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2006 Historical Commission minutesPLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT - CITY OF NORTHAMPTON Cit29 Hall • 2i o Main Street, Room ii • Northampttm mA of o60 -3198 ' ( 413) 587 -1266 • Fax: 5 87 -i264 Wayne Feiden, Director • p lanning @nortyamptonplanning.org www.nortbamptonplanning.org NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: January 17, 2006 TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2nd Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Request for Demolition / Garage at 509 Riverside Drive 2.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board • conservation commission • zoning board of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authoritN • northampton CIS economic development • community development • bistoric district commission • historical commission • central business architecture originalprintedon recjcledpaper Northampton Historical Commission Minutes January 17, 2006 Members Present: Chris Kennedy, Chair, Norman Winston, Jennifer Hayes, Barbara Blumenthal, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe. Call to Order: The meeting convened at 5:38 p.m. The purpose of the meeting was to issue a significance determination for a proposed demolition. 509 Riverside Drive Having reviewed the subject property, through on -site visits and digital photographs, Member Howes made a motion to issue a decision of non - U significance. The motion was seconded by Member Winston. The vote in favor of the motion was unanimous. Therefore, as interpreted by City Ordinance, the property is not significant, no further review is required and its demolition can proceed. Adjourn/ The motion to adjourn was made by Member Howes, seconded by Member Winston. The meeting concluded at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chris Kennedy, Chair txnA I F 0�5�1__6 1 - ?Co ' (0 Co NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: January 30, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 " Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Request for Demolition/ 80 Woodmont Road - Preliminary Review 4.) Organizational Issues • Establish Commission Positions of Secretary and Treasurer • Election of Officers/ Chair, Treasurer, Secretary • Appointment of Members to Sub - Committees ➢ Demolition Review 5.) Actions Required/ • Support letter for Historic Northampton Grant Application • Sojourner Truth Memorial Statue Committee/ Dorsey House C ! ■ Daley and Halligan Anniversary Committee Events • Save Old Main Committee Update 6.) Project Updates • Demolition Review Property Inventory • Local Awards Ceremony • Memorial Bench • Florence Preservation Planning Project • State Hospital Memorialization Project/ not started yet • Old Main Time Capsule 7.) Financial Report/ Gift Account Balance 8.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov Northampton Historical Commission Minutes January 30, 2006 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Tris Metcalfe, Kim Howes, Jennifer Hayes, Barbara Blumenthal, Norman Winston and David Drake. Also present, Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. No one was present for the public comment period. Member Howes made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Member Winston. The vote in favor was unanimous. Request for Demolition — 80 Woodmont Ave. Members reviewed materials submitted by the Building Department. Upon an inspection of the property, City officials determined that the buildings on the subject property were safety hazards and should come down. Members had conducted site inspections prior to the hearing. Additional photographs were reviewed. Member Howes made a motion stating that the subject property is not significant, according to the Ordinance. Member Hayes seconded the motion. O The vote in favor of the motion was unanimous. The Building Department will be notified. Organizational Issues Creation of New Position - Chair Kennedy made a proposal for the Commission to create the positions of Secretary and Treasurer. Member Drake made a motion to create the positions, seconded by Member Blumenthal. The vote to approve the motion failed. Member Hayes made a motion to create the Treasurer position only, seconded by Member Metcalfe. The vote in favor of the motion was unanimous. Election of Chair - Having previously established that the Commission's annual elections be held in January, nominations for Chair were opened. Member Howes nominated current Chair Chris Kennedy, seconded by Member Metcalfe. Nominations were closed and the vote in favor of the election of Chris Kennedy to the position of Chair was unanimous in favor. Election of Treasurer - Member Hayes nominated Member Blumenthal to be the Treasurer for the Commission. Member Howes seconded the motion. Nominations were closed. The vote in favor of the election of Member Blumenthal to the position of Treasurer was unanimous in favor. Appointment to Committees - After creating a committee (at last month's meeting), to address requests for demolition outside of the regular meeting schedule, Chair Kennedy asked members who was interested in being appointed. There was some discussion about the membership of the Chair on a working sub - committee. The Chair did some research substantiating this as a common practice. Member Howes made a motion stating that the Chair of the Commission shall serve as an ex- officio member of this committee. Member Winston seconded the motion, the vote to approve was unanimous. The Chair then voted to appoint Members Blumenthal and Metcalfe to the committee. A motion was made to revise the vote taken at last month's meeting which stated that members would serve 3 months before rotating; changing that to 4 months. The vote in favor of approving that revision was unanimous. To complete the requirement (voted last month) that 3 members and one alternate serve, Chair Kennedy appointed alternate David Drake. Therefore, the Demolition Review Committee is composed of members Blumenthal, Metcalfe, Drake and Chair Kennedy. Actions Required • Historic Northampton has requested a support letter for an application to the Mass. Humanities Foundation to create a marker system for highlighting historic resources along a walking tour. Member Howes made a motion to endorse the application, seconded by Member Blumenthal; vote unanimous in favor. Sojourner Truth Memorial Statue Committee is hosing an event on 2/21 in honor of Black History month to discuss Underground Railroad activity in Florence and the Dorsey Jones House. Steve Strimer has asked if the Commission would like to be a sponsor of the event for marketing purposes. Member Blumenthal made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Member Howes; vote unanimous in favor. Other Activity Daley and Halligan Anniversary - Many community members are involved in an effort to research this event, identify the exact hanging site and document the significance of the event. David Sullivan and Judge Ryan are instrumental organizers. There is a lot of activity associated with this grass roots endeavor. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the Florence Civic Association. Save Old Main - Member Metcalfe reported that Federal legislation is pending that would increase the opportunities for historic tax credits. He said that 2 passage of this legislation is critical to whether or not the potential developer !~, that he has contact with could actually embark on the project. Discussion followed about the appropriate strategy relative to the Citizen's Advisory Committee meetings. Project Updates Demolition Inventory - Members should be working on reviewing their lists. There will be a separate meeting with local historians to discuss the cultural aspects. Chair Kennedy is thinking about a local listserve of historians. Memorial Bench - Activity will pick up in the spring. State Hospital Cornerstone - Someone needs to go up to the property to see if the cornerstone can be found, then the time capsule location could be surmised. Parsons House - Has been purchased by someone in Goshen, MA. Plans are to find a lot and re- assemble. Chris will get the newspaper article to Member Metcalfe. N. King Street Excavation - The development of the site for the new food coop will involve excavation. This may be of interest to archeologists. ChapBook Contract - Members signed the contract with Collective Copies. Collective Copies, via Steve Strimer will take over publication and distribution of the 350 Anniversary Chapbooks. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 3 1 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT , CITY OF NORTHAMPTON Cit,v Hall - 2i o Main Street, Room ii - Northampton, MA or o60 -3 i 98 ' 4 3) S 87 - r266 - Fax: S 87 - is.64 WaNne Feiden, Director w7viv.North amp tonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE February 27, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Project Updates • Local Awards Ceremony • Demolition Review Property Inventory/ Next Council Update • Architectural Analysis • Cultural Analysis • Memorial Bench • Florence Preservation Planning Project ■ State Hospital Memorialization Project/ not started yet • Old Main Time Capsule 4.) Financial Report/ Treasurer 5.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board - co economic develop rvati�inWion, zoning board o f appeals • housing partnership • redevelopmen it eommunttvj< devet op ment .•.historicdistrictcommission • historical commission• ton GIS Tture original printed on recycled paper NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes -' February 27,2006 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Norman Winston, Tris Metcalfe, Barbara Blumenthal, Kim Howes, David Drake. Also present, Gerard McGovern, Ashfield Historical Commission, Gerritt Stover, Tim Jacobs and Eric Arcese, interested citizens. Call to Order/ Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Public Comment: Gerritt Stover addressed the Commission to express support for the preservation of outbuildings, not just primary buildings or houses. Chair Kennedy said that the majority of the applications coming before the Commission for demolition, were in fact outbuildings and described the one that was most noteworthy, the carriage barn on Bridge Street behind a William Fenno Pratt residence. The others present said they were new to the community and interested in the work of the Commission. They are working on historic homes. Minutes/ Member Howes made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Member Winston. The vote in favor of the motion was unanimous. Demolition Review Update Chair Kennedy said he is making progress on developing a list serve for local historians. Members are reviewing their CD's to complete their architectural analyses. The assessment will be concluded in April. Chair Kennedy said he would utilize the group of local historians by contacting them in relation to particular demolition proposals. Member Blumenthal said she thought we had decided to solicit their ideas about what properties would be included in the inventory, based on cultural and social significance. She noted that the Commission had already decided to have a separate meeting in the spring, in which the invited guests would react to a list of questions they would have received in preparation. Memorial Bench Member Blumenthal said she would call Smith Vocational about gearing up for the spring stone and planting installations. Florence Preservation Planning Project Committee has not met. Chair Kennedy said the meeting that Steve Strimer assembled and hosted was very informative and well attended (100 +). The topic was Underground Railroad activity in Florence and the Dorsey /Jones house. 1 , State Hospital Memorialization Chair Kennedy reported he has asked that architectural elements that are worth salvaging be given to the Historical Commission. He said he had raised the issue at the Citizen's Advisory Committee and had spoken to someone who agreed. It was suggested he put the request in writing to Mass. Development for formal permission. Formation of the Memorialization Committee is moving ahead. The Mayor has asked Peg Keller to facilitate the effort. Historical Commission members Barbara Blumenthal and Kim Howes will assist. Local Awards Ceremony The draft list was reviewed. The date of the ceremony was set for May 10 from 4 - 6:00 p.m. The location will depend on which properties are receiving awards. Final voting will take place at the March meeting. Correspondence • Cooley Dickinson Hospital Surgical Building: Letter from Mass. Historical Commission / asserting no adverse affect • Damon Road Reconstruction: VHB letter / Members wondered about demolition of buildings; follow -up required; green house at corner of King and Damon may have been associated with the Canal • UMass Archeological Survey done for Mass. Historical for Gas Line/ gas line proposed in street bed along Hatfield Street; remainder of project in Hatfield/ no adverse impact anticipated for Northampton • Hatfield Historical Commission: Invitation to area historical commissions to meet on May 13 agenda to include Chris Skelly speaking about demolition delay ordinances and Bonnie Parsons speaking abut local historic districts • Ross Farm/ letter from Mass. Historical asking these property owners if they wish to have their house researched relative to Underground Railroad activity and a National Register nomination Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 2 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON Citvp Hall • 21 o Main Street, Room i i • Northampton, MA o i o60 -3198 • 413)S87-1966 • Fax: 587 -1264 WaNne Feiden, Director vvvvw.NorthamptonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: March 27, 2006 TIME: .6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 nd Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Demolition Request/ 20 Ward Avenue - Garage 4.) Project Updates ■ Local Awards Ceremony ■ Demolition Review Property. Inventory Architectural Analysis • Cultural Analysis 5.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board• • conservation commission • zoning board of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authority • northampton GIS economic development • community development • historic district commission • historicalcommission • central business architecture _ _ _ original prin ted on reeNded paper _ _ NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes March 27, 2006 Members Present: Chris Kennedy, Chair, Tris Metcalfe, Barbara Blumenthal, Norman Winston, David Drake. Also present, Linda Gaudreau of Wright Builders, Tim Jacobs, Eric Arcese and Christopher Sparks, interested citizens and John Otis. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. Mr. Otis was recognized to address the Commission during the public comment period. Public Comment Period Noah Parsons House Mr. Otis has purchased the Parsons House from Cameron Coe. He is going to reassemble it in Williamsburg. He is hoping to get a certification from Mass. Historic that will allow him to garner some relief from the building code. Chair Kennedy said we could do some research on our end, but any official paperwork should come from the Williamsburg Historical Commission. Members emphasized that Kris Thomson is the most knowledgeable local person about the construction. He was involved with the dismantling and took many photographs. Mr. Otis is in touch with him. He was thanked for his attendance and wished good luck with his project. Mr. Otis provided his contact information for whatever information the Commission could assemble. Mr. Arcese asked about resources to identify an authentic railing design for his house on Washington Ave. It was suggested that Historic Northampton was a good resource for streets and owners, and he might find photographs of properties similar in age and styling. Approval of Minutes/ Members Drake made a motion to approve the minutes seconded by Member Blumenthal. The vote in favor was unanimous. Demolition Requests/ 20 Ward Avenue Ms. Gaudreau presented information about the garage at 20 Ward Avenue slated for removal. Photographs were provided, as well as information on the property redesign. Members expressed no concerns. Member Blumenthal made a motion to declare that the garage at 20 Ward Avenue was not historically significant. The motion was seconded by Member Drake. The vote to approve the motion was unanimous in favor. 1 18 Winter Street The applicant was not present, as this application just came in this afternoon. Members were unclear about which garage was proposed for demolition, so they considered the 2 possibilities. Neither appeared to be historically significant, so they opted to take a vote pending email circulation of a photo of the exact garage once determined. Member Blumenthal made a motion to declare the garage at 18 Winter Street not historically significant. Member Drake seconded the motion; the vote in favor of the motion was unanimous. (This was confirmed upon circulation of the photo depicting the correct garage). Local Awards Ceremony The list of 2006 awardees was finalized. Members will contact their respective property owners. Chair Kennedy will contact the Northampton Coop Bank to see if the ceremony can be held there. Votes were taken on the Pratt Cottage, Market Street, the bank, Go West, Union Street, Bridge Street, Highland Avenue and South Street. Member Blumenthal abstained from the vote taken on 39 Chapel Street, and voted no on the Capen Gardens. 