23D-107 (32) CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
OFFICE OF BUILDING INSPECTION
3 July 1986
John B. Howard, Esquire
39 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: Pioneer Valley Nursing Home
548 Elm Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Howard:
You have asked for my opinion as to whether the Pioneer Valley
Nursing Home structure is in compliance with the Northampton
Zoning Ordinance. I am informed that the structure is located
on property owned by New Pioneer Valley, Inc. in the URB
District and shown as Parcel 107 on Sheet 23D of the Northampton
Assessor ' s Maps .
I have examined the plan entitled "Record Plan of Land in
Northampton, Massachusetts Surveyed for New Pioneer Valley,
Inc. " , prepared by Almer Huntley, Jr. & Associates, Inc. and
dated 26 June 1986 . I have also reviewed the zoning and
building inspection file in this office on the subject property.
I find that the use of the property as a nursing home was
allowed by a permit granted on 29 May 1973 by the Northampton
Zoning Board of Appeals pursuant to Section 11 , (i ) 5 and 12
of Northampton City Ordinance Chapter 44 , the then-current
zoning ordinance. In my opinion the structure was erected in
accordance with the permit and with the plans and specifications
submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals and to this office at
that time.
Since its placement and erection predates the current provisions
of the Northampton Zoning Ordinance governing such matters as
setbacks , building coverage and open space, the nursing home
building is classified a pre-existing nonconforming structure,
is not subject to such provisions of the Ordinance and therefore
is not in violation of the same.
I am aware of no actions pending or contemplated by the City of
Northampton against New Pioneer Valley, Inc. on account of
zoning matters pertaining to the nursing home structure.
Very truly yours ,
e9v'
Edward J. Tewhill
Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer