1994 Historical Commission minutesCITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON- HISTORICAL _ _ COMMISSION
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
0
DATE: Monday, January 10, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m. .
PLACE: Council on Aging Meeting Room
Memorial Hall, Northampton
Agenda
1. Wayne Feiden,'Principal Planner will enlighten us re:
Northampton State Hospital.
2. Report on street -lamp situation by Harold Fitzgerald.
3. Sample building plaque: discussion of criteria re: future
plaques - Sally Evans.
4. Discussion: our role relative to decision- making departments
in local government.
5. Seventh voting- member needed.
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION OF MEETING: SEE ABOVE
Northampton Historical Commission
( Minutes, January 10, 1994
Present: Evans, Kunath, Lockwood, Metcalf, Parker and Wayne
Feiden of the Office of Planning & Development.
Absent: Bloomberg, Cadette, Fitzgerald, Heston, Kiteley,
Murdock.
1. Minutes of the December meeting were approved.
2. Wayne Feiden presented an update concerning the negotiations
between the City of Northampton, the Massachusetts
Historical Commission and the state's Division of Capital
Planning and Operations (DCPO) concerning the future use of
the Northampton State Hospital property. The aim of the
City is to frame the regulations in such a way as to make
the re -use of the old buildings at least as profitable as
building new ones on the site. A limit is to be placed on
the height of any new buildings in the core campus.
DCPO has hired a marketing firm to do a preliminary study to
identify likely users for the property. DCPO is required to
demonstrate a good faith effort to market a historic
building before demolition would be permitted. A historic
building is defined as one which is eligible for listing on
the National Register. In any event the buildings must be
recorded. Three sets of interior plans and interior and
exterior photographs are to be made. One set is for the
State Archivist, one for our commission and one to be set
aside in case a federal permit is required. It is possible
that as a result of the marketing study, some of the
buildings could be taken down within a year. The Haskell
Building has been renovated and de- leaded and would be the
easiest to re -use.
The Planning Department has requested that Parcel "C" be
reserved as a possible future site for the high school.
Smith College is interested in Parcel "K"
At this point no one knows if there is an unmarked cemetery
anywhere on the site. If so, it would be protected.
Those present thanked Wayne for his informative
presentation.
3. The proposed use of the James House as a police station was
discussed. It was felt that since the interior has already
been remodeled for use as a bank, it could easily be adapted
for use by the Police Department. Also, if the building is
owned by the City, the City will be required to consult with
the Massachusetts Historical Commission before making any
changes to the exterior.
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4. Tris Metcalf displayed an enlargement of one of the proposed
historic district signs and a plywood mock -up of the board
on which it would be mounted. Those present were satisfied
with the letters and the relative sizes of the letters but
there is a minor problem with the spacing between the lines
of type. Also there is an inconsistency in the radii of the
concave curves at the corners of the signs. It was agreed
that Tris will proceed to have all the signs enlarged for
review at the next meeting. j
Respectfully submitted,
-t4y
pa'41LL4
Mar Y Parker
CITY HALL
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NORTHAMPTON_ HISTORICAL. . CC)l_V_f MISSI ®1_V _ _-
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
DATE: Monday, February 7, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging Meeting Room
Memorial Hall, Northampton
AGENDA
1.
-Northampton. Preservation Week awards ceremony
in May.
2. Role of Northampton Historical Commission.in relation to
o
decision- making departments in local government.
3. Report on building plaques: Sally Evans.
4. Report on street lamps: Harold Fitzgerald.'
5. Membership Northampton Historical Commission.
�. Northampton Historical Commission
Minutes, February 7, 1994
Present: Bloomberg, Cadette, Evans, Heston, Kiteley, Kunath,
Lockwood, Metcalf
Absent: Fitzgerald, Murdock
Introductory Comments:
It was agreed that when Ms. Murdock is not able to attend
meetings, various members will assume note taking responsibility.
We will do this in alphabetical order starting with L. Bloomberg.
1. Minutes of January 10th were approved.
2. Preservation Week
Because of various scheduling problems, including Allison's
deadline for the Forbes Library Book, and her scheduled
trip, May 19th at 4 PM is the date selected for the
preservation awards ceremony.
It was suggested that if Silverscape receives an award, it
would be nice to have the ceremony there. Allison pointed
O out that Dennis Perlman, owner of Silverscape has
effectively rehabed the First National Bank.
Exterior signs on Main Street have been a source of concern
in the past and present. Mary Parker reminded the board
that city council changed the rules about signs a few years
ago, so though the Commission finds the signs inappropriate
for Main Street, there is not much we can do about it.
An awards committee was established consisting of T.
Metcalf, G. Cadette, F. Heston and L. Bloomberg. Louise
Bloomberg will contact the mayor about the date of the
awards ceremony.
100 Washington Avenue was suggested for a nomination. See
minutes of Dec. 6th for a list of nominations.
3. Problems facing Historical Commission Boards.
Allison attended a meeting at Sturbridge where two problems
regarding historical commissions seemed ubiquitous:
Board's lack of power
Do- nothing board members
It was suggested that we consider actions to remedy this
situation. We will try to develop a positive relationship
with the City Council and city departments.
Sally Evans requested that item 2 on the February agenda be
included on the March agenda.
