Button Street ParkTO: Button Street Abutters
cc: Larry Smith
David Musante
Penny Kim
Peter McNulty
Carlene Riccelli
Joan Kochin
Kathleen Fallon
Ed Kefe
Paul Bixby
All Button Street Abutters
FROM: Robert E. McGovern, Jr.
Pres. Roblor Inc., DBA Packards
SUBJECT: Button Street as a Pocket Park dedicated to the memory of
Jerry Newell, Former Mayor of Button Street
(ris
November 2, 1987
ifs;'' �`•�
Can you picture Button Street as a park? No cars, no congestion, no snow to
plow. The actual park area would extend from the Old Smith Glass loading dock to
Masonic Street. The remaining portion from the loading dock to State Street would
be repaved, plantings added and the entire area would be lighted using period lamp
posts. The area would be treated so as to allow access to LaSalle Florist delivery
entrance, to assure the remainder of the Edwards Church parking places and to assure
access to the rear of the Smith Glass Building.
Does all this sound good to you. The best part of the plan is that it will cost
you no money. Within the next few weeks you will be contacted and notified of a
meeting at.the Edwards Church. Please come, this is a project we would all be
interested in.
Sincerely,
Robert E. McGovern, Jr.
President, Roblor Inc.
DBA Packards
14 MASONIC STREET • NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 • 584 -5957
- r P r'
87
City of Northampton
TO:
FROM:
'Penny Kim, Peter McNulty, Carlene Riccelli, Joan Kochin, Kathleen Fallon
David B. Musante, Jr.
SUBJECT: Button Street
DATE: October 7, 1987
FILE:
Bob McGovern of Packard's Inc. called me this past week with a
proposition to turn Button Street into a suburban pocket park. He
explained that Button Street is a private way that apparently belongs
to its abutters who are Bob McGovern, Mark Immerman and Richard and
Robert Abuza.
Bob stated that he and Mark would consider deeding their
ownership over to the City while the Abuza's may do the same but .
would like to retain two parking spaces on Button Street.
Sr. Planner Larry Smith explained that we could be eligible
for urban self help money of 80% of project costs if the City owned
the land. I can visualize a brick paved patio type surface on the
street with period lighting and benchs and a place .to dance outside
during the summer with a small band box area for a Dixieland Band.
Just dreaming relative to the dancing but the whole idea
sounds like fun.
Carlene, please schedule a meeting to discuss internally
first (per our retreat agreement) Than yo
David B. Musante,
Mayor
DBM /at
cc: Larry Smith
Bob McGovern
MEMORANDUM
Office of the Mayor
CITY of NORTHAMPTON - OFFICE-of- PLANNING- and - DEVELOPMEN -T-
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
FILE:
Penny Kim
Marcia Berkley
Button Street Meeting (April 27, 1988)
April 29, 1988
MEMORANDUM
A meeting was held for the purpose of discussing proposed changes
to Button Street. Members of Edwards Church as well as
condominium owners and Packard's owner were present.
Richard Klein, Berkshire Design Group, reviewed a number of
alternative plans for changing Button Street use. Alternatives
range from closing off Button Street from Masonic to the edge of
Packard's, to maintaining Button Street as a private way open for
use.
The Church was opposed to the closing of Button Street. Their
members need to drop off people in the alley and continue on thru
to Masonic Street for parking. Condo owners and Packard's would
like to see some sort of park created between Masonic and
Packard's.
Richard Klein indicated that Button Street is a private way, but
public in that it is open 365 days a year. Therefore, it will be
necessary to hold a Public Hearing on any changes.
Marcia Berkley indicated that state and federal funds are
unlikely. The City has checked on the availability of funds for
this project and to date has been unable to identify a funding
source.
Residents present discussed the number of parking spaces on the
street, who uses them, what is legal and what is not.
Richard Klein was asked to explore other alternatives, those that
would reflect concerns discussed at the meeting including the
provision of a covered walkway (awning) from State Street to the
Church back entrance. Then Button Street could be closed at one
end.
Richard Klein will explore these options, also check out the
a�c�., c- t. parking spaces and the proposed plans for changes at
Peloton Sports.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
cc: Mayor Musante
MEB / j ad