river, with a bike path and walking trail(s).”

“Should I live so long... I would be really happy to see some kind of remembrance, some kind of recognition given to all the various cultures and immigrants (Polish and French Canadian mostly). I would also like to see the name “Fisk” because that is what it was to them. “My vision for the Uniroyal/facemate property would be a mixed use: Over 55 housing units or condominiums, a business park with offices, medical facilities and small commercial units, a senior center and local museum, a restaurant, recreation along the riverfront, a river walk/bike path and picnic area.”

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

t the site Walked past the site

25

18

Q7: experiences Figure 23: The relationship between age and knowledge of the site.

t the site Walked past the site

0.2

t the site Driven past the site

0.100

t the site Driven past the site

“Some of the city’s historic buildings still standing. The same amount or fewer parking lots in Chicopee Center. (They seem presently to be half empty or eye sores.) A local history museum to showcase Chicopee’s products (Ames swords & castings, stevens -duryea automobiles, overman wheel co. which was written up in scientific American) and people.”

Q11:scale

0.200

25‐35

0.3

Q11:scale Q11:scale

0.300

0.5 0.4

Products

Products

0.400

35‐55

Q7: experiences

18‐25 18 25

0.200

0.500

>55

d the site Informally explored the site

“I would love to see Uniroyal/Facemate property cleaned up and a recreational facility turned into something that could be used be the whole Chicopee Community.”

0.000 0.100 0.000 Products

06 0.6 n the site A family member worked on the site

Future for Uniroyal Facemate Property:

d the site Informally explored the site

“I would like to see a thriving downtown area with shops, restaurants, not what is currently there. I want to see the community become more of a 0.800 cultural center.”

0.700 “A Family Friendly Area that showcases the beauty of the river and the natural surroundings by the river. It would also be great to have a museum that speaks to the industrial past of this city. I think we have forgotten our past and now consider ourselves the city of Walmart, home depot, 0.600and ocean state job lot. This is sad...”

0.500 “I would like to see Chicopee revive as a ‘college town,’ similar to North Hampton (Smith College), or the area around Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley or the Amherst Common (Umass / Amherst College). I believe with a vision and collaboration with businesses and the Elms College 0.400 community that vision could be realized. I would like to see the abandoned factory buildings near Chicopee Center and the Falls area used for museums, art galleries, diverse restaurants, Senior Centers, Tennis Centers, bookstores, condos / apartments etc. I would love for the community to 0.300 enjoy a nature walk / bike path along the Chicopee River.”

0.200 “I would like to see re-investment in the city itself. We have been struggling with a “who we are” scenario. If I were to continue being a resident of Chicopee, I would envision an “industrial” themed place that functions much like Northampton. Vibrant, alive with shopping, art and performance, 0.100 restaurants, open air markets - a place to be a local destination special to the city’s residents. I also envision a re-investment in Chicopee’s natural resources. The CT and Chicopee rivers and under utilized often invisible places. I want to see an urban ecology develop. Where the city0.000 protects ‘green’ instead of preparing more areas for development. Chicopee was once a leader in western Massachusetts - why can’t we once again be a leader in showing other small cities how to re-invent in an historic context to be successful in the future.”

The older population is significantly more knowledgeable than the younger population (p value .007). This confirmed our hypothesis. This means the overall results are slightly skewed towards a population with less knowledge of the site than the average Chicopean, self-selection bias not included.

andoned Worked on the site after it was abandoned

0.900

n the site A family member worked on the site

0.000

0.000

>55

1.000

as active Worked on the site when it was active

“Get culture (arts, music, museums) into the city. Stop the ‘memorial drivization’ of the city.”

0.100

Q6: site neighborhood borhoodWorked on the site after it was abandoned andoned

“parks and jobs”

0.200

as active Worked on the site when it was active

Future for the City:

0.300

Q6: site neighborhood borhood

Super Quotes:

0.400

25‐35

0.300

d the site Informally explored the site

0.700 Figure 22: This diagram was generated using Wordle.net.

The size of the words reflect the number of times they were used in total from all survey respondents.

This reflects key ideas 0.600 and what subjects were most often repeated.

0.500

35‐55

0.400

0.700 0.600

>55

0.500

0.100

n the site A family member worked on the site

0.800

0.600

0.100

andoned Worked on the site after it was abandoned

0.900

0.700

0.800

as active Worked on the site when it was active

1.000

0.900

Q6: site neighborhood borhood

To compare the older population with the younger population, we determined average responses per age group. Site knowledge was evaluated by correctly identifying the site neighborhood, the products made on the site, the scale of the site’s influence and personal experience with the site. For personal experience, the intensity of the experience was ranked. Working on the site highest (10), a family member working on the site was an order of magnitude reduced (1) and driving by the site as the lowest (1).

1.000

0.800

18‐25

When applying the same technique to question 8, ‘which elements would you like to see in Chicopee in 20 years,’ we found an unexpected result. The younger population of Chicopee, 18 to 35, is significantly more interested in preservation than the older population>55 (p value .01). The reason for this can only be speculated. It is possible that the 35‐55 with more as mysterious site is associated ruins and relics 25‐35 with the younger population, or perhaps the ‘past as history’ may be 18‐25 18 25to the memory of the site more forgiving than the ‘past as memory of actual working conditions.’ Since the younger generation is also removed from the period of closing and joblessness, there may be less bitterness or disappointment associated with the relics.

Figure 24: The relationship between age and interest in preservation.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

13.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE 0.8

To better understand the effect of the proportionally higher representation of the Chicopee Falls neighborhood, we 0.8 response with other neighborhoods. Under all categories t-tests revealed no significant difference compared their between Chicopee Falls and the average for the other neighborhoods. This means that the overall data is not 0.7 significantly skewed from the city average by the proportionally higher representation of Chicopee Falls. The one 0.8 consistent outlier 0.6 for the neighborhoods was Burnett Road and this is most likely due to the very low proportional 0.7 sample (21 respondents).

0.7 0.7

0.1 0.1

Figure 25: The relationship between age and interest in accessibility to 0.6 Q14: Chicopee River

different activities on the Chicopee River.

1.2

Q8: What elements would you like to see in Q8: What elements would you like to see in Chicopee 30 years from now?

Chicopee 30 years from now?

1

0.5

Willamansett

Schools Schools ols ols

Aldenville Willamansett

Parking Parking ing ing

Fairview Aldenville

Restaurants Restaurants nts nts

0 0

Fairview Burnett Road

Medical Facilities Medical Facilities ical Facilities ical Facilities ies ies

Q8: What elements would you like to see in Chicopee 30 years from now?

Flood wall

0

ce building Uniroyal office building ce building Uniroyal office building

Willamansett

ick facades Brick facades

0 0.1 Flood wall

Burnett Road Chicopee Center

Building #3 Facemate Building #3 Building #3 Facemate Building #3

0.2 0.2

vated Rails Elevated Rails vated Rails Elevated Rails

02 0.1 0.2

Smokestack Uniroyal Smokestack

ick facades Brick facades

Flood wall

Building #3 Facemate Building #3

ce building Uniroyal office building

vated Rails Elevated Rails

Smokestack Uniroyal Smokestack

Facemate tower mate tower

Other (specify)

lking/bicycling Walking/bicycling

Birding

Boating

0 Fishing

Chicopee Falls

Burnett Road Aldenville

Chicopee Center

03 0.3 03 0.3

18‐25 0.1

Fairview

Chicopee Falls

0.3

0.2 02 Chicopee Center

0

Viewing

0.4 0.4

25‐35

0.1

0.7

0.3 0.4

Chicopee Falls

0.2 02

0.8

0.5 0.5

Industrial park Industrial park dustrial park dustrial park ark ark

35‐55

0.2

0.5

Shopping areas Shopping areas opping areas opping areas eas eas

0.4 0.3

Generally, age does not seem to affect likelihood of outdoor program or built program preference.

0.6 0.6

0.4

0.5

>55

0.3

0.6

Senior Center Senior Center enior Center enior Center ter ter

0.5

0.6

0.4

Local History Museum Local History Museum ory Museum ory Museum um um

0.7

The younger population (<35) is more interested in active water recreation via fishing and boating than the older population. The older population is more interested in new homes and office space than the younger population.

Offices Offices ces ces

0.8

0.5

Homes Homes mes mes

0.6

ick facades Brick facades

0.7

Smokestack Uniroyal Smokestack

The effect of age was very specific to the program. No generalizations can be drawn in terms of the different age groups’ interest in the Chicopee River, new built amenities or new outdoor amenities. Individual differences can be identified, however.

The Effect of Location: preferred future

Facemate tower mate tower

The Effect of Age: preferred future

Facemate tower mate tower

Analysis of Results (cont.)

Q16: What new buildings do you think are in highest demand? (You may ch Q16: What new buildings do you think are in highest demand? (You may ch more than one or none) more than one or none)

0.4

Q16: Built Program Figure 26: The relationship between age and interest in new amenities and buildings.

Figure 27: The relationship between age and interest in new outdoor programmed spaces and amenities.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Q14: What activities would you like to Q8: What elements would you like to see in Q14: What activities would you like to participate in on the Chicopee River?

Chicopee 30 years from now? participate in on the Chicopee River?

y) Other (specify)

rd Shuffleboard

ss oe/kayak access Canoe/kayak access

es Nature reserves

rk Skate park

Willamansett

hs Bicycle paths

fy) Other (specify)

ard Shuffleboard

noe/kayak access ess Canoe/kayak access

ves Nature reserves

ark Skate park

ths Bicycle paths

ons Public pavilions

ails Recreational trails ecreational trails

Q15: Outdoor Program

Aldenville

ns Public pavilions

Other (specify)

lking/bicycling Walking/bicycling

Birding

Boating

Fishing

Viewing eas Picnic areas

eas BBQ areas

urt Volleyball court

urt Bocce court

Soccer Fields lds

Football Fields lds

ecify) Other (specify) Baseball fields lds

ilities Medical Facilities

hools Schools

rking Parking

rants Restaurants

park Industrial park

areas Shopping areas

enter Senior Center

cal History Museum seum Local History Museum

ffices Offices

Homes omes

0

Fairview

0

ecreational trails ils Recreational trails

0

Q14: Chicopee River

as Picnic areas

0.1

Burnett Road

as BBQ areas

0.1

Chicopee Center

0.2

rt Volleyball court

0.2

rt Bocce court

0.2

Chicopee Falls

ds Soccer Fields

0.3

0.4

ds Football Fields

0.3

0

Baseball fields ds

04 0.4

0.6

ick facades Brick facades

0.4

18‐25 0.1

Flood wall Other (specify) Other (specify) pecify) pecify)

0.5

25‐35

0.2

0.8

Building #3 Facemate Building #3 Walking/bicycling Walking/bicycling cycling cycling

0.5

35‐55

ce building Uniroyal office building Birding Birding

0.6

0.3

0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 02 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 00 0

Canoe/Kayak Canoe/Kayak /Kayak /Kayak vated Rails Elevated Rails

0.6

>55

Fishing Fishing Smokestack Uniroyal Smokestack

0.7

Viewing iewing Viewing iewing Facemate tower mate tower

0.7

Q15: Which of the following open space amenities are in highest demand in Chicopee?

Figure 28: These charts show the responses per neighborhood for preservation, new built amenities, river use and outdoor recreational areas.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

14.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Design Recommendations

Appendix I

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers

Full Questionnaire Page 1

1. The citizens of Chicopee want a waterfront park. They consistently indicate the desire for more river access and more public open space amenities. The most popular desired amenities are trails, followed by picnic areas, public pavilions and nature reserves.

Page 2

Cornell University

Participant background

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Age: Gender: M / F Neighborhood:

2. The Chicopee River is already a recognized and used asset for the City. Nevertheless, there is a clear demand for more access. This redevelopment project is perfectly situated to satisfy the demand.

Years as Chicopee Resident:

H.E.A.L Chicopee

Survey 1) Which neighborhood do you think the former Uniroyal / Facemate Industrial complex shown below is in?

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy...

Introduction and consent to participate in community survey

3. There is a need for local history education in Chicopee that is currently not being satisfied. As a result, the City’s heritage is being lost with younger generations. There is an opportunity to inspire civic pride through revealing the past.

The industries that formerly occupied the site were formative for the City - currently 1 in 5 Chicopeans has a relative who worked on the property.

Willamansett

A group of citizens has been selected to answer questions related to the project. Your responses will help us gauge community ideas, interests and feelings in relation to the site and any proposed future uses. This information will directly impact our strategic plan and the recommendations presented to the city.

4. The Facemate building tower is the most iconic structure on the site. Funds allocated for preservation should prioritize this tower before any other structure, in terms of public opinion. The Uniroyal office building is also popular, with many wishing to see it refurbished.

The following survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete, however, you may take as much time as necessary. At any time you may refuse to participate or decide not to answer specific questions. All individual responses will be kept confidential; all recommendations will be generated from generalized conclusions not individual responses.

5. Previous public programs should be brought back, if possible, to the site. There are many memories of the popular haunted house in the former Facemate building and company picnics. There are also stories of a softball diamond adjacent to Uniroyal and a former farm stand.

Thank you for participating in this survey!

6. Some of the citizens of Chicopee want more restaurants, a senior center, a movie theater, more shopping and a local history museum. No individual ‘built’ amenity attracted a majority vote, unlike park amenities.

A copy of this consent form is attached to the survey for you to keep. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at HEALChicopee@gmail.com. If you have read and understood the above presented information and are willing to participate in this survey, please sign and date below.

Lee M. Pouliot, Master Candidate Christian Gruber, Master Candidate Christopher Hardy, Master Candidate Christopher Horton, Master Candidate Declan Keane, Master Candidate Deni Ruggeri, Professor

Aldenville Fairview Burnett Road 2) What experiences have you had with this site? (You may choose more than one) Worked on the site when it was active

Driven past the site

Worked on the site after it was abandoned

Walked past the site

A family member worked on the site

I am not familiar with the site

Informally explored the site 3) What elements would you like to see in Chicopee 30 years from now?

A

B

A

C

B

C

D

E

D

E

G

F

G

Page 4 11) What new buildings do you think are in highest demand? (You may choose more than one or none)

5) Which products do you think were made on or near this site? (You may choose more than one) Tires

Bicycles

Homes

Industrial park

Sporting goods

Medical supplies

Offices

Restaurants

Guns

Textiles

Local History Museum

Parking

Munitions

Cutlery

Senior Center

Schools

Cars

Swords

Shopping areas

Medical facilities

12) Where do you go for recreation and entertainment? (You may choose more than one or none)

6) How far do you think Chicopee’s industrial influence has extended? (Please choose one) World ek

ye

ar

on

a

m a

Szot Park

Memorial Drive

Springfield Plaza

Outside communities

Holyoke Mall

Neighborhood parks

Boston Road

Downtown Springfield

Chicopee Center

Riverdale Road

e

e

nc

nc

ve

r

as

Ne

At le

as

to

y

we

da

a

a e

nc

nc

to

to

as

as

At le

At le

Frequency

Viewing

to

7) How do you use the Connecticut River? (You may choose more than one or none)

th

USA

e

Massachusetts

At le

Local

F

Date Signed ____________________

Page 3

8. The city needs a comprehensive plan to guide future development and infrastructure improvements.

Chicopee Falls

4) Do you have any stories of or connections to the Uniroyal/Facemate site? (Please explain.)

Signature of Survey Respondent ___________________________________

7. The citizens currently do not use downtown for shopping or entertainment, although they would like the option to do so.

Citizens consistently reference Northampton, MA, as the type of downtown they would like to one day see Chicopee Center become. This indicates a need for a long term revitalization strategy. Since the market and demand does not support increased office or commercial and very little residential development, an alternative strategy is necessary: beautification, public recreation, and event planning are all non-market based strategies that can be the first phase of a revitalization plan.

Chicopee Center

The City of Chicopee is in the process of preparing the former Uniroyal / Facemate properties for redevelopment. We, a group of students from the Department of Landscape Architecture at Cornell University, are working with the city to develop a strategic plan for the properties. Through our process and resulting plan we would like to integrate the interests and ideas of Chicopee residents.

13) Imagine 20 years from now, what would you be excited to see in Chicopee?

Fishing

(Please write or draw what you would like the city to be)

Boating (Including canoeing and kayaking) Birding

ye a

a

e nc Ne ve

r

to as le At

At

le

as

to

nc

e

a e nc to

ar

m on

ek we

y da a e nc to

as

as

le

le At

Frequency

Viewing

At

8) Have you participated in any of the above activities on the Chicopee River?

Yes No If yes, which, and how often?

th

Walking/Bicycling Other - Please define:

Fishing Boating (Including canoeing and kayaking) Birding Walking/Bicycling Other - Please define: 9) What activities would you like to participate in on the Chicopee River?

Viewing Fishing Canoe / Kayak Birding Walking/Bicycling Other - Please define: 10) Which of the following open space amenities are in highest demand in Chicopee?

Baseball fields

Public pavilions

Football fields

Bicycle paths

Soccer fields

Skate park

Bocce court

Nature reserves

Volleyball court

Canoe/kayak access

BBQ areas

Shuffleboard

Picnic areas

Other - Please Define:

Thank you!

Recreational trails

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

15.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chapter 3:

Student Visioning

- “We are Chicopee, we stand strong, always...”

- Student Participant

Student Visioning Chapter Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

17

Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Plan

Purpose of Student Visioning Process

This report is the result of a student visioning exercise that was implemented across the Chicopee Public School System during March and April of 2010. The exercise was designed to expose city students to Chicopee’s history through the lens of industrial development on the former Uniroyal / Facemate properties of Factory Village. A second lesson was developed to introduce students to the basic concepts of sustainability as they apply to the re-imagining of post-industrial brownfields. Finally, students were asked to participate in a visioning exercise through the creation of a ‘new city seal’ that represents Chicopee in the year 2030.

The goal of this process is to enhance/ inform the visioning and site programming process for the Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Plan that is currently underway.

682 students attended the lessons and participated in the visioning exercise. A majority of those who participated were elementary school students with a smaller number of participating middle school students.

Methods SCIOP® Lesson Plan / Presentations City Seal Visioning Exercise Distribution

Response School Distribution

Results Figure 1: Student seals displayed in the Gallery of the Cornell University Landscape Architecture Department.

Seal Elements

1. Overwhelmingly, participating students foresee a park framework defining Chicopee‘s future. This finding is consistent with conclusions reached for analysis of the Community Survey.

2. Chicopee’s students, from civic and patriotic perspectives, are exceptionally proud of their city and country. The

civic framework was the second largest category of student seals. Many students included references to Westover Air Force Base with specific elements including planes, soldiers, American flags and local Chicopee symbols. Future redevelopment throughout the city should continue to showcase such assets to serve as a foundation for continued emphasis of the city’s national role.

Open Response

3. Of all the elements students detailed in their individual seal designs, natural elements (exposure to sunlight, views of the sky/ clouds, weather, etc.), park space, vegetation (trees, shrubs, flowers), patriotic elements (airplanes, military symbols, flags, etc.), animals (wild & tame), people, the Chicopee River, homes and the existing factory buildings were the most popular.

These specific elements were repeated throughout the largest number of seals across all framework categories.

The scale of student participation, details of the images created and the number of written responses provide a valuable base of information that can be utilized for a number of different purposes during the redevelopment process. Should there be any questions regarding particular results of this analysis, please contact Lee M. Pouliot at 413-265-3788 or lmp227@cornell.edu.

19

City Seal Frameworks

The three most important results from this visioning exercise are:

19

Sample Size

17

Analysis

23

Major Frameworks

Design Recommendations

23

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers

Appendices

24

I - SCIOP® Lesson Plan & Curriculum Standards II - History Presentation III - Sustainability Presentation IV - Visioning Exercise Sheet V - Data CD (seal designs, open responses, teacher packets)

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

16.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Introduction Uniroyal Facemate Redevelopment Plan The Uniroyal / Facemate site is located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The properties consist of former industrial complexes that have been abandoned for over 20 years. During that time, the buildings have deteriorated, in some cases to the point of collapsing.

The Uniroyal Facemate Redevelopment Plan is currently being completed by the City of Chicopee with consultants VHB, RKG and BETA, among others. Figure 2: Facemate property.

This plan is intended to create a feasible vision for the future of the property. The site is, however, faced with many constraints. A very low market for development forces all projections for residential or commercial infill to be extended out 20 years in order to be plausible. The existing flood protection system compromises more than an eighth of the total area of the site. Former industries have left a legacy Figure 3: Uniroyal property. of contamination that requires a remediation plan.

Within these constraints, the Redevelopment Plan will create a goal for the City of Chicopee to move toward, incorporating development, open space, and new amenities.

Although the site has many constraints, there are also many opportunities. These factories are adjacent to Chicopee Center, and the land use is instrumental to the downtown character. The buildings are already registered with MASSHistoric and the legacy of the workers who built Chicopee can be told through historic preservation, either with particular buildings, a museum, or architectural salvage. The site currently cuts off the Chicopee Falls neighborhood from the Chicopee River.

Reestablishing a connection with the river, promoting civic pride through history, and open space programming are all non-market based strategies that are possibilities for the site. The refurbishment of the long abandoned factories can be a turning point for the city, a step towards redefining downtown and showcasing the citizens of Chicopee’s values.

provide ideas and opinions as to what their community and the former Uniroyal / Facemate properties could be like in the future. Students that participated in the exercises are Chicopee's future residents; gaining an understanding of their needs and desires regarding the city and these properties can provide programming and design recommendations that will be utilized by the community following construction.

Finally, a third influence leading to these activities was born out of early findings from the community survey. During a community Figure 4: Matthew’s Typology of community action. meeting held at the Edward Bellamy House, interviews with community members indicated that there is little sense of history in the City of Chicopee, primarily with the younger population and there is a need for increased history education and celebration. The history and sustainability lessons were both developed to address this inadequacy while setting the stage for future programming that integrates the legacy of the former Uniroyal / Facemate properties with local history education.

Note: We are a group of Landscape Architecture students from Cornell University. Development, distribution and execution of the lessons and visioning exercise occurred through a collaboration with Chicopee School Department Administration including the office of Richard Rege Jr, School Superintendant, the office of Deborah Drugan, Assistant Superintendant for Instruction & Accountability and school principals. School principles and their staff determined which classes at their schools would participate. All results, save direct quotes, are based on generalizations across the data set.

Methods Purpose of Student Visioning Process

SCIOP® Lesson Plan / Presentations

The development of the student visioning process to complement the community survey resulted from a number of influences. First was an interest in sparking dialogue with Chicopee's youth to further the goal of integrating them into the redevelopment process. As discussed by Hugh Matthews of the Centre for Children and Youth, Nene Centre for Research, University College Northampton, "Despite the current emphasis on involving communities in the regeneration of their own neighborhoods, young people are still seemingly invisible in decision-making processes".1 According to Matthews, there exist three main barriers to the full participation of young people in redevelopment processes: the nature of the process itself, the attitudes of adults & their need to 'train' in order to better understand the potential of young people and the characteristics of young people.

Prior to the implementation of the student visioning pctivities, a preliminary meeting between school administration, principals and the H.E.A.L Chicopee team was held to determine an appropriate avenue to successfully execute the process throughout all city schools. At the request of the principals, a lesson plan was developed to guide participating teachers through the visioning exercise. Consultation with two elementary school teachers led the H.E.A.L team to utilize the SIOP® Lesson Plan developed by Pearson Education, Inc. Both lessons and the visioning exercise were connected to Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Standards.

Referred to by Matthews as 'capacity-building,' the job of promoting self-esteem and a sense of greater control in the lives of younger generations often requires investment beyond what a typical redevelopment program addresses. As Figure 4 details, Matthews prescribes a typology of community action. The student visioning process was developed to initiate communication with Chicopee's youth to ignite further dialogue, integrating children into the regeneration/redevelopment process.1 A second influence in the development of the student visioning exercise is to give Chicopee's youth an opportunity to 1 Matthews, Hugh. "Children and Regeneration: Setting an Agenda for Community Participation and Integration." Children & Society. 17:4 (2003) 264- 276. Wiley InterScience. March 2010.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

The lesson plan detailed the following three objectives: - "Students will gain an understanding of the history and development of the Uniroyal / Facemate properties."

- "Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of sustainability."

- "Students will create a new vision for the future of the Uniroyal / Facemate properties."

With these objectives, the plan goes on to detail a lesson sequence and reflections for participating teachers to provide feedback to the H.E.A.L team regarding the success or failures of the lessons and visioning exercise. A full version of the lesson plan along with curriculum standards can be found in Appendix I.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

17.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Methods (cont.)

Lesson - A History of Chicopee & Factory Village

City Seal Visioning Exercise

The first element of the student visioning process is the history lesson developed to expose students to the unique manner by which Chicopee developed into an industrial city rather instantaneously, from a collection of agrarian villages. Topics include preEuropean settlement (the Nipmuck Tribe), early settlers (agricultural communities), industrial investment (Factory Village's beginnings), industrial disinvestment (the present day). Presentation slides were designed to present information as a timeline, mimicking the City's development process. The book Chicopee, written by Stephen R. Jendrysik, City Historian provided the framework for this lesson.1 The lesson's full presentation is included in Appendix II.

The final portion of the student visioning process is the city seal visioning exercise. Following the History and Sustainability lessons, students were then introduced to Chicopee's town and city seals as well as the seals of a number of New England states. Teachers were asked to review what the depicted elements symbolized. Students were asked to create a new city seal for Chicopee 20 years in the future. A voluntary open-response question was also included asking students to, 'Imagine Chicopee 20 years from now - as a community member, what are you excited to see?' It was the H.E.A.L Chicopee team's hope that this two-part response would provide a clear understanding of how Chicopee's youth envisioned their city in the future as well as a wealth of ideas as to what students would like to see developed on the Uniroyal / Facemate properties. The city seal activity sheet is included in Appendix IV.

H.E.A.L Chicopee Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy...

A city’s seal showcases unique or special elements within the community.

20 years from now, what makes Chicopee unique or special and how might these be represented in a new city seal?

1Jendrysik, Stephen J. Postcard History Series: Chicopee.

Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2005.

Figure 5: Slide selection from History Lesson: former industries.

Lesson - The Concept of Sustainability: H.E.A.L Chicopee Categories

Distribution March 22, 2010

The second element of the student visioning process is the sustainability lesson developed to introduce students to the basic principles of sustainability as they apply to the re-imagining of post-industrial brownfields.

Topics include the definition of 'green,' (relationships between society, economy and environment) and the categories of the H.E.A.L acronym: Health (industrial pollution and its effect on natural environments), Ecology (local water systems, biological diversity, ecosystem services & the multi-functional landscape), Activity (new social & community programs for the Uniroyal / Facemate properties) and Legacy (influence of Factory Village on Chicopee's development, preserving specific existing structures & showcasing local history on site through redesign). The lesson's full presentation is included in Appendix III.

Dear Participating Teacher, On behalf of the H.E.A.L Chicopee team, I would like thank you for your willingness to participate in our visioning process for the former Uniroyal / Facemate properties in Chicopee Falls. As a former student of Chicopee’s School System, I understand how challenging incorporating additional activities into your daily schedules must be and I truly hope each and every student who participates walks away understanding a little more about the unique community in which we live.

The materials included in this packet have been created to fulfill three main goals. The first is to introduce students to the history of the Uniroyal / Facemate properties and how this history connects to Chicopee’s development. Secondly, the process strives to introduce students to the basic concepts of sustainability as they relate to the re-development process and H.E.A.L’s goals.

Finally, each student is asked to develop a new ‘vision’ for the site by designing a new city seal representing his/her individual ideas about what makes Chicopee a unique place to live.

This ‘visioning’ activity holds high value to successfully fulfilling H.E.A.L’s goals. H.E.A.L Chicopee’s strategic plan’s final recommendations rest on the ideas and thoughts of the community as collected through this process as well as a city-wide survey. In this manner, community members and students are given the opportunity to play a key role in the re-development process. The team is also interested in hearing from you, reflections about this process and materials provided. Please include in a return package your comments as detailed in the lesson plan.

In May, the H.E.A.L Chicopee team will finalize its plan for the future of the Facemate / Uniroyal properties. At this time, we will be holding a public review of H.E.A.L’s recommendations and plan to also display the students’ visioning work as part of our scheduled activities. As details are finalized for this event, we would like to invite you to join us in review. This event will showcase how important community process is to creating a new vision for this site.

Thank you again for you willingness to work with us to successfully re-vision what the Uniroyal / Facemate properties. Should you have any questions regarding the materials provided or the activity, please feel free to e-mail us at HEALChicopee@gmail.com. A member of our team will respond to you with any further information you may require.

Figure 6: Slide selection from Sustainability Lecture: H.E.A.L category of Heath.

Figure 7: City Seal Visioning Activity Sheet

During the preliminary meeting between school administration, principals and the H.E.A.L Chicopee team, a decision was reached regarding the appropriate manner in which this process should be executed. The H.E.A.L team would be responsible for the development and production of all necessary materials and would deliver these materials to the office of Deborah Drugan, Assistant Superintendant for Instruction & Accountability.

While the materials were in production, school principals were asked to determine the number of students at their individual schools that would be participating in the process. Upon delivery of the materials, Mrs. Drugan's office then distributed the materials to each school. Classroom teachers presented the two lessons and guided the students through the visioning exercise.

Materials were then collected, sent back to Mrs. Drugan's office and delivered to the H.E.A.L team at Cornell University.

With Regards,

Lee M. Pouliot, Master Candidate

Figure 8: Teacher welcome letter.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

18.

Lambert-Lavoie Memorial Patrick Bowe Robert R. Litwin Selser Memorial Stefanik Memorial Streiber Memorial Szetela

Grades K - 5 Grades PreK - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades PreK

39 22 74 54 26 35 0

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Response

Results

Sample Size

Students City SealTotal Frameworks

682 children participated in the student visioning process. The school system serves approximately 7800 students, resulting in 8.74% of students participating.

This number represents a response from ten of the fifteen public schools. Those not participating include: Belcher, Chicopee High, Chicopee Comprehensive and Edward Bellamy. Figure 9 details the age group of students at each school and the number of participating students.

School

Age Groups

Anna E. Barry Belcher Bowie Memorial Chicopee Academy Chicopee Comprehensive Chicopee High Edward Bellamy Fairview Veterans Memorial Lambert-Lavoie Memorial Patrick Bowe Robert R. Litwin Selser Memorial Stefanik Memorial Streiber Memorial Szetela

Grades K - 5 Grades K - 3 Grades K - 5 Grades 6 -12 Grades 9 -12 Grades 9 -12 Grades 6 - 8 Grades 6 - 8 Grades K - 5 Grades PreK - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades K - 5 Grades PreK

Total Students

Students # 65 0 260 8 0 0 0 99 39 22 74 54 26 35 0

K - 12

682

Figure 9: School age groups & number of participating students.

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

K - 12

682

Seal Frameworks #�of�Students

50 0

180 160 180 140 120 160 Development 100 140 Eco�oriented 80 120 Chicopee�Factories�/�Products 60 100 Park 40 River 80 20 Technology 50 60 0 Incomplete 40

40 30 20 20 0 10 0

8 0 10 9 13 0 0

54 24 13 89 13 8 0

0 1 0 4 0 0 0

% Participation

6 16 3 7 0 4 6

Civic 2 0 10 8 6 1 0

8 4 1 7 0 1 0

9 4 4 26 7 0 0

Community

Civic

1

Development 3

Community 4

Eco�Oriented 4

Development 7

Chicopee�Factories

0 Eco�Oriented

Park0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0

1 10 0 14 9 0 0

Chicopee�Factories River ParkTechnology River Incomplete

By�School Barry Bowie Chicopee�Academy Figure 11: Seal frameworks.

Fairview Lambert�Lavoie Bowe Litwin Selser Stefanik Streiber�

300

15 45 1 21 3 0 17 28 23 0

10 14 2 36 9 1 7 7 2 1

8 54 0 6 2 8 9 1 0 1

153

0 %�Participation 24 1 16 0 4 4 3 1 10 89

10 13 0 3 10 1 4 4 0 0

Framework�Count�by�School 153 89

Civic�

9 89 4 7 8 7 26 4 0 14

89

89

13 13 0 0 6 0 7 7 0 9

Technology 0 8 Incomplete 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 63 0

63

0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 45 0

45

� Seal�Frame�works 250

Civic�

200

150

Emphasis will be placed on the results from Anna E. Barry and Patrick Bowe schools as a majority of the students at these schools reside in the Chicopee Falls neighborhood. Other schools with students from the Chicopee Falls neighborhood include Belcher, Edward Bellamy Middle and Chicopee High, however, as stated previously, these schools did not participate in the Student Visioning Process.

100

65 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 Civic� 20 Community 0

260

8

99

Seal Frameworks

39

22

74

Civic

Civic

Community

Community Development Eco�oriented Development

Barry

Bowie

Chic�Acad

15 10

45 14

Factories/Products Lambert�Lavoie Eco�Oriented

Fairview

Bowe

Park

1 2

21 3 Chicopee�Factories River 36 9 Technology Park Incomplete

50

River

Barry Civic� 0 Community Anna�E.�Barry

Bowie� Memorial

Chicopee� Academy

Fairview� Veterans� Memorial

Bowie 15 10 Lambert� Patrick�Bowe

Lavoie� Memorial

Chic�Acad 45 14 Robert�R.� Litwin

Selser� Memorial

Stefanik� Memorial

Fairview 1 2Streiber�

Technology Lambert�Lavoie

21 36

Incomplete

Bowe 3 9

Memorial

Figure 12: Framework count by school.

Older students are highly under-represented in the student visioning process, as neither of the two main high schools participated.

9.53 38.12

Seal�Frame�works

Seal Frameworks

Figure 10: School location in context of Uniroyal / Facemate properties.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

% Partic

Upon receipt of the city seal visioning exercise sheets, the H.E.A.L Chicopee team began the process of sorting � Particpating Schools into a number of categories based on the major framework of each seal's design. Throughout the process and a � Seal�Frame�works second review of the original classifications, eight major frameworks were revealed. Figures 11 and 12 detail the 300Seal�Frame�works 250 number of seals classifed into each category and the relative number of each seal framework represented total 200 at150 participating schools.

Seal Frameworks 100

Distribution Figure 10 exhibits the distribution of participating schools in reference to the Uniroyal / Facemate Properties. This mapping shows that schools closest to the site (Chicopee High and Belcher) did not participate in the visioning activies. However, two other elementary schools (Anna E. Barry and Patrick Bowe) did participate and serve children from the Chicopee Falls neighborhood. These schools are represented by a darker green circle.

50 40 30 20 10 0

180 Site 160 140 120 100 80 60

Participated

Participated Serves Chicopee Falls

Did not participate

1.17

14.52

5.72

3.23

10.85

To understand the classification of seals into their respective categories, it is necessary to provide a working �definition for each framework as determined by the H.E.A.L Chicopee team. Note: the classifying of seals into Framework�Percentages�by�School 153 89 63 which is these categories did not following any specific methodolgy.

Subjectivity played a role89 in the process, 100 why after the initial classification all seals were reviewed a second time to confirm the initial classifcation. Six 90 seals were left incomplete by students or could not be understood as fitting into any specific category. These seals were not classifed.

Civic�

45

80

70 The frameworks Civic are defined as the following: 60 50

Community Development

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

Eco�Oriented

Median�Value Anna�E.�Barry Bowie�Memorial

19.

Chicopee�Academy

Fairview�Veterans�M

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Results (cont.)

City Seal Frameworks Civic - Seal's major organizing gesture or main elements focused on depictions and words related to civic pride, patriotism, the American Flag, the military and Westover Air Force Base.

Community - Seal's major organizing gesture or main elements involved the H.E.A.L acronym or logo, people, and/or a collection of elements that make up a cohesive community. Depictions of civic institutions including museums, schools and shelters fall into this category.

Development - The organizing feature of this category is the construction of new buildings including homes, stores, hotels, offices or a mixed-use neighborhood setting.

Eco-oriented - Seals in this category are constructed around the concepts of sustainability. All seals in this category could have easily been placed in other categories, however, they typically emphasize ecology by excluding people in the scenes.

Figure 13: Civic seal example.

Figure 14: Community seal example.

Figure 15: Development seal example.

Figure 16: Eco-oriented seal example.

Chicopee's Factories - This category portrays existing

Park - This framework is characterized by an open, green

factory buildings as either renewed industries or industrial relics. Many seals showcased these relics deteriorating while other focused on displaying the many products historically produced in Chicopee.

space. It includes many of the typical park activities like sports, swimming, trails, nature preserves, camp grounds and trees. Some 'parks' were designed for a specific purpose including dog/cat, water, amusement and skate parks.

River - The major design move of this category is the Chicopee River. These seals could have been relegated to the park category, however, the river dominates visually, often running through the center of the seal, effectively dividing the design in two. All other elements depicted referenced the student's selected river location.

Technology - A much smaller category, this framework proves important none-the-less. The few seals that were classified in this category focused on renewable energy sources or hypothetical technologies (i.e. flying cars).

Figure 17: Chicopeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Factories seal example.

Figure 18: Park seal example.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 19: River seal example.

Figure 20: Technology seal example.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

20.

0 22.97 57.85 88.46 0

4.55 9.46 12.96 7.69 2.86

Results (cont.)

Community

Development

36.36 12.16 1.85 0 2.86

18.18 5.41 5.56 3.85 28.57 Eco‐oriented

4.55 5.41 7.41 0 0 Factories / Products Park

31.82 35.14 7.41 0 40

0 9.46 12.96 0 25.71 River

4.55 0 0 0 0 Technology Incomplete

0 0 0 0 0

Seal Elements

21 19 19 17 15 12 11 11 10 10 9 9 8 8 8 7 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

0

Civic Seal Element

FigureRobots 23: Unique, less common elements.

LA702

Community

Count

Canoeing 21 Fishing 19 Pool 19 Seal Element Sustainability Elements 17 Animal Faciltiies / Zoo 15 Canoeing Food Production 12 Fishing Medical Facilities 11 Skate Park Pool 11 Sustainability Elements Love 10 Museums Animal Faciltiies / Zoo 10 Civic Organizations 9 Food Production Libraries Medical Facilities 9 No LitteringSkate Park 8 Picnic Areas 8 Love Roads / Highways Roads / Highways 8 Museums Bicycle Trails 7 Camping Civic Organizations 5 Libraries Dike Bikes, Moto‐Cross, Go‐Carts 5 Hot Tubs No Littering 5 Nature TrailPicnic Areas 5 Police Department 5 Roads / Highways Roads / Highways Churches 4 Bicycle Trails Fire Department 4 Camping Senior Center 4 Dike Bikes, Moto‐Cross, Go‐Carts Technology (wi‐fi) 4 Water Park Hot Tubs 4 Amusement Park 3 Nature Trail Beach 3 Police Department H li t Rid Helicopter Rides 3 Churches Movie Theatres 3 Fire Department Public Gardens 3 Senior Center Water Features 3 Technology (wi‐fi) Chess 2 Water Park Ice Cream Parlour 2 Parking 2 Amusement Park Post Office Beach 2 Robots 2 H li t Rid Helicopter Rides Statues 2 Movie Theatres Trampolines 2 Public Gardens Airport 1 Water Features Arcade 1 Bowling Chess 1 Brewery Ice Cream Parlour 1 GreenhouseParking 1 Poison Control Center 1 Post Office

Statues Trampolines Airport ArcadeCLINIC, CAPSTONE Bowling

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Open Response - Verbal

After categorization into appropriate categories, Seal Element Count each seal was then analyzed regarding the specific components included inStores the scene. A tally list was created 59 and new %'s by school…

7.69been 23.08 elements were added until all seals had Educational Facilties 49 reviewed.

0 4.55 46 Figures 21,Cars 22 & 23 chart all elements depicted by 9.46 22.97 7.69 Playgrounds 45 students.%'s by school…

From this simple count, natural park 57.85 elements, 12.96 0 Recycling 40 space and vegetation occurred with 88.46 the most frequency 7.69 22.97 Sports Facilties 35 0 2.86 across most of the seals. It is these elements that the 57.85 aDevelopment Civic Community H.E.A.L team took into consideration when developing 88.46 design framework for the site.

ount

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

CORNELL

Seal Element

Count

Seal Element

Count 215

Natural Elements

5.13 0 25.64 205 Park Space 36.36 18.18 4.55 Vegetation 200 12.16 5.41 5.41 23.08 Patriotic Elements 5.13 0 1.85 5.56 7.41 199 4.55 Animals 36.36 18.18 159 0 3.85 0 9.46 2.86 12.16 5.41 People 28.57 0 156 12.96 Chicopee River 1.85 5.56 Eco‐oriented Factories / Products Park 129

7.69 Homes 2.86 Factory Buildings Development

0 2.86

Eco‐oriented

Figure 21: Most popular elements.

Count

Stores 59 Educational Facilties 49 Cars 46 Seal Element

Playgrounds 45 Recycling 40 Stores Sports Facilties 35

3.85 127 28.57 109

20.51 31.82 35.14 25.64 7.41 0 4.55 40 5.41 7.41 River

0 0

Factories / Products

Park

Count

21 59 19 Educational Facilties 49 19 Cars 46 17 Playgrounds 45 15 Recycling 40 12 Sports Facilties 35 11 Figure 22: Elements of medium frequency.

11 10 10 9 9 8 8 8 7 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 Vegetation 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 Park 3 2 Statue 2 2 Figure 24: Sample seal element analysis (Park framework).

2 2 2 2 1 1 UNIVERSITY 1

River

Technology

Incomplete

Count Note:

Student responses were entered into a Word Document and edited for basic spelling errors. The H.E.A.L Team did not edit for grammar as we hoped to present the students' messages as they were originally crafted.

Seal Element Natural Elements Park Space Vegetation Patriotic Elements Animals People Chicopee River Homes Factory Buildings

The second part of the visioning process involved the question, 'Imagine Chicopee 20 years from now - as a community member, what are you excited to see?' Response to this question was voluntary and intentionally left open-ended. Surprisingly, responses to the question ranged from explanations regarding the student's seal design, 15.38 2.56 to specific elements the student0hopes to see in the City within the next 20 years. A select group of students went a 0 4.55 0 step9.46 further and produced a second drawing - showing how they envisioned the Uniroyal / Facemate properties being 0 0 20.51 15.38 2.56 0 redeveloped.

A selection of these 12.96 0 0 examples are included in Figure 27 and all responses can be found collected in 31.82 0 4.55 0 of all student open responses. The larger the the data V. Figure 25 presents a Wordle Diagram 0 disk of Appendix 0 0 35.14 9.46 0 0 25.71 0 0 word, the higher it's frequency of repetition among student responses.

In general, parks and people seem to be 7.41 12.96 0 Technology Incomplete the most popular elements written about by students. Figure 26 0is a similar Wordle Diagram of just the elementary 0 0 0 schools that serve the Chicopee Falls neighborhood.

In the case 0of these specific students, buildings, schools and 40 25.71 0 0 the concept of flying are the most important elements.

215 205 200 Seal Element 199 159 Natural Elements 156 Park Space 129 Vegetation 127 Patriotic Elements 109

Count 215 205 200 199 159 156 129 127 109

Animals People Chicopee River Homes Factory Buildings

Factory

Figure 25: Wordle Diagram of all open-responses.

Figure 26: Wordle Diagram Chicopee Falls schools.

Power Quotes - "So they aren’t lonely and not abandoned. And they can have food water and extra care and nice air to live in (referencing an animal shelter)."

- "Recycling is important to the world. Please recycle to save the Earth!"

- "This is the Chicopee Hall of Fame!"

- "I will make the factories new houses. So more people will live there."

- "Art gallery where children can put their art."

Natural Elements

- "I want to heal Chicopee's health. To eat better. Not to litter. Help keep people safe. Drink healthy."

- "My picture is about a seal of the heart of Chicopee. What I think the factories will turn into is a statue. It will

probably be the heart of Chicopee and some little houses. Or they can make pond for animals and trees for other animals. I would be excited to see all these changes."

- "I see Chicopee with lots of parks, nice houses, plants, buildings. It will have lots of nice things and stores, bike

paths, flowers, new cars. I would be excited to see all the new changes, there will be nice parks, there will be nice bike paths, nice pools to swim in, nice flowers to look at."

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

21.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Results (cont.)

Open Response

Open Response - Graphic

- "In my picture I drew a shield the meaning of lets defend our city to keep our city from harm. In 20 years from now I am excited to see a new safe city to live in."

Outdoor Movies - In this response, the student imagines an outdoor movie screen in a park-like setting. The foreground figure seems to be sitting on the ground awaiting the movie's beginning.