Allison pointed out that the Wilburs had to fight to start
an Historical Commission. The information about the history
of the Commission is in the attic of City Hall ( ?) where we
can't get at it.
4. Crenelations
Due to ads and Allison's hard work we raised $2900 to pay
for the materials to repair the crenelations. If the cost
of materials is less than $2900, the extra money might cover
a decorative motif on the new City Hall entrance which Tris
Metcalf feels would enhance its design.
5. Wayne Feiden's concern about downtown side streets
The Planning Board is concerned about possible future
development of streets running off of Main. They do not
want any "skyscrapers" on these streets. A study of this
area has begun, and the Historical Commission has been
listed as a group to be involved. There are many small
residential houses and other buildings on these side streets
which should be surveyed. Wayne is considering zoning
changes to protect the present configuration of a mixture of
business and housing.
Some of the streets include Masonic, Center, Gothic, State,
Market, Hawley. Allison mentioned the house where Kathleen
McCullum photographed Henry James. Also, on State Street
opposite the India House, Eric Stallberg's studio was
located.
Sally Evans offered to talk with Wayne about a survey.
Frank Heston, Gary Cadette, and Tris Metcalf will help on
the project. Sally will contact them after speaking to
Wayne.
Wayne wants us to research the Roundhouse. He has an intern
who receives $6.00 an hour to do research for him. Mary
indicated that the Roundhouse is included on the Historic
Preservation list. She suggested that the Massachusetts
Historical Commission be contacted for more information.
6. Memorial Hall
Allison suggested that we be alert to future uses of the
Memorial Hall lobby. The Northampton Arts Council might
like to use this area for gallery space.
She pointed out that Memorial Hall was built to commemorate
those who died in the Civil War. The veteran's group see it
as a shrine to the Northampton dead. They have the bell
from the second US Northampton, and might put it in the
lobby. The city property committee has sovereignty over
this space. Allison will suggest to the mayor that the
Historical Commission be included in the group which might
decide how the lobby is used.
The lead paint needs to be removed, and other maintenance
problems exist.
7. Forbes Library
Allison alerted us to the possible formation of the
Hampshire (or Northampton) room in Forbes Library. She also
reminded us that Forbes has an excellent protocol for
archiving photographs both old and new.
8. New members
Jim Bridgeman was suggested as a possible member for the
Commission. He was on the Historic Northampton board.
Allison will contact him.
9. Bridge artwork
Louise Bloomberg reported on the model chosen by the Arts
Counsel for the artwork to be placed on the other side of
the Main Street bridge.
10. City Flag
Allison described a green flag with snake motif which she
fears might be Northampton's official flag.
11. Next meeting is scheduled for March 7, 1994.
Respectfully submitted,
Louise Bloomberg
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NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
March 7, 1994
Present: Bloomberg, Evans, Heston, Kiteley, Kunath, Lockwood,
Metcalfe, Murdock, Parker.
Absent: Cadette, Feeley (Honorary Member) , Fitzgerald, Lincoln
(Honorary Member).
Guest: Gauger..
Introductory Comments:
Lockwood will write another historical essay for Daily Hampshire
Gazette soon. She also emphasized importance of having members
in NHC who actively participate in its myriad projects.
AGENDA
1. The February 7 Minutes were approved as presented.
2. Northampton Historic Preservation Week
Five properties will receive NHC awards on 19 May at 4:00
p.m.
City Hall New entrance
Silverscape Designs
1 King Street
Tepper Building
29 Pleasant Street
82 Washington Avenue
100 Washington Avenue
Tristan. Metcalfe III
Denis Perlman
Scott P. Heyl: Heyl Associates
Marjorie Senechal & Stanley Sherer
Jeffrey M. Korff & Steuer Shelly
(deleted for 1994: Maplewood Avenue (Bay State)).
Metcalfe will confer with Perlman about hosting the Awards
Ceremony at Silverscape Designs. He will also notify Daily
Hampshire Gazette and Union News about the time, place and
purpose of the event.
Stanley Moulton will not come to the Awards Ceremony, but
Larry Parness (DHG ) promised Murdock that he would be
delighted to attend.
Bloomberg will notify award recipients and invite them to
the festivities.
Kiteley suggested posting a prominent sign at the site 4
inviting the public to attend.
The Special Awards Committee (Bloomberg, Cadette, Heston,
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3.
Metcalfe) will oversee the preparation and framing of the
certificates.
Metcalfe suggested displaying photographs of the nominated
properties at the Awards Ceremony site.
Either Mayor Mary Ford or Patrick Goggins will be invited to
accept the City Hall entrance award for the city.
Downtown Plan side street dating for the Planning
Department. Outside help with procedures to be made
available.
City Planner, Wayne Feiden, wants NHC members' help in
dating downtown side street areas. Evans, while gathering
information on building dating procedures, located a
specialist, Bonnie Parsons.
Since Penelope Kim as well as Feiden want training on
building dating methods, Northampton has made firm
arrangements for instruction with Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission. (see ltr: Kim to Parsons dtd. 2- 22 -94:
distributed).
