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1977 Historical Commission minutesNORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL MEETING NOT Nee,ting IKonday January 10 , at 4 p.m. Place: The Old City Council Chambers Room in City Nall AGENDA Communications Old House Journal National Trust (membership) Bay State Historical League Wilmington, N.C. (Historic District material) Roger Kirw o od Old Business 1. The Old Post Office - -- letter from isto the Hric ,-- Society and e 2.Railroad Station - -- memo from York Phillips 3- Pomeroy_-Terrace --- °Historic -- Di strict - letter- Joe Orfant - -.: Samuel:: i11= =Hisao lc fist -Letters=-- f r -orir_ Lori -Koma omI 4. The National== Park - Service _-and the Mass: H stor ca3 Coma - 5. Calvin- Coolidge-'s- -house on- hlassasot- Str- -eet . - - -- 6. Are heological- _Sur_vey for the Gas C. Roundhouse area - -- memo from - Nancy Stack. 7. Preservation -- Re strict ions for the Armory ad the Gas Round - House , * - ' . New Business -- 1. Election of a chairperson 2. Discussion- the Commission's priorities for the com'ng year, and the delegation of responsibilities. -(see possible - activities for 2977- sheet)-.-- - v' CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR1977 1. The National Register Prog a. Individual nominations: The County jail, the round house on Conz Street, The Samuel Hill House and Institute, Temperance Hall and the church, etc. b. Districts: Pomeroy Terrace, Elm Street, and Florence. 2. State or Local Historic District. a. The establishment of an Historic District Study Committee. 3• SPecial Programs or Projects (generally follows the budget request) a. Building Inspector map project. ? b. Zeroxing the inventory forms. c. Development of a rehabilitation and preservation planning library and slide file. d. an informational booklet for the Downtown Historic District; preparation of "fact sheets" e. Development of a city ordinance granting salvage rights to the Historical Society for inventoried buildings that are being demolished. f. Development of a preservation restriction agreement for city surplus property. 4. Programs for special building concerns, a. Buildings might include the gas light round house, the railroad station, the County jail, and the Post Office building. 5 Community Development Block Grants. - -= -- -- - • a. Assisting with the rehabilitation project.- b. Developing the sidewalks /street lights project for downtown. �i January 17, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, January 17, 1977 in the Old City Council Chambers in City Hall. Absent; were James Lunny, Bill Spencer, and Maizie Cox. Minutes of the December 6 meeting were read; it was noted that the specific amount of money for specific projects is to be amended upwards. It should read $2,175.00 for other than ordinary maintenance. COMMUNICATIONS 1. The "Field Guide" from the Old House Journal has been received. The Old House Journal has been subscribed to for the present year, and copies of the past two years have been ordered. Carol Menke suggested that all Historical Commission literature should be stamped and available near her desk in the Planning Office. 2. Preservation News December 1 76. John Pinto will read these monthly and report when appropriate. 3. A National Trust communication. 4. Historic Preservation Oct -Dec 1 76. 5. Bay State Historical League conference notice. 6. Historic District material from Wilmington, N.C. 7. Roger Kirwood has request4d a letter certifying that the Masonic Building is in an historic district. He has not replied to Helen Searing's letter regarding the front of his building. TREASURER"S REPORT As of January 1, 1977 our official budget showed $343.05; after January bills of $59.00, the total stands at $284.05. OLD BUSINESS i. Post Office. The Historical Society has written a letter to Post Office officials in Springfield expressing concern about the murals in the old P.O. building, and asking if the new Registry of Motor Vehicles is to be located in that building. It would not hurt to write to certain officials in Boston, i.e. the governor, describing how appropriate a location the old P.O. is for relocation of the Registry. 2. Railroad Station. City Planner York Phillips has some proposals for funding toward re- use of the Railroad Station. A first step would have to be relocating the business now there. Discussion about the Post Office and the Railroad Station eventually brought in the Jail. It is clear that . some guidance is necessary for establishing priorities for buildings to focus on. Carol Menke would like to have Massachusetts Historical Commission people meet with city officials here to tour the buildings eligible for re -use and give advice. January 17, 1977 page 2 3. Samuel Hill Historic District. Ex- intern Lori Komaromi attempted to submit this district herself, but all such proposals must originate locally. 4. Calvin Coolidge House. As with historic district proposals, all individual nominations `` ��`"+ is made di rectl y to Boston, must come through us, too. If Y it will be referred back to us. 5. Pomeroy Terrace Historic District. A final map is ready for the district. A home on Butler Place has been added, along with the gray house of Seth Hunt's on Bridge Street and the adjacent yellow Italianate house. The Josiah Parsons colonial house and adjacent 1920's bungalow are not included. 6. Roundhouse area archeological survey. It has been determined that there is little of archeological value on the Gas Company site, save the old Roundhouse structure itself; the proposed sewer installation will not harm these buildings. 7. Nancy Stack reported that there is a booklet available with examples of deed restrictions aimed at ensuring preservation of purchased city buildings. This should be made available to Bob LaSalle, new co -owner of the Armory. 8. Baker Susanne Naeg.e is buying the Cohen Building; we should contact her with an offer to exchange information about renovations. 9. The budget. The Budged hearing for the Hiw.torical Commission will be February 26. NEW BUSINESS 1, New Chairperson. Gordon Murphy offered to serve as chairman until June. The other commissioners were in unanimous agreement. 2. James Lunny. Gordon Murphy will speak to Mr. Lunny personally about resigning from the Commission. John Pinto will replace him as a full commissioner. He and Eleanor Lincoln will be interviewed by Mayor Cramer on January 26. 3. C.E.T.A. application. Applications have been initiated for a researcher and a planner. 4. Future projectso Discussion started regarding future projects and who will direct them, and this study will continue at the meeting on Monday, Jan. 24. The meeting was adjourned at 5 :50. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C,., Sec etary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEM4aR�L HALL r4MMAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 L t Vt CITY HALL MEETING NOTICE TIME: Monday January 24, 1977 at 4 p.m. Place: Old City Council Chambers, Room #18, in City Hall AGENDA A Work Session To: __ _- 1. Compile a list: of projects- for 1977 -both long range and immediate. 2. Delegate responsibilities for completing those projects among Commission members. - 3. Enlist additional Associate Commissioners for specific projects. l - j IZ 51 January 24, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, January 24, 1977 in the old City Council Chambers in City Hall. Absent were Eleanor Lincoln and Bill Spencer. The meeting was opened at 4 :10 by new chairman Gordon Murphy. q Minutes of the January 17 meeting were read and accepted. - OLD BUSINESS 1. Carol Menke now has a stamp for Historical Commission materials. 2. Susan Naegele and the Cohen Building. If Mrs. Naegele is unable to attend an Historical Commission meeting, one or some of the commissioners will meet with her to furnish helpful information about funds for the renovation of the building. 3. Helen Searing has written to the Department of Public Safety and to the Governor about the appropriateness of the old Post Office building for housing the new Registry of Motor Vehicles, particularly as the Post Office site offers a good amount of parking. 4. Helen Searing has written to Roger Kirwood with the information that the Masonic Building is on the National Register. NEW BUSINESS 1. Miscellaneous projects for 1977. Gordon Murphy suggested that someone regularly attend Downtown Business Association meetings. It was noted that there will be a morning meeting on Tuesday, January 25 about the proposed parking garages for the downtown. The possibility of earning money to insure funds in case our budget is cut was suggested. Some projects might be an antique sale, a house tour, or a book of historic structures in Northampton. The antique sale was considered the most possible, and the top floor of Memorial Hall an appropriate place, with the possibility of using Pulaski Park for additional displays, weather permitting. Gordon Murphy will investigate having Commission printing done at the High School. A second source of cheap printing is U Mass, accessible to U Mass students. If the Commission is able to enlist the services of U Mass interns, they might enable us to use the university's printing facilities. 2. Daniel's Building. Owner Ralph Levy has had an offer to purchase the clock on his building. Gordon Murphy has requested that Mr. Levy report to us any of his offers, and has made it clear that the Historical Commission would like the clock to stay where it is. January 24, 1977 page 2 NEW BUSINESS, con•t. 3. Specific Projects for 1977. A. Photography Maizie Cox will do photography for files and slide shows. B. Historic District Study Committee. The first step in establishing this body is communicating again with the Mayor's Office about our choices for membership. C. Additional Associates. New Associate Commissioners can be assigned some of our projects. In order to enlarge our ranks, the following letters will be sent: Helen Searing will send meeting notices plus a letter of acceptance to Sam Goldman, Ken Bowen, and Peter Rowe; Gordon Murphy will write to Bill and Eva Traeger, Mary Grimm, Ed Jendry, Annie Porter, Zip Sheehan, and Miriam Crissman; Gordon Murphy will also write to John Gare about his interest in assisting us with projects concerning the downtown specifically. D. City Property Committee. Membership on this committee is restricted to City Councilman; it now consists of Councilmen Mazza, Baranowski, and Karparis. Emmy Clausing will find out whether an Historical Commission member can legally sit in on executive sessions of the Property Committee. The goal of the Historical Commission concerning the City Property Committee is to be able to review building use proposals, and to air our views on such plans beof re the Uity Council. `.At the very least we want to be sent an agenda, particularly when a meeting will concern a building of historical interest. E. Rehabilitation Program. The C. D. Block Grant proposal is almost complete. Maizie Cox will review the plans for sidewalks and street lights for the area between City Hall and South Street. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50. Respectfully submited, Emmy C. Clausing, Secr tary CITY HALL Chair Secretary Treasurer Orchestrator NORTHAMIPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 Gordon I•iurphy Emmy Clausing Mazie Cox Carol Menke PROJECTS FOR 1977 Immedi Needs 1. Th City Property Con mittee ; v - a Member to attend meetings - arranEe a review of any plans for disposal of surplus property, or private development proposals for surplus property - make sure a representative from the Commission is legally able to sit in on executive sessions 2, Norti- amrpton's Rehabilitation Pro gram (C .D. Block Grant project) a member to review the proposal, and actual rehabilitation projects in the future - act as a liaison with City officials - remo end and /or purchase restoration books 3, PhotoHrap a member to take record -type photographs for the 'IIationa.l Regster to take slides for publicity purposes 4. B ud ; -et Hearin �s ! _ I - a member to prepare a small presentat - ion on our budget- requests for February 26: - - be able to answer any questions the Council mi "ght 5. Preservation Res -- (Nancy Stack) - development of a" saitlple argeement for the Gas Company Round House -- a similar one for the Arr?ory if ti�ere is tine 6. N�i storic District Study Co?nnit �,>> a member to actively work on its creation a.ct as a liaison to the Colmsission after its creation 7. The Nat ional Rg eister (John Pinto) - coordinate proposals - understand the Historical Commissions priorities for both districts and individual building nominations - meet with the Mass. historical Commissions National Register editor when necessary (presently it is Joe Orfant) - Project Priorities. a. Pomeroy Terrace -- (Carol Menke and C.K. Wilbur) b. Samuel hill /Temperance hall -- (Gordon Murphy and Bill Spencer) c. County Jail -- (John Pinto) won- er -RanK_ e Projects (Perhaps best served by a chair and a committee) 8. §pecial Building Proj ects a. The Cou Ja il - expand the information file; add historical, structural, and financial data (including any correspondence - explore uses for the structure - explore sources of funding - attend future meetings with the County Commissioners, planners, etc. - do the necessary correspondance - publicize the need for the building to be recycled _ (perhaps with talks of outside experts and other sucessful developers of similar property, give a slide sI ow talk, etc.) b. The Rail Road Station similar to above c. The Old Post - Office similar to above 9. The Yn ve n ory - a member to enlist and coodinate the inventory effort; guide and check the work of volunteers or interns - establish' priorities for completing the inventory a. fill in the Pomeroy Terrace District b. - complete -Elm Street - c. archaeological - -sites -- d. check on- the -accuracy- of_ _existing- inventory - sheets 10. Map the i nventory -- explore ways - -to best depict -_the necessary information - map the inventory on the Planning Dept. and the Building Inspector's maps 11, Downtown I;, oven ent Committe - review present Community Development project plans for the liEhting and sidewalks when they are completed - meet with City officials, the Chamber of Commerce, and the DBA, to explore different revitalization possibilities - develop restoration /rehabilitation guidelines (and perhaps prepare a booklet with the help of U14ass graduate students) - assist in the publicity effort for National Register buildings - write letters to encourage sensitive rehabilitation 12. Publicity Committee develop information sheets about the Historical Commission, the National register Program, local historic districts, etc. - coordinate Preservation Week - develop slide shows, lectures, walking tours, etc. - write articles for the newspapers 13. Financial Committee - knowledge and exploration of a. the National Park Service grants b. National Endowment for the Arts c. local funding sources d. revolving funds establish banks (and perhaps a e. rehabilitation loans through private program in which banks jointly sponsor a low interest loan pool) 14. Reuse of Underutil or Vacant Buildings - conduct a surrey of buildings in the city - explore possible reuses for the buildings (community facilities, elderly housing, low /moderate income housing -- the Leeds Silk Tull building for example) 15, 'Hist-oric Marker Pro2-ram - research various materials, styles of type, size, etc. - explore ways of making the markers ( through Smith School, purchase by the owner, gift in a presentation by the Commission, etc.) 16. Salvage Rights - Development of a City @rdinance granting salvage ri;hts to the Historical Society for any inventoried building that is g6 ing to be demolished -- HISTORIC DISTRICT ;DTTJL)Y ,yam Goldman would like to serve Rev, John Cregory Tweed Sally Evans, Paul Evans I�;rs . Arthur Hoener I4rs . Ronald Grimm Mrs Parker Butler Ifrs Robert Jeffway Gordon Clark Feter Rowe John Locke David Lipshires Janet Hemminger suggested by Society thoses who live on Elm Street suggested by Society those who do not live on Elm Street Ed Jendry (architect on hiain St.) David O'Connell (owner of house near Pine Rest who hired his brother lawyer) (my idea) Other ideas for associates Ken Bowen Bill Brownell Jim O'Donnell John Gare Alvertus Morse Roger Slawson ��- Robert Curran names from the files (suggested in the past) zip (Francis) Sheehan (Assistant City Engineer) Bill and Eva Traeger ( Country Comfort) David Wampler Dorman Eenchey A few of my ideas Cecil Clark (if there is no potential conflict!) Owners of Pleasant St. Theater Owner of Crouteau's hardware A lawyer A banker A representative from. the - League of- Women Voters Check with other organizations for ideas - -for members Advertise in the Gazette -for help-with a specific project - - Send out a_circular.to_University departments, civic organizations, etc. NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 MEETING NOTICE CITY HALL TIME: MONDAY FEBRUARY 1 LN , , at 4 p.m. PLACE: THE OLD CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RCOM IN CITY HALL AGENDA Communications 1. Brian Clarey: about the old Post Office building. 2. Mrs Andrew: about placing the DAB. building on the National Register 3, Mary Steinberger: about the underground railroad. 4. Massachusetts Historical Commission: - survey and planning grant app. - NPS matching grant applications 5. Memo from Nancy Stack : about a restriction tract index. 