Animal Sanctuary - This student imagines an animal preserve adjacent to the Chicopee River that provides safe habitat for many animals from small insects to large mammals.

Mixed Use - This student sees a mixed-use community developing on both sides of the Chicopee River. Notice the attention paid to plants and animals.

The Park - This student's design incorporates a number of park elements near the river. Short term destinations (playground, gift shop) mix with the ability to camp on site.

- "Welcome to the movies! a.k.a. outside movies. I would like an outside movie theater. I would want a movie theater because you can sit in a car."

- "What I would want to see in 20 years in Chicopee is a senior center, a skate park, movie theater, and a community garden."

- "20 years from now, I would like to see Chicopee turn into an eco-friendly city. I believe that when Factory Village is knocked down [down] and if Chicopee builds an eco-friendly park that the whole city would take part in it. I assume this because once they see what the park is made out of and how durable it is, they would want to build more stuff out of it like cars, bikes, and maybe houses. Plus once you see that the items are re-used, they would be cheaper so the city of Chicopee would have more money for schools and other important city stuff. This is what I will think would happen to the City of Chicopee in twenty years."

- "I want to at least see something nice built for us. I think that it should be as a memory place. So when something got torn down they could put it in there as a memory of what Chicopee was really like back then. Then when they have the whole place done people can go and remember what it was like back then."

- "As a community member, I am excited to see many economical changes in the city. I am hoping for the industrial park to be turned into a Wi-Fi Plaza. This would be a free, fun way to enjoy electronics. It would also be a center of talk for a better future of Chicopee. This would bring less pollution to the community. It would also be healthy and good for the environment. That is how I want Chicopee to look 20 years from now."

- "A homeless or animal shelter. There are people and animals that need help and I'd like to see them get that help. Or maybe just a community center for events like fundraisers or plays and maybe an outside picnic area. A place where people and families get together or help the community."

- "My idea for the space is a family fun center. In the family fun center there would be a drive in movie theater. There would also be an arcade and some sports rooms. In the center there could be a project room. It could be for art and building.

This is my idea for the space in Chicopee."

- "Twenty years from now I would like to see better people and no pollution. My city seal represents that we are the only people that can make a change. We have to all work together."

- "In 20 years I want to see more things where people can get more exercise. They could build or make more bike trails.

They could also get bigger parks for people to run around more. Lastly they should also make more sports arenas or more leagues for kids to stop childhood obesity."

- "In 20 years from now I would like to see farms and windmills. I would also like to see parks and schools. I wouldn't like to see trash all over the place. I'd also like to see statues of our founding fathers. That would be awesome."

- "We are Chicopee, we stand strong, always."

- "I am excited to see how serious people are about planting flowers and trees in our city and working hard to keep it clean.

It not only looks so much better but the air is so much cleaner. The wildlife and fish have more than doubled and we are finding new species in Chicopee that were not here before and needless to say our water is also so much cleaner."

Figure 27: Selected graphic open responses.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

22.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

River 200

Technology Civic

Incomplete 150

elopment Bowie� Memorial

Community�Framework

Community

Chicopee�Factories�/�Products

40 35 30 100 25 20 Chicopee� Fairview� 15 Academy Veterans� 10 50 Memorial 5 0

Park

14 12 10

Analysis

Technology

Development Eco�oriented Factories/Products

Incomplete

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Park 100 7 River 8 90 6 Lambert� Patrick�Bowe Robert�R.� Selser� 6 Stefanik� Streiber� Technology 80 Lavoie� Litwin Memorial4 Memorial Memorial Incomplete 5 70 Memorial 2 60 #�of�seals #�of�seals 4of times each occured 0 Gaining an understanding between the different frameworks and the number 50 of the relationships 3 40 student population reveals a similar finding as did the Community Survey throughout the participating detailed in Chapter 2; 0 30 Fairview� 2 Anna�E.�Barry Bowie� Chicopee� Lambert� Patrick�Bowe Robert�R.� Selser� Stefanik� Streiber� the studentsMemorial in Chicopee favor a framework in Chicopee's future that supports a new park.

However, the student visioning 20 Academy Veterans� Lavoie� Litwin Memorial Memorial Memorial 1 Memorial in the city are highly patriotic and proud of their city (the civic process has also revealed that children framework is second 10 Memorial #�of�seals #�of�seals 0 to the park framework when looking at median values). Further, the community framework ranks0third in this analysis. The

Major Framework(s)

relationship betweenFramework�Percentages�by�School civic, community and park elements should be considered as an avenue to further enhance what younger generations already Park Development seem to value within the City.

Incomplete 60 50

Framework�Percentages�by�School 100

100

40 30

80

20 10

70

0

#�of�seals

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers 1.

The students of Chicopee envision a new park as a defining future element within the city. The Park

seal framework as well as the top three most repeated seal elements all support what the Community Survey had previously suggested.

2.

While the park framework may have been the most popular, students' civic pride and patriotism

cannot be overlooked during the revelopment process. Such unique city assets as Westover Air Force base, existing civic spaces like Szot Park and the various civic institutions that function throughout the city are held in high regard by younger generations.

3.

Much of what can be programmed on the site can address the top scoring seal elements. Natural

elements like the ability to see the sky, being outside in the sun or observing clouds, park space, vegetation, animals, people, the Chicopee River and the factory buildings are all possible design pieces that can be integrated into a new site vision.

4.

The top seal elements also point to a desire of students to interact more with the natural world.

Diversity in plants and animals and programming that allows students to interact with this 'new found' landscape should be explored as a top priority in redevelopment.

5.

Further options should be explored to for the continued inolvement of younger generations in the redevlopment process. A dialogue has been initiated; if Matthews model is followed, the next phase of the community action is 'Reconstruction,' where adults work to the benefit of children.

7

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

90

Design Recommendations

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

6 5 4 3 2

#�of�seals

Median�Value 1 0 Median�Value Anna�E.�Barry Anna�E.�Barry

60

Bowie�Memorial Bowie�Memorial Chicopee�Academy Chicopee�Academy

50

Fairview�Veterans�Memorial

Fairview�Veterans�Memorial

Lambert�Lavoie�Memorial

40

Lambert�Lavoie�Memorial Patrick�Bowe Robert�R.�Litwin

Patrick�Bowe

30

Selser�Memorial

Robert�R.�Litwin

Stefanik�Memorial

20

Streiber�Memorial Selser�Memorial

Histogram…

10

Stefanik�Memorial

Streiber�Memorial

0 Civic

Community

Development

Eco�oriented

Factories/Products

Park

River

Technology

Incomplete

Figure 28: Framework percentages by school with median value defined.

Community

Development

Eco�oriented

Factories/Products

Chicopee Falls Schools 19.26 23.08 17.31 12.5 21.21

Park

11.21 15.38 5.38 25 36.36

River

5.595 12.31 20.77 0 6.06

7.395 0 9.23 12.5 16.16

Technology 4.775 15.38 5 0 3.03

Incomplete

26.165 13.85 34.23 50 7.07

7.23 20 5 0 0

0 0 3.08 0 4.04

0 0 0 0 6.06

11.54 23.08 0

9.965 15.38 4.55

A similar analysis was conducted utilizing just the seals collected from the two participating schools that serve Chicopee Falls students: Anna E. Barry and Patrick Bowe. The results differ slightly in this situation where development is the more 19.26 11.21 5.595 in as7.395 26.165suggests 7.23 0 11.54 9.965 common framework, park coming a close second.4.775 This information that these students0 recognize different 23.08 12.31 0 20 0 0 23.08 15.38 needs within15.38 their nieghborhood.

However, with such a15.38 small number 13.85 of particpants from these schools and from schools 17.31 5.38 20.77 9.23 5 34.23 5 3.08 0 0 4.55 that serve the 25 neighborhood in general -12.5 no definite conclusion can be drawn.

12.5 0 0 50 0 0 0 21.21

36.36

40

6.06

16.16

3.03

7.07

0

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6.06

Framework�Percentages�for�Chicopee�Falls�Elementary�Schools

Framework�Percentages�for�Chicopee�Falls�Elementary�Schools 35 30 25

Median�Value

20

Anna�E.�Barry

15

Patrick�Bowe

Median�Value

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5

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0 Civic

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Factories/Products

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River

Technology

Incomplete

Figure 29: Framework percentages for Anna E. Barry & Patrick Bowe schools with median values defined.

ommunity

Development

Eco�oriented

Factories/Products

Park

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

River

Technology

Incomplete

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Appendix I SCIOP速 Lesson Plan

Curriculum Standards (http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html) ELA Language Strand:

1. Disucussion: Students will use agreed-upon rules for informal and formal discussions in

small and large groups.

2. Questioning: Listening, and Contributing: Student will pose questions, listen to the ideas of others, and contribute their own information or ideas in group discussions or interviews in order to acquire new knowledge.

3. Oral Presentation: Students will make oral presentations that demonstrate appropriate consideration of audience, purpose, and the information to be conveyed.

Reading and Literature Strand:

9. Making Connections: Students will deepen their understanding of a literary or non-literary

work by relating it to is contemporary context or historical background.

History Strand (Grade 3): Massachusetts and its Cities and Towns: Geography and History

1. Explain the meaning of time periods or dates in historical narratives and use them correctly

in speaking and writing.

2. Observe visual sources such as historic paintings, photographs, or illustrations that

accompany historical narratives, and describe details such as clothing, setting, or action.

3. Observe and describe local or regional historic artifacts and sites and generate questions

about their function, construction, and significance.

4. Use cardinal directions, map scales, legends, and titles to locate places on contemporary

maps of their own town in the 18th, 19th or early 20th century.

Economics

9. Define specialization in jobs and businesses and give examples of specialized businesses in

the community.

Cities and Towns of Massachusetts

3.8. On a map of Massachusetts, locate the class's home town or city and its local geographic

features and landmarks.

3.9. Identify historic buildings, monuments, or sites in the area and explain their purpose and significance.

3.11. Identify when the students' own town or city was founded, and describe the different groups of people who have settled in the community since its founding.

3.12. Explain how objects or artifacts of everyday life in the past tell us how ordinary people lived and how everday life has changed. Draw on the services of the local historical society and local museums as needed.

3.13. Give examples of goods and services provided by their local businesses and industries.

Science & Technology / Engineering Strand (Grades 6-8): Evolution and Biodiversity

10. Give examples of ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors are causes of

evolution and the diversity of organisms.

12. Relate the extinction of species to a mismatch of adaptation and the environment.

Living Things and Their Environment

13. Give examples of ways in which organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem

that enable the ecosystem to survive.

Changes in Ecosystems Over Time

17. Identify ways in which ecosystems have changed throughout geologic time.

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18. Recognize that biological evolution accounts for the diversity of species developed through gradual processes over many generations.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Appendix II

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

History Presentation

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Appendix III

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Sustainability Presentation

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Appendix IV

Appendix V

Visioning Exercise Sheet

Data CD

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chapter 4:

Preservation Plan

“Materials can communicate a sense of history, a link to a person or place, the details of which are unknown and unclear yet the connection is tacitly understood.”

- Super Potato Design

Executive Summary This chapter covers the concepts of deconstruction, salvage and how these practices could be implemented to preserve the historic character of the Uniroyal / Facemate properties.

Regardless of growth or stasis, some of the existing buildings are a danger to the public and should be removed. The H.E.A.L Team is proposing several interventions and ideas that could prevent the city’s rich history from being erased from the site forever.

We will include examples of relevant projects at a variety of scales where preservation is key. There will also be links to helpful resources for more in depth information. Using the results from the survey we conducted and the resulting site programming, we have made suggestions on the most important structures and elements to preserve.

1. The Facemate Tower is the structure 53% of survey respondents want to see preserved. Residents see this as an icon in Chicopee. The surrounding building is unsound but the tower can be stabilized and reinforced.

Preservation Plan Chapter Table of Contents Salvage

29

Deconstruction

30

Structures Important to Preserve

30

Precedent

31

Lowell, MA Landschaftspark - Duisburg-Nord, Germany Bio-Towers, Lauchhammer, Germany Figure 1: View of the Facemate Tower as of February 2010.

2. Building #3 (the former Facemate office building) on the Facemate site is structurally sound and can be rehabilitated. We are proposing it house a local history museum.

3. The Uniroyal office building is seen as an icon and should be saved.

4. Remnants of other buildings and structures should be kept as ruins to preserve the historic identity of Factory Village and Chicopee Falls. Walls can be demolished to a height where they no longer pose a safety risk. These ruins can delineate portions of old foundations and add interest to the landscape.

5. Regardless of what redevelopment plans move forward, salvaged materials such as bricks and steel should be reused on site to preserve the historic identity of Chicopee Falls. The materials hold a monetary and historical value. They can be utilized to create unique pathways, walls, seating and facades.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Super Potato Design, Takashi Sugimoto

Preservation Plan

33

Buildings Remnants Materials

Design Recommendations

34

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers

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Salvage Architectural Salvage is the process and business of removing pieces of buildings set for demolition to preserve the elements and reuse them instead of losing them to a landfill. Salvage usually covers elements such as light fixtures, molding, fire places, doors, etc. These materials are also referred to as vintage materials.

There are several companies that specialize in Architectural Salvage. Second Chance, founded in 2002, is one of the leading salvage businesses on the East Coast of the United States. Located in Baltimore, the company maintains a 100,000 square foot show room housing the treasures saved from landfills. “The economics are good for developers who work with Second Chance instead of the demolition man only. When they bring in a 501(c)3 organization like Second Chance, property owners can claim a tax deduction on the entire appraised value of the materials to be salvaged. For developers, there’s also a public relations benefit. Even if a demolition is controversial, they can tout themselves as preservation minded.” (www.mnpreservation.org)

0’

50’

100’

200’

300’

0’

50’

100’

200’

300’

Most salvage operators are not involved with the debate over demolishing buildings. They come in after the battle to save a building has been lost.

Their work ensures some level of preservation; they mitigate the loss. This is the point at which many of the Uniroyal / Facemate buildings stand.

They are too far gone to refurbish, but still hold significant value for Chicopee. There is history in the structures, an identity that makes Chicopee unique.

Salvo, a small architectural antiques dealer in London, provides an information and support network for dealers that helps safeguard old buildings from being stripped of their more expensive and ornate pieces. Some parts buildings hold so much value, that a market for stolen goods exists. This is an on-going debate on salvage. The overall goal is preservation and the very job of salvagers is to pull apart old structures. There are governances controlling salvage and processes are in effect to prevent damage to structures meant to remain standing and intact. Salvagers often categorize where and when the pieces are collected. This system makes finding materials for old buildings that are being restored easier. Depending on the period and the architecture type, salvaged pieces can be located from similar buildings that have been taken apart.

In addition to preserving history, salvagers help to preserve the environment.

They divert tons of material from landfills. There is a wealth of materials that characterize the Uniroyal / Facemate properties ranging from electrical insulators to steel pieces and structure. Details and remnants would fall under the category of salvage.

As a group, the H.E.A.L Team is proposing the reuse and display of such items.

Small bits of industrial past can be a reminder of local history, making a park or streetscape special for the city. There are plenty of items on site that will otherwise be trashed, crushed or melted down. It is up to Chicopee to save some of these relics before they are lost forever.

Without an immediate market, the best use of space may be as a park. This Figure 3: Large steel hopper on a was the most commonly requested programming for the site according to the Uniroyal factory wall.

Community Survey detailed in Chapter 2. The H.E.A.L Team is proposing in addition to salvaging select buildings, that ruins of other buildings be salvaged.

Walls could be knocked down to a safe height, removing the concern of collapse.

These ruins would act as landmarks on the site and could delineate where past foundations once stood.

Listed below are several helpful links http://www.mnpreservation.org/pdf/MarchApril%20Final%20Copy.pdf http://www.secondchanceinc.org/ http://www.architecturaltrust.org/ http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/rehabilitation-tax-credits/ http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/

Key The Chicopee River Structures to Preserve Historic Walking Loop Figure 2: Preservation strategy.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 4: Potential industrial remnants.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Structures Important to Preserve

Deconstruction “Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a building, with the purpose of recovering valuable materials for reuse in construction, renovation or manufacturing into new products.” As with salvage, deconstruction usually only takes place when the demolition of a building is imminent. In most cases deconstruction makes financial sense.

“If an entity must demolish a building, tax breaks and donation benefits may be available to make deconstruction more cost-effective than demolition. In addition, savings from these benefits, combined with the resale value of salvaged pieces, can even make deconstruction profitable for the building owner.”

Before beams start coming out of a building, it must be legally purchased or rights gained to begin the deconstruction process. In the case of public safety, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, ACHP, has recognized architectural salvage as a legitimate mitigation measure. Unfortunately, many of the structures in on the Uniroyal / Facemate properties are at this point in their useful life. But the value of their material is still there both in a monetary and historical sense.

Like architectural salvage, deconstruction keeps useful materials out of landfills. It is one of the oldest forms of recycling. There is evidence that even some pyramids of Egypt were constructed of other deconstructed structures. Sustainable Sites is the landscape equivalent of the LEED rating system for buildings. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, encourages the responsible construction of energy efficient structures to provide healthy spaces for people while protecting environmental quality.

Sustainable Sites is still in its pilot phase, however, there is a section which includes credits for diverting construction and demolition material from landfill disposal.

Figure 6: Facemate Tower - to be preserved and reinforced to serve as an observation tower and iconic structure.

Figure 7: Facemate Building #3 - To be preserved and renovated into a local history museum showcasing industries that helped Chicopee develop.

Figure 8: Uniroyal Office Building - To be preserved and reused as office space in the future.

Figure 9: Factory Building on West Main Street - To be preserved and used as a maintenance area for the proposed park.

From the Community Survey results, we found that 18% of the people would like to see brick façades on new structures that may be built on site. From a deconstruction point of view, the most plentiful resource is the existing brick.

Exhibiting a gleaming warm tone of red in the sun, brick has been as much a fixture in the landscape of Chicopee Falls as the Fisk Tower. By salvaging and reusing bricks on site, the historic character of Chicopee Falls can be preserved. Materials could also be incorporated into benches and pathways.

Small details that reveal the industrial history will make whatever development may come to Chicopee unique.

The Facemate Tower is the structure most people were interested in seeing preserved. The surrounding building is structually unsound and is collapsing.

The rest of the building should be demolished if only for safety. This does not mean the tower has to go as well. There are many cases where walls, facades or other pieces of buildings have been preserved.

There are several examples in Liverpool, England where building façades have been reinforced for later preservation. Many of the old industrial buildings in the area had been damaged by fire or general neglect, not unlike some of the structures in the Uniroyal / Facemate properties. Through a system of scaffolding and kentledges, the structure’s dead weight is used to prevent the scaffolding from falling from the weight of the walls, resulting in building pieces being stabilized. A retention system uses horizontal steel walling members positioned on either side of the wall. This essentially clamps the wall together.

Listed below is a helpful link http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/savingface/savingface.htm

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Figure 5: Reuse of Facemate Tower as an

observation tower.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Precedent Lowell, Massachusetts

Landschaftspark, Duisburg-Nord, Germany

Lowell is a former mill town in northern Massachusetts similar to Chicopee but larger in scale. Both of these mill towns were built by the Boston Associates, who saw the elevation drops in the rivers of both cities as an opportunity to power mills. Lowell gained National Park status which brought in government funding to refurbish buildings into housing and office space. Being on the transit line to Boston makes the town better connected to its surroundings.

This park was designed by Latz + Partner in 1985. The site, located in the Ruhr region of Germany was formerly a coal and steel plant. This region contains many similar sites that once housed industry and are being reborn into public spaces. It is one of the more widely known landscapes designed to embrace industrial history.

Phytoremediation helps heal the land and mixed programming provides entertainment for a wide variety of visitors.

The site is seen as a metamorphosis of rugged industrial structure into public park.

There are definite similarities to Chicopee and it is a nearby example that can be mined for ideas. Salvaging buildings, reusing materials and industrial heritage aesthetic are all ideas Chicopee could work towards. By embracing its past, Chicopee can create a framework for development unlike any other place. Not all towns or cities have a history as rich as Chicopee. To demolish everything on site would be the loss of a rich opportunity. This precedent and the others covered in this chapter are presented to spur new ideas and encourage preservation in the process of redeveloping the Uniroyal / Facemate properties.

Landscape Park has several sub-spaces, each with a different program. Parts of the structure that were safe were retrofitted and parts that were unfit for people because of instability or pollution are accessable only visually. What was once a dangerous ruin is now park space that doubles as a place to learn about the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. This site is part of the ERIH or European Route of Industrial Heritage. erih.net is an excellent source for many other postindustrial redevelopment projects.

For further information on Lowell, please visit: http://www.lowellma.gov/

Listed below is a helpful link: http://www.latzundpartner.de/

Figure 10: Ways in which Lowell has kept structures and remnants of the textile history in a new revitalized city context.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Blast Furnace Park

Water Park

Sinter Park

Railway Park

Play Points

Ore Bunker Gallery

Figure 11: Rehabitation of post industrial sites in Germany.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Precedent (cont.)

Bio-Towers - Lauchhammer, Germany

Super Potato Design - Takashi Sugimoto

Lauchhammer was once the site of a large scale coking plant that fueled the expansion of the East Germany metallurgy industry. The facility once employed 15,000 workers and was shut down in 1991. The majority of structures were torn down. The towers are the only remaining structures of this once thriving industry. They are tower-type trickle filters for the biological purification of coking plant waste water.

Super Potato is a Japanese Interior Design Studio founded by Takashi Sugimoto in 1971. The work of this firm very often includes the reuse of salvaged materials. The philosophy of the firm is that materials transformed by industry undergo another transformation from insignificant to information-laden, from “plain” to “super” and thereby their value is rendered visible.

Leaders realized the importance of the towers to the town’s identity and decided they should be preserved. At a cost of approximately 1.4 million euros, the towers were converted into structures that could accommodate people. Visitors now have access to views of the surrounding areas. Programming includes guided tours on local history walks and night time illumination to showcase the architecture. The towers ensure that memories of the past do not fade away.

“Most importantly in the work of Super Potato, materials can communicate a sense of history, a link to a person or place, the details of which are unknown and unclear yet the connection is tacitly understood.”

This is a relevant example important to Chicopee. After decades of inactivity, demolition in Chicopee Falls has begun.

The site is poised for renewal, but important decisions must be made about what will be preserved if anything at all. To Lauchhammer, the towers tell an important part of the town’s history. Chicopee Falls has a rich history that may be forgotten or lost if the site is totally demolished. Through selective building preservation and materials salvage, Chicopee can have developable land without compromising its identity.

