21.323 An Order to Acquire, Surplus and Dispose of a Certain Property Located at 33 King Street - POST1st_rdgCity of Northampton
MASSACHUSETTS
_________
In City Council, September 22, 2021
Upon the recommendation of Mayor David J. Narkewicz and Office of Planning & Sustainability
21.323 An Order to Acquire, Surplus, and Dispose of a Certain Property Located at 33 King Street
WHEREAS, Whereas Chapter 345 of the Acts of 2020 authorizes the Massachusetts Department
of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to transfer 33 King Street, the
former Probate and Family Court, to the City of Northampton, with a formula for
splitting the proceeds of the ultimate sale of the land between the City and the
Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the land to be transferred is shown Lots 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 on a plan entitled “Plan of
Land in Northampton, Mass. Prepared for the Hampshire County Commissioners,
dated January 31, 1972, and recorded in the Hampshire Registry of Deeds in Plan
Book 83, Page 95.
WHEREAS, Consistent with the City’s Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan, this
property provides a critical redevelopment opportunity for downtown Northampton,
with a reuse that can advance downtown vibrancy;
WHEREAS, Redevelopment of this property in the core of the Central Business District has the
potential to advance economic development, downtown vibrancy, housing,
affordable housing, and other important city interests;
WHEREAS, The City will engage community members, community development stakeholders
and economic development stakeholders to help set priorities prior to issuing a
Request for Proposals.
Ordered, that
The Mayor is authorized to accept a deed or other instrument of conveyance for the property
located at 33 King Street in accordance with and subject to the provisions of St. 2020, c. 345; and
Further that City Council declares the property located at 33 King Street surplus to City needs; and
Further, after obtaining City Council approval of the Request for Proposals prior to its issuance,
that the Mayor is authorized to transfer, subject to retained easements and restrictions as the Mayor
deems reasonable, the property at 33 King Street for redevelopment, which may include but is not
limited to parking, commercial uses, market and affordable housing, streetscape improvements,
shared use path access, and/or other redevelopment opportunities, consistent with state
procurement requirements;
Further, Mayor is authorized to execute such documents and instruments as may be necessary to
achieve the purposes of this Order.