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2009 Historical Commission minutesPLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON hnnin conservation • ronin housin ai tnersh redevelo piiiei t nortlianr ton GIS P� b' g' gP� P' l- P economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Peg Keller, Housing and Conununity Development Senior Planner • PKcller©NorthamptonMA.gov • 413- 587 -1288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: January 26, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampton Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Sub- Committee Reports U ■ 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center ■ CPA Application Sub - Committee ■ Local Awards Ceremony • Membership 5.) New Business/ Elections and New CPC Representative 6.) Other Business 7.) Adjourn Peg Keller 5.87 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma.gov City Hall • 210 Maul Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 41 -3 -557 -1264 original jirinted on recycled paper �. NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION �. Minutes January 26, 2009 Members Present: Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Norman Winston, Bruce Kriviskey, Kim Howes, David Drake, Craig Della Penna. Also present, John Robinson, Smith College, Dylan Gaffney, interested citizen, and Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Blumenthal called the meeting to order'at 6:35 p.m. Member Drake made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting. The motion was seconded by Member Winston; vote in favor unanimous. Correspondence: 1.) Mass. Historical Commission letter received asking for more information on the submission of Tom Douglas for the creation of a new marquee for the Academy of Music. Members expressed an interest in having Mr. Douglas come before them with a specific design. 2.) Norwottuck Rail Trail rehabilitation project Letter from Stantec asking for impact on historic resources. Members said that in response letter, statement should be made that no changes to the fencing other than what exists on the historic iron truss bridge be undertaken. Member Della Penna made a motion to that effect, seconded by Member Drake, vote in favor unanimous. Member Della Penna asked staff to refer the letter to the Norwottuck Advisory Committee for their information. 3.) Mass. Historical Commission letter received about the Rail Trail project described above. Response to Stantec will be forwarded to Mass. Historic. 4.) Mass. Highway letter re: resurfacing project on Route 10 between Easthampton and Northampton. Member Drake made a motion to say they are not aware of any potential negative impacts as a result of this project. Motion seconded by Member Howes, vote in favor unanimous. 5.) Mass. Historical Commission : request for nominations for statewide historic preservation awards. Members discussed nominating First Churches. Member Drake made a motion to encourage First Churches to submit a nomination. Motion seconded by Member Howes, vote in favor unanimous. Member Kriviskey will be the liaison. David Ruggles Center Member Della Penna reported that the project has received permits from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. He said the owner is anxious to move ahead. They are close to signing the Purchase and Sale agreement. A billboard marketing the project will be on the property soon to advertise the units. He said there would be an upcoming Hampshire Life article on the effort! CPA Application Chair Blumenthal reported that the "Eligibility Pre - Determination" form has been approved by the Community Preservation Committee. Three quotes to carry out the project scope have been received, so that part is complete. Two of the parties declined. The sub - committee will now work on submitting the full application that is due Feb. 12 Historic Preservation Annual Awards Ceremony First Churches will be added to the list. Member Della Penna is keeping a digital list. Staff will contact the paper and the Chair will update the flier for placement in the Building Department. Commission Membership Dylan Gaffney expressed interest in becoming a member. Staff will send him a form to submit to the Mayor's office. The Ordinance requires that the next member be representative of the building trade. There are currently 2 alternate slots vacant. Annual Elections Chair Member Drake made a motion to nominate Barbara Blumenthal to serve as Chair for another year. The motion was seconded by Member Kriviskey. The nominations were closed. The vote in favor was unanimous. Vice - Chair/ Member Kriviskey was nominated. He declined, as he has just accepted the chair of the Central Business Architecture Committee. Member Howes was then nominated, with a motion from Member Winston and a second from Member Drake. The nominations were closed. The vote in favor was unanimous. , Community Preservation Committee Members discussed appointing a new member to the CPC. Member Kriviskey nominated Member David Drake. The nomination was seconded by Member Della Penna. The nominations were closed. The vote in favor was unanimous. Staff will alert the CPC staff and the Mayor's Office. Mr. Drake was thanked for his willingness to serve and Member Della Penna for his service to date. Memorialization Committee Member Howes expressed dissatisfaction regarding the process for establishing a Memorial Park at the State Hospital. It was agreed that a letter would be sent from the Commission stating concern for additional residential development on the north campus and its potential impact on siting the park. Members would like additional information on the professional staff offered by Mass Development and their time table, as well as the logistics as to how such elements as lighting and parking will be addressed. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller __ _. 2 PLANNING ANDDEVELOPMENT • "CITY OFNORTHA - MPTON - planning • conservation • zoning • housing pm11UN'S 13 • redevelopment • norlhamplon CIS economic development • community devs10p1)1C11l • historic • conununily preservation • central bL1Si11QSS archileclura 1'eg Keller, Housing and Comnnmity Development Senior Planner • llko.lici-@Noi-tl)aiiil)toiif\ • 41.3-587-:1288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: February 23, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampton Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes O 3.) Correspondence 4.) Sub - Committee Reports • 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center • CPA Application Sub - Committee/ Request for Match • Local Awards Ceremony • Membership 5.) New Business/ Support Letter/ First Churches 6.) Other Business 7.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pl<eller @northamptonma.gov City Hall • 2'10 1\ /1ain Street, Room'17 • Northampton, Mfg 01060 • www.Northamptonivia.gov • Fax 475- 587 -7264 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes February 23, 2009 Members Present: Barbara Blumenthal. Chair, David Drake, Tris Metcalfe, Norman Winston, Bruce Kriviskey, Craig Della Pei i, Kim Howes. Also present, Jol - a - i Robinson, Smith College, a representative from CCNE, Graffiti Removal and Restoration and Peg Keller staff. Call to Order: Chair Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Public Comment: A representative from CCNE addressed the Commission. His company does graffiti removal and he wanted the Commission to be aware of their work. He left a brochure and thanked the Commission for their time. Minutes: Member Kriviskey made a motion to approve last months minutes. The motion was seconded by Member Winston; the vote in favor of approval was unanimous. Project Updates 1.) 