6. M isc. communications, bills, etc. O ld Business Status reports 1. City Property Committee: executive session question. Emmy Clausing 2. Design Review of urban renewal areas: In general, and the Community Block Grant plans in specific. Mazie Cox, Helen Searing 3. Pomeroy Terrace Historic District. Carol Menke, John Pinto 4. Annual Report: - review copies of the rough draft. Emmy Clailsing ideas for its format and distribution New Business Interns: We have three interns from Smith for the spring semester who should work directly with specific Commission member(s). 1. Karyn Bernstein Washburn House (Ext. 2210) Topic The inventory and National Register applications 2. Linda A. Mallin Baldwin House (584 - 5482) Topic Recycling the railroad station 3. Debbie Cichon Gardiner House (Ext. 2285) Topic Local Historic District Ordinance Budget HeorinZ: February 26, 1977 Support ideas for Gordon and the delegation of any added research. February 14, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old City Council Chambers of City Hall on Monday, February 14. Absent were K. Wilbur, W. Lunny, and Maizie Cox. Present for the first time were new Associates Sam Goldman, Peter Rowe, and Kenneth Bowen, as well as new Smith College interns Karyn Bernstein, Linda Mallin, and Debbie Cichon. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Old Post Office Building. Brian Clarey commmnicated by phone about his interest in the old Post Office building for use as a modern office facility. His plans call for the preservation of the lobby and murals, and he inquired about available grants and what restrictions he might be subject to. As the Post Office is on the National Register, its re -use would be subject to a federal review process. There is now a restriction on the facade. 2. D.A.R. Building. Mrs. Andrew inquired about nomination ;t® the National Register of the D.A.R. house on South Street. Carol Menke answered that an individual nomination is not possible at this time, but that the South Street area will be worked on as an historic district in the future. 3. Underground Railroad. Mary Steinberger has informed us that the Northampton locations of underground railroad activity will soon be marked with plaques. 4. National Register -- Matching Grants. Applications for matching grants for buildings on the National Register are now available in the Planning Office. S. Restriction Tract Index. Nancy Stack reports that Hampshire County does have a tract index, which is necessary before a deed restriction can be put on any building in the city. Since establishment of the tract is a difficult process, the existence of one clears the way for deed restrictions. 6. Meeting notices will be posted when the agenda is circulated. 7. Gordon Murphy reported that printing cannot be done at the high school. OLD BUSINESS 1. City Property Committee. Emmy Clausing reported that Assistant City Solicitor Tom Nagle has directed us to Councilman Baranowski for all back City Property Committee meeting minutes which are public record. Also, attendance at executive sessions are open to non - property committee people at the discretion of the committee; it would seem that Historical Commission members might gain access to almost all Property Committee meetings of interest to them. Agendas of the Property Committee meetings are not yet being sent to the Historical Commission; this notification will be requested again. February 14, 1977 page 2 Discussion about the possible sale of the Armory Sto parking lot for an elevated parking garage, and the current interest in selling the Roundhouse raised questions about how such sales are conducted. The parking lot developers have few specific plans; only one developer seemed initially to know about the Roundhouse. It was agreed that the Commission should be informed about the impending sale of buildings in which we have expressed interest, and that we should make clear our desire to place-restrictions on certain buildings. Nancy Stack has specific information on restrictions ap- propriate for the Roundhouse, and this information should be made available to the City Property Committee. 2. Design Review of urban renewal areas. Neither commissioner assigned this topic was present; Associate Sam Goldman will inquire about the status of downtown sidewalk improvements. 3. Pomeroy Terrace proposal. This proposal is very close to minor additions. The Florence district has not work will proceed next week. being mailed, needing only a few been worked on since last meeting; 4. Annual Report. Commissioners may read the draft and leave any questions and /or additions or corrections with Carol Menke by Thursday afternoon (Feb. 16). NEW BUSINESS 1. New Interns. Chairman Gordon Murphy introduced the 3 Smith College interns. Their work will be as follows: Karyn Bernstein will work on inventories for the Round Hill area; Linda Mallin will write a proposal toward promoting a public use for the Railroad Station, describing the architectural and historical value of the building; and Debbie Cichon will write a local historic district ordinance appropriate for the Elm St. area. 2. Budget hearing. This is scheduled for 10:30 -11:00 AM February 26. 3. Associate Commissioners. Zip Sheehan, Ed Jendry, Gordon Clark, Norm Henchy, and Bill and Eva Trager, all of whom have relied affirmatively to an invitation to membership, will be sent a notice of the Feb. 28 meeting. The meeting was afjourned at 5:50. Respectfully submitted, Emmy clausing, Secre ary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL MEETING NOTICE TIME: February 28, 1977, at 4:00 p.m. PLACE: Old City Council Chambers (Room #18) in City Hall AGENDA Communications Old House Journal Preservation News MHC Newsletter Old Business: Semesti Status Reports: 1. 2. 3- 4 . 5• 6. 7• 8. New Business: sr report on Smith College (Anne Gilherson & Robin Strout City Property Committee Meetings (Emory Clausing) Preservation Restrictions (Nancy Stack) CETA personnel (C.Keith Wilbur) DPW sidewalks and the 1975 C.D. Block Grant side- walks (Sam Goldman) Budget Hearings (Gordon Murphy) Samuel Hill nominations (Gordon Murphy and Bill Spencer Pomeroy terrace Historic District (Carol Menke) The Annual Report Members and Associates Please review the "Projects for 1977" sheets. After deciding what your interests are, we can then make a list of areas of responsibility with ideas for specific projects. Because the Commission is without a staff member, it is necessary for all to pitch in and help. In this way, we can keep track of many different projects through status reports at the meetings and equally share the respon- sibility. For example, we need members to: 1. Fill out a form for a survey and planning grant. 2. Complete a committee to attend City Property Committee meetings. 3. Meet with City officals about bringing a representative from the Architectural Heritage Trust to discuss different recycling possibilities ( Vernon St. school, H- R- 6tation, County Jail,etc) 4. Research. the applicability of the Surplus Property Act to the old Post Office building. 5. Mail the annual Heport to different organizations. February 28, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old city council chambers of City Hall on Monday, February 28. Absent were Mazie Cox and William Lunny. Present, in addition to regular commissioners were Smith College interns Debbie Cichon and Karyn Bernstein; Associates John Pinto, Ed Jendry, Peter Rowe, Gordon Clark; and Linda Siteman of the Springfield Union The meeting was opened at 4:00. Minutes of the February 14 meeting were read and accepted. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A form from the Massachusetts Historical Commission has been received dealing with a survey and planning project funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service Historic Preservation Grant Program. It was decided that it probably belongs in the Planning Office, and that any pr.+o`.EJect undertaken would require our review. 2. The commission's membership card from the National Trust for Historic Preservation has been received. 3. An application for a seminar in Williamsburg, Va. 4. Information on National Trust award for preservation projects by youth. 5e A Massachusetts Historical Commission grant -in -aid application has been received. This is for any building on the National Register. All local applications must be reviewed by the Northampton Historical Commission. b. "Pres - ervation Press Books" featured a review of Bailt to Last 30 adaptive case studies from Maasachusetts, including property in Leeds. Dr. Wilbur suggested that it be purchased, when available, by the Commission. REPORTS 1. D.A.R. house. Mrs. Andrew has again requested National Register forms for the A.A.R. house on South St. It is not known whether she wants to attempt an in- dividual nomination or to start work on the South St. area in general. She will be encouraged in the latter direction. Any individual nomination will have to come through us, and we will not endorse one. 2. Sign Ordinance Committee. Gordon Murphy announced that there will be the suggestion for a Sign Ordinance Committee presented to City Council. A member of the Historical Commission will belong to the committee, and current as well as future downtown signs will be reviewed. 