Chester Resident Climate Readiness Priority Survey

Address concerns regarding the flooding of the three downtown bridges by developing redesigns that consider the stability of the bridge in addition to the preservation and/or enhancement of the local riverine habitat. The redesigns should address best management practices for infrastructure maintenance and maintenance of the stream beds around the bridges. Submit a written request to the MA Department of Ecological Restoration (DER) for technical assistance in making river crossings more efficient for vehicular traffic and water passage, etc., and to determine the causes of sediment build-up and blockage. Additionally, consult with the MA Department of Transportation (MDOT) to ensure that Town can take advantage of all relevant programming and grant opportunities for roadway infrastructure improvements.

Improve and ensure evacuation readiness by: determining whether plans exist for evacuating via MA Route 20 when the bridges are impassible; conducting a feasibility study for improving Cooper Road enough that it can be passable by All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)/Emergency Response vehicles for transportation during emergencies; and reviewing and assessing evacuation plans for all residents, and include a public engagement component.

Address undersized and/or blocked culverts and road-stream crossings and ensure passability during emergencies. Institutionalize surveillance of culverts and associated waterways to locate and remove debris and downed trees, etc., to allow water to move more freely though the system and prevent roadway washout and damage associated with blocked culverts. Work with DER to learn more about the culvert replacement grant and the components of a competitive application. Ensure that when replacing culverts, to Town uses design standards to allow for wildlife passage and improved flow passage, which would lead to less flooding. Around those road-stream crossings and culverts known to be prone to disrepair, flooding, and/or washouts (e.g., Abbot Brook Culvert, Abbot Hill Road, Taft Hill Road, Middlefield Road), the Town should assess existing trails and determine the feasibility of using and/or creating new trails for passage by ATV, horseback, by foot, etc. for alternative evacuation. Determine the Town’s emergency response capacity with ATVs, and consider acquiring some if there are none currently.

Conduct a multi-town watershed-wide assessment of flood storage capacity to reduce flood damage (to roads, buildings, and property) along the west branch of the Westfield River.

Work with the MA Department of Ecological Restoration (DER) and other agencies to inventory potential invasive plant species in Town. Initiate a local volunteer program, including students to implement potential control measures.

Conduct a regulatory review of all bylaws and regulations regulating development in Town to ensure protection of natural resource and ecosystem services, and develop recommendations to curb any undesirable impacts of development such as from residential, commercial, and infrastructural (cell towers, windmills, solar arrays, etc.) development, on open space and natural resources. Ensure than any new developments or redevelopments are able to withstand impacts of severe weather and increase precipitation and flooding.

Renovate and preserve the old Chester Elementary School as a community building with shared use agreements for education, meetings, gatherings, and town offices, etc.

Build the local economy and protect natural resources simultaneously by investing in environmental education for both grade school students and at the community at large. Work with the high school administration to explore potential for collaboration with nearby school districts and developing a more robust cultural and environmental curriculum that capitalizes on Chester's / the Gateway Region’s natural assets to retain and attract students. Develop the school district as an attractive alternative educational experience, such as including exchange student programming and outward-bound/ expeditionary learning curriculum for experiential learning. Engage with local and regional schools to ensure local environmental education around west branch of Westfield River and other wildlife areas. Celebrate unique geology and take advantage of unique conditions in town.

Ensure the town website is updated and that all departments and committees keep it updated with relevant news and information. Ensure residents know about and sign up for Code Red alerts. Outreach can including hosting a booth at Chester on Track (annual event) to ensure information about Code Red, elected officials, and events/initiatives is dispersed; using the Watts News in the Hilltowns newsletter that is included in energy bills to share information; and working the fifth grade classes to demonstrate how students can access information about their town.

Chester Resident Climate Readiness Priority Survey

Welcome to the Town of Chester's Climate Readiness Priority Survey!

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* 1. Please select your top 3 priorities to help the Town of Chester adapt to the changing climate and alleviate the vulnerabilities identified in the draft Summary of Findings report.

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* 2. Do you have any comments, feedback, or concerns about the material included in the draft Summary of Findings report?

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* 3. Is there anything else related to climate change or the MVP Planning Grant you would like to us know?