235 Crescent awaits before pictures. Presenters are as follows: Steve Strimer — Susan Well Kris Thomson — Chris Kennedy Pratt Cottage — Tris Metcalfe 35 Market Street — Chris Kennedy 39 Chapel Street — Kim Howes Northampton Coop Bank — David Drake Union Street — Barbara Blumenthal Highland Ave. — Louise Bloomberg 202 South Street — Kim Howes Crescent St. — Norman Winston Bridge St. fence — Jen Hayes Honorable Mention Capen Gardens — Tris Metcalfe Honorable Mention Demolition Delay Property Inventory Member Blumenthal offered to draft questions for a May meeting of local historians. Suggestions for invitees include Alison Lockwood, Jim Parsons, Steve Strimer, Kerry Buckley and Christopher Sparks. Members are asked to come prepared to the April meeting to bless the architectural inventory prepared by the interns. State Hospital Salvage was discussed. Mr. Sparks noted that there may be several front fagade walls on Old Main, which may make locating the cornerstone difficult. Chair Kennedy has made arrangements with Mass. Development and the Contractor to earmark some of the windows for the Commission. It was reported that the fountain has been moved to the DPW yard. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 2 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT - CIT'Y OF NORTI1AMP'TON Citvq Hall - 2i o Main Street, Room i i • Nortyampton, MA o r o60 -3 i 98 - (413) 587-1266 -Fax: S 8 7 -1 a 6 4 WaNne Feiden, Director wwiv.North amp tonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: April 24, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2" Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Demolition Requests/ o 16 Belmont Avenue o 20 Belmont Avenue o 22 Belmont Avenue o 22 Arnold Avenue o Garage located between 22 Arnold Ave. and 22 Belmont Ave. o 88 Green Street 4.) Project Updates ■ Local Awards Ceremony ■ Demolition Review Property Inventory 5.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board' • conservation commission - zoning board o of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authority • northampton GIS economic development - community development • bistoricdistrictcommission • historicalcommission• central business architecture I __ - original prin ted on rec9cledpaper _ _ _ PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON Cit,V Haft • 2i o Main Street, Room i i - Northampton, MA of o60 -3198 - (4z3) 587 -1 266 • Fax: 587 -1264 Wape Feiclk, Director www.NorthamptonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: June 5, 2006 ` TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2" Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Demolition Requests/ 15 -21 Conz Street/ Former Credit Union, Brick Home, Warehouse 4.) Project Updates • Memorial Bench • Demolition Review Property Inventory/ Review and finalize Questions and Invitation List/ Local Historians 5.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov O planning board conservation commission • zoning board of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authoritN • northampton GIs economic development • communityclevelopnent • historicclistrictcommission - historical commission• centralbusinessarchitecture _. origin atprintedonregcledpa er NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes 01 June 5, 2006 ( in place of the May meeting ) Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Norman Winston, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe, Susan Well, David Drake. Also present, Christopher Sparks, interested citizen and Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. The minutes were not available for review. Demolition Request A letter was read from the potential purchaser of 15 -21 Conz St. asking for a continuation of the significance determination. He is gathering information on the condition of the warehouse and would like to continue to July 31 at the latest. It was noted that the applicant is not the current owner, and there is no indication that he is applying with the owner's authorization. Member Metcalfe made a motion to allow the applicant to continue their request, with the stipulation that he provide documentation of his right to apply. Member Well seconded the motion, the vote in favor was unanimous. (In a subsequent conversation with the Building Department, their process is that anyone can apply for a zoning permit application. They cannot get a building permit without having ownership status, or permission from the owner. But at this stage, anyone can apply.) Project Updates Memorial Bench Chair Kennedy reported that he has been to the site, in addition to seeing photos that Member Blumenthal has circulated and he says the site looks great. He said the roses, the flagstone, the work on the bench, the trimming of the hedge; everything looks wonderful. He complimented Smith Voc and Member Blumenthal for bringing this project to fruition so successfully. He said that members should email ideas of people to be invited to a dedication ceremony to Peg, and a date should be set that will accommodate Member Blumenthal. Member Howe asked about on -going maintenance. Chair Kennedy said the design (by Gloria McPherson) is really low maintenance. Peg noted that Member Blumenthal had spoken to Smith Vocational about on -going attention, but she could not recall what they had said. In view of the fact that it may be City owned property, our DPW could be involved. No further steps were discussed. U Demolition Inventory Update Chair Kennedy reviewed the time line he had circulated. The June meeting was �l to be the final deadline for approving the properties on the inventory based on architectural merit. It was decided that between now and the June 26 meeting, the final team would review their assignment (David and Kim) and all teams that had questionable properties would circulate those via email. Members will then review all questions raised, and come to the June 26 meeting prepared to cast a final vote. (Members Bloomberg and Well reviewed from Prospect Street on, the last 45 entries on the list.) In the meantime, Peg will (re)send the questions drafted by Member Blumenthal relative to the culturally significant properties, finalize a group to be invited and set a date. With both sections of research completed, a final vote will take place in December, and a public hearing held in January 2007. New 350 Memorabilia Member Well reported that she is now in the possession of 350th house flags, CD's and videos of the 300 celebration. She needs to find a place to store them. Plans for distribution continue to be discussed. Cornerstone /State Hospital Chair Kennedy said that Mike Ryan had some helpful information about where C� cornerstones were normally placed. He said the Mass. Development contact is being very helpful. Hopefully, once demolition commences, it will be found. Member Blumenthal has taken over this effort. Miscellaneous The 350 Committee is dispersing their remaining funds. An amount of $765.72 is being given to the Historical Commission. A section of slate roof on the Vernon Street School is being replaced. There is a Section 106 review. Photos were available for viewing. Will discuss at the next meeting. Adjourn The meeting concluded at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 2 PLANNING AND DEVEI_,OPA/IEN ' , CITY OE'NORTHAMPTON City Hall • az o Main Street, Room i i • Novthampton� MA o i o60 -3 i 98 • 4 315 87 -i? 66 • Fax: 5 87 -r 264 waNne Feiden, Director ivwiv.Northamp ton Ma.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: June 26, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Open Meeting Law/ Attorney Shepard 3.) Project Updates , • Memorial Bench • Demolition Review Property Inventory/ Review and finalize Questions and Invitation List/ Local Historians 4.