225 Nonotuck Street/ David Ruggles Center Member Metcalfe reported that the permits to move ahead have been secured from the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board. There will be an upcoming article in the Hampshire Life about the project. They expect to secure a building permit mid - March. The purchase and sale agreement with Mr. Harrity has been signed. Member Della Penna circulated a brochure that markets the project and describes the live work units that will be built on the site. Additional fundraising efforts continue. The award from the Community Preservation. Committee should be forthcoming for the purchase of 225. Member Della Peru expects a positive response from buyers looking for live /work space in Florence. 2.) Historic Resources CPA Application The application has been submitted and circulated electronically to Commission members. There may be questions asked by the Committee members; site visits will be held on March 14t A meeting with the applicants will be held March 18 On April 15 a public hearing will be held for public input. Recommendations will be made by the Committee on April 15t - 1. Chair Blumenthal said a contribution to the project from the Commission would be a positive show of _ support. The Historic Commission gift account balance was reviewed. Currently j showing $5,500, minus the finding allocated for the dendrochronology study of 615 Riverside Drive of $1,000, would leave 4,500. If the Commission committed $1,000 to the Historic Resources Survey project, that would leave a balance of $3,500. Member Drake made a motion to authorize the expenditure of $1,000 from the gift account for the Historic Resources project. The motion was seconded by Member Della Penna; the vote in favor was unanimous. Chair Blumenthal and the sub - committee were complimented on putting forward such a well prepared application submission. 3.) Local Awards Ceremony Members reviewed the status of the submissions. Assignments were made for follow up activity. The new nomination form is in the Building Inspector's Office and a request ran in the Gazette. Member Della Penna will add any new properties to the electronic listing he maintains. Membership Chair Blumenthal will follow up with Dylan Gaffney. Peg will ask the Mayor to send reappointment letter requests to Members Metcalfe and Winston. Members Della Pertna, Howes and Drake whose terms are expiring, all expressed their desire to be re- appointed. Peg asked them to respond to the Mayors office. Support Letter/ First Churches Member Drake made a motion to send a letter of support on behalf of the application of First Churches to Mass. Historic for a Statewide Preservation Award. Motion seconded by Member Della Penna, vote in favor, unanimous. Member Drake commended Member Kriviskey on behalf of those involved in the exemplary renovation. New Business Chair Blumenthal noted a public hearing.to be held on the Kollmorgen site at the State Hospital. Academy of Music / Marquee Member Drake circulated the information on the new marquee that was submitted to the Community Preservation Committee. Members discussed the historical significance of the project. Member Kriviskey noted that the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation state that most properties change over time and elements that have been added attain historical significance in their own right. So, despite that the marquee was not original to the building, the fact that one has been there longer than one has not, renders it significant. Members agreed to write a new letter for the current application stating their support for the concept of replacing the marquee and their satisfaction that a marquee is appropriate for the building. Member Kriviskey stated that the actual design and installation methodology would be the purview of the Central Business Architecture Committee. Member Della Penna made a motion "to recommend to the Community Preservation Co {nmittee that this is an historic preservation project fundable by the Committee, due to the fact that the presence of a marquee is significant in the history, architecture and culture of the City of Northampton." Member Kriviskey seconded the motion; the vote in favor was unanimous. Other Business Member Della Peruza noted he attended the meeting of the Hadley Historical Commission to discuss the rail trail project. He encouraged them to write a letter about the project. He also volunteered to do 2 bike tours during their celebration. Adjourn/ The meeting concluded at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON s inin * conservation � zonin * - housin * "p tnershi Ted mein � iior11 - am ton CIS Pi � b' b' bP�' 1?' P P - economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Peg Keller, Flousing and Conununit} Development Senior Planner • PT<ellerr@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413- 587 -7.288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: March 30, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampton Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Sub- Committee Reports ■ 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center • 615 Riverside Drive/ Dendrochronology Report • CPA Application • Local Awards Ceremony • Membership 5.) New Business/ 6.) Other Business 7.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller northamptonma.gov City Hall • 210 Mairistreet, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.North-uiiptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 - .original printed on recycled Paper. I NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes March 30, 2009 Members Present: Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Norman Winston, Craig Della Penna; Bruce Kriviskey, Kim Howes. Also present, Kris Thomson, restoration carpenter and Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. A motion was made to approve the minutes of the last meeting; the vote in favor was unanimous. Project Updates 615 Riverside Drive/ Dendrochronology Study Property Owner Kris Thomson reported on what has been learned about the date of construction. He said Bill Flynt did a great job doing the sampling and analysis. They.have concluded that the first incarnation of the house occurred in 1845 with the second floor being added in the summer of 1852. At this time Mr. Benson left the association and had this house built. Kris has almost completed the renovation and will put the house on the market. He was encouraged by Commission members to sell the house with a preservation restriction to protect the structure from inappropriate renovations. Members also asked if he could prepare a Form B to document the results of the research. Mr. Thomson agreed to write a report, for placement at the future Ruggles Educational Center. 