Parsons will come to Northampton and present about 1 1/2 .
hours of training on building dating methods using sources
such as historical maps, aerial views, deeds and other
research materials. Kim wants this project completed by the
end of March, so NHC members selected possible times and
places for the training sessions:
Monday 28 March 4:00 -6:00
Tuesday 29 March 4:00 -6:00
Wednesday 30 March 4:00 -6:00
Council Chambers
Council on Aging Room (Murdock will schedule if this
site is selected)
City Hall?
Evans will confer with Kim: NHC members will be notified
about time and place.
4. Building Plaques:
Bloomberg and Metcalfe have "cleaned up" plaque
documentation and final texts. Metcalfe distributed sets of
texts to NHC members for meticulous and final review.
5. Interaction of Historical Commission with other City Boards
and Departments - -a new suggestion.
Lockwood suggests that NHC members might try to establish
personal relationships with various city departments.
Mutual exchange of information and appropriate participation
1 might prove to be productive.
From the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Evans learned r
about "buddy board" guidelines. Their purpose is to "get
communication going ". NHC members, for example, might learn
when other boards meet and perhaps attend.
Parker commented that the city's list of boards is very long
indeed.
The next meeting will be held on 4 April 1994 at 4:15 p.m. in the
Council on Aging building.
Respectfully submitted,
` 7)IWV- �i7a- /_& _M AWd0 Y M
Mary - Elizabeth Murdock
Recording Secretary
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON P"TON -- HISTORICAL- COMMISSION _____
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
DATE: Monday, April 4, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging, Memorial Hall
Northampton, Mass.
AGENDA
1. Communication with related /pertinent city boards and
commissions.
2. Smith College's planned rehabilitation program: list of
properties.
3. Stan Rosenberg's appointment to the Legislature's Special
Commission on Historic'Preservation.
4. National Trust membership: dropped.
5. Scott Heyl re: planned rehabilitation and restoration of
historic South Street property.
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION OF MEETING.
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NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
APRIL 4, 1994
Present: Bloomberg, Cadette, Evans, Lockwood, Metcalfe, Murdock,
Parker
Absent: Feeley (Honorary Member) , Fitzgerald, Heston, Kiteley,
Kunath, Lincoln (Honary Member)
Introductory Comments:
Lockwood is planning to write more essays for Daily Hampshire
Gazette. An attractive new pamphlet, "A Guide to Hampshire
County" is a good guide she stated.
Since Lockwood will be away on professional business from May 2-
15, the next NHC meeting will be held on Monday 16 May. Its
purpose is to review final details for the 19 May Awards
Ceremony.
A Press Release sent to DHG announces the Awards Ceremony - -and
O the reasons for it.
NHC members continued to discuss matters concerning the AWARDS
CEREMONY:
a. Lockwood will send invitations to award recipients (see
MINUTES 7 March 1994). Acceptances /refusals should be
returned to her before 2 May.
b. Tepper Building: owners should be mentioned. "Someone"
will represent them.
C. Cadette will construct frames for the Award
Certificates. He persuaded Smith Glass owner, Perry
Smith, to provide frame stock at a most reasonable
price.
d. Kathy Sullivan will do the calligraphy for the project.
e. Murdock will telephone Larry Parnass (DHG ) to make sure
that he will attend the ceremony.
f. Lockwood will confer with Silverscape Designs owner's
Denis Perlman, about light refreshments.
g. Presenters:
City Hall new entrance Metcalfe to Goggins
Silverscape Designs Lockwood to Perlman
Tepper Building Evans to "someone"
82 Washington Avenue Murdock to Senechal and
Sherer
100 Washington Avenue Bloomberg to Korff and
Shelly
h. Foudy (DIG believes that Smith Vocational School
students will work on the flashing for the new City
Hall crenelations. R. Garney suggested inviting them
- to the "opening " - -and reporting the event in DHG.
AGENDA
1. The March 7 MINUTES were approved as presented.
2. Communication with related /pertinent city boards and
commissions.
Wayne Feiden has sent a useful list of boards.
Some NHC members will confer with.heads of the five
city boards that are under the aegis of the City
Council:
Head
Conservation Comm. Lewis Moore
Energy Robert Rundquist
Planning Board Arthur Crystal
Property Committee Patrick Goggins
Zoning Board Peter Laband
Liaison
Evans
Murdock
Parker
Metcalfe
Bloomquist
Liaisons will offer informal comments when requested.
Lockwood urges "sensitive" communication with city board
representatives.
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�i 3. Smith College's planned rehabilitation program: list of
properties.
The purpose of a letter from Massachusetts Historical
Commission dtd. 3 -4 -94 (distributed) is to thank local
Springfield lawyers for supplying a detailed list of Smith
College buildings included in the current Smith College
Rehabilitation Program.
Presently, Smith College is attempting to determine the
future of all of its real estate.
4. Stan Rosenberg's appointment to the Legislature's Special
Commission on Historic Preservation.
Lockwood telephoned to congratulate him. Rosenberg plans to
review policies, encourage tourism and to maintain the
historic significance of Commonwealth sites.
She discussed the proposed City Property Manager plan with
Rosenberg as well.
Finally, Lockwood invited him to the Awards Ceremony.
5. Because of the National Trust's high institutional dues and
NHC's very modest budget, NHC has cancelled its NT
membership.