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board- conservation commission • zoni board o a p peals • ousin artners i p • redevelopment authorit northam p g ' g f pp h 9 p h • i p �• ton GIs p economicdevelopment • communito development • historic district commission • historical commission• central business architecture originalprintedonregdel )rarer NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes June 26, 2006 Members Present: Chris Kennedy, Chair, Susan Well, Kim Howes, Norman Winston, Jennifer Hayes, David Drake, Louise Bloomberg. Also present, Janet Sheppard, City Solicitor, Christopher Sparkes and J. Turcotte, interested citizens, Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6 :32 p.m. Member Howes made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, seconded by Member Hayes. The vote in favor was unanimous. No one was present for public comment. Guest/ City Solicitor Sheppard was introduced. She had offered to attend the meeting to explain the Open Meeting Law requirements relative to email and a listserve that Chair Kennedy is proposing. She said that there is now case law regarding the use of email. She said that 3 to 4 people conversing in a direction leading to a decision is a violation of the law. She confirmed that the Commission, being a public body, is subject to the Mass. General Open Meeting Laws. The purpose is for all discussion and deliberation to be public. Member Hayes said the listserve is proposed as a type of "groupthink" around properties proposed for demolition. She said one way could be to open the dialogue to the public at large. Members described the °masshistpres" listserve currently operating statewide. Attny. Sheppard said the important question to ask is what is the intent of the discussion. She said it is acceptable to utilize email for gathering information, but cautioned against crossing the line into the realm of deliberation. Discussion followed. It was suggested that the number of Commissioners allowed to participate be limited to 3, less than quorum. The message from the Attorney General's Office is for members of public boards to not have any discussion via email. Fines could be levied and computers confiscated if a violation is suspected. Attny. Sheppard said activities around housekeeping, date setting, etc. are allowable. She does not want any City Board to have discussions on line. A generic blog was suggested. Upon there being no additional questions, Attny. Sheppard departed, reiterating her desire that the Commission proceed carefully and to inform her of what path they choose to pursue. Public Comment/ At the request of Member Drake, Chair Kennedy recognized Ms. Turcotte who had come in after the formal public comment period. 1 Discussion followed regarding whether or not people from the public could speak during meetings. The suggestion was made to hold public comment at the end of the meeting, in order for interested citizens to absorb the contents of the meeting, and comment afterwards. Project Updates Memorial Bench The project was described for the members of the public. Members agreed to wait until Member Blumenthal was present to plan the dedication ceremony. The work has been completed. Memorialization Committee The first meeting will be held tomorrow evening. The scope of work will be outlined and a regular meeting schedule identified. Demolition Delay Inventory Update Members Well and Bloomberg reported on the results of their CD review of the properties suggested for inclusion in the inventory. They requested removal of one address (15 Roe) and wanted to add some additional properties (30 and 36 Prospect Ave., 22, 24 26 Norfolk Ave. and 12, 26, 34 and 44 Calvin Terrace. They asked that members view those properties so a conclusion can be reached. Member Drake also submitted his report and noted some questions. He wondered about the style of 110 N. Elm, wanted to add 1 N. Main and asked members to view 46 and 132 Franklin and 2 Olive and 138 West Street. Therefore, members finished with their sections are Ms. Blumenthal, the team of Well /Bloomberg and Member Drake (who was paired with Mr. Howes). Mr. Metcalfe (paired with Mr. Winston) will review his section again, as will the team of Hayes /Kennedy. The invitation for the local historian focus group will be drafted and reviewed, a date to be set at the next meeting. Member Hayes offered to coordinate refreshments for the local historian focus group, proposed for an afternoon in late August at the Florence Civic Association. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller i 2 I I -�-1 v c%\-e_�r 7 -tF3 -DG PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT , CITY OE' NORTHAMPTON CitV - 2 io Main Stieet, Room ii • Northamptonm • 413)S87 -1266 -Fax: S wgne Feiden, Director ivrvmNorthamp ton Ma.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: July 31, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2" Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence Mass. Historical Commission/ Vernon Street School Roof Demolition Request Withdrawal/ 15 -21 Conz Street 4.) Project Updates • Memorial Bench Dedication Plans • Historic Preservation Awardees/ Plaques • State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update • Local Listserve/ Follow -Up • Demolition Review Property Inventory/ ➢ Architectural Inventory Update Questions and Invitation List/ Local Historians 4.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board • conservation commission • zoning boa rdo of appeals • housing partners • retlevelopment authoritN • northampton GIS economic tevelopment • comniunitN development • historic district commission • historicalcommission • central business architecture i orightal Northampton Historical Commission Minutes July 31, 2006 Members Present: Chris Kennedy, Chair; Barbara Blumenthal; Kimball Howes; Susan Well. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. A motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes was made by Member Well, seconded by Member Howes; the vote in favor was unanimous. There was no public comment. Correspondence 1) Notification by Mass Historical Commission of no objection re: replacing part of Vernon St. School slate roof with asphalt shingles; parts of roof have previously been replaced with non -slate materials 2) Notification by MHC of no objection to the Turkey Hill group's acquisition of open space for conservation (see letter for details) 3) Notice of withdrawal of demolition permit request for 15 -21 Conz Street from potential purchaser Mason Rappaport 4) Letter from Kerry Buckley of Historic Northampton: notification of a grant awarded to his organization for developing historic markers and a walking tour in downtown Northampton. Chair Kennedy has already spoken to Mr. Buckley about the Historic Commission's involvement. Other parties involved include the Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor's Office and the Planning Department 5) FOR OUR COMMENT: application for new antennas to be placed on existing water tower at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Action Taken 1.) Communication from EBI Consulting, on behalf of Omnipoint Communications, Inc. to install a telecommunications facility on an existing water tower at the VA hospital in Leeds. With no readily visible changes predicted, a motion to register no objection and approve the application was made by Member Howes, seconded by Member Well. The vote in favor was unanimous. Project Updates 1) Memorial Bench at the Northampton State Hospital: possible date for the dedication ceremony is mid - October; Member Blumenthal will contact Smith Voke to try to determine the best date to ensure student attendance at the event. 2) Preservation awards /plaques Member Blumenthal will send out plaque information and order forms to 2006 award winners. 3) NSH Memorialization Committee Update Chair Kennedy reported that 2 meetings have been held so far to address the possible scope of the effort. The plan is to have 2 public meetings ( "listening sessions ") in the fall to collect public input on the scope and form of memorialization; fountain likely to be part, but still vague about what else to be done (possibly re- creation of room vignettes from NSH) until the Committee hears from the public. 4) Local List Serv After some discussion (in part pertaining to open meeting laws), Chair Kennedy summarized by saying that the list sery will be his personally, NOT sponsored by the Historical Commission and will be used to gather information from local historians. Historical Commission members could still use it to inquire about significance of buildings, etc. 5) Demo. Review Property Inventory: Architecturally significant property list accepted with selected additions & deletions (as listed in last month's minutes), with the possibility of more review 6) Local Historians focus group a) Added to invitation list: Bob Rundquist and Dr. George Snook b) changes to draft letter: Add paragraph at end: If you would prefer not to attend, or are unable to attend any of our sessions, we would welcome your written comments. c) propose these possible dates: Tues, Wed, OR Thurs, August 15, 16, or 17 OR Tues, Wed, OR Thurs, September 12, 13, or 14, from 6:30 -8:30 pm Motion to adjourn made & approved, 7:35 pm. U Respectfully submitted, Barbara Blumenthal ( minor revisions by Peg Keller ) U PLANNING AND DEVPLOPI/.F,NT . CITY OF' NORTHAMPTON ON Cit,V Hall • 21 o Main Street, Room ii • Northampton, MA o1 o60 -3198 • 4131587 -1266 • Fax: 587 -1264 WaNHe Feiden, Director www.NorthamptonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: August 28, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 nd Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence Mass. Historical Commission/ Telecommunications Installation/ VA Campus 4.) 