225 Nonotuck Street Members Howes and Della Penna said they were waiting for the CPA funding in order to purchase the house. Staff encouraged them to contact the CPA staff person. An archeological sturdy on the site has been completed. There may be additional activity required based on the findings. Historic Resources Survey Chair Blumenthal and Member Kriviskey attended the last meeting of the Community Preservation Committee. At the next meeting, April lst, the Committee will deliberate and Chair Blumenthal will try to get supporters to attend. Member Howes agreed to go. Staff will inquire as to the status of Member Drake's appointment to the CPC as the NHC representative. Local Awards Ceremony Nominations were discussed. More properties are needed. Members were asked to do research on the properties under discussion. The ceremony will be held in June. Member Kriviskey is moving ahead with the First Churches nomination for a statewide preservation award!! Staff will check in with the Building Department for additional nominations. Demolition Request 309 Easthampton Rd. After on -site visits and review of the building department photographs, Member Winston made a motion to declare the property non - significant, thereby approving the request for demolition. Member Kriviskey seconded the motion; the vote in favor was unanimous. Staff will send the decision to the Building department. Memorialization Committee Members asked that the plans for the memorial park be placed on the next agenda for the State Hospital Citizen's Advisory Committee. Staff will make the request to get an update from MassDevelopment. New Business City Hall Photo Exhibit: Staff mentioned that Stan Sherer had visited the second floor of City Hall to examine the condition of the photo exhibit. He has agreed to replace some of the text boards that have become unglued. Members agreed that $150 -200 could be expended from the gift account to pay for the replacement. Staff will contact Mr. Sherer. Broadside Books request to reprint the Northampton chapbook. Chair Blumenthal will get more information and report back to the Commission. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg' Keller r PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON ___ __ __ _ pleiining • housing partnership • iedevclopnrent - • norflramptorcGlS economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture I Peg Keller, Housing and Community Development Senior Planner • P.Keller@NorthamptonlvlA.gov • 413 - 587 -1288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice. DATE: April 27, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampt ^Y 1h . Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence Oil r ➢ MassHighway/ Safe Routes to Jackson Street School 4.) Sub - Committee Reports ➢ 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center 5.) CPA Application / Implementation Plan 6.) Local Awards Ceremony 7..) New Business ➢ Historic Northampton Membership Renewal ➢ Congratulations to First Churches/ Statewide Preservation Award 8.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 plceller @northamptonma. gov City Hall • 210 Maui Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.Nortli-,unptoliMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper- _ - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON planning comservatiorr• zonin - partnership redevelo ment • northam tonG1S - p�" b• !;' gP�' P' P P economic development • community development • historic • conununity preservation • central business architecture Peg Keller, Housing and Community Development Senior Planner • PKellerONorthamptonMA.gov • 413 - 587 -1288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: May 18, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampton Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Sub - Committee Reports ➢ 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center 5.) CPA Application Implementation Plan 6.) Local Awards Ceremony 7.) New Business ➢ Historic Northampton Membership Renewal ➢ Congratulations to First Churches/ Statewide Preservation Award 8.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 12keller@northaml2tonma.gov City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthainptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes May 18, 2009 Members Present: Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Kim Howes, Craig Della Penna, Bruce Kriviskey, Tris Metcalfe, Norman Winston. Also present, Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. No one was present for the public comment period and there were no minutes due to lack of quorum last month. Local Awards Ceremony Members reviewed .each of the nominated properties. Chair Blumenthal reported on her site. visits to the properties suggested by the Building Inspector's Office.. Assignments were made as follows: First Churches — Bruce Kriviskey Park Annex, Smith College - Bruce Kriviskey 71 Chestnut Street — Craig Della Penna 32 Round Hill Road - Tris Metcalfe 100 Conz Street - Norman Winston 76 Columbus Ave. — Kimball Howes Middle Street — Barbara Blumenthal Peg K. will call John Otis to get a status report on the progress of the Noah Parsons House being reconstructed in Williamsburg, for possible award consideration. The First Churches and Park Annex nominations are final, so that information can be gathered. More information is needed on Conz Street, Chestnut Street, Round Hill Rd., Columbus Ave. and Middle Street. Members should try to finalize information on work done and if before pictures can be ascertained. Information should be circulated for final deliberation. Members were encouraged to do this immediately. The Ceremony is scheduled for June 17th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. First Churches has agreed to host the event. Sub- Committee Reports 225 Nonotuck Street — Committee members reported that a meeting will be held May 24th. The condos are being actively marketed and members hope to secure the Community Preservation Act funding to purchase the property. Permits have been secured from the Conservation Commission and Planning Board. CPA Application The Historic Resources Inventory project has been approved and will go to the Mayor for her recommendation, then City Council for final approval. Time should be spent at the next meeting (after the Awards ceremony) to identify next steps. Miscellaneous Items Membership Renewal Members voted unanimously to approve an expenditure to renew the Commission's membership to Historic Northampton. Member Della Penna made the motion, seconded by Member Metcalfe. Congratulatory Letter Members discussed and supported the sending of a letter congratulating First Churches on their Statewide Preservation Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. This effort has been an exemplary undertaking and we are all appreciative of the work of the congregation to accomplish this feat. The Maples SRO/ Support Letter for Valle Members reviewed the parameters for a renovation project planned at 16 N. Maple Street, Florence. Valley CDC owns the 11 unit building and they are applying for State funding to renovate it. There is a Form B for the property, dated 1870. It has undergone renovations prior, however. Valley CDC is looking for a support letter for their state application that says historic resources will not be negatively impacted. Members agreed to send a letter of support, and convey appreciation that the building was being preserved.. Hilton Garden Hotel Peg informed the members that the Hotel proposed for the Roundhouse Parking lot may be moving forward and a potential funder called regarding it's impact on historic resources. A more formal, request will follow. Members expressed hope for additional information in that, although no impact may be felt on the exact construction site, there is concern about ramifications for the two abutting historic properties. Adjourn/ There being no additional business, the meeting concluded at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 2_ PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON _ _. _ -- ihnmii conserV itioii �oniiT 1-ousiri artrrershi "redeve]o meat • northa mp ton GIS — - economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Peg Keller, 1 Tousing and Community Development Senior Planner • PKeller©NorthamptonMA.gov • 413- 587 -1288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice- DATE: June 29, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampton .Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Sub- Committee Reports ➢ 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center 5.) CPA Application / Implementation Plan 6.) Local Awards Ceremony 7.) New Business ➢ 37 1 /2 Chapel Street ➢ Support letter/ Historic Landscapes Grant ➢ Staffing Changes 8.