3. Inventory know -how. Gordon Murphy suggested that time be allotted next meeting to a demonstration on completing inventory forms. Commissioners are asked to take note of sources which they found helpful for local history and house styles, and of techniques used for placing building dates of houses. Peter Rowe and John Pinto will make the presentation. February 28, 1977 page 2 REPORTS, continued 4. Commissioner expertise sheet. A form will be circulated from Gordon Murphy indicating areas where special knowledge is needed for the working of the Commission, and names of those likely to have or acquire this knowledge. Commissioners are adked to indicate their areas of knowledge, and make suggestions for revision. OLD BUSINESS 1. Budget hearing. Gordon Murphy reported an over -all favorable reception of his budget requests. He was, however, advised to hold off on the printing of any literature on historic Northampton until the new printing facilities -at the Smith School are available. 2. Preservation Restrictions. Nancy Stack feels that presentation of restrictions for the can wait until permission to buy is granted to one of the two potential developers at the City Council meeting on March 3, as the formal sale will not be concluded then. Restrictions will deal with retaining the brickwork and slate on the roof, addition of window space, and use of special cleaning and point work techniques. The restrictions should require that the written consent of the Historical Commssion'be obtained before repairs are made. A draft of the restrictions will be sent with the next agenda. Dr. Wilbur noted that the original weathervane from the roundhouse is now on a has Company building on the way to Easthampton. It might be appropriate for a reproduction to go on the newly purchased Roundhouse. 30' C.E.T.A. positions. News of these positions is 1mminent. 4. Smith interns. Karyn Bernstein is now working on the County Jail, first on the National Register nomination, then on funding possibilities for re -use. Debbie Cichon inquired about the status of the Historic District Study Committee and the boundaries of the projected Elm St. district. NEW BUSINESS 1. Smith College inventory update. John Pinto reported that 31 of the 43 buildings have been completed. He will have specific information on what buildings are done by next meeting. 2. Update on Falk property, Main St., Florence. The moving of the 1816,:,home slated for demolition would cost $15,000. This is, alas, well beyond the means of the most charitable and determined of us Commissioners,, The meeting was adjourned at 5 :40. .1espectfullyy submitted, Emory C Clausing, S cretary NORTHAMPTON HIS'T'ORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE DATE: March 14, 1977 TIME: 4:00 PM AGENDA 1. February 28 Meeting Minutes -- Emmy Clausing 2. Treasurer's Report -- Mazie Cox PLACE: Old Council Chambers Room 18, City Hall 3. Communications: A-95 Review - LPVRPC Letters about Post Office _ Historical Society 4, Old Business: Status Reports: 1� City Property Committee -- Emmy Clausing 2. DPW Sidewalks under �M - Sam Goldman 3. Pomeroy Terrace v John Pinto 4. Status of Roundhouse - Gordon Murphy 5. New Business 1,, Annual Report -- Distribution 2. Meeting Attendance 3. Community Development - Environmental Clearance 4. Project List (Eno.) - Discuss assignments 5. Inventory Workshop I II IV W The National Register — (Bill Spencer) — (John Pinto) — coordinate proposals — understand the Historical Commissions priorities for both districts and individual building nominations — meet with the Mass. Historical Commission's National Register editor when necessary (presently it is Joe Orfant) The Inventory -- (Eleanor Lincoln, Bill Spencer, Mazie Cox, John Pinto Zip Sheehan) — member to enlist and coordinate the inventory effort; guide and check the work of volunteers or interns — establish priorities for completing the inventory a. fill in the Pomeroy Terrace District b. complete Elm Street and Sam Hill district c. archaeological sites d. check on the accuracy of existing inventory sheets e. zeroxing the inventory forms — explore ways to best depict the necessary information — map the inventory on the Planning Dept, and the Building Inspector's maps Historic District Study Committee --- (Keith Wilbur, Ken Bowen) — a member to actively work on its creation — act as a liaison to the Commission after its creation Printing. Publi.city + Ph2toaa2hs — ( Mazie Cox, Bill Spencer, Bill + Eva Trager, Ed Jendry, Norm Henchey, Gordon Clark) — a member to take record—type photographs for the National Register — to take slides for publicity purposes — development of a rehabilitation and preservation planning library and slide file — plan and direct National Preservation Week — write articles for papers and radio — an informational booklet for the Downtown Historic District; — preparation of "fact sheets" — research various materials for historic markers styles of type, size, etc. — explore ways of making the markers (through Smith School, purchase by the owner, gift in a presentation-by the Commission, etc.) Preservation Restrictions — (Nancy Stack, Ken Bowen, Peter Rowe, Ed Jendry, Sam Goldman' — development of a sample agreement for the Gas Company Round House — a similar one for the Armory if there is time — development of a City ordinance granting salvage rights to the Historical Society for any inventoried building that is going to be demolished — development of a preservation restriction agreement for city surplus property March 14, 1977 i A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old City Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, March 14. Absent was James Lunny. Presett, in addition to the regular commissioners, were Associates Clark, Jendry, and Pinto; and Smith College interns Karyn Bernstein and Debbie Cichon. Minutes of the February 28 meeting were read and accepted. An informal Treasurer's report shows approximately $284 remaining with outstanding postal fees of possibly $100. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Memo from York Phillips: Finding of No Significant Effect for Housing Rehabilitation Project. York wants to ensure that any historic building within the boundaries of the Rehabilitation Program be subject to review by the Historical Commission, so that all alterations and /or improvements made will have no effect on the historical significance of that building. He has sent a letter to a Ms Weber of the Massachusetts Historical Commission describing this review process. 2. Post Office. Rep. Silvio 0. Conte has answered a letter from the Historical Society stating that priority would be given to preserving the old Post Office building murals in the event that the building is sold. He explained that the Historical Society is a valid potential buyer, entitled to any federal funds available to a buyer of an historic building for re-use. 3. Massachusetts Historical Commission Seminar. "Economics of Historic Preservation" is the topic of a seminar sponsored by the Massachusetts Historical Commission in Boston, April 29 -r30. OLD BUSINESS 1, City Property Committee and the Roundhouse. Emmy Clausing reported that the Property Committee had failed to agree on the disposition of the Roundhouse, and would let City Council decide. At the City Council meeting on March 3 the Council voted against selling the property to Atty. Francis Collins for use as a ballet studio, and will vote on the Dwyer Associates proposal on March 17. The Property Committee has defined itself as an advisory body to City Council in matters of it and disposition, and favors selling over leasing as a means of disposal. Question has been raised, both at Property Committee meetings and at Historical Commission meetings, about the procedure for making it known that bids are being accepted on any piece of property. The Property Committee outwardly welcomes the interest of the Historical Commission, but we have yet to see how they accept the concept of preservation restrictions. Dwyer Associates has stated that it will meet with the Historical Commission to discuss any planned renovations of the building. It was decided unanimously that a letter be circulated to all Councillors prior to the March 17 meeting, describing the historical significance of the Roundhouse and the preservation restrictions the Commission wants placed on the deed. We will insist that a vote to sell the Phase 1 property to Dwyer Associates carry with it those restrictions. It will be made clear that the restrictions are not limiting, but are to bring about flexible March 14 1977 page 2 consultation with the owner. The letter will be given to the Gazette the Springfield Union and WHMP, and will be available to all commissioners. It should be noted that if the restriction plan fails, there is still a federal review required for any renovations on a building on the National Register. There will be a 2 -year reversion clause for the Roundhouse property in the event that Dwyer_ fails to carry out its Phase I plans in that time frame. Commission members are divided between those who hope that the Dwyer Associates proposal will be successful, and that it is sincere in its desire to retain the integrity of the Roundhouse, and those who feel that the building should be purchased by the Historical Society or the Commission. The latter plan would undoubtedly be incompatible with Dwyer Associates. All Commissioners should read the Planning Department document about surplus city property, and make a list of those buildings in which we have an interest. 