4.) Project Updates ■ Memorial Bench Dedication Plans • State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update • Local Listserve/ Follow -Up • Demolition Review Property Inventory/ ➢ Architectural Inventory Update ➢ Questions and Invitation List/ Local Historians 4.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning boars[ • conservation commission • zoning board of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authoritN • northampton GIs economic development • communitN development • historic district commission • historical commission • central business architecture - original printed oil recodettpaper NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES August 28, 2006 Members Present: Kim Howes, Barbara Blumenthal, Susan Well, David Drake and Michael Owens (staff). Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. A motion was made to accept the minutes of the previous meeting, which passed unanimously. Public Comment Period: There was no public comment. Memorial Bench Update: Members discussed possible dates for the memorial bench dedication; members stated that the following was desirable: an event during a non - academic week for Smith Voc students, finalizing the invite list, the possibility of the Monday of a holiday weekend. It was also stated that DMH clients, Rebecca Macauley as well as former Commission members should be on the list. Smith Voc reported that if provided sufficient notice the students would spruce up the area prior to the selected date. Final selection of a date is pending. C j State Hospital Memorial Committee: Barbara reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday the 31 of August. On the agenda is a discussion of the items set aside from the state hospital for use by the Committee. Local List Serve Follow Up: Chris was not in attendance. The Commission Chair at the next meeting will provide an update this item. Demolition Property Inventory: It was reported that the inventory has been accepted by the Commission "as is" i.e. in its current state. Questions / Invite for Local Historians: All members received an e -mail from Peg Keller and responded accordingly. Peg will send a quick update on this issue as items / issues develop. Other Business: 1 Coolidge Museum / Members were informed of the 50 anniversary event and invitation to Commission members. Time Capsule Update / Members briefly discussed the opening of the time capsule from the corner stone of the state hospital. Preservation Restriction for the Manse / It was determined that the preservation restriction for this structure was not "qualified" as a historic preservation restriction under Massachusetts General Law. Members requested that staff follow up with the City Solicitor to find out what steps need to be taken to get this restriction qualified. Local List Serve Follow Up / A member of the public was present to discuss bloodoftherose.com; a private web site set up to discuss cultural roots of architecture, specifically state institutions, history and architecture. Adjourn: As there was no other business the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m. ' Respectfully submitted, �—' Michael T. Owens 2 CH C I . ?,V 0 c PLAl".TNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OP' NORTI-IA.1e/IPTON Citq Hall • 2i o Main Street, Room ii • Northampton, MA oz o60 -3198 - (413) 587 -1266 • Fax: 587 -1264 waNne Feiden, Director www.NorthamptonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: September 25, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 nd Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Project Updates . • Memorial Bench Dedication Plans • State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update • Local Listserve/ Follow -Up • Demolition Review Property Inventory/ ➢ Architectural Inventory Update ➢ Questions and Invitation List/ Local Historians 4.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board • conservation commission • zoning board o of appeals • housing partnership - redevelopment authoritN • northampton GIs economic development • community development • G istoric district commission - historical commission • central business architecture original printed on recoiled paper NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes September 25, 2006 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Norman Winston, Barbara Blumenthal, Kim Howes, David Drake, Louise Bloomberg. Also present, Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order/ Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. No one was present for the public comment period. Minutes/ Member Winston made a motion to approve the minutes, noting that the meeting ended at 7:25 p.m. rather than 8:25 p.m. Member Drake seconded the motion; the minutes were approved as amended. Correspondence/ An interested citizen had sent the Planning Office a booklet from the dedication of the Odd Fellows Hall. Chris K. will take it to Historic Northampton. Project Updates Memorial Bench Dedication The date of October 21 at 2:00 p.m. was set. Assignments were made regarding people to contact. Member Blumenthal will produce the invitation and a press release. Chair Kennedy will get donations for refreshments. Others to be contacted include a clergy representative, the Goggins family, City Councilors, the Mayor, the Legislators, Valerie Lavender, those that donated materials, Smith College and Rebecca Macauley and the Department of Mental Health. State Hospital Memorialization Committee The status of salvage materials was discussed. The scheduled "listening sessions" were described. Local Listserv Chair Kennedy reiterated that he would personally sponsor the site and noted that members' ability to respond would be rotated. Peg K. asked him to review his plan with the City Solicitor prior to launch, he agreed. Significant Property Inventory Member Drake broached the idea of introducing demolition by neglect language. Chair Kennedy said we need to finish up the adoption of the initial ordinance first, but a desire for that would be a good idea to pose to the listserv. It was agreed that Peg K. would review the remaining loose ends and send an email for any properties that needed site visits. The 1 Local Historian Focus group was revisited. Assignments were made for members ,- to contact. Ms. Bloomberg will see when Dr. Snook and Steve Strimer are available. Chair Kennedy will check with Alison Lockwood and Bob Rundquist. Peg K. will contact Kerry Buckley. The dates proposed are November 13 14 or 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Members will let Peg know as soon as possible in order to book the date. New Business Expansion of the Central Business Architecture Review /District: Members discussed a proposal from the Planning Board /Department to expand the architectural review authority of the Central Business Architecture district down West Street. Commission members expressed concern (should this be enacted) that those properties would then leave their (the Historic Commission's) purview relative to demolition delay. Questions were raised about which entity has stronger authority to protect historically significant properties. The Central Business Architecture Committee currently can approve or deny a request for demolition. The Historical Commission can issue a delay, but only for one years duration. Members agreed with the concept of increased review over new construction and development, but they pondered how the Planning Board's Site Plan Review Process, the Educational Overlay Zone, Central Business Architecture Design Review and the Demolition Delay Ordinance would all inter- relate. There is also concern about the lack of criteria governing demolition in the Central Business Ordinance. If the review focus there includes an evaluation of what will take the current buildings' place, that is different than a review based strictly on the historical integrity of the existing building. Chair Kennedy said he hoped to go to the meeting on 9/28 to express the Commission's concerns. Joint Meetings Member Drake asked if the various Chairs of the Historic Commission, Historic Northampton, Elm Street and Central Business ever assembled for discussion. The answer was no, but Members agreed that it would be beneficial at some point. Preservation Restrictions Members pondered the letter from Mass. Historic declaring that the documents submitted for the Manse and Old Post Office do not qualify as preservation restrictions. Rectifying this should be a future project. Plaques Member Blumenthal sent a letter to the 2006 Local Preservation Award winners. A plaque order will be submitted if responses are received. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 2 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT e CITY OF NORTHAMPTON CitN Hall • 2i o Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA of o60 -3 • (4 • Fax: 587 -1 264 Wayne Feiden, Director wwnv.NorthamptonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: October 30, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2� Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Demolition Applications 103 Ryan Road — Initial Review 64 Kennedy Road - Significance Determination 4.) Election of CPA representative 4.) Correspondence 5.) Project Updates ■ Memorial Bench Maintenance Plans ■ State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update ■ Demolition Review Property Inventory/ City Council Update ➢ Architectural Inventory Update ➢ Questions and Invitation List/ Local Historians 6.) Other Business 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov r ' planning board • conservation commission • zoning board o o f appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authority • northampton GIS economic development • community development • historic district commission • historical commission • central business architecture origirtalprinted on recr clecl Pape NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes October 30, 2006 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Louise Bloomberg, Susan Well, David Drake, Barbara Blumenthal, Kim Howes, Tris Metcalfe, Norm Winston, Jennifer Hayes. Call To Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:29pm. Three members of the public (and one reporter) were present to speak to a specific agenda item. Minutes: Member Hayes made a motion to approve the minutes, Member Well seconded the motion; the minutes were approved. Demolition Applications ~; 103 Ryan Road: Member Winston stated the request was `self - evident', no historical significance. Member Howes stated no reason to claim it's historical significance. Member Winston made a motion to declare the building not significant and allow the permit to go through, motioned seconded by Member Blumenthal. Commission voted unanimously to find the property `not significant' and to allow the permit to go through. 64 Kennedy Road:_ Chair Kennedy explained the different criteria and read an excerpt directly from our demolition delay by -law regarding `significance' and asked for public comment regarding this application. Mr. Robert Borowski, property owner, spoke about the state of the barn; `not safe' /'bad floor'. Mr. Borowski stated that the barn board is to be sold as `salvage lumber'. Mr. Borowski also brought a copy of the site plan showing the new house and garage. Ms. Ruth Taylor, neighbor of property, wanted to be on the record stating; `loves the baxn and it was the original barn to her 1758 house', wishes it to ramain standing. Ms. Taylor also recalled an old plate /sign on the barn which stated 1870. Chair Kennedy asked for members comments regarding application. Member Howes stated that the `poured concrete was not old', Member Well noted the `good roof , `transom windows', and `overall good condition'. Member Howes mentioned other barns in the area and explained dairy stations and wondered at their significance in the scheme of this. Member Metcalfe noted that the barn could be `moved intact' and `restored or reused' and that `stone structures are extremely rare'. Member Hayes pointed out that because of the size this was `most likely a working class family farm' and `we need to see the frame to date the property'. Member Well's research revealed that the property belonged to the Clapp family in 1900. Member Blumenthal declined to comment. Member Drake directed his comments to the property owners and asked them to `please consider incorporating the structure in the new design' and `no, strong opinion of commission standing in the way'. Member Bloomberg mentioned she had `painted it, loved it and was it possible to make the barn a house ?' Mr. Borowski replied that `no mortgage was available because the property is partly on city land'. Member Blumenthal clarified the 12 month delay by explaining the commission can have the demolition permit issued at any time during the. delay. Members asked Mr. Borowski if it would be possible to view the interior of the property and he stated that would be okay with him as long as he was `held harmless'. Members reviewed the open meeting law rules with regards to the site visit and Member Well volunteered to do a title and deed search. Member Hayes motioned to postpone decision and meet on Thursday October 9th at 7:30pm. Member Well seconded and the vote was passed unanimously. Election of CPA representative Chair Kennedy explained the Community Preservation Act board make -up and that the commission needs to elect one of us to sit on that board. Member Drake nominated Chair Kennedy, Member Well nominated Member Drake, Member Drake declined and reiterated his nomination. Member Howes seconded the nomination and the members voted unanimously to elect Chair Kennedy to the CPA board. Chair Kennedy mentioned that next year, if elected, would be his last year serving as chair of the Northampton Historical Commission. Correspondence Cell Tower on St. John's at 48 Elm Street: Members reviewed the materials and photo- shopped pictures. Member Metcalfe pointed out that there was not enough detail and that the gargoyle dimensions were incongruent with the metal antennae. Members decided to forward a request to engineers to enlarge scale with true dimensions of stone work and that no architectural detailing be removed with more respect for the stone and more thought to aesthetics. Member Bloomberg asked if there would be lights on the church for airplanes. Member Metcalfe responded it was not high enough to come under FAA regulations. Cell tower to be built at Northampton DPW on Locust Street: Members Howes questioned guide wire placement and Member Drake stated he felt it was too close to route 9 and `strongly encouraged moving the tower back on the property to reduce it's monumentalness'. Members Howes and Metcalfe noted that the drawing was not to scale by quite a bit. Member Well suggested that Wayne Fieden or the DPW should explain the size and all members agreed to delay input on project until requested information is received, i.e. scale drawing with surrounding buildings in place. Project Updates Memorial Bench Maintenance Plans: Member Blumenthal stated that Smith Voc. plan to preserve and maintain area. Member Hayes noted a list of thanks you to be sent and members added Reverend Hall, Dept. of Mental Health, and Rebecca Macauley. Member Blumenthal suggested certificates of merit /thanks to the Smith Voc. students and will do them. Thank you cards will be sent to the above in addition to Hadley Garden Center, Willard's, Goshen Stone, Smith Voc., Smith College and Pat Goggins by Peg Keller on behalf of the NHC. State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update: Member Blumenthal gave a summarization of ideas that were discussed and stated that the meeting was taped. Member Howes mentioned other \ unmarked NSH graves were located in St. Mary's Cemetery an other cemeteries in town. Demolition Review Property Inventory /City Council Update: Members are to decide a date in January for the public hearing with an alternative snow date. Members also discussed putting together packet of information for inventory listees. Local Historians meeting scheduled for November 13th, 2006 and 6:00pm. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 8:45pm. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Hayes NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Northampton Historical Commission will hold a continuation of a public hearing on Thursday, November 9 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Human Resources Conference Room on the second floor of Memorial Hall, 240 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts to deliberate on the following: Application for Demolition Application of Robert A. and Ann M. Borawski to demolish a barn and garage located at 64 Kennedy Road, Leeds, MA. Map #14 Parcel 009 001. Contact: Peg Keller Office of Planning and Development 587 -1288 pkeller@northamptonma.