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller@northaml2tonma.gov City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 _ original printed on recycled paper i NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Minutes June 29, 2009 Members Present: Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Kimball Howes, Tris Metcalfe, Norman Winston, Bruce Kriviskey, David Drake, Craig Della Penna, Dylan Gaffney. Also present, Shardool Parmar, Rev. Maduka and Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 6: 33 p.m. New alternate member Dylan Gaffney was welcomed to the Commission. Members introduced themselves. Public Comment Period Hilton Garden Hotel/ Section 10 Review/ USDA Rural Development Peg K. explained that Mr. Parmar was pursuing funding for the Hilton Garden Hotel in the Roundhouse Parking lot from the USDA Rural Development Program. The Federal agency has asked the Commission to render a recommendation for the Section 106 review process. Mr. Parmar circulated a current site plan and building elevations. Discussion followed. Member Kriviskey explained the way the Section 106 review process works. If a local Commission says a particular project may have an adverse affect on surrounding historic properties, they send that declaration to the State Historic Preservation Officer, and it is relayed back to the Federal agency that initiated the 106 request. The process then becomes to identify potential mitigation strategies. In the end, however, if no consensus is reached with regard to the mitigation strategies, the Federal agency can still carry out the project as planned and thus overrule local input. He summarized the role of the Commission. In assessing whether or not there is an adverse affect, he said no demolition will occur (to any abutting historic properties), the construction as proposed may have some advantages to the downtown historic district, the design per say is not under- discussion, as that has been addressed by the Planning Board and Central Business Architecture Committee. If the Commission were to determine there was an adverse affect, the resolution would be up to the State and Federal entities to craft. He said it is not up to the local Commission to resolve the problem. Member Metcalfe circulated a letter from Gordon Thorne. Mr. Thorne is interested in developing the Round House building, one of the two adjacent �' historic properties. Included with Mr. Thorne's letter was a copy of the letter sent by the Historical Commission to the Planning Board on August 13t" 2007. The letter was sent during the hotel permitting process. The letter read as follows: " We strongly appeal to your opportunity to avoid negatively impacting two of those (Historic. Heritage) Resources in the center of downtown at the proposed new hotel site. The developer's proposed plan shows brutally tight set backs from the Round House Gasworks building, as well as the old wood frame residence opposite it. We urge you to reject the current site plan based both on the degradation of adjacent historic structures and the issue of blocked light and air for these surrounding structures. We urge you to require the developer to present a revised site plan with significantly larger setbacks from the existing buildings on both sides so as not to compromise the character of the properties and grounds immediately surrounding the proposed Hotel site. " The letter submitted by Mr. Thorne suggested a design alternative. Member Metcalfe said the August letter is still relevant, as the setbacks have not changed and urged the Commission to state there is an adverse affect. Mr. Parmar said, he was not in a position to negotiate different setbacks, as they were prescribed in the RFP and his firm was complying with those requirements. Member Kriviskey said that in a strict sense, the site plan does not show an adverse affect on the abutting properties, as there will be no demolition. The O existing buildings will not be harmed physically. Mr. Parmar said the two buildings would be monitored during construction to insure physical stability. He noted that 5 utility poles were being removed, improving the visual aesthetics and utilities around the Round House will be placed underground. Mr. Parmar said his position regarding the design alternative proposed by Mr. Thorne was neutral. He could go either way, but he has to follow the obligations stated in the Request for Proposals. Discussion followed regarding pedestrian flow, a new elevator and stairwell redesign and the more intangible characteristics in determining an adverse affect, such as integrity, feeling and association. After several attempts at formulating a motion, the following motion was made by Member Kriviskey: " The Northampton Historical Commission has determined that there is no adverse affect to the architectural and historical integrity of the abutting historic properties, however, in order to improve the circulation and linkages of the historic properties with the proposed hotel and other historic properties within the downtown Northampton historic district, _1 additional site design considerations should be addressed within the i consultation process. " The motion was seconded by Member Howes. The vote in favor of the motion was 5 in favor, 2 opposed. A letter will be sent to the USDA Rural Development Division. 37 Chapel Street Chair Blumenthal recognized Father Maduka, pastor of the Resurrection Life Ministries Church located at the corner of Laurel Street and Chapel Street. He came to describe the physical plight of the building and to seek guidance from the Commission. For several years their congregation has rented the chapel from the Grange. Four hundred pounds of pigeon droppings have been removed from the attic (at a cost of $8,000) and the property is in terrible shape. Last year, they were told to either purchase the property or leave. They have since purchased the property. The building was constructed in 1871 and has a great history of serving Northampton State hospital patients and medical staff. It was last rehabbed in 1935, and as one of the last standing buildings that served the State Hospital community, they feel it should be preserved. They have a small congregation that cannot afford the repairs. They are doing some landscaping, but it is not handicapped accessible and they would like to install a ramp in addition to other renovation activities. New Member Gaffney noted the property has a Form B and was designed by William Fenno Pratt. Members helped strategize an approach for a Community Preservation Committee application. It was noted that a public benefit and an historic preservation deed restriction would be required. Members agreed it was a worthy project and with a motion from Member Della Penna, seconded by Member Drake, voted unanimously to support the project moving ahead. Noting that the CPC would require a more formal vote, members invited Father Maduka to return for the July meeting with more information on costs. Minutes Approval Reverting back to the original agenda order, the minutes from last months meeting were approved as submitted. Other Actions �i Heritage Landscape Inventory Grant Application Planning Director Feiden asked the Commission to support a grant application to the Dept. of Conservation Resources for a Heritage Landscape Inventory award. This grant award would allow for the creation of an analysis of important community landscapes that would overlap topical interests, such as historic, open space and community development. Member Drake made a motion to 3 support the application, seconded by Member Howes. The vote in favor was unanimous. Historic Preservation Restriction/ 225 Nonotuck Street Planning Director Feiden requested