Greenfield Reconnaissance Report - MA Heritage Landscapes ...

and financing needs of the multiple properties in this area for their recreation and natural values;and 3) Consider adopting an Agricultural Protection Overlay District that would encompassfarmland within the Upper and Lower Meadows area.This report provides a starting point for preservation strategies but the Heritage Landscapesidentified, especially the Priority Heritage Landscapes, may need additional research anddocumentation including the preparation of additional MHC inventory forms and survey work.The information provided and further research will allow for better consensus building and thesupport of the broader community in order to successfully implement the recommendations forthese landscapes. Ultimately, implementation of the recommendations will likely require acollaboration of local boards and commissions, regional and state agencies and non-profitentities.There are organizations, municipal staff and volunteer residents that are already moving forwardwith a variety of initiatives and projects that advance the celebration and preservation of itsHeritage Landscapes. Greenfield completed a Master Plan in 2001, a Downtown Master Plan in2002, a Community Development Plan in 2004, and an Open Space and Recreation Plan in 2006to guide local planning efforts. Greenfield has a strong advocate for preservation in its HistoricalCommission which has accomplished important projects in the recent past.Distribution of this Reconnaissance Report to various municipal boards and commissionsinvolved in making land use decisions will assist Greenfield with an overall strategy for thepreservation of its community’s character. The breadth of action steps outlined in this documentwill require a cooperative effort and a variety of local groups to take the lead on implementation.Some recommendations for heritage landscape preservation within this report are customized forparticular Priority Heritage Landscapes and others address communitywide planning andpreservation techniques that will strengthen the efforts that the Town has already taken. Thisreport should be used in conjunction with Terra Firma #7 - Taking Action: A Toolkit forProtecting Community Character (2009), which provides more detail about specific toolsavailable.Dissemination of the community’s Heritage Landscape resources to the general public is also animportant tool for increasing awareness and support for protection of these landscapes. Thisreport provides an important step for Greenfield’s preservation planning program and canprovide the foundation for future historic preservation, conservation and recreation planningactivities. The commitment of the citizens of Greenfield to their heritage is apparent in effortstowards downtown revitalization and preservation, the many well-preserved historic homes intown, and the agricultural landscape of the Meadows that combine to form the diversecommunity character of Greenfield.Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program 38Greenfield Reconnaissance Report