2024.08.26 Staff Report.pdf
To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: August 26 2024 Historical Commission Staff Report
5:30 PM Request for a Local Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness
pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code for demolition of an existing accessory structure and construction of a new dwelling unit. Construct
Associates/Stacey Novack and Geoffrey Sanborn, 197 Elm Street, Parcel 31A-039.
Overview:
The application proposes demolition of an existing c. 1920 outbuilding that is currently being
used as a pool house, and construction of a second residential unit of similar size to the existing
pool house. The rear yard location will be similar to that of the existing structure, but will be
shifted slightly to meet side lot line setback requirements. The new structure is proposed to
have trim, soffit, and siding detail to match the principal structure.
The Form B indicates that the house was constructed 1730-1780, but notes that none of the
architectural features common to that period are present, and that the building has been altered
over time. Its brick foundation indicates it may have been moved to its current location in the
1800s. It does not include any information about the structure proposed to be demolished.
The structure is visible from Elm Street, though not prominently. However, the Commission
reviews all exterior changes that would be visible even in the absence of all freestanding walls
and fences, signs, accessory structures, and landscaping.
Recommendation:
The Commission should review the design standards, specifically those for demolition or
removal, page 23, and new construction, pages 30-34.
The demolition standards are targeted toward principal structures, but should still be
considered. Demolition or removal of a building or structure located in the historic district (whether or not the structure is visible to the public) requires a demolition or removal permit
from the Commission. The Commission will approve a demolition permit only if the building or
structure to be demolished has been determined by the Commission to have no significant
historic merit or historic relationship to the Elm Street Historic District. Removal and
relocation shall be considered only as an alternative to demolition.
Relocation of the structure, rather than demolition, should be considered. Condition appears to
be good, and while not original to the district, could be repurposed in another location. If
relocation is not possible due to site constraints, it could be deconstructed and elements
salvaged.
If the Commission can find that the work is compatible with the district after considering
significance of the site, the general design, building alignment, setback, height, articulation,
texture, material and features involved, and the relation of such features to similar features of
buildings and structures in the surrounding area, a Certificate of Appropriateness can be issued.
`2
Section 106 Review – Crafts Avenue Downtown Housing, Valley CDC
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to consider the
effects of federally funded projects on historic properties (Here, Federal funding to Valley CDC
for construction) by consulting with State Historic Preservation Offices. As part of these reviews,
local Commissions can review the work, and provide advisory comment to MassHistoric if it
could negatively impact “buildings, structures, archaeological sites, districts, objects, and
landscapes that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places.” The
Commission should review the work and provide any comment to MHC as related to the
Downtown National Register district and the properties it includes. The Commission reviewed
the work informally