a vote by the Commission to accept a Historic Preservation deed restriction for 225 Nonotuck Street, as a condition of the Community Preservation Act funding award. Members noted the timeliness of the request, as the final approval will be going to City Council at the July 9 11 ' meeting, but requested that the full document be circulated. Member Howes made a motion to accept the restriction, seconded by Member Drake. The vote in favor was unanimous. Correspondence was reviewed. Local Awards Ceremony The 2009 ceremony has been postponed until the fall. Chair Blumenthal asked members to rethink the process. Hopefully, additional properties and a standardized approach to potential award winners will be identified by that time. Sample materials from other locations were circulated with regard to outreach for nominated properties and selection criteria. J Staffing. Changes Chair Blumenthal notified members that Peg Keller would no longer be staffing the Commission after this evening. There is a departmental reorganization that will create a new Office of Community and Economic Development, which will house Peg (Teri Anderson, Nate Best and Cam Leon). Wayne Feiden will staff the Commission during the summer, at which time other staff may be assigned in the fall. Ultimately, the Commission and the Elm Street Historic District Commission duties may be merged, but that is farther off in the future. David Ruggles Center Member Della Penna reported that they have closed on the property and will receive the building permit shortly. All were congratulated. Adjourn/ There being no additional business to discuss, the meeting concluded at 8:25 p.m. The July agenda will include discussion of the Awards ceremony and a second visit by Father Maduka, if he decides to enter the August CPA funding round. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller, signing off. 4 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON - -- - - - - -- planning -•- conservation -• zoning-- housing partnership -• redevelopment ! northampton GIS -- - - —. - - - - -. -- -- - economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Peg Keller, Housing and Community Development Senior Planner • PKeller@NorthamptonMA.gov 413 -587 -1288 NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Meeting Notice DATE: July 27, 2009 TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18 210 Main Street Northampton Agenda 1.) Public Comment Period C� 2.) Approval of Minutes 3.) Correspondence 4.) Demolition Application/ Buildings at the Fairgrounds Bruce Shallcross, Three County Fair Redevelopment Corporation 5.) Sub - Committee Reports ➢ 225 Nonotuck Street House / David Ruggles Educational Center 6.) CPA Application / Implementation Plan 7.) Local Awards Ceremony 8.) Old Business ■ 37 Chapel Street/ CPA Application Support Letter ■ Preservation Restriction for 225 Nonotuck Street 9.) Adjourn Peg Keller 587 -1288 pkeller @northamptonma. gov City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper Northampton Historical Commission Minutes July 27, 2009 Members Present: Barbara Blumenthal, Chair, Tris Metcalfe, Kim Howes, Norman Winston, Bruce Kriviskey, Dylan Gaffney. Also present, John Robinson, Smith College; Sue Carbin, Leeds Civic Association; Pastor Maduka, Hospital Hill Chapel; Bruce Shallcross, Fairgrounds Association; Peg Keller, staff. Call to Order: Chair Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. She addressed Sue Carbin first, during the public comment period. Hotel Bridge, Leeds Ms. Carbin reported that the Leeds Civic Association is applying to the Community Preservation Committee in the upcoming round for the restoration of the Hotel Bridge for recreational use. They are looking to be able to use the bridge for community space and events. The City's Department of Public Works owns the bridge, so it will be a joint application. They are applying for funding initially, to conduct an engineering feasibility study. Ms. Carbin noted that this is the oldest Pratt -truss bridge in the state. C Discussion followed. Ms. Carbin said the DPW is deciding how much to request for the study. She would be able to report back to the Commission next month about the amount of the request. Member Metcalfe made a motion to support the request of the City of Northampton's Department of Public Works and the Leeds Civic Association to the Community Preservation Committee to fund an engineering feasibility study for the Hotel Bridge in Leeds, and that it is the opinion of the Commission that both the requirements of the Community Preservation Act for eligibility are met. (Listed or eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places or determined by the local historic commission to be significant in the history, archeology, architecture or culture of the City). Member Kriviskey seconded the motion, the vote in favor was unanimous. A letter will be drafted and sent to Ms. Carbin for inclusion in their CPC application. Pastor Maduka/ Chapel on Chapel Street Pastor Maduka returned after an initial visit last month. He thanked members of the Commission for their assistance. Member Metcalfe had done a walk through of the property and provided some preliminary cost estimates. Member Gaffney found some old photographs of the property at Forbes Library (some of the library's earliest on tin) and Chair Blumenthal for her guidance and information about the Community Preservation Program. The Pastor distributed an informational booklet he created, which depicts the interesting and significant history of the William Fenno Pratt designed building. Discussion followed. Pastor Maduka was informed that the Community Preservation Committee would prefer detailed specifications and costs for ,the renovation project, as opposed to estimates, it at all possible. He was encouraged to supply those for the application, and to wait if he was unable to secure them for this upcoming round. The Commission members opted to offer the letter of support now, which he will have for whenever the application is submitted. Member Kriviskey made a motion to support the project, and state that the second criteria for eligibility is met. The motion was seconded by Member Howes, the vote in favor was unanimous. A letter will be drafted and sent to Pastor Maduka for inclusion in his application. He was thanked for his efforts. Fairgrounds Demolition Application Bruce Shallcross, General Manager of the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, Fairgrounds Association, presented the Master Plan for the redevelopment of the fairgrounds and described the plans for demolition. The first phase involves the demolition and replacement of the horse barns. Phase One is a four million dollar undertaking, the master plan overall is thirty million. The master plan C; needs to go before the Planning Board and includes resolution of drainage and compensatory storage issues. With regard to the grandstand, it will be further researched to determine if it can be reused. (The existing Form B's for the fairgrounds are for the grandstand and judges stand, neither of which are slated for demolition at this time). The Three County Fair is the oldest fair in the country. Noah Webster was a judge at one of the earliest events. The fair has not missed a year of operation since 1813. Mr. Shallcross described the evolution of events, with the addition of trotters in 1930's and flat racing in 1954, as well as the advent of pari mutual betting. He thought the horse barns proposed for demolition were built in the 1960's. He said they are post and beam, hard to clean and hard to maintain. Three new horse barns will be built. Member Kriviskey said this is a great undertaking for Northampton and appreciated learning about the master redevelopment