6. Scott Heyl South Street Project (discussion deferred).
7. Other Business:
Parker noted that the Local Arts Council has recently
applied for a grant to benefit the Academy of Music. She
emphasized that the Arts Council should have conferred with
NHC before submitting the grant application. Perhaps NHC
could have reinforced the Council's request. Moreover,
cooperation always helps to nurture "collegial feelings."
Bloomberg will work with Bob Silman to facilitate mutual
communications (such as sending NHC a grant copy before
seeking funds).
Historic Plaque texts are finished and accepted. Bloomberg
thanked Parker especially for her meticulous proofreading.
Cadette will now prepare the plaques for installation.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 16 May 1994 at 4:15 p.m.
in the Council on Aging building. The Awards Ceremony is on
Thursday 19 May at 4:00 p.m. Site: Silverscape Designs 1 King
St.
Respectfully submitted,
U Recording Secretary / ;
CITY HALL
-NORTHAMPTON -HISTORICAL - COMMISSION-...-
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
DATE: Monday, May 16, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging Meeting Room
Memorial Hall,.Northampton, MA
AGENDA
1. Final arrangements for Awards Presentation on May 19th.
2. Other Business.
3. Adjournment
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NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL-COMMISSION
MINUTES
MAY 16, 1994 - 4:15 p.m.
Present: Allison Lockwood, Chair, Louise Bloomberg, Sally
Evans, Tristam Metcalfe, Mary Parker.
Absent: Gary Cadette, Harold Fitzgerald, Frank Heston, Jean
Kiteley, Rodney Kunath, Mary - Elizabeth Murdock, Elise
Feeley (Honorary member),
Visitor: Edy Ambroz.
1. Minutes of.the Meeting of 4/4/94. Corrections:
Page 1, item d. Katy Schneider, not Kathy Sullivan.
Page 2, item 2. Bloomberg, not Bloomquist.
Page 2, item 5. NHC's membership in the National Trust
has not yet been cancelled. It was
renewed automatically for another year.
2. Beardsley's Restaurant. Following a call from the City's
Building Inspector, Lockwood and Metcalf were given a
tour, and viewed plans for the conversion of the building
to a comics museum. Lockwood reported that she found the
plans interesting, exciting, and fun. (A gargoyle is to
go onto the roof.)
3. 144 Main Street. Bay Bank is reportedly moving into this
building, which was formerly the home of Bran -Win -
Pharmacy. Lockwood will write to the bank expressing our
interest in what happens to the building.
4. Area Historical Commissions. In response to her
"feelers" Lockwood has begun to hear from chairs of other
historical commissions in the area. She hopes to get
them together to discuss mutual interests, concerns, etc.
5. Daily Hanpshire Gazette articles. Lockwood will try to
keep them coming.
6. Awards. All certificates signed, framed, and ready for
the ceremony at Silverscape on May 19 at 4:00 p.m. Mayor
Ford will attend. Senator Stan Rosenberg is coming.
Representative Bill Naegle has been invited. Evans has
taken photographs of all five buildings and had 5" x 7"
enlargements made. Metcalfe will select best shots,
mount and label them. Food and drink all set.
7. Elm Street Historic District. City Council to vote this
Thursday, May 19.
8. City Hall Turrets. Metcalfe reported that liquid rubber
membranes will go on turret roofs. Some fabrication
- .st_ill___to.-- be- done. -.__ - Fund -s -- stil -1 - something- of - -a - problem - - -- -_. -_
9. Commission membership. Frank Heston will be resigning.
Possible new members: Patricia Wright (architectural
articles in Daily Hampshire Gazette), Jim Bridgman
(historical notes in Gazette).
10. Memorial Hall. Bob Cahillane, Veterans' agent, seems to
have plans for some work. Lockwood has sent a message to
Mayor Ford and expects to hear from her. Bloomberg, on
Arts Council, will also look into this.
11. Fleet Bank Sign. Helen Searing asked us to discuss it.
According to Metcalf a city committee is currently
working on sign zoning. Can a member of the Historical
Commission be appointed to the committee? Lockwood will
call the Building Inspector. Evans to call Searing and
suggest that she, Nearing, call Building Inspector.
12. 22 -34 New South Street. Edy Ambroze gave an initial
presentation of the renovations planned for this
,structure. They would like to work with the Historical
Commission. They must also deal with local codes and
handicapped access issues. Owners are seeking Federal
historic tax credits.
On rear exterior plan to add 4 dormers and redo porches.
Ambroz may return to our next meeting.
13. Meeting times. Should we change to an evening meeting?
We will discuss this at our next meeting on June 6.
Respectfully submitted
Sally Evans, Acting Secretary
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NORTHAMPTON - HIS°TORICAL CON SSION
.210 MAINSTREEr NOZrHAMPTON, "MASSACHUSETTS 01060
• Crry
NORIHAMP'ION HIS=CAL GOMyISSION
OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE
DATE: Monday, Jtme '6, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging Meeting Roan
Northampton, Mass.
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REVISED AGENDA I
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1. Further discussion - South Street Condominium
2. Re -hash Awards Ceremony
3. Liaisons - Status review, and discussion of one member's
conflict
4. Downtown dating project
5. A moment of rememberance for Eleanor Lincoln
6. Adjournment
Northampton Historical Commission minutes
June 6,1994, 4:15 PM - 5:10 Council on Aging meeting room
Present: L. Bloomberg, S. Evans, R. Kunath, T. Metcalfe
Absent: Cadette, Fitzgerald, Heston, Kitely, Murdock, Feeley
Since a quorum was not present, minutes were not voted on. The
discussion followed the "Revised Agenda ".'
