The city of Northampton has received a $297,330 Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant to permanently protect 72 acres of forested land in the southern Mineral Hills, located around 15 minutes from the city’s downtown.
“Northampton is thrilled to be one of only five LAND grant recipients statewide,” Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said in a statement announcing the grant. “We rely on this kind of support to expand, protect and maintain our conservation lands, and I am proud Northampton continues to earn the confidence of state conservation experts.”
The acquisition aims to protect headwater streams and wetlands that are important water sources for the Hannum Brook and the Manhan River streams. The project builds upon previous work to protect wildlife corridors and habitats citywide while also working to create outdoor recreational spaces for residents.
The city collaborated with the Crescione family, who have been stewards of the land, to obtain the grant that provides the public protection. The parcel also connects to an adjacent 300 acres of the city’s Mineral Hills Greenway area. The Greenway’s existing trail network will be integrated with the surrounding area.
The city’s Office of Planning and Sustainability will complete the acquisition, with a closing anticipated in early 2026. The land will be owned and managed by the Northampton Conservation Commission.
Vacant Storefront Program funding
Up to $50,000 in refundable state tax credits through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MVSP) have been awarded to Northampton. The funds are designed to attract and support new businesses moving into storefronts that have been vacant for six months or longer.
Northampton has been approved for the program in previous years, but recent statewide changes to the program for fiscal 2026 have simplified participation. The required vacancy period has been reduced from 12 months to six, and the city now has flexibility on individual award amounts and any local match to fit specific project needs.
Past recipients, such as Many Graces Farm & Design and Toasted Restaurant, received $20,000 in combined credits, which helped them open and expand. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact the mayor’s office to discuss eligibility.
“Northampton is proud to continue this proven tool to encourage new investment in downtown Northampton,” Sciarra said in a statement. “The updated program gives the city the discretion to set the award amount for each business, lower the cost of opening and strengthen downtown for the long term.”
Businesses interested in participating should review program details and contact the mayor’s office to discuss eligibility, timing and required documents. Full information is available on the MVSP page on the city’s website or by contacting the mayor’s office.
$10K to help with Academy of Music repairs
The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) awarded Northampton with a $10,000 grant to support needed repairs at the Academy of Music.
The theater’s building structure is in need of roof and gutter repairs as a result of water intrusion and mold issues caused by failing gutters. A repair to the gutter system would therefore fix water entry issues and prevent future mold and interior damage.
The grant was one of 150 issued this year by the MIIA, totaling $1 million. Other grants went to municipalities for HVAC evaluations, to purchase safety equipment, and to conduct boiler and water loss prevention measures.
“This grant is about real-world impact — helping municipalities reduce claims, safeguard municipal assets and protect workers,” MIIA Executive Vice President Stan Corcoran said in a statement. “Helping our members build safer communities is central to MIIA’s mission.”
MIIA is a membership service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, focusing on providing cities and towns in the state with insurance coverage alternatives and risk management programs.