HOOSIC RIVER REVIVAL UPDATE for North Adams City Council

October, 2012

PRESENTERS
Mark Arigoni, Landscape Architect with Milone & MacBroom Cindy Delpapa, River Ecologist- MA Division of Ecological Restoration Judy Grinnell, President of the Hoosic River Revival Jim MacBroom, Senior V-Pres./ Fluvial Engineer - Milone & MacBroom

POINTS OF DISCUSSION Hoosic River and River Restorations in other cities

Community Outreach 2009 2011 Consultants Proposed Design Options Next steps for the River Revival

Hoosic River Revival Working to make the Hoosic

River the gem in downtown North Adams"

New York

Vermo nt

Hoosic River Watershe d

Mass

Flood Chutes

The Hoosic River during Tropical Storm Irene

In fair weather, prepare for foul.

The concrete flood chutes are more thanThomas Fuller 60 years old; signs of deterioration are apparent. If predictions for more frequent and extreme weather events are realized, the concrete chutes will experience increasedwear and tear. The decades-old agreement with the U.S. Corps has no reference to the life-span of the chutes.

Shouldnt we begin to prepare for foul weather?

Water Fire Celebration in Providence, Riverfront Park- Fitchburg, LosR.I. Angles River MA Restoration

Greenville, S.C.

River Walk- San Antonio, TX

THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION in 2010 Summary Statement

North Adams should have a clean, accessible, flood-controlled Hoosic River that is aesthetically pleasing, so that our City becomes a destination point, thereby enhancing its recreational, cultural, and economic vitality for residents and visitors.

Recommendations
* Modify the flood structures to be more attractive, maintain protection, improve river ecology, and allow access * Reconnect the South Branch to wetlands and floodplain, creating fish friendly habitat Build appropriate settings for community events or informal gatherings along the river corridor * Provide outdoor art, historical references, and educational opportunities * Link Noel Field, M.C.L.A., Historic Park, Main Street, Mass MoCA, Windsor and Eclipse Mills, and Natural Bridge State Park via river

www.hoosicriverrevival.org

A busy two years for the Revival.

Tour of the Hoosic River Flood Chutes A Film By Drury High School TV Media

An Options Assessment Meeting

River views

Public Art

Parkin g

al ric sto Hi rs ke ar M

Trails

Redevelopment

AN OPTIONS ASSESSMENT

SOME RIVER RESTORATION IDEAS AND OPTIONS

developed by

Milone & MacBroom, Inc.

an engineering/landscaping/planning firm

in consultation with The Hoosic River Revival Options Assessment Committee

Diversion of South Branch

SB 3-4

NB 5

NB 1-2-3

Hoosic River Revival Hoosic River Flow Technical Report Options Assessment Flood Protection Design Criteria Highlights Adopted
Conceptual Drawings for several river

sections
Descriptions of all river restoration

options
Benefits and Challenges Data for each

choice

A revitalized Hoosic can be Never doubt that a small group the key to a vibrant of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing downtown North Adams. that ever has.
Margaret Mead

Thank you for this opportunity

River Lights 2008

Photo by Roman Iwasiwka

Visit us on the web: www.hoosicriverrevival.org Email HRR Hoosicriverrevival@gmail.c om Call HRR: 413.212.2996

Get involved in the Hoosic River Revival *Be a Board Member *Join the
Advisory Board *Come to public events *Help with

Thank You
for your interest in the revitalization of the Hoosic River in North Adams

Hoosic River Revival Options Assessment Committee

Mayor Richard Alcombright Lisa Bassi * Blair Benjamin * Ralph Brill * David Carver Cindy Delpapa * Co-Chairman John DeRosa Anne French * Mackenzie Greer * Judy Grinnell * Co-Chairman Howard Itzkowitz * Paul Marino Brian Miksic Diane Parsons * Gary Polumbo * Jim Stakenas Lauren Stevens *