1. No further discussion on South St. Condominium project.
2. Re -hash of the Awards Ceremony produced the following;
A thank you to all who helped it happen as the sucess it was.
a. TM, it needs more coverage to increase public awareness.
This is both the key to more public involvement in the awards, and
increased public demand for better built environments which will
reduce aesthetic & historic disasters everyone seeks to prevent.
b. SA,, maybe Hampshire Life could do an article before if the
awards are no secret till the ceremony.
c. LB, Allison may be able to arrange it.
d. TM, maybe a 1/2 year nominations announcement could help
build interest, suspense, and more public nominations.
e. RK, we need more citizen nomination involvement.
f. TM, maybe a best of the decade awards could both keep the
C> city aware of the .past awards, and provide more motivation to
developers to'do good future work, being that it may inspire on
going commendation, i.e. better occupant attraction value.
- g. SA, are there criteria for awards?
h. LB, local criteria exists, we should review it.
i. TM; a peoples choice decade award vote would both attract
their needed conscious attention and communicate to all the value
and demand for a better future.
3. Liaisons review
SA, my conflict is with meeting times overlapping.
TM, are we expecting to go to all the meetings of our liaison
committee?
LB, we should not have to attend all meetings.
TM, why not get copies of minutes sent to us, then we can stay
in touch with the issues we feel are significant.
. LB, Memorial Hall possible renovation should be involved with
the Arts Council and our Commission.-
LB, "Arts in Public Spaces" needs to be our concern also.
TM, the City Hall access project is in need of our efforts to
fund raise for the project committees approved level of finish, I
will head up this effort as soon as I -can.
RK, the Masonic St. fire station should get our attention for
possible reuse of addition to State St. and existing preservation.
NORTHAMPTON- HISTORICAL _COMMISSION
ary HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
crnr
H ALL
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO MEETING IN JULY. THE NEXT MEETING
WILL BE HELD IN AUGUST.
Date: Monday, August 1, 1994 ,
�- Time: 4:15 p.m. _
Place: Council on Aging Meeting Room
Memorial Hail
Northampton, MA
AGENDA
1. Membership.
2. Fire Station
3. Memorial Hall
4. Awards Criteria
5. Other Commissions
6. Adjournment
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
' MINUTES
AUGUST 1, 1994 _ 4.15_p.m•
r 1 -
Y Present: Allison Lockwood, Chair, Gary Cadette, Sally Evans,
Rodney Kunath, Tristam Metcalfe, Mary Parker.
\_ J
Not Present: Louis Bloomberg, Stanley Elkins, Harold
Fitzgerald, Jean Kiteley, Elise Feeley (Honorary
member),
1. Secretarial duties? Until a permanent secretary
surfaces, we will take turns, alphabetically, as minute -
takers. AL will inquire as to the possibility of our
receiving outside secretarial help.
2. Minutes of the Meeting of 4/4/94. Corrections: In three
places (2b, 2g, and 3) "SA" should be "SE" ( =Sally
Evans). The minutes, as corrected, were approved.
(TM,SE)
3. Elm Street Historic District. AL announced that the
District has been accepted by the City Council. (Later
SE pointed out that the District will only actually exist
when the Mayor has appointed, and the Council has
accepted, the members of the Historic District
Commission.)
4. Fire Station. RK wrote to the Mayor about the present
fire station and expressed a wish to be appointed to the
committee that is looking into future home for the Fire
Department. The Mayor has responded that this committee
is not dealing with the future of the present fire
station. AL has written to the present committee about
the present building. There was some discussion about
our concern for its future. The Mayor wants to have a
City Building Officer who would be concerned with all
City buildings.
5. Fleet Bank Sign. AL is looking into it. Does it meet
present zoning regulations? She will talk to the City
Building Inspector.
6. Membership of Historical Commission. Frank Heston and
Mary - Elizabeth Murdock have resigned. Sally Evans, an
associate member, has been appointed a voting member.
Stanley Elkins has been appointed an associate member.
There was some discussion of other possible associate
members.
7. Meeting time. Should the day (and time) be changed?
Should alternative meeting days be considered? We will
discuss this at our September meeting.
8. Florence Congregational Church. AL suggested all members
look at the wonderful job that has been done with that
building, and she noted that Elise Feely of the Forbes
Library had given excellent advice on the project.
9. City Hall Turrets. They should go up soon.
1 0. Calvin Movie Theater. Al w r ote articl o it f o r the
Gazette recently. Mary parker has volunteered to_ help
Historic Massachusetts do an inventory of theaters which
are over 50 years old. The Calvin was built in 1924.
Present owner is the son of the original founder. What
will happen?
11. Memorial Hall. The "cow plop" money- raiser planned by
local Veterans agent has been postponed until October 15.
They hope to raise money to save the existing (= third)
bell from the USS Northampton and do work on the memorial
room. (AL mentioned that technically the memorial room
is Memorial Hall.) The Historical Commission will work
on an ordinance which keep all people from doing things
to City buildings without going through proper channels.