plan. He said he is not sure the request for demolition had to come before the Commission (buildings appear to have been built after the 1939 cut -off for review), but for the record, he does not object. He went on to note, that although not in the Commission's purview, he hopes that the new design will contain some elements of the older buildings, such as low -rise white buildings with red roofs, to maintain the character of the site. Mr. Shallcross then showed a schematic representation of the new structures, which showed low- rise white buildings with red roofs. He said an architect would be hired to design the new buildings, which will - hopefully incorporate solar and green elements, in hopes of reducing overall operating costs. Member Kriviskey summarized by saying it is important in order to continue to bring people to the site, that it retain its unique character, as a representation of the way Northampton used to be. Member Howes made a motion to approve the application as proposed, noting there is no historical significance to the structures proposed for demolition in this phase. Member Kriviskey seconded the motion. The vote in favor was unanimous. Staff said they would notify the Building Department. He was thanked for his presentation, and Mr. Shallcross departed. Minutes: Member Winston made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting, seconded by Member Kriviskey. The vote in favor was unanimous. Correspondence: Chair Blumenthal read a letter from the Mass. Historical Commission approving the design of the Academy of Music Marquee. The plan was determined to have no adverse affect, and was acceptable under the State's preservation restriction. Project Updates 225 Nonotuck Street/ Member Howes reported that work is being done at the site. The building is now owned by the David Ruggles Center organization. The building is being readied for fall programming. The archeological investigation revealed a few items, but nothing hugely significant. They are working in conjunction with the Sojourner Truth Committee in a unified effort to bring the project to fruition. The live /work condo spaces are actively being marketed. CPA Application/ Chair Blumenthal said she was not aware if the final appropriation had been approved by the City Council. She will check with Bruce Young and Wayne Feiden about moving ahead on a contract with Bonnie Parsons of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to update, photograph and digitize the existing Form B's and complete the citywide inventory. 225 Nonotuck Street Preservation Restriction/ Members reviewed the restriction that the Community Preservation Committee attached to this project. Members felt it was comprehensive. Member Kriviskey asked about the reference to "the City" as the reviewer of alterations. Staff said she would inquire as to whom this may refer to. Members felt the expertise did lie with the Historic Commission and offered to be that entity, should the Committee desire more specificity. New Business — ' Inquiry/ Chair Blumenthal reported being contacted by Fran Tibo with regard to the Roberts Meadow Dam. Ms. Tibo expressed interest in forming a group to save the dam from removal. It was built in 1883. Ms. Tibo said she has contacted the State about delaying the project to enable a local group to fundraise for its preservation. Member Kriviskey suggested that the Chair tell Ms. Tibo to contact the State Historic Preservation Officer to determine the criteria for dam significance, and that she would be welcome at a future Commission meeting to plan further strategies. The Commission could not recall if they had been asked for a Section 106 determination. Staff will check the files. Local Awards Ceremony Chair Blumenthal suggested setting a date and getting it booked with First Churches. October 14th and 21s' were mentioned. Member Kriviskey will check with Rev. Ives when Rev. Ives returns from vacation, to confirm. Some additional properties were mentioned for consideration (25 Center Court, upper Elm Street and Park House). Additional public relations ideas were discussed in conjunction with the need to elevate the exposure and status of the event. Activities in other places were discussed, such as an independent panel of architects to make the selections, having a sit -down dinner, having people nominate themselves and supplying before and after photographs and narratives, having the Commission purchase the plaques, etc. The goal would be to make the award generally more coveted throughout the community. Chair Blumenthal and Member Kriviskey agreed to work as a sub - committee to pursue these ideas further. Adjourn/ There being no additional business to discuss, the meeting concluded at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peg Keller 1 jf 'tf/'0� /r/ FfzY/&� PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON Tannin conservation • zonin "fiousiii - ai•tnecstii redevelo menf Wort - am ton I - - - - economic development development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development • Wfeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413- 587 -1265 Northampton Historical Commission Meeting Notice DATE: Monday, August 31, 2009 TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) Agenda i i 1. Public Comments 2. Approval of Minutes of July 27, 2009 3. Correspondence . 4. Subcommittee Reports a. 225 Nonotuck Street/David Ruggles Center 5. Preservation Awards 6. Local Awards Ceremony 7. Community Preservation a. Heritage Resources Survey b. Letter of Support for 37 1 /2 Chapel Street c. Heritage Landscapes Survey 8. Implementation Plan 9. Update on OPD staffing resources for Historical Commission 10. Future meeting dates City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptoriMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper OA1 I e J -.0 / /O 9 I" PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON - - lannm conservation � zonin liousiii aPtnei• - shi redevelo" menu � nortliam ton GI - ' _ P - - -• g. g' SP p. P — p economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development • Wfeiden @NorthamptonMA.gov • 413 - 587 -1265 Northampton Historical Commission Minutes DATE: Monday, August 31, 2009 TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) Members Present Staff Present Barbara Blumenthal, Chair Wayne Feiden, Planning Director Craig Della Penna David Drake Kim Howes Bruce Kriviskey Tris Metcalfe (arrived 7:10 PM) Norman Winston (Dylan Gaffney had schedule conflict and could not attend) Barbara Blumenthal opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. 1. Public Comments Richard Costello described his Dorsey -Jones House at 191 Nonotuck Street and said he was hoping to apply for CPA funding to do a historical renovation and put a preservation agreement on the property. Kathleen supported the project. There was a consensus from the Northampton Historical Commission that the application requires more information and documentation that it is a historically accurate project before they can support. The Commission suggested that the applicant meet informally with the Community Preservation Committee to get a sense of whether they are willing to support the renovation of a private house financially. John and Dede Clapp and Fran and Wayne Thibault spoke in favor of maintaining the Upper Roberts Reservoir Dam. They requested support for their efforts to fandraise to raise the difference between demolishing the dam and rehabilitating it (which they estimate at $450,000), to preserve the history, vistas, and hydroelectric potential. Dede Clapp described the history of the area and the role and potential of the dam. Barbara Blumenthal read the MassHistoric Commission Section 106 Review Letter. Bruce Kriviskey suggested contacting MassHistoric to ask whether the dam is national register eligible. John Clapp explained that Board of Public Works has not approved their efforts to fundraise instead of the Department of Public Works demolishing the dam. 2. Leeds Dam Upon motion by Kriviskey and second by Howes, the Commission voted unanimously to � authorize Barbara Blumenthal to write a letter on the Commission's behalf to recognize the historic nature of the dam and support funding for its preservation. City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper 3. Hospital Hill Chapel at 37 % Chapel Street Barbara Blumenthal read a proposed letter of support for this CPA application. The Commission was pleased with the letter. 