Many of the buildings of Chicopee Falls may be too far gone to be re-inhabited again, however their legacy can live on with the very materials they are constructed of. The buildings should not be seen as a burden but as a resource for salvaged materials. Bricks, steel, industrial remnants; all these can tell stories of the past and keep the identity of Chicopee from fading away. Creative reuse of materials is not only eco-friendly but will also make the redevelopment of Chicopee Falls a unique, locally inspired process.

Listed below is a helpful link: http://www.superpotato.jp/

Listed below is a helpful link: http://www.iba-see2010.de/en/projekte/projekt4.html

Figure 12: Lauchhammer bio-towers.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 13: Sample of material reuse by Super Potato Design.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Preservation Plan Select Building Salvage and Reuse Strategy

Facemate Tower & Building Ruin

Buildings

In order to preserve the historic identity of the site, we are proposing that several select buildings be saved from demolition. Community Survey results show that 53% of participants would like to see the Facemate Tower preserved. The building surrounding the tower is in very poor condition and should be removed, but the tower could be reinforced and used as a landmark and observation tower. Initial structural analysis indicates that Building #3 and the Uniroyal Office Building could be reused with relatively less refurbishment than other structures on site. 9% of the respondents expressed interest in preserving Building #3. 38% expressed interest in having a local history museum.

We are proposing the reuse of Building #3 as a history museum. There is another less ornate building on West Main Street that could potentially be used as a maintenance building for the site in the future.

Facemate Tower & Building Ruin

Chicopee River

Figure 14: Section through preserved Facemate Tower & building ruins.

Remnants

In addition to these structures, components of other structures could be preserved. The Fisk Tower has been a fixture in the skyline and should remain. As part of our programming we are including an outdoor arena space that could hold events such as movies or performances. By saving and reinforcing one of the factory walls from the Uniroyal buildings, a backdrop for a stage and / or movie screen is created. Seating will be on terraces created with gabion baskets filled with rubble collected during the demolition process. Further back from the seating will be terraced parking, allowing for drive-in movies. Beneath this parking is an area fit for holding capped and contained polluted soil. Keeping polluted soil on site saves money and fuel involved with transportation. Several areas have been selected to have partial ruins of walls integrated into the landscape. These ruins will hint at past building footprints and eventually meld with their natural surroundings.

Chicopee River

Figure 16: Section through preserved Facemate tower to the Chicopee River (facing West).

Uniroyal Amphitheater Chicopee River

salvaged wall as movie screen

parking over polluted soil salvaged wall as stage backdrop

Figure 15: Section through Uniroyal building remnant wall and proposed outdoor amphitheater space.

Chicopee River

Materials

Breaking the site into its raw components, bricks and steel and reusing some of these valuable resources on site could save money and give the redesigned site a unique historic charm. 18% of people would like to see some kind of brick faรงade on buildings. What better place to get bricks than right on site. Deconstruction and reuse saves money in transportation costs and is becoming increasingly popular as designers turn to environmentally friendly design processes. The Hiawatha Public Works yard in Minneapolis, MN is a great example of how a city is making use of old buildings and materials they have. Along with salvage, they are incorporating other green building methods and are aiming to receive the highest LEED building rating available. This is an exemplary project that other cities should follow as an example. Steel items like the giant hopper of the Uniroyal factory, railroad tracks, valves, and other elements designed for long term industrial work could be retired as industrial sculpture. These pieces should be salvaged and are worth more than their weight in scrap metal.

parking over polluted soil

Figure 17: Section through Chicopee River to proposed amphitheater and parking area (facing North).

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Preservation Plan (cont.)

Design Recommendations

Perspectives

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers Regardless of growth or stasis, some of the existing buildings are a danger to the public and should be removed.

The H.E.A.L Team is proposing several interventions and ideas that could prevent the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history from being erased from the site forever.

1. The Facemate Tower is the structure 53% of survey respondents want to see preserved. Residents see this as an icon in Chicopee. The surrounding building is unsound but the tower can be stabilized and reinforced.

2. Building #3 (the former Facemate office building) on the Facemate site is structurally sound and can be rehabilitated. We are proposing it house a local history museum.

3. The Uniroyal office building is seen as an icon and should be saved.

4. Remnants of other buildings and structures should be kept as ruins to preserve the historic identity of Factory Village and Chicopee Falls. Walls can be demolished to a height where they no longer pose a safety risk. These ruins can delineate portions of old foundations and add interest to the landscape.

5. Regardless of what redevelopment plans move forward, salvaged materials such as bricks and steel should be reused on site to preserve the historic identity of Chicopee Falls. The materials hold a monetary and historical value. They can be utilized to create unique pathways, walls, seating and facades.

Figure 18: View showing Facemate Tower on the left with wall ruins.

Figure 19: View showing path through constructed wetland and ruins.

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Chapter 5: Chicopee River

Chicopee River Chapter Table of Contents

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy...

Executive Summary This chapter details a waterfront strategy for the Uniroyal / Facemate site. The strategy is made up of a series of interconnected hydrological interventions and typologies. The typologies are based on an analysis of the flood wall and berm, the current condition of the Chicopee River, local topography and current on site stormwater management practices.

Concept Statement: The goal of the waterfront strategy is to physically and visually reconnect the Uniroyal / Facemate site and the City of Chicopee with the river, reduce potential flood pressure, reconnect the river with its floodplain and sustainably manage stormwater run off and CSO outflow.

The following design recommendations should be addressed as priorities during the redevelopment process: 1. The flood wall and berm are in need of maintenance and are not subject to recertification by FEMA unless these maintenance operations are carried out. The flood wall and berm have significant negative impacts on river ecology as well as disconnecting the city visually and physically and visually from the river. Re-connecting the river to its floodplain and hyporheic zone through a sluice gate system which would breach the flood wall gives an opportunity to approach flood control in a more sustainable manner.

2. A series of free surface constructed wetlands, vernal pools and natural channels allow a portion of the site to become inundated during low level flood events. These systems effectively remove pollutants from flood water, trap sediment and decrease the time and concentration of flood events. The systems also provide habitat, recreational and educational oppertunities and are self-sustaining.

3. Sustainable on site storm water management through bioswales takes pressure off the current storm water system, removes pollutants and creates habitat.

4. There are a number of combined sewer systems which outflow directly into the Chicopee River. These storm water confluence pipes normally carry storm water and sewage to the treatment plant. In times of heavy flow the treatment plant can overflow leading to a direct outflow of raw sewage into the river. A series of subsurface constructed wetlands act as a preventative measure allowing sewage to be deposited and broken down organically before reaching the river.

Chicopee River Background

36

Chicopee River Watershed Industrial History Scope of Chapter

Organizations Involved

37

Organizations currently involved with the Chicopee River

Ecological Context

37

Ecology & Habitat Vernal Pool Certification & Massachusetts Rare Species

Chicopee River Current Context

39

Visual Character & Access Floodplain Flood Wall & Berm Impacts Drainage

Hydrology Typologies

43

Potential Location & Possible Treatment Typologies Constructed Wetlands Bioswales System Function

Design Recommendations

47

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers

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Site Background

Chicopee River Watershed

Uniroyal / Facemate Factory Complex

k kj j k j k kj j

Cooley Brook

The Chicopee River Watershed, the largest of the 27 major drainage basins in Massachusetts, drains more than 720 square miles of central Massachusetts before joining the Connecticut River in the City of Chicopee.

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After the village of Three Rivers, the Chicopee River runs generally west through the town of Ludlow and by the northern fringes of the Indian Orchard section of Springfield after which it bisects the City of Chicopee. The river runs roughly parallel to the Massachusettes turnpike for approximately fifteen miles where it joins with\ the Connecticut River.

Figure 3: The Uniroyal / Facemate site is bound by the Chicopee River.

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The watershed includes all or part of 39 cities and towns with a population of approximately 200,000 people (based on 2000 U.S. Census data). The watershed has a drainage area including approximately 135 rivers, 842 miles of brooks and streams and 170 lakes, ponds and reservoirs that collectively cover more than 48 square miles. It is comprised of three major river systems: the Swift, Ware and Quabog Rivers that each drain approximately 200 square miles of land. The three rivers join to form the Chicopee River in the village of Three Rivers, northeast of Chicopee.

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0.25 0.5 Chicopee 1 1.5 2 Figure 1: river watershed.

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k j

1 inch equals 0.38 miles

Quabag River

Industrial History Chicopee River & Skenungonuck Falls provide power to build industries in Chicopee

Industrial History in relation to the Chicopee River The original name of Chicopee signifies, "place where water rushes." A mill was built at Skenungonuck Falls in 1678 by Japhet Chapin, John Hitchcock and Nathaniel Foote. The early foundations of Factory Village began in the 1786, when property comprising two acres of land was leased to ten local men with the understanding that they would build an iron foundry within two years.

In 1823, Jonathan Dwight, one of the Boston Associates, purchased the water privileges at Skenungonuck Falls in Chicopee. Five years later the textile mill had 14,000 spindles and nearly 500 looms, making it the secondlargest operation in the state.

By 1831, two dams had been constructed, two waterpower canals and two manufacturing communities on the Chicopee River. During the next 100 years, eight Chicopee River companies gained product recognition around the globe: Ames, Belcher, Lamb, Dwight, Stevens, Spalding, Fisk and Duryea.

Chicopee Falls Dam - circa 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Chicopee Falls Dam - circa 1827

Scope of this Chapter This document is written by a team of Cornell students. As such, we are not liscensed professionals. This document is intended to develop a sustainable vision for this property and the Chicopee River.

Chicopee Manufacturing Company - circa 1827 Figure 2: Skenungonuck Falls dams & Chicopee River utilization.

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Chicopee Falls Bridge - circa 1905

This chapter is aims to: - Look at the Chicopee River and its perceived character and current ecological condition.

- Assess the proposed ammendments to the FEMA flood maps.

- Assess the impacts of the flood wall and berm.

- Sugest a number of hydrological typologies which could be applied to the site to increase the ecological and recreational benefits of the Chicopee River for the City of Chicopee.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

36.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Organizations Involved

Ecological Context

Habitat and Ecology

hstone Heart ok y Bro Quarr

Abbey

NHESP Living Waters Project Zones in Chicopee Brook

Figure 7: Existing mature woodland.

To p

of

Energy and Environmental Affairs Chicopee River Watershed Council -Watersheds -Increase awareness and appreciation of the -Environmental reports rivers of the Chicopee basin.

-Watershed priorities -Advocate and encourage wise use of the river -5 year watershed action plan for the Chicopee and its adjoining lands.

-Actively participate in long range planning for the river and land along its River banks through the support of land owners, various government agencies, http://www.mass.gov/environment&energy.html public and private organizations.

-Promote restoration and conservation of the river's ecosystems and wildlife habitats -Encourage participation in the Council by holding regular meetings and sponsoring activities related to the river.

Wa ter sh ed

Current Organizations Involved with the Chicopee River

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

http://www.chicopeeriver.org/mission.html

Emergency Management Agency -Flood Information -Flood Maps -Flood Insurance

http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/wqassess.html

http://www.fema.gov/

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Li C W Connecticut River

Massacusetts Department Environmental Protection -Water quality assesment reports -Sustainable water resources -(TMDL's) Total maximun daily loadings -Watereways -Wetland Protection

S

NHESPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Core H lakes, ponds, riv that are importa protection of fre biodiversity in M

Chic opee R.

Habitat and Ecology

Figure 6: Conceptual hydrological intervention locations.

The proposed construction of an interconnected hydrological system for the Uniroyal / Facemate site would consist of a series of vernal pools, constructed wetlands, bioswales and natural channels. These systems will provide contributions to the city in the form of ecosystem services, habitat creation and recreation opportunities. The ecosystem services provided by the system include erosion control, sediment load reduction, flood pressure mitigation, sustainable storm water management and cleaner water entering the Chicopee River. All of the hydrological systems are self-sustaining, grow and provide extensive habitat for multiple species of plants and animals. This will change the ecological context of the site completely, linking to a wider habitat network, offering safe haven for rare and endangered species while provideing the citizens of Chicopee with many opportunities for recreational activities such as walking and birding.

Currently the City of Chicopee does contain a limited amount of habitat capable of supporting vernal pool species and threatened birds. By creating more suitable spaces on the Uniroyal / Facemate site, Chicopee will bridge the gaps between these areas and attract more wildlife. Picturesque wetlands, birds and other highly visible wildlife are easily noticed by visitors. But the benefits of a more ecologically rich hydrological system go deeper.

The constructed wertlands will act as a preliminary filter for stormwater before it enters the Chicopee River. This will help keep the river cleaner and allow it to support additional species. By creating this wetland area, it helps to support the living waters areas shown in Figure 8 above. Living waters according to NHESP represent lakes, ponds, rivers and streams that are important for the protection of fresh water biodiversity in Massachusetts.

American Bittern

Northern Harrier

Grasshopper Sparrow

Least Bittern

Gardner Fly

Legend

Natural Heritag Endangered Sp biologists deline for rare aquatic exemplary aqua Natural Heritage Occurrences alo data sets.

Figure 8: NHESP Living Waterways.

Mocha Emerald

Figure 5: Locally threatened species,

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Opportunities Vernal Pools

Vernal Pool Certification & Massachusetts Rare Species

The construction of hydrological systems in which vernal pools can naturally form will create habitat for vernal pool dependent species and create educational and recreational opportunities.

The disappearance of vernal pools and associated upland habitat areas would result in the extirpation of vernal pooldependent species. All four amphibian species listed as rare in Massachusetts use vernal pools. In addition, two state-listed turtle species and three state-listed crustaceans use vernal pools.

Facultative Vernal Pool Species:

Vernal pools are small (usually less than one acre), contained basin depressions that lack perennial inlet or outlet streams and have no permenanat fish populations. These pools fill when the water table rises or when run off from precipitation and melt water collects. Many of the Northeastern vernal pools are covered with ice during the winter months. A typical vernal pool may be 100ft long by 30ft wide and 3ft deep. Vernal pools are usually found in forested areas, in the floodplains of rivers and streams as well as in vegetated wetland areas. During the wet seasons vernal pools are small vegetated or unvegetated bodies of water while in the dry seasons they may only be recognisible as isolated depressions.

Many species of wildlife utilize vernal pools as habitat but are not dependent on vernal pools for their existence. These species may use other habitat areas such as ponds in place of vernal pools. Such species are known as facultative vernal pool species. The following amphibian species frequently use vernal pools such species are considered facultative.

Obligate Vernal Pool Species:

The duration of surface flooding known as the hydro-period varies depending upon elevation, location and the climactic conditions of the year. Some hydro-periods can be less than 30 days while others may be longer than a year..

These species require vernal pools for a portion of their life cycle (i.e., breeding and larval development). As such the re-creation of vernal pool habitats on site would increase habitat areas for the following 9 rare Massachusetts species.

Vernal pool landscapes consist of vernal pool is and its surrounding physiographical and biological environments. They provide important habitats for many amphibians and invertabrates. Vernal pools are often characterized by high biological productivity and specilized animal communities. Amphibious species and invertebrate species have adapted to breed in shorted hydroperiod wetlands to avoid predation by fish. These organisms are ‘obligate’ vernal pool species and they must use vernal pools for variuos parts of their life cycles.

Rare Species The following 9 rare (MA state-listed) species may be found in vernal pools:

Vernal pools also provide important habitats for both resident and migratory avian species. Avian species have adapted to exploit the various zones and hydrologic phases of vernal pools which are characterized by the spatial and temporal patterns of the wet to dry. Migratory avian species in particular, utilize vernal pools during the spring as feeding grounds.

The food sources in the pools provide valuable sources of calcium and protein needed for continued migration and reproduction.

Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Fall

Legend

Legend River

River

Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) Eastern Spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrooki) Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta) Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingi) Intricate Fairy Shrimp (Eubranchipus intricatus) Agassiz's Clam Shrimp (Eulimnadia agassizii) American Clam Shrimp (Limnadia lenticularis)

SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIAL CONCERN THREATENED THREATENED SPECIAL CONCERN THREATENED SPECIAL CONCERN ENDANGERED SPECIAL CONCERN

Vernal Pool

I-90

Site Boundary

Vernal Pool Protection (MA) Natural Communities Certification

I-2 91

Vernal pools are certified by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered species Program (NHESP). However, any citizen may document the presence of a vernal pool to get it certified. NHESP’s Guidelines for Certification of Vernal Pool Vernal Pool Habitat were revised in March 2009 and are available at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/vernal_pools/pdf/ vpcert.pdf. Under the current guidelines there are two methods that can be used to document a vernal pool.

Chicop ee R.

I-3 91

I-90

Site Boundary

I- 2 9 1

Connecticut River

Winter

I-391

Connecticut River

Natural Communities

Summer

Protection Certified vernal pools receive protection under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (310 CMR 10.00) and other state laws and regulations. Regulations providing protection to vernal pools are summarized in NHESP’s Guidelines for the Certification of Vernal Pool Habitat.

Chi cop ee R.

Figure 9: Vernal pools through the seasons.

Figure 10: Ecologically sensitive areas complied by MASS GIS.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Opportunities

Chicopee River Current Context

Vernal Pool Certification & MA Rare Species

Visual Character Analysis

Wood frog (Rana sylvatica)

Spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale)

The berm and flood wall which protected Factory Village from flood events was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers between 1936 and 1942. The berm and flood walls are on average 20 feet above the level of the river. The industrial nature of Factory Village prevented public access to the river bank from its inception. There is a grade change of approximately 50 feet from West Main Street to the bottom of the flood wall. The height of the wall in combination with the grade change make river access both physically and visually difficult. The river can be viewed, howvever, from the top of the berm. The images in Figure 12 were taken from the top of the berm and are indicitive of the character of the Chicopee River and its contextual relationship with the Uniroyal / Facemate properties.

American clam shrimp (Limnadia lenticularis)

3.

1.

2.

Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor)

Jefferson (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)

Fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis)

Flood Wall Site Boundary Dam

1.

Eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii)

Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)

Wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta)

2.

Fowlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toad (Bufo woodhousii)

Four Toed Salamander ( R. scutatum)

Blandingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turtle (Emydoidea blandingi)

3.

Figure 11: MA rare species.

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Figure 12: Chicopee River photographic transects.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chicopee River Current Context Floodplain

Flood Wall & Berm Impacts

The Chicopee Local Protection Project, which extends along the east bank of the Connecticut River and along both banks of the Chicopee River, is rated in fair condition. The flood protection system for Chicopee consists of about 22,200 linear feet of earth dike, 6,100 linear feet of concrete flood wall, six pumping stations, and drainage features to supplement the city system of disposal of interior drainage. The system is located along both the Connecticut and Chicopee Rivers and was constructed between 1936 and 1942:. It is operated and maintained by the City of Chicopee. Various deficiencies have been noted. Significant vegetation is present along the dikes and floodwalls and within the confines of the Chicopee Dike impervious blanket, creating insufficient vegetation buffers along the structures and insufficient vegetation controls on the structures. General and routine maintenance is required on the dikes and floodwalls including: repairing eroded areas, sealing floodwall construction joints and repairing broken cracked, spalled concrete surfaces.

Extensive ecological degradation and loss of biological diversity as well as the extirpation of species, closures of fisheries, groundwater depletion, declines in water quality and availability and more frequent / intense flooding are increasingly recognized as consequences of current management and development river policies. (Abramovitz, Colier et al. 1996, Naiman et al. 1995).

Flow regime is of central importance in sustaining the ecological integrity of a flowing water system. The five components of the flow regime - magnitude, frequency, duration, timing and rate of change - influence integrity both directly and indirectly through their effects on other primary regulators of integrity. Modifications of flow thus have cascading effects on the ecological integrity of rivers. Karr 1991 (Bio Science Vol 47. No 11).

h art

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FLOW REGIME Magnitude Frequency Duration Timing Rate of Change

dto ne Qu y arr Bro

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Water Quality

Energy Sources

Physical Habitat

Biotic Interactions

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ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY

Figure 14: Ecological Integrity: The condition of an unimpaired ecosystem as measured by combined chemical, physical (including physical

habitat), and biological attributes.

e av e ov Gr

Pi

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st

Site Boundary

Chicopee River Special AE Flood Zone Hazard Draft fema Q3 flood insurance Maps, Mass GIS Zone AE Area inundated by -100 year flooding

River and stream flow quantity and timing are critical components of water supply, water quality and the ecological integrity of riverine systems. Natural stream flow is strongly correlated with many critical physiochemical characteristics of rivers such as water temperature, channel geomorphology and habitat diversity. Stream flow can be considered a 'master variable' that limits the distribution and abundance of riverine species and regulates the ecological integrity of flowing water systems. (Power et al. 1995, Resh Et al 1988)

X 500

Contour Lines at 10ft Tributaries

Figure 13: Floodplain map based off FEMA data and MA GIS.

AE Zone (High Risk Area) The base floodplain where flood elevations are provided. Zone AE is considered a Special Flood Hazard Zone as it represents an area which will be inundated by flood water during a base flood event. AE Zones have a 1% chance of flooding each year and have a 26% chance of flooding within a 30 year period.

Homeowners who live in AE Zones are required to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

X 500 Areas areas that will be inundated by a 500 year flood. Such areas include thosewhich will be inundated by a 100 year flooding with average depths of less than 1ft or with drainage areas of less than 1 square mile or and area protected by levees from 100 year flooding.

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Floodplain maps are determined by FEMA. The flood protection system in Chicopee is in need of maintenance.

FEMA has said that they will redraw the floodplain maps for Chicopee excluding the flood protection system if the maintenance operations are not carried out. This means that potential residences in Chicopee Falls to Court Street and down into Willimansett may be required to purchase mandatory flood insurance.

All river flow derives ultimately from precipitation, but in any given time and place a river's flow is derived from some combination of surface water, soil water and ground water. Climate, geology, topography, soils and vegetation help to determine both the supply of water and the pathways by which precipitation reaches the channel.

In rivers, the physical structure of the environment and habitat is defined largely by physical processes especially the movement of water and sediment within the channel and between the channel and floodplain. The biodiversity and ecological integrity of river systems depend upon the dynamically varying physical environment. The physical habitat of a river includes sediment size and heterogeneity, channel and floodplain morphology and other geomorphic features. These features can form as the available sediment, wood debris and other transportable materials are moved and deposited by flow.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chicopee River Current Context (cont.)

