First Churches Resolution to Mayor
April 3, 2008
Upon the recommendation of Mayor Clare Higgins and the Community Preservation
Committee.
BE IT ORDERED
WHEREAS, The First Churches Meetinghouse has been a central feature of the community since
1655, which serves a broad public purpose beyond that of the church.
WHEREAS, The present building, constructed in 1878, stands as an outstanding historic edifice
in the very center of Northampton.
WHEREAS, The building is in urgent need of restoration and preservation.
WHEREAS, The preservation and use of the building supports the goals of the Sustainable
Northampton Plan and the Community Preservation Committee.
WHEREAS, The project uses Community Preservation Act funds efficiently, as a small part
(12.5%) of a much larger fundraising effort, and directs Community Preservation
Act funds solely to the reconstruction of the roof.
WHEREAS, On March 19, 2008, the Northampton Community Preservation Committee voted to
recommend $250,000 in Community Preservation Act funds be used to support this
project.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED,
That $250,000 is appropriated from Community Preservation Act funding to the First
Churches for the restoration of the roof of the historic meetinghouse. And, that the grantee
meets the conditions substantially approved by the Community Preservation Committee, the
Mayor, and City Council.
Specifically, $177,652.34 is appropriated from the CPA Budgeted Reserve (account #2344930-
359930) and $72,347.66 is appropriated from the CPA Historic Preservation Reserve (account
#2344930-359932).