225 State Street Enforcement
January 6, 2020
Benjamin Lews
115 Whittier Street
Florence MA, 01062
RE: 225 State Street Outbuilding Demolition
Dear Mr. Lewis:
As you know, your contractor demolished the barn at 225 South Street prior to issuance of a building
permit, and in absence of the Historical Commission review required by Chapter 161 of the General Code.
The Demolition Ordinance was enacted to protect and preserve significant buildings and structures in the
City of Northampton that constitute or reflect distinctive features of the architectural, cultural, economic,
political, and/or social history of the City and to encourage preservation of these resources by identifying
alternatives to demolition through communication and collaboration.
The Historical Commission voted unanimously that the enforcement prescribed in Section 161-8 be
imposed:
Building construction delay. If a building and/or structure subject to this chapter is demolished without
first obtaining a building permit for demolition, no building permit shall be issued for a period of two
years from the date of the demolition on the subject parcel of land unless otherwise agreed to by the
Commission.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you-
Sarah I. LaValley
Conservation, Preservation and Land Use Planner
Enclosures: Notice of Violation
Cc: Louis Hasbrouck, Northampton Building Commissioner