Flood Wall & Berm Impacts

Flood Wall & Berm Impacts rt Hea

The flood wall and berm in Chicopee is now protecting a abandoned industrial site from 100 year flood events which have a 26% chance of occuring within each thirty year period, according to FEMA. While the flood wall and berm are important as components of the overall system which protects the surrounding neighbourhoods.

tone hd rry

Qua Broo

Grove st

Main st

k

Court st

The flood wall and berm disrupt the natural channel morphology of the Chicopee River. Natural channels consist of a series of riffles, runs and pools which are important for ecosystem functions at all levels.The flood wall and berm create an unusually long area of 'run' along the site's reach of the Chicopee River, while also effectively disconnecting the river from the floodplain and hyporheic zone.

A.

st

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Site Boundary

Section E

Court st

Contour Lines at 10ft

st

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Section I ov

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Tributaries

The Flood Wall and Berm along the Uniroyal / Facemate Properties

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Figure 15: Floodplain map based off FEMA data and MA GIS.

Section G

st

X 500

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Zone AE Area inundated by -100 year flooding

Section F

W Main

Chicopee River Special AE Flood Zone Hazard Draft fema Q3 flood insurance Maps, Mass GIS

C.

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River Sections at 500’ Intervals Perpindicular to the Chicopee River

Section J

I

Section K

Section L

1. The Chicopee River is disconnected from its floodplain and hyporheic zone.

Section M

J

Existing River Conditions Key Run

Pool

Riffle

Floodplaine

The hyporheic zone is defined as a subsurface volume of sediment and porous space adjacent to a stream through which stream water readily exchanges. Although the hyporheic zone physically is defined by the hydrology of a river and its surrounding environment, it has a strong influence on river ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and river-water temperatures.

Thus, the hyporheic zone is an important component of stream ecosystem .

A floodplain is considered to be the flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences occasional or periodic flooding. It includes the floodway, which consists of the stream channel and adjacent areas that carry flood flows, and the flood fringe, which are areas covered by the flood, but which do not experience a strong current.

100’

200’

400’

2. Flood structures break the physical and visual accessability of the Chicopee River.

M

L

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Pin

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X 500 An area inundated by 500- year flooding. An Area inundated by 100 -year flooding with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas of less than 1 square mile. Or an area protected by levees from 100 -year flooding

Site Boundary

F.

Chicopee River Special AE Flood Zone Hazard Draft fema Q3 flood insurance Maps, Mass GIS

AE Zone (High Risk Area) The base floodplain where base flood elevations are provided. Zone AE is considered a Special Flood Hazard Zone as it represents the area which will be covered by flood water during a base flood event.

AE Zones have a 1%chance of flooding each year and have a 26% chance of flooding within a 30 year period.

Homeowners who live in AE Zones are required to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

G. H.

Zone AE Area inundated by -100 year flooding X 500

Contour Lines at 10ft Tributaries

Figure 16: Chicopee River analysis.

I. J. K. L. M. N. 100’

RUN

RIFFLE

200’

400’

POOL

3. Disrupts the natural dynamic flow pattern, channel morphology and habitat.

The nature of the flood wall ignores the principal that river health depends upon natural dynamic character. In order to maintain ecological integrity and self sustaining productivity within free flowing water systems so they can support a wide variety of habitat flooding, sedimentation and erosion must be allowed to occur.

4. Flood infrastructure produces negative downstream effects.

Flood walls do not relieve flood pressure, but actually increases the velocity of flood water heading downstream.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chicopee River Current Context (cont.)

Chicopee River Plan

Drainage

Potential Location & Possible Treatments Typologies

Pervious and Impervious Surfaces Impervious surfaces allow stormwater to move over land quickly while not allowing for groundwater recharge. As a result, runoff is likely to pick up and carry pollutants to a receiving body of water.

Constructed wetland systems could be used at the Uniroyal/ Facemate site to absorb flood pressure while removing pollutants from river and stormwater. They also provide extensive habitat as well as educational and recreational opportunities.

The sections below identify potential zones based on existing topography where water typologies could be employed on site. A breach in the flood wall which could be sealed through a sluice gate system for larger flood events will allow the river to reconnect with its floodplain and hyporheic zone easing flood pressure. A constructed wetland system will help ease flood pressure and increase habitat while removing pollutants from river and stormwater. A series of bioswales, natural channels and man made vernal pool systems feed the wetland with stormwater from the surrounding neighborhood The water typology systems work together to remove pollutants from stormwater, increase natural habitat and relieve flood pressure from smaller flood events.

tone

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River Sections at 500’ Intervals Perpindicular to the Chicopee River

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Section B

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Existing River Conditions Key Run

Figure 17: Pervious & impervious surfaces.

100’

Pool

Riffle 200’

Floodplaine

400’

Combined Sewer Stormwater Overflows

Drainage DIrection Site Boundary Topo at 10ft

CSO

Combined sewer / stormwater systems are sewers designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater in the same pipe. Most of the time, combined sewer systems transport all of their wastewater to a sewage treatment plant where it is treated and then discharged into a water body.

During periods of heavy rainfall or snow melt, however, the wastewater volume in a CSO can exceed the capacity of the sewer system or treatment plant. For this reason, combined sewer systems are designed to overflow occasionally and discharge excess, untreated wastewater directly into nearby streams, rivers or other bodies of water.

M

L

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X 500 An area inundated by 500- year flooding. An Area inundated by 100 -year flooding with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas of less than 1 square mile. Or an area protected by levees from 100 -year flooding AE Zone (High Risk Area) The base floodplain where base flood elevations are provided. Zone AE is considered a Special Flood Hazard Zone as it represents the area which will be covered by flood water during a base flood event.

AE Zones have a 1%chance of flooding each year and have a 26% chance of flooding within a 30 year period.

Homeowners who live in AE Zones are required to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Site Boundary

Chicopee River Special AE Flood Zone Hazard Draft fema Q3 flood insurance Maps, Mass GIS Zone AE Area inundated by -100 year flooding X 500

Contour Lines at 10ft Tributaries

Figure 19: Potential locations for hydrological

interventions.

50’

Constructed Wetland

Reconnection to Floodplain

100’

200’

Bioswale & Natural Channel

Figure 18: CSO locations.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chicopee River Plan

Hydrology Typologies

Potential Location & Possible Treatments Typologies

Constructed Wetlands

1.

5.

2.

4.

An engineered breach in the flood wall allows the river to reconnect with its floodplain and hyporheic zone. Flood waters are controlled through a sluice system which enables the wall to be sealed during major flood events. Allowing the river to flow into part of its floodplain during times of minor flood relieves flood pressure, slows velocity and decreases the possibility of negative downstream impacts.

1.

Constructed wetland systems are wetlands designed specifically for the treatment of waste water. They consist of a system of one or more shallow treatment cells, with herbaceous vegetation that tolerates saturated conditions.

Constructed wetland systems are composed of substrate, water tolerant plants, a water column and microbial populations. The substrate consists of sand, gravel, silt or soil in which the plants are growing. Constructed wetlands are able to treat both high and low flow. They rely on self maintaining and self regulating biological processes.

Constructed wetlands are not subject to the same jurisdictional wetland laws and regulations as natural wetlands.

Slotted Inlet pipe

(Storm water)

A constructed free surface water wetland system which is a man-made, selfsustaining wetland ecosystem provides habitat while absorbing flood pressure.

Free surface water constructed wetland systems allow water to sit in shallow pools for a number of days allowing the vegetation and substrate to filter out pollutants and store sediment.

Distribution medium 3/4â&#x20AC;? aggregate

Wa ter s of To p

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A series of sub surface constructed wetland systems are used to treat the on site CSOs The original Factory Village canals are excavated, all material removed. The canals are to be converted into bioswales which will catch and treat most of the stormwater from the site and surrounding area. The bioswale canals will feed stormwater into the constructed wetland system for further treatment before it enters the Chicopee River.

All of the water related interventions are connected and fed through a system of natural channels. The geomorphology of the natural channels are to be designed to retain pools of water which will drain more slowly than the rest of the system creating a series of vernal pools which will further increase habitat.

Effluent outlet pipe (treated water)

Slope 1%

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Substrate (soil, gravel or sand) Rhizome network

Figure 21: Constructed wetland sectional diagram.

Watertight membrane (PVC)

Wetlands remove metals an pollutants using a variety of processes including filtration of solids, sorption onto organic m a t t e r, o x i d a t i o n a n d h y d o l y s i s , formation of carbonates, formation of insoluable sulfides, reduction to immobile forms and uptake by plants and bacteria.

Constructed Wetland Function Waste water is treated by constructed wetlands in a number of ways. Decomposition of organic matter is facilitated by aerobic and anaerobic micro-organisms. Microbial nitrification and subsequent denitrification releases nitrogen gas into the atmosphere. Phosphorous is coprecipitated with iron, aluminium and calcium compounds located in the root bed medium. Suspended solids are filtered out as they settle in the water column of surface flow wetlands and physically filtered out by the medium in sub-surface flow wetland cells. Harmful bacteria and viruses are reduced by filtration and absorbtion by biofilms on the substrate and rock media.

Figure 20: Potential locations for hydrological interventions (plan) Figure 22: Types of constructed wetlands.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Hydrological Typologies (cont.)

Constructed Wetlands

Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands ( Treatment of CSO waste water)

1.

Organic Matter Accumulation The permanently water saturated conditions reduces gas exchange rates between sediments and the atmosphere.

As a result, the sediment becomes largely anoxic and anaerobic. This slows the decomposition of organic matter washed into the system and produced by the primary wetland vegetation. Organic matter accumulates on the sediment surface. The resulting organic sediments have a low bulk density and a high cation exchange capacity which allows the material to filter out heavy metals.

2.

Microorganisms The overlaying organic material as well as the emergent macrophytes provide a huge surface area for microbial growth. This community of microorganisms is known as the periphyton and is responsible for about 90% of pollutant removal and waste breakdown. The emergent macrophytes remove 7-10% of pollutants and act as a carbon source for the periphyton.

Subsurface flow constructed wetland systems consist of a basin or channel with a waterproof membrane to prevent seepage. The bed contains a depth of porous media usually rock or gravel. The media in combination with the soil supports the root structure of the emergent macrophytes. The design of these systems assumes that the level of the water shall remain below the rock or gravel medium. The flow path through these systems is intended to be horizontal.

In subsurface constructed wetlands the water surface is maintained below the surface of the media so there is little risk of odors, human exposure or insect vectors. This makes them ideal for black water treatment. The media provides a greater available surface area for treatment than a free surface water constructed wetland, making treatment responses faster. The subsurface position of the water and the accumulated biological debris on the surface of the bed offers greater thermal protection in cold climates than the free surface water type.

3.

Waterproof membrane prevents waste water from making contact with ground water

Flat upper surface allows for temporary flooding and acts as a wed control measure

Emergent Macrophytes

Root Zone A thin aerobic (oxygen present due to the leakage from rhizomes, roots and rootlets) film around each root hair facilitates the decomposition of organic matter and the uptake of nutrients. There are approximately 10,000 different aerobic and anaerobic microbial species found in the mycorrhizal root zone.

Inspection chamber

Inflow pipe

Emergent macrophytes

Large screened river run gravel

Adjustable outflow pipe Pea Gravel

Designed flow path horozontal

Figure 24: Sub surface constructed wetland section.

Slope of 1% provides sufficient hydaaulic gradient to ensure subsurface flow within the bed

Cohesive soil (min depth 2ft)

In subsurface constructed wetlands the porous rock media and the substrate are essential. A minimum depth of 2ft of cohesive soil is required. The growth, development and death of the plant roots and rhizomes will open up flow channels in the cohesive soil so that the hydraulic conductivity of a clay-like soil will be gradually converted into the equivalent of a sandy soil which permits flow at reasonable rates allowing the wetland to handle both high and low volume flows. This takes advantage of the adsorptive capacity of the soil for phosphorous and other materials.

Subsurface flow wetlands are very effective in the removal of BOD, TSS, nitrogen and phosphorous. Systems already in place can treat raw sewage from a single family home as well as municipal and industrial waste water.

Periphyton

Organic Matter

1.

2.

Phytovolatilization Rhizosphere

Volatilization

3.

Typhia latifolia (Cat-tail)

Waterproof membrane prevents waste water from making contact with ground water

Figure 23: Functional activities of constructed wetlands.

Influent

Slope 1%

Detritus Substrate Scirpus lacustris (Bullrush) Figure 25: Common plant species utilized in constructed wetland systems.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Precipitation & Settling

Figure 26: Process of phytovolatilization.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

44.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Hydrological Typologies (cont.)

Constructed Wetland Free Surface-flow Wetlands Free surface flow wetlands consist of shallow basins partially filled with soil, peat or any other media that will support plant root systems. They generally have a soil bottom, emergent vegetation and an open water surface. Water moves slowly through the wetland above the substrate. The near surface layer of water is aerobic while the deeper waters and substrate are anaerobic. The vegetation usually consists of cat-tails, reeds, sedges and rushes (Hurtado 2004). Plants in these wetlands can tolerate continuously saturated soil conditions and the resulting anaerobic soils. Surface flow wetlands are densely vegetated and typically have water depths of less than 1.3ft.

Bioswales Constructed wetlands have many advantages over conventional treatment techniques: - Have significantly lower total lifetime costs and often lower capital costs.

- Tolerate fluctuations in flow and pollutant concentrations.

- Are capable of treating multiple and mixed contaminants.

- Provide flood protection.

- Provide habitat for plants and wildlife..

- Have low air and water emissions and secondary wastes.

- Provide recreational and educational opportunities.

Bioswale Bioswales are vegetated water run off conveyance systems that provide an alternative to storm sewers. Bioswales enhance infiltration, ground water recharge and slow stormwater flow rates. They can absorb low flows or carry runoff from heavy rains and snow melt. They are typically moderate gradient devices with a 1% to 5% channel slope.

Bioswales improve water quality through reducing sediment load and increasing infiltration rates. Bioswales may be designed to discharge into existing storm sewers or directly into natural water courses. Typically bioswales resemble natural watercourses or more formal gardens and if established with native vegetation may become riparian corridors.

Curb cut with a strip drain Infiltration basin Overflow drainage pipe

Bioswales have substantial benefits in flood control, where receiving waters are subject to periodic flooding; this outcome is produced since greater infiltration and reduced surface runoff are products of the bioswale landform.

Infiltration

Figure 28: Bioswale section & aesthetic qualities.

Overflow Pipe Flow Direction Figure 27: Free surface flow constructed wetland section.

Organic Pollutants

Heavy Metals

Pollutant-transforming chemical reactions generally occur in the wetland water, detritus and rooted soil zones as a result of the diverse microbial populations and high microbial activity that occurs in these layers. Flowing water contacts the microbes attached to the submerged subsrtate, providing opportunity for the microbes to remove the contaminants and use them as a nutrient source (ITRC 2003).

For wastewater containing contaminant metals, SF wetlands are generally used to collect water, provide aeration and retain the water long enough that metals can precipitate. The extensive water surface and slow flow rate in SF wetlands foster metal oxidation and hydrolysis. The compounds precipitate and are retained in the wetlands. The extent of metal removal depends on dissolved metal concentrations, dissolved oxygen content, pH, retention time and other factors (Skousen 2004).

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

- Reduces runoff volumes and rates from roofs, pavements and lawns.

- Recharges groundwater and sustains base flows to natural water bodies.

- Reduces sediment, nutrient runoff, and other pollutants - Reduces maintenance requirements compared to conventional lawn surfaces or other irrigated plantings.

- Effective land use through combination of stormwater management and ornamental planting.

- Aesthetic value.

- Diversifies site habitat.

- Can reduce the need for costly stormwater infrastructure.

Figure 29: Bioswale section from www.projectcleanwater.org

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

45.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Hydrological Typologies (cont.)

System Function Figure 30: Section: SSF Wwetland system, FS wetland system.

A sluice system in the flood wall allows the Chicopee River to reconnect with part of its floodplain and hyporheic zone. Reinitiating nutrient exchange and relieving flood pressure.

Natural channels designed with riffles, runs and pools carry water from one treatment area to another. They are designed to retain water after flooding events and set up vernal pool like conditions.

A series of gabions and hillocks retain and slow flood water during high flow events.

Figure 31: Section: SSF wetland, FS wetland & bioswale.

The CSO outflow pipes are diverted into a series of subsurface flow constructed wetlands where waste water is treated before moving into the free surface flow wetland.

Constructed free surface wetland systems absorb flood pressure, remove pollutants and provide habitat.

A series of bioswales collect, retain and filter storm water before releasing it into the constructed wetland system.

The bioswales planted with native vegetation will eventually become riparian corridors.

Floodplain Reconnection

Bioswale

Vernal Pool Remediation

California’s Yolo Bypass conveys 80% of Sacramento River floodwaters during large events, routing water away from the city of Sacramento. The bypass was created in the 1930s by reconnecting a 24,000-ha floodplain when it became apparent that a “levees only” approach would not sufficiently reduce flood damag. By conveying large volumes of floodwaters, the bypass increases the flexibility of California’s water management infrastructure. During a March 1986 flood, the bypass conveyed 12.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of water, more than three times the total flood-control storage volume in all Sacramento basin reservoirs (3.5 bcm). This occurred during a period when the flood-control system was operating near maximum capacity. Without the bypass floodplain, California would need to build massive additional flood-control infrastructure or allocate more of its already strained water-supply storage capacity to flood control.

A daylighted emphmeral waterway at the Headwaters at Tryon Creek, a mixed residential development in Southwest Portland Oregon. The daylighted stream which was culverted 20ft below street level acts as a sediment control and pollution removal device as well as having a central aeathetic function.

For information regarding vernal pool reconstruction & construction techniques and the process applied to an EPA sponsored restoration project please visit the follwing website.

Two-thirds of the bypass is privately owned, productive agriculture. During inundation, the bypass provides habitat for birds and native fish. The bypass provides additional ecosystem services, such as open space for a rapidly growing region, recreation (including revenue-producing duck-hunting clubs), and groundwater recharge (of great value as a water bank during droughts) http://rs.resalliance.org/2009/12/18/reconnecting-floodplains-to-rivers-to-reduce-systemic-flood-risk/

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/eco/restoration/workshops/Remediation_ and_Restoration_of_Vernal_Pools.pdf

http://greenworkspc.wordpress.com/

Constructed Wetland

Natural Channel Design

Constructed free surface flow wetlands provide increased habitat and ecological benefits. Constructed subsurface wetlands treat waste water without exposure to humans.

Restoring natural function and nutrient exchange, slowing erosion and cutting down on channelization in stream restoration. Case studies from North Carloina showcase natural channel design techniques:

http://www.idm.gov.vn/Nguon6sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1

http://escholarship.org/uc/item/81f1020c

http://www.springerlink.com/content/m825632q87hk6388/fulltext.pdf http://www.sciencedirect.com/science

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

46.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Design Recommendations Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers 1. The flood wall and berm are in need of maintenance and are not subject to recertification by FEMA unless these

maintenance operations are carried out. The flood wall and berm have significant negative impacts on river ecology as well as disconnecting the city visually and physically from the Chicopee River. Reconnecting the river to its floodplain and hyporheic zone through a sluice gate system which would breach the flood wall provides an opportunity to approach flood control in a more sustainable manner.

2. A series of free surface constructed wetlands, vernal pools and natural channels allow a portion of the site to become inundated during low level flood events. These systems effectively remove pollutants from flood water, traps sediment and decreases the time and concentration for flood events. The systems also provide habitat, recreational & educational opportunities and are self-sustaining.

3. Sustainable on site stormwater management through bioswales takes pressure off the current stormwater system, removes pollutants and creates habitat.

4. There are a number of combined sewer systems which outflow directly into the Chicopee River. These stormwater confluence pipes normally carry stormwater and sewage to a treatment plant. In times of heavy flow, the treatment plant can overflow leading to a direct release of raw sewage into the river. A series of subsurface constructed wetlands act as a preventative measure allowing sewage to be deposited and broken down organically before reaching the river.

Figure 33: Experiential perspective (free surface constructed wetland).

Figure 32: Transition from subsurface to free surface flow.

Case Study: Red River Greenway, Grand Forks Minnesota The Red River Greenway, a bistate open space system, is a 2,200 acre recreational zone between the region’s flood walls & levees and the river itself. It flanks two rivers for more than eight miles and includes numerous amenities including a campground, golf course, pedestrian bridges and neighborhood connections. http://www.gardenforksgov.com/greenway/index.htm ������������ ������������������������������

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In East Grand Forks, temporary closures in the flood wall are created using a system of widely spaced ornamental columns. In the event of a flood, additional metal posts are installed and braced from behind with metal struts and then metal planks are slid in. These removable flood protection structures effectively keep the river open to Grand Forks. This technology could be applied to part or all of the flood wall in Chicopee.

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LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 22: Experiential perspective. (free surface constructed wetland during flood).

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

47.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chapter 6:

Remediation Plan

“My grandparents worked there, lots of people worked there. It smelled really bad but it paid enough that they could survive and raise their kids. It all ended and Chicopee is left with this big monument... Please do not make things worse... it has so much potential, it just needs a gentle hand.”

- Community Survey Participant

Executive Summary

Remediation Plan Table of Contents Site Background

49

Brief Industrial History This chapter covers both research on brownfields and remediation strategies compiled by the H.E.A.L. Team as well as design recommendations based on data collected by BETA Group, LLC. The Uniroyal / Facemate properties are considered a brownfield site with documented contamination.

In order for the site to be redeveloped, the City will have to acquire the liability waivers associated with a DEP sponsored voluntary clean-up program.

Site Status Remediation Scope

Brownfield Site Governance Players in the Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Project

Site Contamination

The siting of remediation efforts, treatment typologies and development limitations lead to five key strategic recommendations for the redevelopment of the site.

Soils

1. The first move for redevelopment must be the subdividing of the site into smaller parcels. Areas with no documented contamination can be expedited for liability waiver acquisition to prepare for redevelopment. Infill on vacant lots and on the clean parts of the site should be the first phase Figure 1: 200,000 galleon #6 fuel oil tank adjacent to smoke stack and railroad. of redevelopment.

Potential & Verified Railroad Contamination

2. The former Uniroyal property has the most documented contamination of the site. As such, this site is limited in terms of fiscal feasibility for residential infill due to the massive remediation costs of cleaning the site to meet residential standards.

