32-008 180 Fair Street extension
March 21, 2011
Angela Plassmann
180 Fair Street Extension
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Angela:
We received a couple of calls that we need to follow up on.
According to the calls, a structure for human occupancy was brought onto your property without the
required wetlands permits and zoning special permits. From the Commonwealth’s air photos of the site
(see attached), it does appear that there was no structure or trailer on the northeastern corner of your
property in April 2005 and there was by 2008.
We haven’t been to the site since I wanted to give you a chance to provide background or work with us
to address the issues before we take any action.
If you could clarify what we see on the air photos within a week, I would appreciate it. If this structure is
grandfathered, I would love to be able to close the file. Otherwise, we would you be happy to assist you
as you go through the permit process.
Thanks very much for your help.
Sincerely,
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning and Development
TO: Louis Hasbrouck, Building Commissioner
FROM: Wayne Feiden, FAICP
RE: Jon and Angela Plassmann, 180 Fair Street Extension (32-008)
DATE: April 4, 2011
I am writing asking you to investigate possible violations of the state building code and the Northampton
Zoning for the above referenced property. These issues have been brought to my attention and I have
a responsibility to pass this on to the parties responsible for enforcement.
MassGIS orthophotos show no structure or trailer on the northeastern corner of the property in April
2005. MassGIS orthophotos show some type of trailer and a small structure attached to the trailer in
2008.
From the road, it appears that there is small to medium size trailer which has been used for human
occupancy with wood and other improvements that appear to be more than a simple travel trailer
parked there.
I don’t see any records of permits for these uses, although our records may be incomplete and there
may have been permits issued. If permits have not been issued, the questions are:
1.Has worked taken place in the floodplain which requires a building permit or appropriate
permits under the Northampton Zoning?
2.Has someone been living in a trailer in the floodplain without proper approvals?
I am sending a similar request to the Conservation Commission.
Thank you for your assistance.
Wayne Feiden
To:'pmelnik@verizon.net'
Cc:Elaine Reall; Louis Hasbrouck; Sarah LaValley
Subject:180 Fair Street Extension
Likewise, with everything removed we are closing our Conservation Commission file as well.
Thanks for your help.
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning and Development
City of Northampton
210 Main Street, Room 11
Northampton, MA 01060
http://www.northamptonma.gov/opd
413.587.1265
directions (Google map)
From: Louis Hasbrouck
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 2:26 PM
To: 'pmelnik@verizon.net'
Cc: Elaine Reall; Wayne Feiden
Subject: 180 Fair Street Extension
Attorney Melnik,
I have closed the complaint concerning 180 Fair Street Extension. Here is a copy of the letter I’ve sent.
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
Town of Williamsburg
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 587-1240
1