AL will write to the Mayor suggesting that a Memorial
Hall committee be set up and that there be
representatives on it of the Historical Commission, the
Historical Society, etc. as well as a representative of
the veterans. _
12. Bay Bank /CVS /Bran -Win Building. TM has become involved
with this as the architect for the'Winstons who still own
the building. Bay Bank will be moving into the building.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission has become
involved because FDIC public money is involved. Bay Bank
wants to change the exterior facade. TM has made some
�,. suggestions to the Bank and its architect. The
l' Massachusetts Historical Commission has to approve final
plans.
13. Bank of Boston /Multibank /Northampton National Bank
Building. Michelson Galleries has bought it from Bank of
Boston. Bank of Boston will retain an ATM machine in
from lobby. It is not known what Michelson plans to do
to the interior.
14. Demolition Delay Ordinance. Shall. we begin to work on
its creation and passage? We will discuss this at -
September meeting.
15. Downtown Street Lights. RK asked for information on
status. Is someone taking it in hand? AL will ask
Harold Fitzgerald for information.
16. Clock on Main Street in front of former Harry Daniels
building. RK raised the issue. Does anyone on our
Commission know what will happen to it?
17. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at approx. 5:45 p.m.
Res pec� filly submitted,
Sall vans, Acting Secretary
I
- NORTHAMPTON - HISTORICAL - COMMISSION _-
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION'S MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
Voting Members
Allison Lockwood, Chair (10/96)
19 Washington Avenue
Northampton, MA 01060
586 -7092
Sally Evans . (10/96)
210 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01060
584 -0769
Mary Parker (10/94)
80 North Main Street
Florence, MA 01060
586 -6483
C�J Louise Bloomberg (10/96)
112 Washington Avenue
Northampton, MA 01060
545- 3314(w), 584 -2280
Gary Cadet
60 Market Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Stanley Elkins
17 Kensington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Rodney K. Kunath
4 Reed Street
Northampton, MA 01060
1- 800 - 439 -2370 [tell
operator (413)584 -7800]
Honorary Members
Elise Bernier - Feeley
92 Line Street
Southampton, MA 01073
Harold R. Fitzgerald (10/95)
41 Maple Street
Northampton, MA 01060
586 -2529
Tristam Metcalfe, III (10/95)
142 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
586 -5775
Associate Members
Jean Kiteley
25 Harrison Avenue
Northampton, MA'01060
584 -7360
July 7, 1994
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CITY HALL
N ORTHAMPTO N nx � T
HIS TORI C AL _ _ �4J1lJ��issIOl�l N . -
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, September 12, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging, Memorial Hall
Northampton
AGENDA
1. Membership
2. Mary Parker re: Planning Board
3. Proposed addition to N.H.C. ordinance (Please bring two
pages sent you.)
4. Report on:
a) Turrets (crenelations) up on City Hall
b) Letter to Mayor re: Memorial Hall
C) MHC and bay building facade
d) First Church
e) Calvin
f) Fire Station
g) Worcester Meeting Historic MA
h) National Trust Conference in Boston
Minutes
Northampton Historical Commission
September 12, 1994
The Northampton Historical Commission held their meeting on
Monday, September 12, 1994 at 4:15 p.m. in the Council on Aging
Meeting Room, Memorial Hall, Northampton, Mass.
Stanley Elkins was introduced as the newest member of the
Northampton Historical Commission.
Mary Parker reported on the inventory of both the Calvin Look
Park and Pleasant Street Theatres.
At the City Council meeting this Thursday, Mary Ford will deliver
the official "Thank You" for the recent installation of the
crenelations on the City Hall Turrets.
Mary Ford is currently forming a committee dedicated to the
restoration of Memorial Hall as requested by Civil War Veterans
Advocates.
Mary Ford expressed an interest in promoting a demolition delay
ordinance.
Mary Parker has decided to resign and Allison Lockwood has agreed
to be her replacement at the Planning Board meetings.
The City is in the process of reviewing City ordinances and Penny
Kim is proposing a new ordinance which suggests that the
Historical Commission should review all plans relating to any
change made to City properties. A Committee is in the process of
being formed to review the draft ordinances.
The main handicapped entrance to City Hall is unfinished and the
Historical Commission is being asked to raise donations for the
completion of this project. Mary Parker suggests that, in fact,
the City Council should be financially responsible for the
completion of the project.
The Downtown Plan for Northampton "Major Project" committee is
being formed. In connection with this project, the Boston
Society of Architects will present a slide show on October 27th.
John Mullins, Professor of Regional Planning at UMASS, will be
the facilitator of the Downtown Charette. Allison Lockwood will
moderate a round table discussion in conjunction with this
discussion.
Downtown lighting posts are currently being installed.
Respectfully submitted by,
Stanley Elkins
i
CITY HALL
NORTHAMPTON - HIS J: ORIC L - COMMISSION-
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
Northampton Historical Commission
official Meeting Notice
DATE: Monday, October 3, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging Meeting Room
Memorial Hall
Northampton, MA
AGENDA
1. Brief reports on: distinguished service citations to N.H.C.
for City Hall crenelation restoration; our "duties and
powers" section of City ordinances now being re- written; MA
Historical Commission re: State Hospital; Northampton
Downtown Plan; First Churches' restoration campaign;
progress report on plaques.