2. Sidewalks. Mazie Cox reported that the sidewalk area between the Academy of Music and City Hall will be of concrete, with no brick area due to narrowness of that particular stretch of sidewalk. She has suggested that they be cream- colored. Lighting will be as origiaally planned under Urban Renewal. 3. Pomeroy Terrace. This is allmost ready. 4. C. E. T. A. There is no news yet on these appointments. NEW BUSINESS 1. Annual Report. A copy of this was given to each commissioner. 2. Meeting attendence. Commissioners must be able to attend regularly. Two unexcused absences absences will have to indicate a lack of committment. James Lunny will be resigning as a full commissioner, although he would like to remain as an Associate. His letter of resignation should go to Mayor Cramer and Gordon Murphy will submit some names for replacement to the Mayor, strongly suggesting John Pinto for the position. 3. Inventory workshop. This was deferred to next meeting. 4. Building Inspector's map. Inspector Cecil Clark will pay Almer Huntley Associates for the new map which we will for our historic property project. S. Commission's membership in organizations. Mazie Cox will review all our memberships. 6, D.A.R. House. Mrs, Andrew has been concerned that the D.A.R. house might be overlooked in the inventorying. She has been told that it will be part of the projected South St. Historic District. March 14, 1977 page 3 7. Smith Interns. All interns will have a work update record, which shauld be filled in periodcally. Debbie Cichon has spoken with Pat Weslowski at the Massachusetts Historical Commission, who urges that the Historic Distric Study Committee be formed before any ordinance is written. An ordinance is difficult to write, and should be the product of the Study Committee, rather than of an outsiders Residents of the Historic District in question should be included in the Study Committee. Debbie, therefore, will not be writing the ordinance, but will be preparing a description of options open to the Mayor for inclusion in the future ordinance. Pat Weslowski would be available to speak to the City Council to allay fears that an ordinance for the Downtown District would restrict business. Ms Weslowski also reported that the hold -up on our Study Committee is that the A.I.A. has not made a nomination for us for an architect. Emmy Clausing will request from the A.I.A. that this nomination be made as soon as possible. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing, Secretary. The Commission 1973 -1975 The Northampton Historical Commission was established in April, 1973, by an amendment to the Northampton City Ordinances. In Chapter 46C of the Ordinances, Section 2 states that "the purpose of the Commission shall be the preservation, promotion, and development of the historical assets" of Northampton. After its creation, the Commission began its first task of compiling an informational list of Northampton's assets. This inventory now boasts over 330 entries of many different building types from all periods of Northampton's history prior to World War Two. To further complete their responsibility, the Commission, between 1973 and 1975, actively participated in the Pleasant River Urban Renewal project to ensure quality and historically sensitive designs, particularly with respect to lighting. Pre- servation Awards given during Preservation Week in May, recog- nized building owners who had successfully contributed to revitalizing Northampton by rehabilitating historic buildings. The Commission also reviewed plans for the County courthouse renovations, presented a phased plan for the establishment of historic districts, published a downtown walking tour brochure, gave several walking tours and lectures, and assisted City departments and organizations as well as numerous private pro.- perty owners and students in an effort to provide the City with needed information and expertise. 1976 has been a year of change and growth for the Historic Commission. Carol Dubie, a CETA historical researcher assigned to the Commission, left in June when her term, ended. Also at this time, Dr. C. Keith Wilbur, who had been chairman since 1973, stepped down to allow Helen Searing to complete the year as chairman. In September, the Commission gained the services of Carol Menke, a UMass graduate student in Regional Planning. She is completing a Master's thesis on how to preserve Northampton's heritage and is contributing her research to the Historical Com- mission. She answers numerous inquiries in the Planning Depart- ment. Without her unpaid services, the Commission would have been far less accessible both to the City and to the public. The National (Register 1976 In April, 1976, the Smith College Alumnae Gymnasium was accepted on the National Register in an attempt to convince the trustees of Smith College not to demolish the structure. The National Trust for Historic Preservation aided in this protest by helping to fund an architect to explore the feasibility of reusing the Gym instead of tearing it down. Throughout this process, the Commission actively encouraged recycling the building. Next, after much preparation by the Historical Commission, the Downtown Historic District was accepted by the National Park Service for inclusion on the Register in May. Finally, "The Manse" on Prospect Street was accepted as the last inclu- sion of the year in October, 1976. During 1976, innumerable requests for information were handled by Carol Dubie and Carol Menke in the Historical Commission's office in the Planning Department. Many people came to the office to use the information contained in the inventory. Because this is a popular request, the Commission tries to advertise this resource as much as possible. This past year the Commission distributed lists of the inven- toried parcel numbers to area realtors and the Historical Society. In addition, information was drawn from this source for a walking tour and slide show of the Pomeroy Terrace area. Although the bulk of the above requests were research related, other inquiries dealt with many topics. Some wanted information as to how to rehabilitate or restore a building, while others requested de- tails about the National Register program, possible funding sources, etc. The Commission, for example, assisted the Massachusetts Bicenten- nial Commission in locating underground railroad sites so that plaques may be erected in 1977. In another example, the Commission made recom- mendations and completed information forms on several buildings in Northampton that were currently underutilized or vacant. These forms were then submitted for consideration by the Architectural Conservation Trust for a low interest rehabilitation loan from the state -wide revolv- ing fund. One of the most important functions of the Historical Commission is as a resource to City government. During this past year, the Com- mission became involved in the Community Development Block Grant process, both reviewing the 1975 grant and contributing to the present rehabili- tation grant application. The Commission also reviewed the City's GOALS For 1977 1 . Complete, submit and place National Register nominations for the Calvin Coolidge house on Massasoit Street, the Pomeroy Terrace Historic District, the County jail, the Samuel Hill Historic District in Florence, and the Elm Street Historic District. L. Increase both the efficiency of the Planning Department and the public access to the inventory by xeroxing the forms and distributing them to Forbes Library, the Building Inspector's office, the Historical Society, etc. 3 . Continue work on: the review of City surplus property that is to be sold or developed, increase the inventory, establish an Historic District Study Committee, assist the Community Devel- opment Rehabilitation project, and act as an informational resource for funding, restoration, research. 