Northampton Meadows Agricultural Association

July 28, 2011 Mr. Owen Freeman-Daniels 53A Woodmont Road Northampton MA 01060

Dear Mr. Freeman-Daniels, The Northampton Meadows Agricultural Association (NMAA) is providing this letter in response to your comments on the July 20, 2011 Bill Newman Show as posted on your campaign webpage. Although we respect your interest in the meadows, your statements are in direct contrast to the vision of the NMAA whose members own the large majority of the meadows. Your short sighted vision of recreation does not seem to consider the long term sustainability of this valuable agricultural resource. In your statements, you failed to mention that the meadows are primarily a place of agricultural business. Several times in your statements you also mention respectful users, however, you failed to mention that many people are disrespectful in the form of vandalism, theft, destruction of crops, allowing dogs to defecate in crops and interference with farming activities. Furthermore, you stated that you were part of the Ward 3 Associations efforts to establish a Meadows Watch . . . Neither the NMAA Board of Directors or the meadows landowners I have spoken with are aware of such an effort. Although public conservation land is designated in this section of the city, it is very limited and trespassing on private property is not an option for access to these areas. The NMAA, in conjunction with local law enforcement authorities, has made significant progress to curb trespassing and other the illegal activities in the meadows. We are fearful that your vision will undermine the progress and efforts to maintain the meadows as a valuable agricultural resource for generations to come. Based on this interview, we are concerned that you do not understand the importance of agriculture to the City of Northampton and do not understand the best interests of the meadows landowners. Please consider that although elected positions are temporary, the decisions made can have adverse impacts for years to come. Best Regards, /s/ Matthew Nowak Matthew Nowak, President Northampton Meadows Agricultural Association cc: Northampton Meadows Agricultural Association