Memo to CPC in Support of ODG's Amended applic for CPA funds. 3.14.22.pdfFriends of St. John Cantius Church
Deborah (Deb) Henson, Chair
Elaine Jandu, Petition for Change
Arnold Levinson, Signage and Educational Material
Tristam Metcalfe, Architect
Marvin J. Ward, Medievalist
John Dunne, Builder
Fred Zimnoch, Historian
Terence Masterson
MEMORANDUM
March 14, 2022
TO: Community Preservation Committee of Northampton
c/o: Sarah LaValley slavalley@northamptonma.gov
RE: Support for ODG’s Amended Application for CPA Funds for Preservation of SJCC
As the Chair of the Friends of St. John Cantius Church (SJCC), I am writing on behalf of our
members to voice our support for the preservation of this irreplaceable structure. SJCC
possesses architectural value, historic links to Northampton's religious, immigrant and
economic history , a visual attractiveness based on its gold brick exterior and elegant bell
tower. An important part of the attractiveness of Downtown Northampton is its
architecturally unique, historic buildings.
Our main goal is to support preservation for SJCC in any way possible. Many uses have been
analyzed. A public-private sector partnership solution may be the only path forward given
the revenue it can generate to save this important building.
We support ODG’s amended application for CPA funding of some meaningful amount to
help preserve this building for our community. We support the proposal for multi-family
rentals as described in ODG’s application and hope that even if the requested CPA funding
is not granted, ODG will find a way to preserve this incredible building.
With kind regards, I am
Deborah (Deb) M. Henson
Deb Henson, Chair
Friends of St. John Cantius Church