4 ■ Increase public awareness of Northampton's historic resources; the Commission would like to publish 'fact sheets' (on the National Register program, the Tax Reform Act of 1976, etc.) and a rehabilitation guide for the Downtown Historic District; develop a slide file for research and lectures, and begin a rehabilitation library for home owners. 5 . Develop the Commission's professional capacity by adding Associate Commissioners, publish the Commission's intern's Master thesis ( "A Preservation Handbook: A Guide to the Conser- vation of Northampton's Historic Resources "), and expand areas of expertise and responsibility among the Commission members. NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL CONMSSION MEETING NOTICE DATE: MARCH 28, 1977 TIME: 4:00 PM PLACE: Old Council Chambers Room 18, City Hall AGENDA 1. March 14 Meeting Minutes - MmW Clausing 2.- Treasurer's Report - Mazie Cox 3. Communicat 4. O Bu siness: Letter to Institute of Architects Pomeroy Terrace Status Report - John Pinto Samuel Hill - Bill Spencer Roundhouse Status Report City Zoning Map - Gordon Murphy 5. New Busi Discussion of Project List Restrictions on Roundhouse Inventory Workshop March 28, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old City Council Chambers of City Hall on Monday, March 28. All commissioners were present, plus associates Clark and Trager. Minutes of the March 14 meeting were read and accepted. TREASURER'S REPORT Mazie Cox reported expenses to date of $249,63 from a budget of $530.00. Taking into account service charges and outstanding bills, about $200.00 remains, which should be spent before the end of the fiscal year. Some suggestions for using it are: for xeroxing old lot maps for inventorying work,00ks, and for promoting and purchasing supplies for National Historic Preservation Weak. Commissioners should bring their additional thoughts on ways to use the money to the April 11 meeting. Mazie reported that the Commission has memberships in the Bay State Historical League and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK, MA.Y 8 -14 We have sufficient supplies for awards. Thought should be given to promotion of the week's activities: it was suggested that downtown shop- keepers become involved through use of appropriate window displays and historical post -card display or displays in a central location. Gordon Murphy will tell the Chamber of Commerce of our plans, and the DBA will also be asked to participate. Keith Wilbur suggested that a sign designating an historic landmark be presented annually during Preservation Week. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Each commissioner now has a copy of sample restrictions for the Roundhouse and a statement of historic significance given to City Councillors on March 17. The City Property Committee must now endorse our wishes; it might object to the Commission's holding the permission for work on the building. It should be understood that all restrictions apply to the rectangular building attached to the Roundhouse as well as tb the main building. 20 Letters from two individuals haV a been sent to the Mayor citing the historical importance of the Roundhouse. 3. A letter from Charles Barry, Secretary of Public Safety is on file, stating why the old Post Office building is thought unsuitable for the new Registry of Motor Vehicles. 4. Notice received of a Boston College Seminar "The Boston Experience," June 27- August 3. 5. A letter requesting information on Hadley was forwarded to the Amherst Historical Commission. 6. A letter from Frank Keefe summarizing the Tax Reform Act of 1976 will be circulated to owners of buildings on the National Register. The Act applies to buildings renovated between June 4 76 and June, 4 81. This summary should appear in the Gazette article proposed for National Preservation Week. March 28, 1977 page 2 OLD BUSINESS 1. A.I.A. nomination. A letter has been sent requesting the American Institute of Architects nomination of an architect for the Historic District Study Committee. According to the regulations for formation of the Study Committee, if ,the A.I.A. does not make a nomination within 30 days, the Historical Commission is free to nominate whom it pleases. 2. Samuel Hill Historic District. Bill Spencer and John Pinto will meet on March 30 to rethink the rewriting of the history of the proposal for the new three -part districto This will be identified as the Samuel I. Hill, the Temperance, and the Park Street Historic Districts. 3, Building Inspector's Mapr Zip Sheehan will make the map for our project. 4. C.E. T.A. There is still no word on thes appointments. City Hall will be hiring several young people for summer work, and the map project might be done by one of them. 5. Annual Report Distribution, Eleanor Lincoln and Emmy Clausing will work on addressing mailing envelopes for the report. 6. Lighting for new sidewalk area. Mazie Cox reported that the Welsbach light will indeed be used between City Hall and the Academy of Music. NEW BUSINESS 1. Information sheet for Building Inspector's Office. It might be appropriate to prepare information for distribution to those seeking building permits at the Building Inspector's Office, offering the services of the Historical Commission in suggesting appropriate renovation and in finding appropriate work materials. 2. Draper Building All who have seen it agree that Sam Goldman's and Richard and Robert Abuza's undertaking is a success. 3. Deputy of Community Affairs Office of Local Assistance. This agency is looking for communities which have a variety of old buildings available for reuse which face various obstacles in being accepted for re-use. Nancy Stack will submit a list of Northampton buildings in hopes that Northampton will be selected as a case study. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing, Secretary OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE: April 11, 1977 TIME: x+:00 PM PLACE: Old Council Chambers, City Hall Nancy J.. Stack Senior Planner A G E N D A 1. Minutes of March 28, 1977 Meeting - Emmy Clausing 2. Treasurer's Report - Mazie Cox 3. Communications: Letter of Resignation - Jim Lunny Request for New Member to Mayor Cramer Grant -in -Aid Request from Smith College Grant -in -Aid Request Curran Assoc. Letter from AIA Letter from National Park Service- Roundhouse State Building Code Revisions Executive Order - Downtown Revitalization 4. Old Business.:.: Pomeroy Terrace - John Pinto Samuel Hill - Bill Spencer Elm Street - Eleanor Lincoln C.E.T.A. - Keith Wilbur Report of Interns Roundhouse - Nancy Stack Report on DBA Meeting - G—, Murphy City Property Committee - Emmy Clausing Annual Report Mailing - Emmy Clausing 5. New Business D sWasion of Project List Inventory Workshop Preservation Week - Gazette representative April 11, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old City Council Chambers of City Hall on Monday, April 11. Absent were commissioners Spencer and Cox. Associates present: Clark, Jendry, and Pinto. A representative from the Dail Hampshire Gazette was also present. Minutes of the Match 28 meeting were read and accepted. There was no Treasurer's report. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter of resignation has been sent to Mayor Cramer by Jim Lunny. 2. Gordon Murphy has suggested John Pinto as a replacement for Jim Lunny. A letter to that effect has been sent to Mayor Cramer. 3. Two grant-in -aid requests, one from Smith College for work on Alumnae Gym and one from Curran Associates, have been forwarded to Lee Taber, Acting Grants Manager, Massachusetts Historical Commission. 4. The American Institute of Architects has nominated Ed Jendry for membership on'the Historic District Study Committee. 5. A letter from Douglas L. Griffin, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, has been received by Mayor Cramer, citing the historic significance of the Round house. 6. A proposal for revision of existing building codes to apply to historic and pre -code buildings has been received from the Building Commissioner, Boston. 7. We have received a draft of an executive order for the purpose of locating all "agencies, departments, boards, commissions, executive offices, institutions, or authorities of the Commonwealth" in vacant, re- usable buildings. The order would further require that if such a building is not utilized by an agency seeking new space, that agency must state why it did not consider the building suitable; necessary new office construction would be encouraged in the downtown center area, and any new structure would be "consistent with the character of such downtown center." 