sawyer letCarolyn Misch <cmisch@northamptonma.gov>
Responding to St John Cantius demolition request
Annita Sawyer <annitas@sbcglobal.net>Tue, Aug 3, 2021 at 4:22 PM
To: cmisch@northamptonma.gov
Dear Carolyn,
I won’t be able to attend tonight’s meeting in person, but I”m hoping to add my voice to those who strongly oppose the demolition of the
St. John Cantius building. I understand that the committee members have not been inside the building, that there has not been a
second opinion regarding the actual condition and consequent costs to repurpose the building.
My concern as a citizen of Northampton and a resident of the neighborhood that includes the church is that this is a unique and
essential part of our town’s history. It is a striking piece of architecture that gives the area depth of character in a way no other building
does. It carries the social and cultural history of Polish farmers families. It orients me when I’m walking to town or on the dike. It adds a
unique flavor to this part of Northampton which would become faceless and bland without it. We already have new luxury condos built
or planned on every street — Hawley, Bridge Street and Pomeroy, soon on Williams Street.
These condos, and the ones planned to replace the church building, could be anywhere in any city--we could order them from
Amazon online. It just takes money.
What does Northampton stand for?
Sincerely,
Annita
Annita P Sawyer, PhD
127 Williams St.Northampton, MA 01060
413-570-7025
annitas@sbcglobal.net
We’ve got to be as clear headed about human beings as possible, because we’re still each other’s only hope. James Baldwin