Laurel Street house NHC 2_12_2014
Jon Hite, Executive Director
Northampton Housing Authority
49 Old South Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Email letter (no hard copy to follow)
Dear Jon,
As you know, the Housing Authority acquired the remnants of a home from the former Northampton
State Hospital on Laurel Street for a future affordable housing project. I know that actual development
of affordable housing on that site is probably at least a couple of years, if not longer, away.
The house has deteriorated to the point that it is both an eye sore for residents of Laurel Street,
potentially an impediment to the ability of the new homes on the corner of Laurel and Grove Street to
be sold, and a risk for children who may be tempted to play on the site.
The City has been working to address other abandoned buildings in the city and this one stands out in
that effort. Is it possible for the Housing Authority to explore options for demolishing and removing the
structure in the near future?
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning and Sustainability