The impetus for this building size limitation proposal is based on the desire to take

positive, decisive action aimed at sustaining and preserving Easthamptons character,

local economy, and traditional and emerging community values as expressed in the City
of Easthampton Master Plan. The Master Plan is based on input from a survey developed
and conducted by the Master Plan Committee in 2006 - 2007 in which over 3,300
Easthampton residents participated.
Excerpts from the City of Easthampton Master Plan:
This plan is a true vision, developed by the public, of how Easthampton can evolve and grow
by the year 2027. It was understood from the beginning of this planning process that the
Master Plan Committee was more than just an advisory committee.
This master plan is a balanced plan that ensures that Easthampton will grow as diversely,
accessibly, and sustainability as possible. It is now the responsibility of the city officials, boards,
and citizen volunteers to take this plan and turn it into action.
There were a generous amount of comments that addressed a desire to keep big box stores
out of town, protect the local retailers and not over develop the commercial and retail base.
There were also several comments about the pros and cons of the proposed Stop and Shop
development.
The Master Plan Survey results indicate that most residents do not favor having big box stores
(especially those which compete with locally owned businesses), major retail shopping centers,
or new industrial parks. However, the city needs to determine where Easthampton residents
will go, or what the residents will create within the City (i.e., local coop), for the purchase of
basic retail items.
Ensure that the City has adequate commercial and industrial space; emphasize small business
needs; achieve a balance between regulation and entrepreneurial efforts; continue to invest in
mill building improvements; discourage big box stores which may negatively impact downtown
businesses; grant tax incentives for building improvements.
Adopt strategies to encourage and support small businesses, nurture their growth, and retain
them as they mature.
Goal #6: Promote retail and industrial opportunities that do not compete with or adversely
impact community character.
Strategy #2: Require development to be compatible in scale with surrounding development.
Encourage more economic development in the form of boutiques, small retailers and
restaurants so that residents dont have to go to Northampton for entertainment.
The plan has a strong undercurrent of sustainability as a core issue. Sustainability is addressed
in chapters that traditionally do not consider sustainability an important component, such as
housing, economic development and transportation.

(Continued)

 Sustainable systems look for ways to be self sufficient, which would include growing more
food locally, generating energy locally, creating more local jobs, keeping local businesses alive
by purchasing locally made (or grown) items.
There was a good deal of focus on local resources, especially in terms of the citys economic
growth. Ideas included supporting local businesses and including artisans, retaining the local
neighborhood schools, promoting local food production, creating a municipality owned utility,
and using local materials when possible. Economic diversity has in large part helped
Easthampton recover from the collapse of a mill monoculture, where small and microbusinesses now comprise an ever growing economic base.
It is very clear that the people of Easthampton are eager to plan ahead for a livable and
sustainable future.
Achieve a regulatory balance. Avoid the presence of over-restrictive regulations which could
discourage business growth while adopting and implementing regulations which mitigate
against traffic congestion and negative environmental impacts, promote an aesthetically
pleasing built environment, and protect businesses and residents.
One of the main challenges for this plan was to determine the highest and best use for the
limited remaining vacant land in the city. Most of Easthampton is currently built out, and there
is very little raw land remaining for housing and economic development.
Easthampton does not impose weight restrictions on streets or access roads, nor does the city
require firms to provide traffic mitigation beyond the streets adjacent to a firms site.
Easthampton lacks available development sites within two miles of a major highway. For a
potential new commercial or industrial business locating here, this raises a concern about
limited access to potential customers, employees and markets.

The Survey
In December 2006, a survey developed by the Master Plan Committee was sent to all
households in Easthampton with the city census. As of April 2007, a total of over 3300 surveys
were completed and returned back to the Master Plan Committee, for an outstanding 44%
return rate.