3. In order to attract more grants, the incorporation of community participation through visioning, volunteer service and education are key assets currently not utilized to the fullest possible extent.

4. Michelin can change the status of their payments from compliance to tax deductible community service. We suggest the park be offered as a ‘naming’ gift (i.e. ‘Michelin Park’) providing positive PR for the corporation who cleaned up a toxic site they were not responsible for except through the acquisition of another company. This narrative could facilitate Michelin’s investment and remove the incentive to delay or stall investment - or conversely rush a shoddy remediation.

5. All the contamination documented on site qualifies for in-situ treatment typologies that do not prevent human access. The remediation site can double as a park; a park that is indicated as a high priority of the citizens of Chicopee in Chapter 2.

51

UST & AST Locations & Groundwater Contamination Other Potential Contamination

Areas of Concern

53

Composite Contamination Plan

Remediation Plan

53

Contaminated Soils Strategy Contaminated Soil Stockpile Typologies Groundwater Treatment Plan Volatile Organic Compound Contaminated Groundwater Heavy Metal Contaminated Groundwater Treatment

Potential New Land use

56

Land use Possibilities Derived from Areas of Concern

Design Recommendations

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

50

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

56

48.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Background Brief Industrial History

200’

300’

Uniroyal / Facemate Factory Complex

50’

100’

Existing Conditions

0’

Facemate Factory Building Facemate Tower Building # 3 Uniroyal Office Building Uniroyal Factory Building

Court Stree

t

This Uniroyal / Facemate properties were part of the original industrial core of Chicopee that grew around the Chicopee River through the investment of the Boston Associates in the 1820’s. The Boston Associates had previously developed textile factories in Lowell, MA. This area became known as Factory Village and was part of what is now the Chicopee Falls neighborhood.

As time progressed, the textile mills gave way to munition, sword, automobile, medical supplies, bicycle and tire factories. Each of these industries left a mark on the site and the community, bringing successive waves of immigrants to Chicopee, providing the primary income source in Factory Village and the future Chicopee Falls neighborhood. These industries also left a physical mark on the landscape, including both structural remnants and buildings as well as waste and contamination.

The two most recent industries had the largest impact on the site that is currently documented: the Uniroyal tire factory and the Facemate textile factory.

ree

t

Site Status The site is currently owned by the City of Chicopee, after having been abandoned for over 30 years. This ownership is almost absolute, save for a lean from UPS. This means that the City now has the power to move forward with recovering the land for redevelopment per the Massachusetts Voluntary Cleanup Program. Toward this end, the City applied for and recieved a grant from MASSDevelopment, a public authority in Massachusetts whose mission is to promote and support ecomonic development throughout the state. The grant was issued from the Brownfield Redevelopment Program and is being allocated both for the initial stages of demolition and the redevelopment planning.

Ch

ur

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St

W. Main Str ee

t

Grove Str

eet

Figure 3: Chicopee Manufacturing Company - c.1827

Oak Street

Key The Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment site and adjacent vacant properties.

The former canal The Chicopee River

*All data that describes verified conditions on site is from the work of Beta Group, LLC. All proposals, unverified mapping of potential contamination and remediation suggestions are original to H.E.A.L. Chicopee in consultation with Beta Group, LLC. and the Cornell Faculty of Landscape Architecture.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

There are two remaining legal issues for the City to address. First is the payment to the EPA for a cleanup in the past, and the UPS lean. Neither of these issues are addressed in this chapter.

Remediation Scope

Chicopee Falls buildings Railroad tracks

•• Site constraints to development.

•• Site remediation technologies that would be appropiate to the scale of the site and nature of the contaminants

t Stre e Fron t Figure 2: Uniroyal / Facemate properties.

The site has had a series of partial cleanup projects and mapping of contamination, which was compiled by BETA Group, LLC. who is the liscensed site professional (LSP) on this project. With this information, the City will be able to complete the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the State DEP. This will enable the City to move forward with developing a remediation plan in accodance to the MCP. In addition, the City has already passed the Mill Conversion Overlay zoning to enable alternative land uses on the site other than industrial.

This document is written by a team of Cornell students. As such, we are not liscensed professionals, nor are we experts in the field of site remediation. This document is intended to develop a vision for this property that the City can aim for. Remediation is one part of the strategy necessary to develop this mission. We are primarily concerned with:

Factory buildings

0’

••

and the space these technologies would require in the landscape.

Suggested strategies for enabling the redevelopment of the site.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

49.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Brownfield Site Governance The Players in the Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment Project

MASS Historical Commission (MHC)

Historic Preservation

In order to better understand the redevelopoment process, the H.E.A.L. Team mapped the various players and who each player is accountable to. Different types of accountability are represented with different mechanical connections, either through belts/chains for Voting, Liability, Legal, Payment for Services or through a worm drive for Values. What this diagram as a whole reveals is the somewhat overwhelming complexity associated with a brownfield redevelopment project of this nature.

When looking at the complete system, the farther away an institution is from the policy that effects the site, the slower the institution moves. For example, the powers and responsibilities as well as liabilities that the federal goverment has given to the EPA are likely to revolve so slowly that the entire redevelopment project will likely be finished by the time reform may arrive. Conversely, local change can be faster than change at the upper level, however, there is also high risk for the project to get jammed based on the numerous accountability connections.

••

MASS Historic Stephen

Jendrysik

•• Agricola

Stephen Jendrysik (City Historian) ••

Voting Accountability Liability

Tom

Legal Accountability

Preservation Regulating Agency. Most of the buildings on the site are registered as historic. MASSHistoric must approve all demolitions before they occur. The agency has already approved the oldest factory on site for demolition due to its poor structual integrity.

Contact: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc

••

Michelin (Corporation)

Legal Oversight

Payment

Mr. Jendrysik is a local history expert. Through his access to historical data he can facilite the redevelopment process and preservation priorities. His primary interest in the site beyond preservation is the development of a local history museum. He would like to see Building #3 refurbished.

Contact: s.jendrysik@charter.net

••

State Court UPS

Figure 4: Brownfield governance study.

EPA

••

Michelin bought Uniroyal Tire in 1989. With the aquisition, Michelin not only aquired the company, but also all of the liability associated with the company per CERCLA and the RCRA. As a result, the corporation has had to pay for the cleanup process on the Uniroyal site.

Contact: http://www.michelin-us.com/communityrelations/

UPS

Tom Haberlin (City Economic Development Director)

UPS

•• MA DEP

State

Citizens of the United States

MA Courts

Michelin

Court State Court EPA

Tom

Tom

BETA

Walter Mrozinski

urts

MA Co

Tom Facemate Corporation

ECS UPS Lien

BETA Walter

Facema

Mrozinski

te Corpor

Walter Mrozinski

P

ation

UPS Lien

UPS Lien

Facemate Corporation

Local Government

Michelin

Gannet

Gannet Flemming

Flemming

Michelin

Citizens of Chicopee

MA DEP

ECS

ECS

Tom

City Council

Kate Brown (City Planning Director) ••

••

Ms. Brown is the City Planner and also conservation officer. Ms. Brown will be insturmental in any zoning issues or proposals for conservation areas and parks.

Contact: kbrown@chicopeema.gov

Michael D. Bissonnette (Mayor)

Seniors

EPA

Federal Government

MA DE

MA Courts

BETA Gannet Flemming

••

Mr. Haberlin is both the client's representative and also can be considered the project manager for this Redevelopment Plan.

Mr. Haberlin assembled the redevelopment team and is guiding communication and the process. Mr. Haberlin is also the H.E.A.L Team's primary contact.

Contact: thaberlin@chicopeema.gov

Kate

••

Mayor

••

Mr. Bissonnette has made the redevelopment of this site a priority for his administration. This includes not only the removal of the hazards and providing a pedestrian connection to the site , but also constructing the new Senior Center somewhere on the properties.

Contact: mbissonnette@chicopeema.gov

Mass Development (Public Authority) Tom

Citizens of Massachusettes

Redevelopment Master Plan

MA State

MASS Development

The Site

••

••

EPA •• UPS

Citizens of Chicopee

Michelin

MASS Historic MASS Development

City Council

Stephen

MA MA DEP DEP

RKG

Agricola

Seniors

MA Courts

Kate

Michelin Michelin

Mayor

Tom

BETA

••

VHB

BETA BETA Walter Mrozinski

Tighe & Bond

VHB

GZA

Facemate Corporation

ECS ECS Tighe & Bond GZA

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Gannet Flemming

••

UPS Lien

Gannet Flemming Gannet Flemming

RKG provided the market assessment to gauge what development product typologies and demand could be anticipated for the site.

Due to no immediate demand, the firm projected 20 years into the future.

Contact: mail@rkgassociates.com

VHB (Urban Design Firm)

ECS

RKG Tom Tom Tom

BETA Group is contracted as the LSP, paid for by the grant from MassDevelopment. BETA Group compiled all the contamination data already produced into one searchable document to facilitate the remediation process Contact: Alan Hanscom, AHanscom@beta-inc.com

RKG (Real Estate Consulting Firm) ••

Jendrysik

Allocator of the state-sponsored Brownfield Redevelopment Grant. As such, the redevelopment project is accountable to Mass Development both for how they choose to allocate funds and in anticipation of application(s) for future funds.

Contact: Edmund Starzec, EStarzec@massdevelopment.com

BETA Group LLC (LSP)

MA DEP

State Court

••

••

VHB is contracted to develop a master plan for the future development that could occur on this site.

Contact: Geoffry Logan GLogan@vhb.com

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

50.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Contamination Soils

UST & AST Locations & Groundwater Contamination

200’

300’

This map shows the existing and removed underground and above ground storage tanks per the data collected by Beta Group, LLC.

50’

100’

This map also shows remediation recommendations per contaminants and tanks. All soils around former tank sites should be tested and documented in Phase II of the environmental assessment. If leaks are found, the following are recommendations for the remediation plan.

0’

0’

50’

100’

200’

300’

This map shows the existing contamination of soils on site in areas other than the railroad beds. Through leaking storage tanks, the partial site remediation and consolidation of contaminated soils and former usage contamination the land surrounding the Uniroyal factory complex shows the greatest coverage of contaminants.

SVOCs are likely the result of minor oil spills, Leaky Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) and Above Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs). Dependant on the nature of the specific compound, they may need to be removed or capped (if soluble) or ventilated (if volatile enough to off gas).

0’

50’

100’

200’

300’

For all acid and base leaks, soils can be treated with the addition of a neutralizing agent to bring the pH with a range of 6-8. Soil vapor extraction is recommended for all VOC and SVOC contaminated soils. For fuel oil contamination, bioremediation with microbial cultures may be more cost efficient.

Key

The heavy metal contamination is likely from waste associated with vulcanizing and the production of tires.

Tank Removed - Soil may Tank Removed - Soil may

require treatment Former require treatmentTank - surrounding soils may require treatment

Tank in place - Soil may Tank in place - Soil may require treatment require treatment

Tank in place - surrounding soils may require treatment

The PCB contamination is primarily linked to transformer oil, save for a berm of soil that has been stockpiled between the buildings.

pH treatment in case of contamination

pH treatment in case of pH in case of soiltreatment contamination soil contamination

Soil vapor extraction

Soil vapor extraction treatment in case of soil Soil vapor extraction treatment in case of contamination treatment in case of soil contamination contamination

Bioremediation

Bioremediation treatment in case of Bioremediation treatment in case of contamination treatment in case of soil contamination soil contamination

Key

Groundwater Contamination

The map below shows the documented groundwater contamination per the data collected by Beta Group, LLC. Most of the site’s groundwater contamination corresponds to the location of storage tanks.

SVOCs (Not SVOCs (Not including including railroad beds) railroad beds

HeavyMetals Metals Heavy

PCB Contaminated PCBs

Figure 5: Contaminated soils on site.

*All data that describes verified conditions on site is from the work of Beta Group LLC. All proposals, unverified mapping of potential contamination and remediation suggestions are original to H.E.A.L. Chicopee in consultation with Beta Group LLC. and the Cornell Faculty of Landscape Architecture.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Figure 6: Location of all documented storage tanks.

EPH Contaminated EPH Soils

Heavy Metal Groundwater Contamination

Petroleum Groundwater Contamination

Bioremediation treatment in case of soil contamination

Soil vapor extraction treatment in case of soil contamination

pH treatment in case of soil contamination

Formerand Former Existing Transformers Transformers

Tank in place - Soil may require treatment

Tank Removed - Soil may require treatment

EPH Contaminated Soils

Former Transformers

PCB Contaminated Soils

Heavy Metals

SVOCs (Not including railroad beds

Soils

Figure 7: Documented groundwater contamination.

Key

Petroleum Groundwater Petroleum Contamination

Heavy Metal Groundwater Heavy Metals Contamination

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Contamination (cont.)

Potential & Verified Railroad Contamination

Other Potential Contamination

50’

100’

200’

300’

The data collected by Beta Group, LLC does not include wells through foundations or a comprehensive assessment of drains within buildings.

As a result, these areas may have undocumented LUSTs or other contaminants.

0’

0’

50’

100’

200’

300’

The former railroad tracks on site are considered by MA DEP as having a high probability of SVOCs, arsenic compounds and creosote. Part of the railroad system has been documented to have SVOCs, the remainder is expected to also be contaminated.

The Mass DEP has an established set of Best Management Practices associated with the conversion of former railroads to trails. The primary purpose of the BMPs is to prevent exposure in the human population to the heavy metals, SVOCs and arsenic left over from the herbicides, coal debris or PAHs utilized during active industry.

The site of the former canal was filled in before CERCLA or the RCRA and may also be a site for potential contamination that is currently undocumented.

Other areas on site that require investigation are the former coal, tire and general waste piles.

Based on the BMP recommendations from MA DEP, the substrate below the railroad footprint is recommended to be either removed, buried under 12” of earth or capped with asphalt or other barrier to prevent a pathway for exposure. The land adjacent to the tracks is recommended for a thickly planted corridor as an additional barrier to contact unless soil is removed.

Key

Key Building footprint

Probable other Possible Railroad railroad track track SVOC contamination contamination Figure 8: Contaminated rail corridors.

*All data that describes verified conditions on site is from the work of Beta Group LLC. All proposals, unverified mapping of potential contamination and remediation suggestions are original to H.E.A.L. Chicopee in consultation with Beta Group LLC. and the Cornell Faculty of Landscape Architecture.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Potential Contamination

Building Footprint

Building Footprint

Probable other Railroad track contamination

Beta confirmed Railroad track SVOC contamination

BetaGroup confirmed Beta LLC. confirmed Railroadtrack trackSVOC SVOC railroad contamination contamination

Other sites of potential contamination

Potential Contamination

Figure 9: Areas with likely undocumented contamination.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Areas of Concern

Remediation Plan

Composite Contamination Plan

Contaminated Soils Strategy

Bioremediation berms for PCB remediation separated from primary contact public space

Lower elevation and adjacency to CSO and municipal stormwater piping makes this area fit for a constructed wetland remediation area.

Area of High Concern: Area of High Concern: Documented high Documented high levels levelsof contamination that willwill of contamination that significantly hinder or or prevent development development.

Area of Medium Concern: Area of Medium Concern: Documented or possible Documented or possible levels of contamination contamination that will that will significantly significantly require require removal or remeremoval or remediation. diation.

EPH Contaminated Soils

Figure 10: This map shows a compilation of all documented and possible sites of contamination.

Contaminated slope ideal for poplar plantation for extracting heavy metals from stockpiled soils.

Area of Area of low LowConcern: Concern: Possible levels of contamiPossible contamination that willthat maymay require nation require removal or remediation. remediation. removal or

Figure 11: This map shows a compilation of all documented and possible sites of contamination.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

*All data that describes verified conditions on site is from the work of Beta Group LLC. All proposals, unverified mapping of potential contamination and remediation suggestions are original to H.E.A.L. Chicopee in consultation with Beta Group LLC. and the Cornell Faculty of Landscape Architecture.

Suggested contaminated soil stockpile locations phytoremediation (constructed wetland-based )

Suggested impermeable cap locations

Suggested phytoremediation contaminated soil stockpile Suggested upland locations (Poplar & dry-site phytoremediation vegetation) stockpiles

Contaminated slope ideal for poplar plantation for extracting heavy metals from stockpiled soils.

100’

Suggestedimpermeable impermeable Suggested cap cap locations

50’

Area of low Concern: Possible levels of contamination that may require removal or remediation.

The other areas require less investment to enable development. The white areas of the site are not known to be limited by contamination for development.

Area of Medium Concern: Documented or possible levels of contamination that will significantly require removal or remediation.

Area of High Concern: Documented high levels of contamination that will significantly hinder or prevent development

200’

300’

Key

Suggested phytoremediation contaminated soil stockpile locations (Poplar & dry-site vegetation)

Figure 11 is a simplification of the constraints put on the redevelopment of the site by existing and possible contamination. The areas of highest concern require extensive cleanup before development can take place and would be prime areas for land banking.

Some areas, especially the Uniroyal factory, would require intensive longterm remediation to enable residential development. Lower intensity land use, such as parking, scenic open space and possibly commercial development are appropriate for this area.

0’

Former Transformers

Probable other

Railroad track Potential contamination Contamination PCB Contaminated Soils

Heavy Metals

SVOCs (Not including Beta confirmed railroad bedsFootprint Building Railroad track SVOC contamination

Key

Filling on top of former foundation to create a sealed cap independent of the hydrology of the site for hydrophillic toxicant contaminated soils.

0’

50’

100’

0’

200’

50’

100’

200’

300’

300’

Since the majority of the contamination on site is surrounding the buildings of the Uniroyal factory complex, these areas are prime locations for consolidation of all contaminated soils. There are a variety of remediation strategies that can be integrated into an industrial heritage park that can showcase the cleaning of contaminants. The upper slopes of the site above the smokestack can support the planting of a Populous tremuloides (Quaking Aspen) grove for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. If and when the smokestack is demolished, the debris (likely significantly contaminated with heavy metals) along with other mobile contaminates can be crushed and used as road base under an impermeable asphalt cap. A constructed wetland can be built at the lower elevation of the site for remediation of toxicants that require water to enable plant uptake.

Figure 12: Soil stockpiling remediation plan.

Suggested contaminated soil Suggested constructed stockpile locations wetland phytoremediation phytoremediation (constructed wetland-based )

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Remediation Plan (Cont.)

Contaminated Soil Stockpile Typologies Capped soils removed from both rain and groundwater

compacted contaminated soil as road base

bottom liner can reuse former building foundations Figure 13: Capping soil with mobile contamination.

There are many motivations for dealing with soil contamination on site. There are the preventative costs from trucking and hazardous waste disposal as well as the ecological benefits from a reduced carbon footprint. At the Magic Marker Site in Trenton, NJ, Professor Ilya Raskin estimated using phytoaccumulation instead of disposal saved between $300,000 to $340,000 per acre (contamination depth 20 inches). At the same time, the citizens of Chicopee want access to this site, so all on site stockpiling must prevent pathways for exposure.

Above is a common method for sequestering and storing contaminated soils - through a lined, impermeable cap. These caps can be structural to support parking above. Soils with contaminants that may be mobile in water or are in high concentrations are fit for this treatment typology.

Below is an example of how passive remediation can be utilized through plant materials. Path design and clean topsoil dressing prevents exposure. Depending on the specific contaminants, different species can be selected to sequester, degrade or accumulate contamination cleaning the site over a period of time. At the end of the treatment process, the plants may be removed to leave behind clean soil.

CASE STUDY:

Phytostabilization with Poplar trees at Whitewood Creek, SD In Whitewood Creek, SD, 18 miles of the creek was contaminated with arsenic and cadmium from the drainage of mine tailings. In 1991, an experimental plot of 3,100 poplar trees were established along the creek. After a decade of data collection and analysis, the team was able to demonstrate that the contaminants were stabilized within the rooting mass of the poplars.

For more information, please refer to: http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd03312003-130512/

CASE STUDY:

Phytoaccumulation with Indian Mustard Grass, Trenton, NJ At the former Magic Marker factory the City partnered with Phytotech to remove high levels of lead from the soil with Mustard Grass. As the plants grow quickly, successive generations were harvested in one growing season, enabling the establishment of a community garden on part of the site the following year. The community was involved from the beginning, which helped secure a $ 200,000 EPA grant.

For remediation information, please refer to: Raskin, I; Ensley, B. 2000. Phytoremediation of Toxic Metals, John Wiley & Sons, New Brunswick, NJ For community information, please refer to: http://isles.org/main/services/communityplanning-research/community-action-for-arenewed-environment/ For cost information, please refer to: http://www.frtr.gov/matrix2/section4/4-3.html

Bioventing through transpiration (VOCs & some SVOCs) Phytoaccumulation of heavy metals - plant material must be removed (orders of magnitude less mass for removal)

Figure 14: Phytoremediation section.

Phytostabilization through sorbtion (some heavy metals, fuel oil, and SVOCs)

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Native wild roses as a vegetative cap and contact deterrent for PCB mounds

White rot fungus spores mixed with wood chips and soil to facilitate biodegradation Figure 15: PCB contaminated soil stockpile and treatment.

A large amount of the contaminated soils on site contain PCBs from former transformers. PCBs are an intensely toxic substance and all pathways for exposure must be avoided.

PCBs, however, are not mobile in the environment. They are not water soluble, are not volatile and sorb tightly to soil peds. This means they can be stored with no infrastructure, similar to the berms that Gannett Fleming has already consolidated on site.

PCBs are also very stable and very difficult to break down. As long as the PCB contaminated soil is removed from contact the site will be safe for human interaction.

There is an opportunity for education in Chicopee through the revealing of the site remediation. PCBs can be broken down with specific mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi as they treat the biphenal structure the same as lignin in wood. Contaminated soils can be mixed with spores and wood chips (to provide a food source) before storage in the berms - enabling the fungi to remediate the stockpile. Rate of clean up is directly related to quantity, precipitation and concentration of contaminants.

We recommend the planting of Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose), the native wild rose bush, and Aralia spinosa (Devil’s Walking Stick) both as a deterrent for exposure and habitat value (rosehips are a key food source for many birds). Neither plants do not accumulate PCPs, but the roots would stabilize the soil and support the mycorrhizal fungi.

CASE STUDY:

In vivo Degradation of PCBs White rot fungus has been extensively studied in lab conditions to degrade PCBs. Novontny (2001) successfully demonstrated that PCBs and PAHs, broadcast in transformer oil in soil media were able to be digested as long as the media was mixed with a lignin food source. The sources they used included mushroom growing media, wood chips, and straw.