2. Wayne Feiden, Office of Planning & Development, will educate
us on how demolition delay ordinances are brought about.
3. Tris Metcalfe will report on new Bay Bank design; also on
completion new City Hall entrance.
PLEASE*TRY TO MAKE IT ON TIME.
WE HAVE LOT TO COVER - PLUS A GUEST.
QUESTIONS? (answering machine)
586 -7092
I
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 3, 1994
Present: L. Bloomberg, S. Elkins, S. Evans, A. Lockwood
Absent: G. Cadette, E. Feeley (Honorary Member), H. Fitzgerald,
Kunath, T. Metcalfe
Minutes of September 12th meeting were accepted after the following
corrections were made.
- Harold Fitzgerald compiled the minutes not Stanley Elkins
- Paragraph 5, insert Northampton Historical Commission in
place of Civil War Veterans Advocates
- Paragraph 11, should read Regional Downtown Charette
An excellent article on the 1st Church by Allison Lockwood (A.L.)
was included in the September 30th Hampshire Life. Hopefully, the
thoughtful examination of the history of this church which included
several choice illustrations will encourage support for the
renovations of the church. A.L. pointed out.that much to her
distress some typos relating to dates unfortunately appeared in the
article.
A.L. distributed Distinguished Service Citations to members
present. Both the Union News and The Daily Hampshire Gazette
covered the City Council meeting when A.L. received the
certificates. A.L. noted that one of the Gazette articles included
the names of the turret volunteers. Also, The Northampton
Historical Commission's name was finally properly designated.
A.L. spoke to Penny Kim about a draft of the Duties and
Responsibilities of the Northampton Historical Commission (NHC).
This document is being rewritten by P. Kim's office, and the
will proof this draft when it becomes available.
A.L. received an official letter indicating that the Northampton
State Hospital is now on the National Register list of Historic
places.
A.L. pointed out that the "Downtown Plan" is now officially called
"Downtown Northampton: Today, Tomorrow and the Future ".
The Planing Board is studying the .entire downtown environment. At
present, A.L. is .working, on an article for: The Daily Hampshire
Gazette which will tie in with the "Downtown Northampton; Today,
Tomorrow and the Future. She leaves for Ireland on October 5th,
but hopes to have the article completed before her departure.
-2-
Wayne Feiden, Office of Planning and Development, was present to
discuss how Demolition Delay Ordinances (DDO )can be established.
Before addressing this issue, he invited us all to the Downtown
Charette which takes place Sat, 11/12/94 from 8:30 to 2:00 in the
Center for the Arts". Details about the event are forth - coming.
He hopes to get 200 people from varied constituencies and
backgrounds to assemble for this program. Those attending must
commit to stay for the entire period. Call the Planning Dept. to
sign up.
We should all start thinking about our vision of the downtown area.
What is "downtown "? How is it changing? What will it be like 10
years from now?
After distributing information about Demolition Delay Protection:
A Guide For Local Historical Commissions and the Easthampton DD By-
law, Wayne Feiden emphasized the importance of drafting a
reasonable document which establishes a statuary time limit that
includes a good faith intention. A timeline of 30, 60 or 90 days
is appropriate. A delay can sometimes provide time to convince the
owner or neighbors to reconsider demolition. Wayne emphasized that
we must be judicious about using a DDO.
�j We must define what buildings should be covered. DDO can alter
either total or partial demolition of a building.
Stuart Beckley, Easthampton Town Planner, can be contacted for more
information about the Easthampton DDO.
No formal group is needed to draft the ordinance. Thoughtful
consideration of which geographic areas or type of building will be
affected must be demonstrated. It is best to start with a narrower
definition. Any city councilor or standing committee (like the
NHC) can introduce the document. It can be passed by a simple
majority of city council members. It is implemented by the city
building inspector who distributes demolition permits.
Wayne suggested we wait until after the Charette and the downtown
planning is established before initiating a DDO. Hopefully, the
first draft of the downtown plan will be .compiled by Jan. 1st.
Public hearings on the plan may take place next May or June, and
implementation may start 6 months later.
A.L. stated that she would like to see Main Street become an
historic district. She recalled the 60's plan which included many
hapless suggestions.
A.L. reported that Tris Metcalfe is working with the Winstons and
Bay Bank on the exterior aesthetics of that building.
Wayne suggested that the NHC communicate with city councilors about
issues concerning us such as signage. We should also contact the
Zoning Board who will listen. to our concerns. Bigger and more
intrusive signs are always desired by business, so we must make our
concerns known
L.B. asked about the status of the decorative motif on the new City
Hall entrance. NHC members agreed that we should not seek the
funds to pay for this item, though we feel it is imperative that
this element of the design should be included. The Commission
unanimously agreed that without it, this entry way does not appear
to be the primary access to City Hall. Therefore, at present it
is in violation of State Code 521CMR section 26.1. Section 26.1
states that the primary public entrance(s) of buildings shall be
accessible by persons in wheelchairs. The Northampton City Hall
entrance as it appears now looks 80% complete, but it doesn't look
like a primary entrance. People do not perceive it as such. To be
up to code, 100% of the original design should be included. This
means that the emblem, flags and landscaping must be incorporated
as drafted by the architect. Sally Evans offered to speak to Pat
Goggins, chair of the Property Committee, about this.