8. We have received a National Historic Preservation Week packet. PRESERVATION WEEK Eva Trager has found good response from downtown merchants willing to use appropriate window displays for the week. Nancy Stack will condense and summarize the Tax Reform Act of 1976 for use in a Gazette story in connection with the week's activities. Keith Wilbur suggested a running identification contest featuring assorted architectural details from the city, to be run through the Gazette A showing of Gwen Clancey's Summit House documentary was suggested, including the display of Summit House artifacts showin at the Historical Society's presentation of the film. Mrs. William E. Dwyer is the person to contact about this. There will be a meeting about Preservation 14eek at Gordon Murphy's house at 7 PM Thursday, April 14. April 11, 1977 page 2 PRESERVATION WEEK, con't. In a related issue, Susan Naegele and Dick Rescia have requested through Eva Trager assistance in renovating their storefronts. A committee of Ed Jendry, John Pinto, Gordon Clark, and possibly Mazie Cox will meet with each party. Cordon Clark has learned that the Ann August store owners might consider removing their building's imposed facade. Keith Wilbur suggested that the concept of a tax advantage for a restored building front should be vigorously promoted during Preservation Week. OLD BUSINESS 1. Florence Historic Districts The Temperence Hall area needs very little revision, and Bill Spencer is readying it for submission as a trial. The other two districts will require substantial work. 2. Smith College Historic District. John Pinto is proof - reading the inventories completed by Ann Gilkerson. He will give them to Eleanor Lincoln so that she can see what might remain of Elm Street to inventory. 3. Elm Street District. Eleanor Lincoln reports inventories nearly completed. 4. Smith College Interns. Karyn Bernstein is working on the Jail inventory and on a statement for the Historical Commission and for Mayor Cramer about the options and possibilities for saving the building. She is generally pessimistic about to -use of the building. 5. C. E. T. A. Our requests have not been acted upon because the request forms disappeared in York Phillipgl� office. 6. Roundhouse Nancy Stack has received an Historic American Engineerigg Record in- ventory card for the building. The City Property Committee has taken t no further action on the building, as they are still trying to determine title to some of the Phase I land for Dwyer Associates. Nancy Stack will arrange a time to speak with the City Property Committee about the restrictions for the Roundhouse. NEW BUSINESS 1. Inventory workshop. A special meeting was suggested for this purpose. In the meantime, commissioners should compile their list of sources for inventory. The meeting was adjourned at 5040. Respectfully submitted, �121 c - Cam" . EMY C.UClausing, Sec etary OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE: April 25, 1977 TIME: 4:00 PM PLACE. Old Council Chambers City Hall Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA I.' Minutes of April 11, 1977 Meeting 2. Treasurer's Report 3. Correspondence 4. Discussion of Plans for Preservation Week NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION 174te May 9, 1977 Tire:` 4:00 PM Place:.. Old Council Chambers City Hall Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner — — — — — - — - r — r — — — — - - w r r w dY• - — - w — — sir A.G ENDA 1. Minutes of April 25, 1977 Meeting'- &my Clausing �. Treasurer's Report- BILLS - Mazie Cox 3. Communications: Bay State Historical League Bulletin Preservation`F.ress Books Bay.State Historical League Day 4. Plans for Preservation Week NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION T . F;° I,�. CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS. 01060 g - -. M /Y 8TH TO THE Q IS NA - I - I ONAL PRESEP\V AT I u YEEK It is a week set aside to remind us of our historic past and that we should strive to preserve and restore the beautiful homes and buildings built by our forefathers. The Northampton Historical Commission will sponsor National Preservation Week and will, during the week, conduct walking tours, set up displays, hold slide shows, and make awards to owners of buildings that in the past year have restored their facades or interiors. In conjunction with this, we are hoping that you, the merchants of Northampton, will join with us in decorating your buildings and windows with memorabilia from the past. We will work with each of you by providing information on how and where to obtain items for display. Together we can both benefit. i The Commission can focus attention by all members of the community on the necessity of preserving our historic buildings. The merchant, by bringing customers to the downtown area to view the displays throughout the week, can create new vitality and trade. If you are interested in working with us in this endeavor, please fill out the attached form and send it to, The Northampton Historical Commission City Hall Northampton, Mass. 01060 NAME OF STORE OR BUILDING NAME OF OrdNII1 T:LEPHONE NUMBER -,BEST TIME TO CONTACT AREA AVAILABLE FOR DISPLAY May 9, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old City Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, May 9, 1977• Absent was Bill Spencer. Present were associates Pinto, Rowe, and Jendry. Due to the absence of the secretary at the April 25 meeting, there were no minutes. The May 9 meeting was essentially a review of work in progress for National Historic Preservation Week. 1. John Pinto has made slides from old postcards as part of a continuous daily show at the Northampton National Bank. 2. Mazie Cox showed samples of store window signs to indicate participation in downtown preservation Week activities. 3. The initial Gazette article requesting Preservation Week nominations from E e public has appeared, though it was delayed. Gordon Murphy has submitted a second article listing scheduled events. 4. The proclamation of National Historic Preservation Week will be filed for future use. 5. The Awards Presentation will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, May 14 at Pulaski Park, following music by the Hampshire Rebels Fife and Drum Corps. Mayor Cramer may be present. Awards will be given to the following buildings: Pleasant Street Theater Main Street Center Morrison Opticians First Church Bearddley's Cafe and Restaurant Draper Building Hampshire County Court House (site) Hill Institute, Florence. Emmy Clausing will notify building owners of the awards. A walking tour of the downtown by Charles Lennon will follow the ceremony. A Gazette article citing the historical significance of the bui dings receiving awards was discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40. spe+ful y bmitted, Emmy C ."Clausing, Secretary OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A MEETING NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE: May 23, 1977 TIME: 4:00 PM PLACE: Old Council Chambers, City Hall Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner ------------------------------------------------------------ A G E N D A 1. Minutes of May 9, 1977 Meeting 2. Correspondence 3. Old Business: Building Inspector's Map Pomeroy Terrace - Status Samuel Hill - Status Elm Street - Status South Street - DAR Requests Membership Vacancy - Status, 4. New Business: Discussion of Grant -in -Aid Requests - Smith Gym Curran Bldg. May 23, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, May 23, 1977 in the old City Council Chambers at City Hall. Absent was Mazie Cox. Present was Associate John Pinto. Minutes of the May 9 meeting were read and accepted. COMMUNICATIONS 1. The Commission has received a letter of thanks from the Historical Society for copies of the Elm St. inventories. 2. Notice and registration for the Bay State Historical League summer meeting in Stockbridge, June 11. 3. A letter has been received from Lee Tabor, Acting Grants Manager, Massachusetts Historical Commission, stating that the Northampton Commission must choose between the Curran building and Alumnae Gym for this year's matching grant. 4. Gordon Murphy has sent a letter of thanks to those downtown merchants who participated in National Historic Preservation Week by means of window displays. OLD BUSINESS 1. Building Inspector's Map. Zip Sheehan has donated the map for the Building Inspector's office. A C.E.T.A. worker has marked the map, and all that remains is a check to see if all is in order. Gordon Murphy will prepare a sample information sheet for the benefit of those wishing to do work on a designated building. This information sheet would be available at the Building Inspector's office. 2. C.E.T.A. A new application for one worker has been submitted. 3. Pomeroy Terrace. This district will be submitted in August. 4. Florence districts. Samuel Hill, the district nearest completion of all three, is still being prepared. 5. Elm Street district. Eleanor Lincoln reports all inventories complete, with a question of whether the house at 320 Elm has been documented. 