May 12, 2011 Minutes
The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Administrator
Minutes of Meeting
May 12, 2011
City of Northampton Hearing Room 18, 210 Main St., Northampton, MA
Members Present: Time
Chair, David Bloomberg
Vice Chair, Malcolm B. “Barry” Smith
Sara Northrup
Bob Riddle, Assoc. Member
Elizabeth Silver, Associate Member
Staff:
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden
Malcolm Smith opened the meeting withrequest by Kelley Coffey for a special
5:30 P.M.
permit for Home Occupation at 40 Vernon St, Northampton Map ID 31A-115.
Kelley Coffey described her business and project needs. Malcolm Smith asked about parking
arrangements and how many clients and hours of operation.
Coffey reiterated permit request for 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and noted that there was ample parking.
Malcolm Smith asked how many clients on any given day.
Coffey stated 9. She also asked to have permission for one employee.
Elizabeth Silver asked if there were to be any sale of goods on the premises.
Coffey said there would not be.
Elizabeth Silver asked about Music.
Coffey noted there would be but it would not be audible outside the studio.
There was no public comment.
The Board discussed options for conditions and issues that might arrise with so many clients.
Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Sara Northrup, the Board voted unanimously to close the
hearing.
Sara Northrup stated she had no concerns.
Malcolm Smith noted his interest in having a six month review at the staff level to evaluate any
neighborhood complaints. Board further discussed whether staff review or full board review would be
more appropriate. Full review would allow abutters chance to comment and be notified.
Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Sara Northrup the board voted unanimously to approve
permit with the following conditions:
1. no more than one employee allowed.
2. no sale of goods permitted.
3. no music beyond property boundary
winter parking shall be provided off-street.
Applicant shall return to the board for permit after 6 months in order to review any issues.
6:00 P.M.
Malcolm Smith opened the request by Valley Home Improvement for a special permit for a
side wall sign at WHMP 15 Hampton Ave, Northampton, Map ID 32C-36, 38.
opened the hearing on request by Valley Home Improvement
Steve Silverman, Valley home Improvement presented request for larger sidewall sign.
There was no public comment
Sara Northrup asked about lighting.
Silverman noted the plans for 3 downlit goosenecks.
Sara Northrup asked when the lights would be turned off and if they would be on a timer.
Steve noted that they did plan on putting the lights on a timer.
Malcolm Smith asked why the lighting was necessary.
Silverman indicated that it was for advertisement purposes.
Elizabeth Silver stated she didn’t have concerns with lighting in the downtown location.
Sara Northrup suggested 2 goosenecks might be more appropriate.
Upon motion by Sara Northrup and second by Elizabeth Silver the board voted unanimously to close the
hearing and issue the permit with conditions that lights be limited to 2 goosenecks and on a timer to shut
off at 11 p.m.