Sept 8, 2011 Minutes
The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes of Meeting
Sept 8, 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
David Bloomberg opened the request by Eugene Ferrer and Michele Curry for special
5:40 P.M.
permit to erect a second front wall sign (projecting) at 8 Crafts Ave, Northampton, map ID 31D-
157.
Eugene Ferrer and Michele Curry presented their application for a Special Permit for a second sign in the
form of a banner, as detailed in their application.
Bob Bacon spoke in favor of the application.
Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Sara Northrup, the Board voted unanimously to
close the public hearing.
Upon motion by Sara Northrup and second by Elizabeth Silver, the Board voted unanimously to
grant the Special Permit as requested, with the design and dimensions exactly as shown in the
application.
. Request by Jennifer Samolewicz for a Special Permit to create a home business at 30
5:45 P.M
Hawthorne Terr, Florence Map ID 43-156.
Jennifer Samolewicz presented her application for a Special Permit for a home occupation, as
detailed in her application.
The Board reviewed an email from Edward R. Gale Pilar and C. El Cid Gale asking that no signs
be visible from the road, that there be only one employee, Jennifer Samolewicz, only one chair,
that no customers park in the street, and that the permit not convey to a subsequent owner.
Janet Carhart asked that the permit include the condition for no employees other than the
ower/operator Jennifer Samolewicz Jennifer Carhart and expressed concern about parking on the
street.
Robert Bacon spoke in favor of the application, asking that it run with the person and not with
the land (so it would not be valid for future owners).
Upon motion by Sara Northrup and second by Elizabeth Silver, the Board voted unanimously to
close the public hearing.
Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Sara Northrup, the Board voted unanimously to
grant the Special Permit as requested, with the condition:
1.There may be no employees or workers in the home occupation other than the
owner/operator Jennifer Samolewicz
2.The permit shall be granted to Ms. Samolewicz and if she moves or sells the property the
permit shall terminate.
3.There shall be no signs.
4.There shall be only one styling/cutting chair.
5.No more than two people (besides the owner) at a time
6.That the parking shown in the application must be provided and maintained as shown on
the application.
Request by Jody Doele/Thornes Marketplace for special permit for additional signs as
5:50 P.M.
seasonal promotional banners at 150 Main St, Northampton, Map ID 32C-1.
Jody Doele and John McGee presented their application for five or fewer banners on the front of
Thornes Marketplace, as detailed on the application, to be installed for six weeks, from Mid-
November to the first week in January, and on up to two other occasions for no more than two
weeks each occasion.
The board discussed that the nature of Thornes Marketplace (with many internal stores) is unique
and banners are therefore appropriate there (even if they would not be on any other buildings
downtown). There was some concern about the lighting and the lack of specificity of the
specific signs. The board discussed that the nature of festive banners address these concerns.
Upon motion by Elizabeth Silver and second by Sara Northrup, the Board voted unanimously to
close the public hearing.
Upon motion by Sara Northrup and second by Elizabeth Silver, the Board voted unanimously to
grant the Special Permit as requested for up to five festive banners, with the following
conditions:
1.Lighting may not exceed the environmental performance standards in the zoning.
Lighting shall be turned off when the building closes.
2.The festive banners are limited to five or fewer banners of up the sizes shown in the
applicant for eight weeks (mid-November to the first week in January) and on up to two
other occasions for no more than two weeks for each occasion.
3.As requested by the applicant, the festive banners shall not be advertising for any
business but can include the Thornes name.
4.The permit shall be valid for three years from date of issue.
Upon Elizabeth Silver and second by Sara Northrup, the Zoning Board voted to adjourn at 6:38
PM.