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes November 9, 2006 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Barbara Blumenthal, Susan Well, Jennifer Hayes, Norman Winston, Tris Metcalfe, Louise Bloomberg. Also present, Peg Keller, staff. Public Hearing Continuation 64 Kennedy Road Barn/ Garage Demolition Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. This was a continuation of a public hearing relative to a request to demolish a barn and outbuilding located across from 64 Kennedy Road. The first hearing was held on October 30, 2006. The hearing was continued to allow an on -site visit and interior inspection of the barn. Members began with a discussion of the criteria in the Ordinance to ascertain a status of "preferably preserved ". Highlights of the discussion are as follows: Barn 1. Current Condition The site inspection conducted at 7:30 a.m. on November 9, 2006 yielded a property in surprisingly good condition. Members viewed digital photos that were taken of the exterior and interior. Member Howes had submitted a written report, stating the following: "Inspection of the barn itself revealed that although unused in recent years, it is in good condition overall. It is of post and beam construction and the framing is sound. The slate roof is in good condition with no evidence of leaks and the tongue and groove siding is generally sound although in need of paint. The foundation was apparently overhauled approximately 30 to 40 years ago on the uphill or roadside where the main entrance is located. Apparently, the built -up stone supporting wall had weakened and required support. Also, the supporting columns on the lower level walls and columns up to the wind braces were given additional concrete support. Except for one 14 ft. by 12 ft. bay which has sagged floor joists recently shored up, the building appears to be sound and plumb in all respects. " 2. Building Intactness The inspection revealed some missing siding boards that do not impact the structural soundness. The siding, windows and doors could be repaired. The doors appear to be original. There is one cracked floorboard. 3. Age Members estimate the structure to be between 1870 and 1890. This is indicated by the architectural details such as the corbels, which are particular to that period and an unusual feature for agricultural buildings. Anecdotal evidence such as oral histories and illustrations support this estimate. 4. Is the building exemplary, and if so, how many exist Area research conducted by Commission members yield a universe of less than 10 similar examples. Some barns are larger, there are very few this size and few with this style of detailing. 5. Role in the streetscape Barn is dramatically sited across the road from a mid 18 century gambrel farmhouse, with an expansive pastoral view. It is surmised that the house and barn were originally part of the same property. The streetscape of elegant barns along New England roads near their houses and fields are classic and disappearing visions of our past culture. 6. Exemplary construction elements Characteristics that make it distinctive include the eave over the windows, the slate roof, 14 transom window lights over the double sliding door, the decorative Victorian corbels, the mortise and tenon beam construction, the spoke window and the chamfered corners on the cement posts. 7. Information important to history To quote Mr. Howe's report... " This property consisted of a farming establishment consisting of several structures in its vicinity judging from foundations and marks on the barn building itself. Farming operations were probably conducted on the adjoining land as was the custom in the era from late 1800 to /through World War II. This being part of a dairy farm of that period there were typically from 10 to 20 head of dairy cows present. There was also an adjoining "milk room" where the product was held /processed before pickup by the milk truck which made its daily call. Such was the case all over New England but small operations such as this are no longer financially realistic and are a thing of the past. The barn itself was usually located adjacent to a road where trucks /wagons of hay or field products could be delivered to the upper levels. The dairy cattle were housed /milked in the lower level and the hay /food fed down to them from the level above. During the day the livestock were pastured in the adjacent fields. This pattern was typical all over northeastern USA, but now is continuously disappearing as noted." Such representations of Northampton's agrarian past are disappearing. 8. Designed by noted and /or architect Answer unknown, however, barn is exemplary example of vernacular architecture. 9. Building moved from original location Does not appear so, due to concrete foundation and repair. Stone Building 1. Current condition of the structure: Reinforced concrete walls are solid. One stone is off the composite concrete stone wall; there is one uniform crack along the south wall, probably due to frost with progressive expansion below grade. Overall building is plumb. 2. Building Intactness: Overall, plumb and solid. One garage bay is blocked in with cinder block. 3. Age: Commission estimates to be 1920 -1940. Conclusion is that it dates to the concrete foundation in the barn due to the similar chamfered post details. J i 4 Is the building exemplary, and if so, how many exist? Stone buildings are rare �- if not non - existent in this area. Very rare to find milk rooms in partnership with the dairy barn. 5. Role in the streetscape Presence of both buildings together offer intact representation of barn and milk room close to roadway for easy access for milk trucks. 6. Exemplary construction elements Stone structure unusual, pitch of the roof — hip with gabled vent unusual, metal roof indicative of the 1920's — 30's. Chamfered concrete posts are present here as well. 7. Information important to history Evidence of vanishing dairy farms, placement by road, stone structure provided refrigeration for the milk and possibly a dwelling for the widow farmer during winter. 8. Designed by noted and /or architect Unknown, however exemplary example of vernacular stone style, composite concrete stone wall. 9. Building moved from original location unknown, although doubtful due to the dense nature of the construction materials. After closing the public hearing at 8:30 p.m., as there was no one present from the public, the Chair entertained a motion. Member Hayes made a motion to deem the barn and the milk room /garage to be preferably preferred, thereby enacting the demolition delay. Member Well seconded the motion; the vote in favor was unanimous. Members then stated they looked forward to discussing possible options with the applicant and to offer assistance relative to reusing the buildings in place, increasing the setback from the roadway, or dismantling /reassembly options. They said their priority was to see the buildings reused on site. A letter will be sent to the applicant, and the Building Inspector notified of the decision. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 8:45 p.m. with motions from Members Hayes and Blumenthal. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller p�-Ac � t -a �!I! PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT . CITY OF NOR CitgHall • 21oMainStreet,Room 11 • Northampton�MAoio60-3198 • (413)587 - 1266 -Fax: 587 -1264 WaNne Feiden, Director NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Special Session DATE: November 13, 2006 TIME: 6 :30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2nd Floor 210• Main Street Local Historian Focus Group wwrv.North amptonMa.gov Purpose:. To access information relative to the social and cultural significance of buildings in Northampton to complete the inventory of properties to protect through the Demolition Delay Ordinance. Invited guests: Dr. George Snook, Allison Lockwood, Steve Strimer, Kerry Buckley, Robert Rundquist. Peg Keller c. 587 -1288 pkeller@northamptonma.QOv planning board • conservation commission • zoning board o of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authority • northampton GIs economic development • community development - historic district commission • historical commission • central business ambitecture..; m •ipinnlprintedmlrec _ _ o PLANNING AND DPVPLOP EIST'T' o CITY OF NORTHAMPTON Cit,VHall• 210 Main Street, Roomll • Northampton,MAoio60-3298 • 413)587 -1266 -Pax: 587 -1264 WaNne Feiden, Director vvww.North amp ton Ma.