Species that would be appropriate for the site include Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor, and Plueotus ostreatus.

Since there are few field studies, this part of the remediation would be a great opportunity to collaborate with the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Biochemistry Department, or Cornell University’s Mycology Department.

For remediation information, please refer to: http://www.springerlink.com/content/h74270381185072m/ Barr, P. 1994. Pollutant degradation by white rot fungi. Environ.

Contam. Tox. Vol. 138, pp. 49-72. http://www.springerlink.com/content/jpfjwewxyu6vmpu5/fulltext. pdf Supplier Information online: http://www.adbio.com/site_maps/bioremediation.htm

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Remediation Plan (Cont.)

Areas of Concern

Groundwater Treatment Plan

Heavy Metal Contaminated Groundwater Treatment This map shows one option for the treatment of groundwater contamination on site.

Figure 17: Constructed wetland treatment.

For all volatile contaminated areas, high pressure air can be pumped into the water creating an emulsification that enables the VOCs and SVOCS to off gas into the air. This method is recommended for compounds that are hydrophillic. For Hydrophobic VOCs and SVOCs that form a nonaqueous phase layer, pumping would be a more cost effective strategy.

Pump and Treat

Heavy Metal Groundwater Contamination

Pump and Treat (options with physical/chemical/or biosorption)

Petroleum Groundwater Contamination

Air Sparging Well

Air Sparging Well Air Sparging Well

Subsurface horizontal flow wetland system with plantings designed for extraction of specific compounds

For sites with heavy metal contamination, a program of pumping and treating in a constructed wetland can simplify the pump and treat process, as well as create a water feature on site that is removed from contact with the public.

Pump and Treat (options with physical/chemical/or biosorption)

Key

Monitoring pool

Well intake in the middle of the saturated contaminated layer Heavy metal contaminated groundwater

Figure 16:Petroleum MapGroundwater of locations for groundwater treatment strategies.

Contamination

Volatile Organic Compound Contaminated Groundwater Heavy Metal Groundwater Contamination

Air compressor station

Bores and wells

Air sparging is an in-situ remediation strategy that extends the same remediation principles of soil vapor extraction below the vadose zone into the groundwater. High pressure air is pumped into nozzles that create an emulsion enabling compounds to off gas. Dependent on what VOCs and SVOCs are on site and the concentrations of gases at the soil surface, vapors may need to be captured and treated.

Volatilized contaminants off-gas - may require treatment and capture depending on the contaminants and state air quality laws

Air sparging has the widest use in treatment of petroleum product leaks and would be appropriate for both the water table depth and contamination types on the Uniroyal site.

Jets laid in the aqueous layer with the documented contamination - pumped air facilitates off-gassing of volatile contaminants

For remediation information, please refer to http://www.frtr.gov/matrix2/section4/4-34.html http://www.clu-in.org/download/ contaminantfocus/dnapl/Treatment_ Technologies/Air_Sparg_TR-2193.pdf

Figure 17: Air sparging diagram.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

There are two places on site shown in Figure 16, with heavy metal contamination in the ground water. Both sites are next to the main Uniroyal production facility and contamination is likely due to waste water leakage from the tire production process. The tire making process requires the use of zinc, lead, and cadmium (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/9085433).

Phytoaccumulation is a process by which plants sequester contaminants in their tissues. Plant material can then be harvested and removed rather than removing the soil. In the case of groundwater treatment, such a treatment replaces the need for energetically and monetarily expensive reverse osmosis filtration.

There are particular plants that are hyperaccumulators for particular heavy metals.

The following is a sample list of a few pertinent hyperaccumulators.

Cardaminopsis halleri Rumex acetosa Thlaspi avalanum Agrostis tenuis Thlaspi caerulescens

Zn Zn Pb Pb Cd

CASE STUDY:

Phytovolatization with wetlands in San Francisco Bay, CA

Selenium is a toxic heavy metal that can exist in a variety of cation oxidation states, some of which are volatile. Soluble selenium can be removed from water either through phytoaccumulation, the sequestering of the metal in the plant tissue or phytovolatization.

In San Pablo Bay, a smaller basin within San Francisco Bay, a wetland was constructed to remove Selenium contaminated waste water from an industrial site. The study found that almost all of the Selenium entering the system was absent in the discharge, but only 70% was accounted for in the plant tissue. The other 30% was concluded to have been off-gased from the Spartina and Juncus plants in the wetland.

For remediation information, please refer to: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es970502l http://www.ecology.kee.hu/pdf/0301_001018.pdf

CASE STUDY:

Phytoaccumulation at a Wastewater Treatment Facility, Tronoh, Malaysia Water hyacinth is a tropical aquatic macrophyte with a documented high absorption rate of many nutrients and metals, often sequestering amounts equal to 2 - 3% of the dried biomass of the plant. At the Tronoh treatment plant, hyacinth was shown to filter out all phosphorous, nitrates, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb from the effluent. There are many similar hyperaccumulators that can be used for seasonal extraction (the water hyacinth) or perennials. All biomass must be harvested and removed to a waste center or incinerator.

For remediation information, please refer to: http://www.springerlink.com/content/wp04294qq206j363/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hyperaccumulators

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Potential New Land use

Design Recommendations

Land use Possibilities Derived from Areas of Concern

Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers

0’

50’

100’

200’

300’

Based on the areas of concern and the remediation area requirements, this map shows a potential land use map that addresses these constraints. This map does not factor in economic or traffic constraints. Phase 1 development can occur independent of the remediation process, Phase 2 relies on remediation being complete.

The area of the Uniroyal site is the most contaminated and therefore is the best place to stage remediation efforts and consolidation of contaminated soils.

Because of this and because this particular part of the site will be the most expensive to clean, maintaining a passive land use in low market conditions is the most logical course of action.

Phase 1 Commercial Phase 1 Commerical

Phase 2 Commercial Phase 2 Commerical

Phase 1 Residential Phase 1 Residential

Phase 2 Residential Phase 2 Residential

Phase 1 Mixed Phase 1 Mixed UseUse

Phase 2 Mixed Phase 2 Mixed UseUse

1. There is significant contamination on site that will require remediation efforts. Because of associated costs and governance of the remediation process, the first move for redevelopment must be the subdividing of the site into smaller parcels. Areas with no documented contamination can then be pushed through the acquisition of liability waivers from the DEP’s voluntary cleanup program. Substantial portions of the site and vacant parcels off site, will be blank slates ready for development.

2. The former Uniroyal portion of the site has the most documented contamination of the site. As such, this site is limited in terms of fiscal feasibility for residential infill due to the massive remediation costs to bring the site up to residential standards. If the market is assumed to be low, this site could be used to treat the contamination insitu and prevent the large costs of removal, transportation and payment for hazardous waste landfill space that would otherwise be required.

3. The redevelopment of this site is entirely dependant on the continued subsidy of grants from the state and CERCLA enforced remediation payments from Michelin. In order to attract more grants, the incorporation of community participation through visioning, volunteer service and education is a key asset currently not used to its fullest extent to persuade federal and further state allocation of resources.

4. At present, Michelin is forced to comply with remediation efforts per CERCLA. As a result, the corporation will inevitably resist all investment ad will attempt to find the quickest short term fix that will remove this liability from their portfolio. This narrative could instigate delays or shoddy remediation efforts from the company. This narrative can be changed. If the remediation becomes part of a park development, Michelin can change the status of their payments from compliance to tax deductible community service. We suggest the park be offered as a ‘naming’ gift, thereby earning the name ‘Michelin Park’ and positive PR for the corporation who cleaned up a site that a subsidiary contaminated before acquisition into the parent company.

5. All the contamination documented on the site qualifies for in-situ treatment typologies that do not prevent human access to the site. Choice plants can be used as barriers between pedestrian space and stockpiled contaminated soil, parking lot caps can cover the worst of the contamination and wetlands can separate remediation from direct contact. All of this means the remediation site can double as a park; a park that is indicated as a high priority of the citizens of Chicopee in Chapter 2. The educational benefits from revealing healing the site and working with universities to forward remediation research not only provides opportunities for community members but also makes the project more attractive for a variety of public funding sources, including education improvement grants, hatch grants, NSF grants and community development grants among others.

6. As indicated by the Community Survey & Student Visioning Process (Chapters 2 &3), this site has enormous potential for education opportunities, both for remediation and ecology, but also history. The preservation of historical elements is one part of the legacy of Chicopee’s past, the other part is healing the landscape from the industrial contamination. Getting Chicopee’s youth involved in the site redevelopment will help create an identity that is being lost in the younger generation.

Civic Amenity (Senior Center,

Parking lot

ParkPark or Open Space Park

Civic Amenity

Phase 2 Mixed Use

Phase 1 Mixed Use

Phase 2 Residential

Phase 1 Residential

Phase 2 Commerical

Phase 1 Commerical

CivicMuseum, AmenityTeen Center, etc.)

Parking lot Parking lot Figure 18: Potential land use based on site contamination.

Excavated, possibly restored canal

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chapter 7:

Redevelopment Framework Executive Summary

Redevelopment Framework Table of Contents Site Context

58

Site Location This chapter proposes a framework for the redevelopment of the Uniroyal / Facemate site. The framework designed is based on results of the community participation and ecological, historic and remediation research collected in previous chapters. The framework is a suggested proposed road and public open space layout, along with the placement of the Senior Center and Local History Museum. This framework is intended to be the armature around which development can be molded. The framework is designed to provide benefit to the city and citizens of Chicopee in both high and low market projections - balancing ecologic and economic services.

Site Adjacencies

Site Inventory Site Land Use Parking, Rail & Vacancies

Concept Statement: Changing Ecology. Changing Community.

The Uniroyal / Facemate Redevelopment is an opportunity for the City of Chicopee to look to it's future. Since the current market conditions require a long term strategy due to low development pressure, the City has the time to develop a vision for what Chicopee should aspire to be. This framework has been developed from the recorded opinions of 1,093 citizens (682 children in in-class activities, 404 survey participants, and 7 oral survey participants) and represent a wholistic vision for the City as requested by it's citizens. The people of Chicopee want to see a green future. More public amenities within a walkable context, recreation by the Chicopee River and economic development. This framework enables a vision of nature balanced with urban culture.

59

Topography Pervious/Impervious Surface & Vegetation Traffic Conditions Public Transport & Destinations

Site Analysis

60

HEAL Layers

Parti

61 Urban Design Framework Proposed Circulation and Site Gateways

Proposed Site Framework

62

Seeding Development Landscape Program Built Program

Figure 1: Proposed Framework for the Uniroyal / Facemate properties.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

57.

Bu rn et tR d Ci Cr H Hayn ynes

Cir C

I-3 91

Be sse me rS t

La be l le Dr Labelle Dr

St ge

P Prrog ogre ressss Av A e

I-291 I-291

St

ge ot ta

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irir

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St

En d

am C

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St

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Ham ilt ilton St Me d fo rd St Medford

Pu tn tn

e Av

St

Ave

o nd ra

Dr

Ca

Forest a Wetland

Memorial Drive Commercial Strip

Federal

Key Legend

Residen Forest Forestand and Wetland Wetland

Comme

Federal

Federal

Industri

Residential

Residential

Commercial Commercial

I-90

Industrial Industrial I-3 91

Municip

Waterw

Municipal

Municipal

I-90

Waterways

Utility

Waterways

I- 2 9 1

I- 2 9 1

Connecticut River

City Center

lvd lv

cu ocu Ro R

There are a variety of educational facilities near the site including the elementary school Zoning and the newChicopee Chicopee High School, as well as the recently finished Public Library. The Redevelopment site is adjacent to a key intersection of East Main Street, East Street, Broadway Street and Church Street. The redevelopment site is a piviot point for the City, both for current transit and for future downtown revitalization. At present, the site is not connected to these amenities or contriubting to the downtown community.

Connectic ut River

ot ta

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irir

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St Wa ite A Waite Ave ve Keiti th S Hill illman t an St St Rusk skin in S t

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t

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ve Ave ry A ustry ndust IInd

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Educational Institutions (Schools & Library)

2n d

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Site Boundary Site Boundary

Active Parks

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Ham amilt ilton on

St Me d fo rd St Medford

Stanley Sta n le y Ct Ct

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an S

t

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ri d g e B Bridge

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II-39 -3 91

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II-91 -9 91

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Utility

Parks

Parks Parks

Agricult

Utility

Agriculture

Agriculture

Vacant

Vacant

Vacant

Figure 4: Current landuse around the site. At present, there are a diversity of social, municipal, educational, and commercial drivers that have the potential to be drivers on the site, but are presently not connected due to the 30 years of abandonment and vacancy. (http://www.mass.gov/mgis/).

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

rk Pa Aiirr

in s in

nt ic ice

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1st

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Emm et t S et t Ta ayyllo or S t

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Legend

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to n Stt Eton E

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St ng St ang L La St Dame St re Dam otre Not N

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St S t ley on hle S c mp s Sa

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1st

The map above shows amenities surrounding the redevelopment site. To the north Chicopee Zoning is the begining of Memorial Drive, Chicopee's local commerical strip and primary commerical corridor. To the west is Chicopee Center, less than 1.5 miles from the site's border. Two of the Cities most active parks are within a half mile of the site, Szot Park where most civic events occur, and Lincoln Park, where local little league games are held.

Altlth

As a stop along the Mass Turnpike, with a distinct city center with historic mill buildings, Chicopee has the opportunity to redefine itself as a gateway to the Berkshires, a linkage to Northhampton and a partner to Springfield.

Pi

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St oy St R Roy

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Chicopee is a stop along the Massachusetts Turnpike, I-90, which has an exit on Memorial Drive less than a mile from the redevelopment site. Regional connections are further enhanced with nearby access to I-91 - a major North -South route throughout the state.

Ch ico pe e R.

iirr S Stt

Wiillllilia ia m St

Ave te Ave uette d quet Piq eSRt oheu St nonro oDnro M Mo Rd

by Rd ranby Gran ld G Old O Stt rick S ndric r end eH Ter He a u zi e r T Lauzier L Dr aui Dr M Mau

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Drr a D dak ed Fed F

Site Boundary

St

Stt u r tz S Kurtz K

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Chicopee Center

ys Bra

n St man dm d ed Stte

St pee cope hico Chi

Chicopee falls

St el St urel aur L La

St

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t St

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Figure 3: City Streets, taken from Mass GIS, with significant urban design opportunities for connections to the redevelopment site. (http://www.mass.gov/mgis/). d Rd eR ive rd ale Riverdale R

Burnett Road

Avve Ave

Siillv an R

e Av F Fa ar a

Ave ve

Oa akk St

O Olea le a St St M Mary a ry S Ct Stt st Ct vest Riive Fairv F a irview iie ewR Ave Ave St avii ne St R Ravin

Ave

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t th S th

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on e ndon la rend Clar C

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St rcad e St A Arcade Stt l ston S oylsto B Boy

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Aldenville

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P Pel el tia tia S Stt

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The Uniroyal / Facemate site is located adjacent to Chicopee Center on the edge of the Chicopee Falls Neighborhood. Chicopee is located to the north of Springfield, MA. According to the 2000 census, Chicopee had a population of about 54,000 residents and Springfield had 150,000. Although many percieve Chicopee as a bedroom community to Springfield, with more than a third of the city's population and an alternative city center, Chicopee is legally and functionally a distinct municipality and economic district.

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Ave tte Av uette d que Piq eR St ohu Don E Rd as

by Rd nby ra n G Gra t

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Site Boundary

Dr la n an Dr Bl Blanan

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Em E mme ettt S Stt T Ta ayl ylor or St St

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Stt dS arrd Wa W

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Stt oyy S o JJoy

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Site Adjacencies

Figure 2: Site Location from state to local aerial. (http://www. massachusetts-map.org/massachusetts-road-map.gif)

a ry S ary Stt

Stt rk S ark a

t

Diillo D l lo n

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Vie iew St W Gle Gl en St St Gle le n St Gilman G ilma n St St

Site Context Site Location

Da alley ey St St

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE Ga rfi e

Westover Airforce Airforce Base Site SiteBoundary Boundary

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

Westov Base

Site Bou

58.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Inventory Land Use - Chicopee Massachutes

Topography - Chicopee Massachutes

Site Land Use

Chicopee River Figure 5: Land use.

Land Use - Chicopee Massachutes

Facemate

Facemate

Chicopee River

Site Boundary

High density Residential

Chicopee River

Pasture

Flood Wall/ Berm

Key Chicopee River

Forest Powerline/ Utility

Flood Wall / Berm

Industrial

The redevelopment site itself is presently completely vacant.

Chicopee River High density Residential Adjacent to the site are two large vacant lots currently being used for Pasture additional parking,Flood theseWall/ sitesBerm are being included in the redevelopment site description.

High Density Residential

Forested Wetland Urban Public/ Institutional

Forest

N

LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE

90ft

20ft

80ft

Although the north end of the site, Topography - Chicopee Massachutes

Industrial

Utility Industrial

Commercial Forested Wetland

LENGTH AREA ALINE

50ft

20ft

20ft

Adjacent to the middle of the site 90ft is a multi-family low income housing complex.

60ft

40ft

20ft 20ft

30ft

In the short term, these occupancies 80ft should have higher priority than the redvelopment process, as the Forested Wetland market is not strong and occupancy should be maintained for tax and Urban Public/blight Institutional prevention purposes.

20ft

20ft

Key

Flood Wall / Berm Flood Wall/ Berm

40ft

50ft 10ft Contour Contour Lines at 10ft

30ft

60ft

40ft

40ft

Urban Public / InstitutionalMassachutes N Lots Site Inventory- Parking Lots/ Disused Rail Lines/ Empty - Chicopee LENGTH AREA ALINE

60ft

50ft

LENGTH AREA ALINE

20ft

is the lowest part of the site, with a broad field at the current median river Spot Elevations height elevation. This area would be Site Boundary a logical siting for some ecological program. Existing conditions are risky / expensive for development unless Chicopee River Chicopee River sigificant modifications are made to the topography.

60ft

Multi-Family Residential

Multi-family Residential Commercial

Uniroyal

The northwestern Contour Lines at 10ft corner of the site

30ft

demarkated as industrial, a few commercial buisnesses have filled in along the street.

Spot Elevation Spot Elevations

N Pervious/ Impervious Surfaces & Vegetation - Chicopee LENGTH AREA ALINE

LENGTH AREA ALINE

LENGTH AREA ALINE

LENGTH AREA ALINE

LENGTH AREA ALINE

LENGTH AREA ALINE

LENGTH AREA ALINE

Parking, Rail & Vacancies

Pervious/Impervious Surface & Vegetation The area surrounding Factory Village has an excessively large amount Site Boundary of surface parking lots, a legacy of 30ft 40ft when workers would commute to 20ft 50ft the factories on a daily basis. There Chicopee River is currently more parking than the amount necessary to serve the Flood Wall/ Berm area's current needs.

40ft Pervious/ Impervious Surfaces

Figure 6: Parking & vacant lots.

Facemate

Figure 8: Existing vegetation and impervious surfaces.

Site Inventory- Parking Lots/ Disused Rail Lines/ Empty Lots - Chicopee Massachutes Site Inventory- Parking Lots/ Disused Rail Lines/ Empty Lots - Chicopee Massachutes Site Boundary Facemate

Key Site Inventory- Parking Lots/ Disused Rail Lines/ Empty Lots - Chicopee Massachutes Site Boundary Chicopee River

Facemate

Chicopee River Flood Wall/River Berm Chicopee

Some of the lots could potentially be

Abandoned Rail Linesfor urban infill opportunities. utilized

These greyfields are already Parking Lots serviced with utilities and require no remediation prior to redevelopment.

These areas should be the first Empty Lots priority for infill parrallel to the redevelopment effort.

LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE

& Vegetation - Chicopee N

Key

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LENGTH AREA ALINE LENGTH AREA ALINE

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succession since maintenance of the buildings and grounds has ceased. River Today, much of the site is Chicopee characterized by meadow and shrubby grassland succession.

The northeastern part of the site is the exception to this trend, with a stand Pervious of 30 - 50 year old hardwood canopy forest. The larger trees within the forested area should be preserved Impervious throughout the redevelopment project.

The extremely high ratio of impervious Vegetation

surface causes on-site sewage Flood Wall / Berm Flood Wall/ Berm discharge into the Chicopee River during storm events because of a combined stormwater sewer system.

There is the opportunity to use the site Pervious Surface Pervious to ameliorate this problem, either in no market or market conditions. By Impervious Surface layering ecosystem services into the Impervious redevelopment scheme the site is adding value to both city and river.

Chicopee River Parking Lots Abandoned Rail Lines Parking Lots

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entire site is wrapped by a flood SiteThe Boundary

wall and berm that blocks most ground plain views of the river, even Chicopee River if all buildings were removed. As a result, new housing will need to be multistory in order to capitalize on the Flood Wall/ Berm views of the river.

20ft

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along East Main street is officially Powerline/ Utility

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Figure 7: Topography.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE (cont.)Massachutes (VHB/MassGIS) Existing Site Traffic Inventory Conditions - Chicopee

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Site Analysis

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Figure 9: Traffic conditions based VHB conducted a traffic study for on 2006 data. Data and analysis Site Boundary provided by VHB. the City of Chicopee. Some of

their results are shown in Figure 9. The intersection of Church Chicopee River Street, Broadway and East is both the highest traffic point and also a high crash zone. This intersection Flood Wall/ Berm needs to be redesigned during the redevelopment process.

High Crash Zone (2005-2007) Recommendations for this intersection are not included in this strategic plan.

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The Health program for the HEAL agenda covers both the healing of the site and environment from past industrial contamination and the lifestyle for future citizens of the site.

In Chapter 6, the details of a site remediation strategy are discussed. In Chapter 2, healthy activities that current citizens who would like the ability to engage in on site are identified.