4. Preservation Awards and Awards Ceremony The Commission set October 21 at 4:30 in the First Churches for the awards ceremony. The Commission reviewed the candidates for preservation awards, approved two and authorized Barbara Blumenthal to make final selection on three other candidates. Committee members may email her their final comments within a week. 5. Approval of Minutes of July 27, 2009 Upon motion by Krviskey and second by Howes, the Historical Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of July 27 6. Update on OPD staffing resources for Historical Commission I . Wayne Feiden discussed with the Historical Commissions the opportunities to address the staffing challenges from the reorganization of OPD. OPD wants to continue providing professional staffing to the Historical Commission, but can only do so if they make changes to address staff shortages from the reorganization. OPD is examining opportunities to merge the Elm Street Historic District Commission and the Historical Commission and move meeting nights to better coordinate staff. Commissioners were generally supportive, suggesting that merging the committees might require a subcommittee to do the actual review of Elm Street C " 111 applications. This item will be on the next agenda to continue exploring the options. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM. City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON - - - -- _ - ]annin - conservation "� zoiiin " - housin artnershi redevelo menY• northam tori GIS - - p " -• g� S• gP P -.- - P P economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development • Wfeiden @NorthamptonMA.gov • 413 - 587 -1265 Northampton Historical Commission Meeting Notice DATE: Monday, September 21, 2009 TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) Agenda 1. Public Comments 2. Approval of Minutes of August 31, 2009 3. Correspondence 4. Preservation Awards and Awards Ceremony 5. Heritage Resources Survey (CPA funded project) —scope of services 6. Update on OPD staffing resources for Historical Commission and future meeting dates 7. .225 Nonotuck Street/David Ruggles Center City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper Ii A*40"t 1 LANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON ia- conservation -• tionin -- housin artnershi - northam tori GIS - p� B' g' Sp p' p p nomic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development • Wfeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov • 413 - 587 -1265 Northampton Historical Commission Minutes DATE: Monday, September 21, 2009 TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) Members Present Staff Present Barbara Blumenthal, Chair Wayne Feiden, Planning Director Craig Della Penna Kim Howes Tris Metcalfe Norman Winston Members Absent David Drake Bruce Kriviskey Barbara Blumenthal opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. 1. Public Comments There were no public comments. 2. Approval of Minutes of August 31, 2009 Upon motion by Norman Winston and second by Craig Della Penna, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes as submitted. 3. Correspondence The Commission reviewed a request for a Section 106 Review for Damon Road Drainage Improvements for the drainage outlet on the banks of the Connecticut River adjacent to the Norwottuck Rail Trail. Upon motion by Craig Della Penna and second by Tris Metcalf, the Commission voted unanimously to have staff write a letter expressing no concern about the project, but urging them to work with Mass Historic to ensure that no archaeological sites are disturbed. 4. Preservation Awards and Awards Ceremony The Awards Ceremony was finalizd at 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday October 21 at the First Churches. Barbara Blumenthal will present Chestnut Street and Conz Street awards. Bruce Krivisky will present the First Church and Park House Annex Awards. Kim Howes and Tris Metcalf will arrange for refreshments. City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper n 5. Heritage Resources Survey (CPA funded project) —scope of services The Commission agreed to accept the scope of services in PVPC's original scope as the final contract scope of services for this project. Staff will write up a contract with PVPC for the work. 6. Update on OPD staffing resources for Historical Commission and future meeting dates The Commission discussed merging the Historic District Commission into the Historical Commission in order to allow the Office of Planning and Development to continue to provide staff in light of their cutbacks as a result of this year's budget reorganization. Feiden distributed a draft ordinance to this effect. With some minor changes, and upon motion by Kim Howes and second by Craig Della Penna, the Commission voted unanimously to support the proposed ordinance, contingent on an endorsement from the Elm Street Historic District Commission. 7. 225 Nonotuck Street/David Ruggles Center Tris Metcalf updated the board on the progress at the David Ruggles Center. Feiden informed the board that the City closed on the Preservation Restriction for the Center ten days earlier. The Commission discussed briefly skipping the October meeting in consideration of the October awards ceremony. The final decision will be made based.on correspondence that comes in prior to the awards ceremony. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM. City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413- 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON plarmiri conservation - zonin housing partnership • northam tonGIS P g' g' gP PP economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development • Wfeiden©NorthamptonMA.gov • 413 -587 -1265 Northampton Historical Commission Meeting Notice DATE: Monday, November 23, 2009 TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) Agenda 1 1. Public Comments 2. Approval of Minutes of September 21, 2009 (There was no October meeting because of the October 21 Awards Ceremony) 3. Correspondence 4. Update on Heritage Resources Survey (CPA funded project) 5. Update on OPD staffing resources for Historical Commission 6. Future Historical Commission meeting dates 7. Update on St. Mary's Church closing 8. Northampton State Hospital Memorial Bench 9. Request for funding for Elm Street Historical Commission signs 10. Request for Northampton Historical Commission to co- sponser David Ruggles at 200: Radical Black Abolitionist at Work in New York City and Florence *, a symposium that will be held in Florence, April 16 -18, 2010 City Hall • 210 Main Street Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptoriMa.gov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper d J Northampton Historical Commission Minutes DATE: Monday, November 23, 2009 TIME: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) Members Present Staff Present Barbara Blumenthal, Chair Wayne Feiden, Planning Director Craig Della Penna David Drake Bruce Kriviskey Tris Metcalfe Dylan Gaffney Members Absent Kim Howes Norman Winston 7. Public Comments - -None 8. Approval of Minutes of September 21, 2009 `J (There was no October meeting because of the October 21" Awards Ceremony) - -Upon motion by David Drake and second by Bruce Kriviskey the board voted unanimously to approve the minutes. 