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: November 27, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2" Floor .210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Demolition Application 43 Summer Street/ 3 garages and lean -to facing 166 State Street Preliminary Determination 4.) Election of CPA representative alternate 5.) Correspondence 6.) Project Updates ■ Memorial Bench Maintenance Plans ■ State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update ■ Demolition Review Property Inventory/ Next Steps ➢ Architectural Inventory 9 Local Historians Focus Group Input 7.) Other Business 8.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board • conservation commission • zoning board of appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment authority • northampton GIS economic development • commtinitN development • historic district commission • historical commission • central business architecture originaiprintedon recgcledpaper NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes November 27, 2006 Members Present: Kim Howes, Louise Bloomberg, Norm Winston, Barbara Blumenthal, Tris Metcalfe, Jennifer Hayes, Chris Kennedy. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:37pm. One member of the public was present to speak to a specific agenda item. Minutes: Member Winston made a motion to approve the minutes, Member Metcalfe seconded the motion; the minutes were approved. Demolition Application: 43 Summer Street/ 166 State Street Co- appplicant Elizabeth Caine clarified demo request stating that the permit was for the garages on the left only. No insurance available for building due to condition; post and beam barn attached to the garages will not be taken down. Member Tris made a motion to allow the permit to go through, seconded by Member Howes; motion unanimously passed. Election of CPA representative alternative: Member Metcalfe motioned to nominate Member Hayes, Member Bloomberg seconded; motion passed unanimously with Member Hayes abstaining. Correspondence: MHC re: EDA Grant application, South Campus Internal Access Road, Northampton State Hospital. Letter states that MHC determined that the proposed project would have an `adverse effect', but will accept that and allow anyway so as not to impede the transfer of the property out of state ownership. MHC re: announcement of Fiscal Year 2007 Survey and Grant Planning. Deadline for submission of Pre - Application is Dec. 15, 2006. Chair Kennedy noted that we need more `Form B's' to become a CLG. MHC re: Telecommunications Installation, St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm Street. MHC requests that the project proponent look into installing the system within the steeple or away from the public view and looks forward to reviewing the comments of the NHC. Member Howes stated, and other members agreed, to `CC' the MHC and St. John's with our request for more information. St. Catherine's Church, forwarded from the Mayor's office. Letter from the parishioners of St. Catherine's asking for advice and help in keeping their church open. It has been scheduled to close. Members discussed the situatuation and decided that it was out of the sphere of our responsibility. Project Updates: Memorial Bench: Members discussed whether we need something in writing regarding Smith Voc. agreeing to do continued maintenance. Reviewed thank you note list and Member Blumenthal is working on the recognition awards. State Hospital Memorialization Committee Update: Chair Kennedy and Member Blumenthal attended and relayed the discussion from the `listening session'. Chair Kennedy stated there were about 15 people total and that lots of different ideas were presented. Demolition Review Property Inventory List: Members discussed next steps: 1. Set date for public meeting 2. Draft letter to property owners 3. Chair Kennedy will ask the MHC list serve how other communities have run the public hearings 4. Join the architectural and cultural lists. Members discussed how the letter should be crafted; having the letter answer and explain the delay and ease fears, press release to explain process. Members then went through all the properties that were brought up at the Local historians meeting and culled properties for the list. �� J J Other Business: Chair Kennedy noted that with the holiday we may want to change the date of our scheduled December meeting. Member Hayes made a motion to change it to Monday December 11th at 6:30pm, Member Blumenthal seconded; motion passed unanimously. Member Bloomberg noted that 76 Crescent Street be monitored for a possible preservation award and members then added North Elm Street across from Child's Park, the Baptist Church downtown, 60 Crescent Street, Round Hill condo conversion, State Street condo conversion, Fly by Night building. Member Howes motioned to add the Preservation awards to the agenda on an ongoing basis, Member Hayes seconded; motion passed unanimously. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Hayes Member i 4 CCO PLANNING AND DEVELOPI %AEN T CITY 0T NORTHAMPTON CitV Hall • 21 o Main Street, Room i i • Northampton, MA o 1 o60 -3198 • (413) 5 87 -1266 • Fax: 5 87 -1264 wgxe Feitlen, Director www.NorthamptonMa.gov NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: December 11, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 2 nd Floor 210 Main Street Northampton AGENDA 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Finalize Demolition Review Property Inventory ➢ Schedule Public Hearing ➢ Informational Packet 4.) Other Business 8.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov planning board • conservation commission • zoning board o f appeals • housing partnership • redevelopment autyority • northampton GIS economic development communitN development • historic district commission • ljistoricaI commission • central business architecture original printed on regcled paper NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes December 11, 2006 Members Present: Christopher Kennedy, Chair, Jen Hayes, Tris Metcalfe, Norman Winston, Barbara Blumenthal, Louise Bloomberg. Also present, Christopher Sparks and Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Kennedy called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. No one was present for the public comment period. Member Winston made a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting, seconded by Member Hayes. Correspondence 1.) Letter from OmniPoint Communications/ division of T- mobile for installation of external antennae on St. John's Episcopal Church (48 Elm). Members reviewed application and felt the plans were not accurately depicted on the photoshop images. It is the Commission's preference that no cuts or penetrations be made into the stone, nor any stone removed. Comments will be forwarded to the Elm Street Historic District Commission. 2.) DPW antenna installation/ would like additional information on siting. Miscellaneous 1.) Chair noted that the James House is on the short list for relocation of the Police Station. This may involve demolition and the Commission should go on record in opposition to that immediately. A letter will be sent to the Police Chief. 2.) Memorial Hall doors/ Peg will contact the Central Services Department head to set up a meeting to discuss planned renovations to the building. Demolition Application 1.) Members discussed the demolition application for 95BarrettStreet. Member Blumenthal made a motion to declare that the two buildings were found not to be significant with the proviso that a site inspection by additional members does not change the determination. The motion was seconded by Member Hayes; the vote to approve the motion was unanimous. Local Awards Ceremony Member Blumenthal circulated a draft list for this year's nominees. Members were asked to drive around, do outreach and review the properties on the list. 1 Membership Both Members Bloomberg and Well have submitted their resignations. Flowers were presented to Member Bloomberg (present) and Member Well (in absentia) to express the gratitude of the Commission for their time and commitment over many years. They will both be greatly missed. It was noted that the next member appointed to fill a vacancy must be a nomination from the Chamber. Peg will notify Suzanne Beck. Chair Kennedy will speak with Alternate Member Drake to see if he is interested in moving to a permanent position. Demolition Inventory/ Properties of Significance Member Blumenthal agreed to draft a letter to the affected property owners. Peg will investigate developing a mailing list. A date in late January will be selected (regular meeting night, 1/29), with an early January mailing. The format of the hearing was discussed. Chair Kennedy and Member Hayes agreed to do a site survey to confirm final addresses. Adjourn The meeting concluded at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller �i 2