The Northampton Historical Commission believes that it is the
responsibility of the City of Northampton to pay for the inclusion
of these design elements.
L.B. will contact Tris to see what progress has been made toward
compiling a letter to the Council about financing the coifipletion of
the design. S.E. offered to work on this letter.
Respectfully submitted.
_ o
dticGo -�J
Louise Bloomberg
} NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION !
CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, November 7, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging, Memorial Hall
Northampton
U AGENDA
1. Hobie Iselin of Construct wants to share proposed plan for
modest exterior change at Roundhouse.
2. Bay Bank building facade report.
3. Ditto Comic Museum.
4. Planning Board Charette for 12th November.
5. Status of plaques.
6. Other Business (including membership).
Please - out of concern for our guest - try to make meeting on
-t ime .
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
(RECONSTRUCTED) MINUTES
NOVEMBER 7, 1994 - 4:15 p.m. I
i
?? Present: Allison Lockwood, Chair, Louise Bloomberg, Gary
Cadette, Sally Evans, Rodney Kunath, Tristam
Metcalfe.
?? Not Present: Stanley Elkins, Harold Fitzgerald, Jean
Kiteley, Elise Feeley (Honorary member),
1. Roundhouse: Hobie Iselin and a colleague from the firm
Construct outlined their proposed alterations to the
Roundhouse building which is owned by Bob Curran, Jr.
The comics museum is moving out, and a family PC
magazine, owned by Disney, will be moving in. Construct
hopes to add more skylights in the sloping roof to bring
in additional light to the offices which will be located
on the upper level.
2. Streetlight: A damaged Main Street light was found lying
on the ground in front of the Academy of Music. The
City's DPW has been notified, and they are expected to
fix it.
3. Charette: A. Lockwood reminded members of the forthcoming
gathering sponsored by the Planning Board and the
Planning Department. The day -long Saturday conference
will focus on the future of the City's downtown. Several
members announced that they planned to attend.
4. Downtown Residents: Attention was called to the newly -
formed downtown residents association which Counselor
Bardsley has been instrumental in establishing. A.
Lockwood has attended their recent meetings. It was
noted that one of the group's stated interests is
preservation.
5. First Church: A. Lockwood reported that the condition of
the First Church building appears to be even more serious
than originally thought. Workers from the firm that is
currently working on St. John's Church have taken a brief
look at the First Church stonework and believe that there
is a great deal of work that must be done.
6. Preservation Awards: Initial discussion of possible
candidates for May 1995 awards took place with the
following buildings mentioned:
1. Building at Munro & East Streets (Jonathan Wright)
2. April Eastman's residence, 275 Elm Street
(Formerly Pollard and, most recently, Moser)
3. 57 Crescent Street (Moriarty ?) (formerly Barrett)
Vinyl siding in part.
4. Smith Charities (stonework)
5. Comic Museum (formerly Beardsley`s)
7. Bay Bank: T. Metcalfe reported on the latest changes
being made to the former Bran -Win Building on Main
Street. A somewhat better feeling of architectural
integrity has been introduced by the bank's designers.
17. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at approx. 6:00 p.m.
Res ectfully submitted,
S EVO
Sally vans, Acting Secretary
(When the official minute -
taking procedure broke down,
these minutes were recon-
structed, on December 30, from
sketchy, personal, and infor-
mal notes made during the
meeting. They should be
reviewed at the January 1995
meeting by others who were
present on November 7, 1994)
Ti 11-40k'1111 III
_ NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
` . CITY HALL 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
CITY HALL
Official Meeting Notice
Northampton Historical Commission
DATE: Monday, December 5, 1994
TIME: 4:15 p.m.
PLACE: Council on Aging, Memorial Hall
Northampton
J, AGENDA
1. Central Northampton Building - Dating Project.
2. Awards for May.
3. Plaques.
4. Other Business.
5. status of plaques.
6. -- Other Business.
� i
Northampton Historical Commission minutes
December 5,1994, 4:15 PM Council on Aging meeting room
Present: A. Lockwood, S. Evans, R. Kunath, T. Metcalfe,
G. Cadette, P.Wright,
Absent: S.Elkins, H.Fitzgerald, J.Kitely, E.Feeley
1. Minutes will be still by alphabetical sequence.
2. Discussion on Downtown Residents Forum Dec. 14, 7 -9 urging
attendance.
3. W. Fieden suggesting NHC spearhead the Downtown Historic
District effort.
4. S.Evans suggested that a Demolition Delay Ordinance might upset
the Downtown Historic District effort. Discussion on timing after
Elm St. District success.
5. Awards ceremony discussed, seeking more input as to nominations
from public and NHC.
6. Form B's work in need of clarification as to how many to do, "15
minute walk radius is a lot ". Maybe we can find retired people to
help in the effort.
D-
7. G. Cadette, "maybe we need identification when at a site ".
8. 1st Church discussed, comments to ensure that money is well
spent to preserve it by finding professional advice, not simply
random contractors opinions.
8. Plaques discussed, T. Metcalfe will get it to Paradise copies
for final print (and check) and then to G. Cadette for securing to
the plaques.
TM