9. Correspondence -493 -509 Haydenville Road Determination of Significance: David.Drake said that he thought that the buildings were not significant. Tris Metcalf asked if there was some way to keep the foundation, backfilled, to keep a memory of the site as a former building —Upon motion by David Drake and second by Craig Della Penna the Commission voted unanimously to determine that the buildings were not significant, but recommended saving the foundation if possible and seeing if the fire department was willing to burn the buildings. 10. Update on Heritage Resources Survey (CPA funded project) - -PVPC signed the contract for the project and it is currently circulating within the city. We expect a signed contract with PVPC within the next week or so. The Commission discussed how to engage the community with the study process. Craig Della Penna offered to do an outreach to the media to get the community involved. 11. Update on St. Mary's Church closing - -The Commission expressed total agreement and pleasure with Barbara Blumenthal's op -ed piece on saving the St. Mary's Church. The Commission had no other news on the church. 12. Update on OPD staffing resources for Historical Commission i _ City all •_ 210-Main Street, Room 11 Northampton, MA 01060 • www.Northam tonMa. ov • Fax 413 - 587 -1264 Y 'sin n r paper P g on al rimed on recycled r -- Feiden brought the commission up -to -date on hiring. 13. Future Historical Commission meeting dates - -The Commission discussed willingness to change the meeting night if necessary to meet staffing needs. 14. Northampton State Hospital Memorial Bench - -Upon motion by David Drake and second by Dylan Gaffney the Commission voted unanimously to apply for a Community Preservation grant to create a more durable bench with a stone surface. 15. Request for funding for Elm Street Historical District Commission signs - -The Elm Street District requested assistance with funding two Elm Street Historic District signs. Smith will install at no charge. Upon motion by Bruce Kriviskey and second by Craig Della Penna, the Commission voted unanimously to fund an amount not to exceed $600 for the Elm Street Historic District signs. The Commission indicated that there may be less expensive alternatives of the same quality. 16. Request for Northampton Historical Commission to co- sponsor David Ruggles April 16- 18, 2010 symposium: Radical Black Abolitionist at Work in New York City and Florence - -Upon motion by Craig Della Penna and second by David Drake, the Commission voted unanimously to co- sponsor the symposium (but not offer funds at this time).. 17. Update on the Elm Street Historic District proposed expansion on Kensington and up Round Hill. - -Bruce Kriviskey reported on the information meeting that was held on the proposed expansion. It was mostly neighbors who attended and the meeting was very positive. 18. The Commission's next meeting will be 6:30 PM, Monday December 28, 2009. The Commission adjourned at 8:00 PM. City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413 7 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper - 1 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT • CITY OF NORTHAMPTON planning conservation • zonin - lhousing partnership -redevelopment • northam ton GIS economic development • community development • historic • community preservation • central business architecture Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development • WfeidenONorthamptonMA.gov . 413 - 587 -1265 Northampton Historical Commission Meeting Notice DATE: Monday, December 28, 2009 TIME: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM PLACE: City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) For questions contact: Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development wfeiden(a,northamptonma.gov Agenda 1. Public Comments 2. Approval of Minutes of November, 23, 2009 3. Memorial Bench update 4. Northampton Book —Steve Strimer proposal. 5. Bean Farm discussion 6. Other necessary business DATE: TIME: PLACE: Monday, December 28, 2009 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM City Hall Room 11, 210 Main Street, Northampton (use rear door) For questions contact: Wayne Feiden, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development wfeidenA,northamptonma.gov Members Present Staff Present Barbara Blumenthal, Chair Wayne Feiden, Planning Director Craig Della Penna. David Drake Dylan Gaffney Kim Howes Bruce Kriviskey Tris Metcalfe Norman Winston Members Absent David Drake U Northampton Historical Commission Minutes 1. Public Comment There was no public comment (other than Bean Farm) 2. Approval of Minutes of November 23, 2009 Upon motion by Dylan Gaffney and second by Norman Winston, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes. 3. Bean Farm discussion Steve Strimer presented a deeds and a map indicating that most of the Bean Farm was once part of the Northampton Association of Industry. He suggested that the site should be preserved with some type of interpretive signage. He suggested that agriculture use is the historic use of the fields, but if recreation fields are developed they should be developed to be as unobtrusive as possible on the landscape. Adele Franks suggested that she thought an appropriate transition for the site was from a model - v community of the nineteenth century (Northampton Association of Industry) to a model community of the twenty first century (community farm). Ann -Marie Moggio suggested that recreation and agriculture are both consistent with historic preservation. i City Hall • 210 Main Street, Room 11 • Northampton, MA 01060 • www.NorthamptonMa.gov • Fax 413- 587 -1264 original printed on recycled paper 1 Carol Bertrand said that the most important thing is to preserve the site, and that protecting land _ is critical to preserve the history, with recreation providing more opportunities for citizens to learn about their history. After Commission discussion about the opportunity to add interpretive signage and debate about whether they commission should weigh in on use or only on preservation and interpretation, and upon motion by Tris Metcalf and second by Kim Howes, the Historical Commission voted 6 -1 to recommend that the land be preserved forever, primarily for agriculture. 4. Northampton Book Steve Strimer proposal that the Northampton Book, which the city holds the copyright to, be republished as a paperback book. He volunteered to do the necessary layout and suggested that the book could be printed on demand so that there is very little risk. He estimated a cost of $16 to $17 per book and a suggested retail price of $27.50. The Historical Commission agreed to pursue the project. Dylan Gaffiiey agreed to work on putting together an updated bibliography to add to the book and researching how to get an additional ISBN number. The Commission also agreed that they will need to write a new introduction to this edition. 5. Memorial Bench update Barbara Blumenthal provided an update on the problems with the current bench. The Commission agreed to request that Smith Vocational School repair the bench using epoxy or replacing bad sections of wood. 6. Other necessary business Wayne Feiden briefed the Commission on the Office of Planning and Development's efforts to create brief (one paragraph) histories for each recreation and conservation area in the city. The commission agreed to review and comment as this information is collected. The Commission adjourned at 6:40 PM