These layers create a basis for the recommended site framework.

d an ion vat CSO r ele cy to l ing we Lo jacen nicipa pip fit ad d mu ter area ted ion an rmwa this iat sto kes nstruc ed ma a co rem for tland we a. are ion iat ed PCB asep ry rem for Bio rms iation prima ace be ed m blic sp rem ed fro pu rat ntact co

r led me sea for a of ate top cre of thefor to nt on on de site ing Fill ndati epen of the icant fou ind y tox ls. cap drolog illic ted soi hy droph na hy ntami co

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Ecology The site sits within the Chicopee River floodplain, a river that is both underserved in ecologically important wetland buffers and underserving in the provision of recreational opportunities for the City's population. There is an opportunity to change the ecology of the site, to intercept the CSO's polluting the river and create an amenity through nature reserves and a waterfront park that the citizens have indicated as a high priority. Details on the recommended water strategies for the redevelopment can found in Chapter 7.

ion iat ed ile rem ckp e yto sto -sit ph soil dry ed r& est nated pla gg cap Su ntami s (Po) ble co ation ion ea loc getat rm pe l ve im soi ed ted est s na gg mi Su ation ) nta loc sed co ons -ba ed ati ion nd est loc gg ile ediat wetla Su ckp sto ytorem ted ph nstruc (co

Secondary Roads Traffic Flow Rate (per day)

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Currently the site is closed to the public. As the City reactivates this neighborhood, this site can become a local catalyst.

Much of this activity is market dependant, considering demand for residential, commerical, restaurants and other constructed amenities. The framework is designed to both enable market based activities, options of which are shown in Chapter 8, and non-market dependent activities. These include picnic areas, walking and bicycling paths, canoe access, baseball fields, and flexible public open space. Actives where chosen based on the survey in Chapater 2 and the school visioning process in Chapter 4.

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Chicopee FallsReligious is currently well covered by public infrastructure, with seven bus stops within a Primary Roads Chicopee River Primary Roadsquarter mile of one another.

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At present there are a few notable, but relatively isolated social and Municipal cultural desitinations near the site, including the Bellamy House a few restaurants and bars. The Commercial majority of the desitnations in Chicopee Falls are municiple in Historical Site nature, including the Court , post office and city safety complex.

Increasing the population density Medical will create a demand to expand mixed-use development.

.25 Mile 0.15 MileRadius Radius from Bus Stops

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be a unique opportunitiy to create a walkable community within Chicopee - ideally with ready access to mass transit, recreation and work.

Figure 11: Layers of ‘Health, Ecology, Activity & Legacy’ analysis (top to bottom).

Many communities have looked to their history as a way of moving towards the future. In Chapter 5, a variety of precedent are discussed as options for the city of Chicopee. In Chapter 2, the citizens of Chicopee have shown the greatest interest in the preservation of the Facemate Tower, with 53% in favor. Other elements can be preserved or salvaged and reused, as both a way to maintain identity with the past, promote education, and also to market the new development. Depending on cost estimates and structual analysis, the Uniroyal and Facemate office buildings, Fisk smoke stack and other remnants can be refurbished in addition to the tower, thus extending the historic district ambiance of Church Street into a mixed-use neighborhood. Part of the strategy includes the creation of a historic walking loop, relics of the site installed as art pieces at the gateways to the site and salvage / reuse of materials in the new public spaces as recommended by the framework.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Parti Urban Design Framework

100’

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Proposed Circulation and Site Gateways

This site is a unique development opportunity in Chicopee. Close to the entrance of I-90, the site is surrounded by a buffer of forest that provides a rural character that contrasts its close proximity to downtown. In order to enable development of the site, utilities and roads need to be built, providing the necessary access and frontage necessary.

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Figure 13: Framework parti.

This Urban Design Framework addresses three key priniciples: 1. Frontage is maintained along the street, parking in the back or parrallel to the streets. This promotes a pedestrian friendly neighborhood and obscures parking lot viewsheds.

2. The streets are an extension of the warped grid in the adjacent Chicopee Fall Neighborhood. This promotes way-finding and a fine grained grid for a walkable neighborhood.

3. Integrating new development with green spaces while infilling within the Chicopee Falls' existing built fabric.

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LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Proposed Site Framework Seeding Development This framework is designed to be an enabling strategy for new development on site. The framework provides the armature for a variety of potential infill development projects, either anchor office tenents, single family townhouses, or even urban agriculture. Since the future is uncertain, maximizing the potential benefits of the site should be the highest priority irregardless of market conditions. In low market conditions, the focus can be education and ecology. In high market conditions this can be the development of a work-live-play neighborhood (Chapter 8 develops projections). Seeding roads and utilities can help provide the extra incentive to entice developers to overlook the site's brownfield stigma.

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LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Proposed Site Framework (Cont.)

Landscape Program

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Figure 16: Built program within redevelopment framework.

Program:

Program:

Program:

Program:

Program:

Program:

Program:

Reforestation & Upland Phytoremediation

PCB Rose Garden Phytoremediation

Amphitheater & Drive In, (Precedent: Leicester, MA)

Treatment Wetland

Anchor Commercial Tenant

Development

Miniplex Movie Theater

The treatment wetland can be used to both remediate heavy metal contaminated groundwater (Remediation Plan, chapter 6), and primary CSO overflows. For more information please see: (http:// www.rain-barrel.net/living-machine. html) (http://backspace.com/ notes/2003/07/the-living-machine. php)

A large office anchor tenant is a key part of ensuring that the framework is still relevant in a high-growth scenario. If the City of Chicopee begins to grow dramatically, or if a business decides to relocate headquarters to Chicopee, the south end of the site could be a great location for office units.

To attract an anchor tenant the City may have to go beyond the site liability waiver, infrastructure and park development. Tax increment financing is one of many available tools to promote this infill development.

For a comparison of economic development incentives, please refer to : http://uar.sagepub.com/ cgi/content/abstract/23/1/37

These areas are either currently ready for redevelopment or can be in the near future. These areas will be the core of the additional tax base and an extension of the Chicopee Falls Community.

The form of this infill is based on LEED ND standards of compacity, connectivity, and density (http:// www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage. aspx?CMSPageID=148). Product types include low density single family attached townhouses and high desity 8 story multifamily apartment or condo buildings.

In Chapter 8, these standards are projected into the future to show infill possibilities.

Based on the results of community participation, there is a high interest in a small movie theater to be located in or around downtown Chicopee. Many remember the Rivoli, and would like to see that amenity available to the community again. This site has a greyfield that is already large enough for a two screen miniplex with parking. This program could combine with the showing of films in Michelin Park. For this to happen, the City will need to commission a consultant to develop a market study that can be submitted to a variety of theater vendors. The steps for theater market analysis can be found at: http://www.uwex.edu/ ces/cced/downtowns/dma/12.cfm

One of the major opportunities on the site is reforestation. In areas that are not suitable for redevelopment, based on either flood protection or contamination, reforestation is a value add strategy for the City of Chicopee. In Massachusetts, the Reforestation Act of 1908 still sets the legal framework for sponsored reforestation efforts, including the subsidized provision of saplings for planting.

For reforestation information, please refer to: http://www.ebooksread.com/ authors-eng/massachusettsstate-forester/reforestation-inmassachusetts-hci/page-2reforestation-in-massachusetts-hci. shtml

Program: Flexible Recreation Space The space between the Facemate Tower and the Facemate Office building is prime for flexible active recreational lawn space.

This area is set aside to remediate the PCB contaminated soil with saphrotrophic fungi. The roses are used both to stabilize the soil and to discourage contact. For more information, please refer to the Remediation Plan in Chapter 6.

Program: Riverfront Trail The most popular activity on the survey was a riverfront trail. This trail should accomodate both pedestrians and cyclists, and connect to Chicopee Center.

Program: Baseball Field One of the programs that repeated came up during the survey was more play for children toparticipate in active recreation. The highest non-trail activity ranked on the survey for open space was baseball, with 22% voting for more fields.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Chicopee currently does not have a large public outdoor performance venue. The historic Fisk and more recent Uniroyal factory buildings can be salvaged to create seating and a back wall for a stage. This wall can double as a projection screen, and the parking lot cap on contaminated soils can double as a drive-in movie theater. Together, these programs can activate the site and show its history. A precedent for the Amphitheater is the Scott Arboretum, at Swarthmore College (http://www. scottarboretum.org/gardentour/ amphitheater/). In this case, the gravity walls are suggested to be made out of reclaimed materials from the demolition of existing buildings.

Program: Bioswale We suggest that the former Canal should be excavated to determine contamination status and also to construct a bioswale. This bioswale can feed into the wetland system connected to the river. This rain canal can become an amenity, with a pedestrian promenade along the trail and housing / mixed-use frontage on the trail. Please see Chapter 7.

Program:

Refurbishment of Buildings If the Uniroyal and Facemate Office buildings are determined to be structurally sound, Federal Rehab tax credits may be available to offset refurbishment costs (Chapter 5). http://www.preservationnation. org/issues/rehabilitation-tax-credits/

Program:

Grocery Store

A local grocery would facilitate the development of the residential neighborhoods. Chicopee Falls does not have a grocery within walking distance. For a study on grocery store location analysis, please see: http://www.okc.gov/ Planning/supermarket/supermarket_ study.pdf.

Industrial Remnant Civic Amenity (Senior Center and Museum) Fishing / Canoe Kayak Access

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Chapter 8:

Redevelopment Framework Table of Contents

Projections Executive Summary Figure 1: Proposed Framework and alternative 20 year projections.

Framework (3 years out)

No Market Projection This chapter explores three future projections for the redevelopment of the Uniroyal / Facemate properties. The framework is consistently used as the guide for the projections, extrapolated out to 2030. The first projection explores the possible uses of the site if there is never a market for development on the site. The second projection is based on a moderate market for new development. The third projection is based on a couple optimistic market assumptions including high residential property values and a strong business anchor tenant in the office complex.

The framework enables productive use of the land in both low market conditions and also to create a walkable, legible, dense development in a high growth market. This way the site and City is able to adapt to market conditions and contribute to the quality of life of the cities citizens and natural systems.

No market (20 years out)

65

The Green Machine Landscape Program Identity No Market Axon

Moderate Market Projection

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Community Ecology Landscape Program Identity Moderate Market Axon

High Market Projection

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Chicopee's Live/Work/Play Neighborhood Landscape Program Identity Moderate Market Axon

Square Footages per Projection Redevelopment Recommendations

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Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers Moderate market (20 years out)

High market (20 years out)

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

No Market Projection The Green Machine

Changing Ecology.

This projection assumes that there is no significant market for development in Chicopee over the next 20 years. In this project, there is only a minimum infill if a few existing properties. The primary use of the site is for ecosystem services and nursery, community garden, park, and municiple street tree staging areas.

Reforestation and nurseries are promoted on the vacant lots as a long term land banking strategy that would enable the City to still one day have the option to sell the properties. During this time, the vegetation matures, wetlands become established and diverse, and the long term site remeditation completely cleans the site through passive strategies and natural attenuation.

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Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

No Market Projection Landscape Program

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This diagram shows an abstraction of the site in 20 years. The site has become a functional part of Chicopee, and connects to visions drawn by the children from school participation project. Each market scenario enables a different final community. In no market, the site is connected to the community through park activities, recreation along the river, and the community working together in gardens.

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Program:

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Reforestation

Street Tree Staging Areas

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More area is set aside for reforestation, although some of the vacant lots are left as meadow.

Both lands are still held by the city as a land bank, the meadow areas will be ready for development first, the forested areas after the meadow areas have been developed.

With some of the prime sites on the rise adjacent to W. Main Street, the City of Chicopee can establish a municipal street tree staging area.

There the city can growth street trees as they systematically plant street trees on every street in the city, beautifying the city, providing habitat and abating the urban heat island effect.

Vacant sites that are shown to be clean of all contamination can be excellent places to initiate community gardens. Community gardens create a sense of ownership over otherwise vacant land that could have the potential to cause urban blight. Community gardens can also create community, promote exercise, and provide fresh produce for populations that may be otherwise unable to access fresh produce.

The large land area can be leased at a low rent to a commercial nursery to create a garden center in Chicopee Falls.

If more affordable housing becomes a need for the city, the meadow areas will be ready for infill.

Case Studies: Land Banking In Dallas, Texas, the city has initiated a Urban Land Bank Plan to acquire vacant lots for the purpose of providing affordable housing. (http://www.dallascityhall.com/pdf/ housing/UrbanLandBankPlan.pdf) Urban reforestation is a flexible strategy to alter the climate of a site and create a passive amenity, while preserving the land bank status.

Cleveland and other Ohio cities have already enacted this strategy in response to shrinking populations. (http://wildthecity.wordpress.com/)

Case Studies: Street Staging Areas In Syracuse, NY, the city Department of Parks has a city forestry division run by the city arborist. The city has made greening downtown a key part of their strategy to change the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image. Trees are temporarily stored in vacant sites before planting. In Syracuse, mulch is piled over the root ball, but a long term installation could support the pot in pot propagation method.

For more information, please visit: (http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/ forestry.html) (http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/hcs/ TMI/HCS401.02.98/ColNur.html)

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Creation of Wildlife Habitat

Case Studies:

Vacant Lot Community Gardens

Nearby in Holyoke, Massachusetts, a group of Puerto Rican immigrants established a community garden in a vacant lot that grew into a community support organization that supports small businesses, family social services, and Puerto Rican culture.

For more information, please visit: (http://www.nuestras-raices.org/en/ centro-agricola) (245 High Street, Hoyoke, MA 01040; (413) 535-1789)

A Community that Gardens Together

An Ecologically Responsible Community

Figure 4: Low development market identity.

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

No Market Axon

Figure 5: Low development market axon.

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Moderate Market Projection Community Ecology

Changing Ecology. Changing Community.

This projection assumes that there is moderate market for development in Chicopee over the next 20 years.

In this project, the sites that required minimum to no remedation efforts have filled in with development.

This projection shows a balance between the natural areas and neighborhood development. Two significant commerical progams have been brought on the site that have becom anchors for the rest of the mixed use infill, the miniplex movie theater and grocery as described in Chapter 7. The character of the neighborhood is walkable, but relatively low density, with a FAR of 1.2 in the residentail areas. The green spaces have become both a City wide amenities and local parks.

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Figure 6: Site redevelopment framework (moderate market-dependent construction shown).

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LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Moderate Market Projection Landscape Program

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This diagram shows an abstraction of the site in 20 years. The site has become a functional part of Chicopee, and connects to visions drawn by the children from school participation project. Each market scenario enables a different final community. In moderate market, the site has become part of the neighborhood, with residential development integrated with park space and some mixed use infill, as well as two anchor commercial developments.

Identity

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Live, Learn and Play

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Figure 7: Changed Program in 20 years with moderate development market.

Program:

Program:

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Movie Theater Anchor

Canal Neighborhood

Grocery

Knitting Mill Lane

This prime river view property is organized as two-three story single family attached townhouses. With a small lot size (15 by 50 feet) these townhouses will have high capacity to improve heating efficiency, be dense enough to feel urban, yet still be a family oriented development.

These homes back onto the Rain Canal, that can be a value added amenity.

A neighborhood grocery would create a strong anchor for the residential neighborhood. The site is over two miles from the closest general grocery, and 1.5 miles from the closest specialty grocery. Having a boutique grocery in the neighborhood would make Chicopee Falls the first truly walkable neighborhoods in Chicopee, as well as reinforce Factory village as the neighborhood center.

The northern branch of the neighborhood is buffered from the flood wall and the high traffic intersection by a stand of successional forest that is maintained during the redevelopment process. This neighborhood is identified by a higher percentage of rental units in buildings 3 - 5 stories, enabling views over the flood wall. This part of the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s framework is more suburban in layout, with urban densities with townhouses mixed in with the apartment units.

This neighborhood is a the head of the river trail, and is bordered to the west with the historic remnants of the factory. The buildings, sidewalks , benches and cross walks incorporate architectural salvage from the demolition of the factories to provide a unique architectural identity. Some companies specialize in creating this identity with new building products reusing old materials: http://luffem. com/?page=why%20are%20we%20 different

In the Framework chapter the H.E.A.L team recommended the city to commission a market study for a small movie theater.

Such an amenity could become a commercial anchor for the redevelopment project through bringing in large groups for entertainment that will likely engage in shopping / dining on the shoulders of the trip. The Church - Grove - Front Street commercial district will be better supported by this amenity, as will mixed use development on Oak and E. Main, both of which will be low enough traffic volumes to effectively support

Case Studies: Miniplex as Anchor

In Lynbrook, NY, the village decided to confront downtown vacancies with a redevelopment plan. There were two primary achors, a hotel and a movie theater. The theater was shown to be the most active part of downtown, and better connecting the theater to the village center is the primary strategy in their revitalization plan. (http://www.rpa.org/pdf/ Lynbrook_Revitalization_Plan_web. pdf)

Case Studies: Hammarby St In Stockholm, Sweden, Tengbom Associates used stormwater features to create aesthetic water features that become iconic as well as ecologically functional. Today the stormwater system draws tourists from around the world. Their largest move, the rain canal, is a viable option for Chicopee.

For more information, please visit: (http://www.hammarbysjostad.se/ inenglish/pdf/HS_miljo_bok_eng_ ny.pdf)

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Case Studies:

Groceries as Agents of Economic Development

At Cornellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community & Regional Development Institute, researchers compile and test strategies for effective main streets initiatives.

One of the strongest are grocery stores as anchors. Small groceries may have difficulty competing with the prices of mega-grocers, such as Big Ys, but there are a variety of strategies to make them viable at: http://www.cdtoolbox. net/mainstreet_downtown_ revitalization/000214.html

Post Industrial Parks Walkable Neighborhood

Figure 8: Moderate development market identity.

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Moderate Market Axon

Figure 9: Moderate development market axon.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

High Market Projection Chicopee's Live/Work/Play Neighborhood This projection assumes a high demand for housing and shopping in Chicopee. This projection assumes a large buisness anchor tenant decides to build in Chicopee. In this prjection, the southern portion of the site is developed into an office park to support the large buisness. This development would likely be enabled by TIF or other subsiddies to enable the completion of remediation strategies. The new industry, be it more traditional buisness, or new green technology, nanotachnology, or other employment source would enable a higher residential density to to convience and proximity, in additional to all the amenities already provided on site.

In addition, in this projection, the market is favorable enough to call for the redevelopment of the affordible housing megablock on E. Main, net losing no affordible units with a 10% affordible house provision mandated in all new construction. The public saftely complex has also been relocated, due to their need for more space and the poetial tax base from the underused property.

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Figure 10: Site redevelopment framework (high market-dependent construction shown).

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LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

71.

H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Proposed Site Framework (Con.) Landscape Program

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This diagram shows an abstraction of the site in 20 years. The site has become a driver for Chicopee, and connects to visions drawn by the children from school participation project. Each market scenario enables a different final community. In high market, the site is a focus within downtown, with both a high residential population and high employment base.

Identity

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Figure 11: Changed Program in 20 years with high development market.

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Anchor Office Complex

Factory Village

Church Street Infill

In an ideal market, Chicopee would attract a few key businesses to establish in the downtown area.

In Western Mass urban infill by large companies is fairly unlikely, but nearby in Springfield is a burgeoning Fortune 500 company know as Baystate Health, the largest employer in the region. Baystate Health currently has 4 hospitals and over 25 labs. Chicopee could advertise for Baystate Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment with trade offs in either TIFs or land donation. The benefit for the neighborhood would not only be jobs and investment, but also more eyes on the street.

This property will be ripe for redevelopment after build out within the Uniroyal / Facemate properties and the greyfields have already been infilled. The public housing can be mixed into the new development as 10% of the units, a well documented preferable strategy for low income housing provision than concentration, and one that enables the developer to acquire a low-income housing tax credit.

If the public safety complex could find an alternate site to their current church street address, the redevelopment of this block into a part of the neighborhood would be a great linkage from the Factory Village part of the neighborhood to the rest of Chicopee Falls. Part of the linkage would require a gradient of housing typologies, responding to the character and density of the historic district along Church Street.

New Gateway to the City

For more information on current low income housing strategies, please reference: http://content. knowledgeplex.org/kp2/img/cache/ documents/2336.pdf

Walkable, Dense Neighborhood

Figure 12: Moderate development high market identity.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

High Market Axon

Figure 13: High development market axon.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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H.E.A.L. CHICOPEE

Health, Ecology, Activity, Legacy

Square Footages per Projection Moderate Market Projection Building Typology: Stories: Total Area (sq. ft.): Unit Size: 1200 sq. ft.

Total Units:

Townhouse Townhouse Multi-Family Multi-Family Multi-Family Multi-Family Grocery MimiPlex Mixed Use Mixed Use Office Office Commercial Senior Center 2 3 3 4 5 8 1 1 2 4 5 8 2 1 21554.65 111689.66 23450.07 82650.33 41128.94 48035.64 24565.76 40759.04 28225.32 21867.67 54721.41 58293.17 9401.80 5609.1675 18

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Townhouse Multi-Family Mixed Use Office 111 163 42 Total New Population 631

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High Market Projection Building Typology: Stories: Total Area (sq. ft.): Unit Size: 1200 sq. ft.

Total Units:

Townhouse Townhouse Multi-Family Multi-Family Multi-Family Multi-Family Grocery MimiPlex Mixed Use Mixed Use Office Office Commercial Senior Center Modern Vic. Res. Modern Vic. Res. 2 3 3 4 5 8 1 1 2 4 5 8 2 1 2 3 89912.38 156381.22 58035.79 170004.25 121947.08 317632.31 24565.76 40759.04 98505.90 65644.80 97057.94 249649.35 14573.29 7911.74 11218.34 10101.20 75

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Townhouse Multi-Family Mixed Use Office 205 556 137 Total New Population 1832

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Redevelopment Recommendations Summary of Conclusions for Designers and Policy Makers 1. The framework for the new neighborhood will guide the future character of the neighborhood. Focusing on an enabling framework that reconnects to the grid, provides walkable streets, and connects pedestrians to commercial and park areas will serve the city better in the long term than catering toward the first possible infill opportunity.

2. The Chicopee River is already a recognized and used asset for the City, and can be maximized for this neighborhood. Maintaining a strong nature reserve restoration park and formal waterfront park space, combined with the pedestrian trail to Chicopee Center, will significant improve property values once the brownfield status is removed.

3. Promoting high density infill with little to no setbacks will create human scale blocks that are currently not a typology found anywhere but Chicopee Center in Chicopee.

4. Conducting market studies and soliciting developers will be necessary for the city to attract the types of businesses that will enable the formation of a new district.

5. Chicopee is a town that will still be primarily dependent on it’s native population to define it’s future. How Chicopee encourages it’s children to say and settle and invest in their community starts with listening to what they want the city to be in the future. In these projections we have tied children’s drawings for the future to potential futures for Chicopee Falls. Identity is as much about the place as the conversation.

LA702 CAPSTONE CLINIC, CORNELL UNIVERSITY

C. Gruber; C. Hardy; C. Horton; D. Keane; L. Pouliot;

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