6. D.A.R. House. Mrs. Andrew has again contacted ask Peter Rowe to speak to her about far on the South Street inventories, the D.A.R. House will be included in If Mrs. Andrew wishes to personally nomination for the house, she may do the Commission. We will the work completed thus and to assure her that any South St. district. complete a National Register so. NEW BUSINESS 1. Hampshire Rebels Fife and Drum Corps. It was agreed to send $50 to the Corps for its performance May 23, 1977 page 2 at the Preservation Awards ceremony. 2. Grant -in -Aid Requests. Robert Curran is requesting $5 for his building, Smith College $116,000 for Alumnae Gym. The Commission was divided in its decisions for funding, seeing wisdom in endorsement of improvement of a downtown building, but feeling an obligation of sorts in standing behind the College's decision to incorporate Alumnae Gym into its library expan- sion, a decision which has increased the cost of the library construction by $1 million. As a result of our divided feelings, Gordon Murphy will notify Mr. Tabor that we endorse both applications, and do not feel that we should have to choose between two worthy projects. 3. Florence Savings Bank expansion. Dr. Wilbur will write a letter to the bank via the Gazette expressing our disappointment in its plans to raze the old house adjacent to its present site. Elections will be held at the June 13 meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25• Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing, Setretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 !C Dz June 13 1977 11a: 00 PI-Ir Old Cour Chambers City Hall K�Lncy J. -Stack. 1.. 1'41nutes of ' ..3 1977 l - 1 r-'!MY 24 : 1-1 rel surex..!sRe port - for ! - Balance. In Account 3- Correspondence 4. Old Business - Grant-inraid applicatioris - Status CETA Applications - Status Florence Savings Bank - Status 5 New Business - Request for advisory corlsultatior form Building Inspector's Office South Street - DAR House Summer meeting schedule June 13, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, June 13, in the old City Council Chambers of City Hall. Absent was Commissioner Spencer. Present was associate commissioner Ed Jendry. Minutes of the May 23 meeting were read and accepted. TREASURER'S REPORT Approximately$57remains for spending be o_�re June 30. Built to Last has been ordered (cost: about $5)• It was suggested that more slides be made for our files from old post— cards, and that a quantity of black — and —white and color film be bought. COMMUNICATIONS 1. A letter has been received from the Massachusetts Historical Commission acknowledging receipt of the most recent Elm Street inventories. 2. A letter has been received from the Florence Savings Bank stating that anyone who wishes may tour the doomed building and that any object of value may be removed. Professional photographs will be taken for historic record. The point here is, of course, that the Historical Commis— sion should ideally be consulted before any new building plans have been made, so that we might suggest the option of use of an old building over destruction and new construction. 3. A letter has been received from Fran McNulty praising the store window displays for National Historic Preservation Week. OLD BUSINESS 1. Grant —in —Aid Applications. Nancy Stack has spoken to Lee Tabor about our not wishing to choose between the Curran and Smith College proposals. 2. C.E.T.A. Our application will be reviewed when new funding is available. 3. Florence ' Bank. There is no question that the Knights of Honor building will be demolished. Dr. Wilbur will make a statement to the Gazette asking that in the future we be notified ahead of time s" o t a tax advantages and other benefits might be taken into consideration in construction plans. 4. D.A.R. Mrs. Andrew has not yet been contacted about her latest inquiry. 5. Elm Street Update. Smith College buildings have been well documented, but no deed research has been done prior to their purchase by the college. This work can be done during the summer. A few . -Ie for inventory workers were made, suggestions -- June 13, ;1977 page two NEW BUSINESS 1. Autumn Inn sign. A letter of commendation for the changed sign will be sent. 2. Old Post Office building. A letter has been received from the New England Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service informing us that the old building will be offered for sale to state, county, and city agencies, and then to the public. The facade will be protected by a deed restriction.; if the mural cannot be removed then it, too, will be protected in the deed. We will ask George Cohen of the Smith College art depart— ment to check whether or not the mural can be removed. There will be a summer meeting on Monday, July 18. Respectfully submitted, Emmmy CU Clausing J Secretary FI LE,, OFFICIAL jVEETDIG NOTICE NORTHAMPTON FISTORyC.4L 0,0120I1aSION Date July 18 1977 T?��ez 4-t?? =) P- M- PiWf Old Council. Chambers ,.�. , -. HalI ui vy Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes of June 13. 19 7'7 Meeting 2. Treasurer v Report 3. Correspondence 4. Old Business.- Hy stox is District, Study C'.); .'.ttee - RmDy Clau ing 'Vacancy on Comrdssion _„ Gordon Mlarphy Fora for Building !h8ptActO ' s ( f f!1-0e 5. New Bus :,ess: Zoning Board of Appeals - Fa.a znor Lincoln. ,tevisY oz_is tc zbjj. �:tig Jrdirvixic e Advice to Homeowners snd Dr-Aw tma Merai aiive. July 1$ , 1 q -71 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held in the old City Council Chambers of City Hall on Monday, July 18. Absent were commissioners Cox and Spencer. Present was Associate Commissioner Ed Jendry. Minutes of the June 13 meeting were read and accepted. Nancy Stack introduced Phyllis Mount, a Smith graduate who has worked for the National Trust and who wants to work on building inventory. Nancy Stack and Peter Rowe and she will review the South Street area. TREASURER'S REPORT This year's budget has been spent. $1,530 has been approved for next year's budget. COMMUNICATIONS 1. We have received a booklet on a Springfield facade program. A similar storefront renewal program for streets off of Main Street is scheduled for next year's Community Block Grant Program in Northampton. 2. Communication from Massachusetts Historical Commission outlining National Register surl4eying policy. The Commission requests a resume of those people doing inventories. The communication stated that while district nominations are pre- ferred to individual ones, in the event that a particular building in an unfinished district is threatened, the Com— mission will consider that building for � special action. 3. Communication from the Architectural Conservation Trust (ACT) furnishing us with information on their revolving fund and a form to report on vacant or soon- to -be- vacated buildings eligible for ACT funding. OLD BUSINESS 1. Historic District Study Committee Emmy Clausing has sent out letters to prospective committee members, in hopes of finding a group for presentation to Mayor Cramer for approval. 2. Vacancy on Commission. Action will be taken to ensure that John Pinto's name be given to City Council as a new commissioner. 3. Form for Building Inspector's Office. This has not been completed. ITEW BUSINESS (next page) July 18, 1977 page two NEW BUSINESS 1. Zoning Board of Appeals and the Zoning Ordinance The necessity for Smith College to secure parking spaces for Drew House on Elm Street as it becomes the Office of Admission brings up the question of how one becomes informed of ZBA meetings, and how that board justifies the taking of space to fulfill Northampton's generous parking requirements. In the case of Drew House, there is to be a six —space lot paved behind the building, and 12 places are to be provided beside Capen House, off Tyler Court. Eleanor Lincoliz. attended one meeting on the parking question, and was assured that parking behind Drew House would be restricted to the six spaces, and that the lot by Capen will be screened. It was suggested that a flexibility measure for the zoning ordinance parking requirement specifically for historic districts might be a way to lessen the toll of such require— ments on open space in an otherwise attractive historic district. It was noted that Northampton's parking requirement is higher that in other Massachusetts cities. There will be another summer meeting on Monday, August 15. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM. R ,espectfull sVbmitted, 'Emmy V. Clausing Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Date: August 15,1977 Time: 4::.0 P.M. Place: Old Council Chambers City Hall Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA Minutes of July 13, 1977 Meeting Treasurer's Report Correspondence Old Business: Discussion of Time Capsule South Street National Register District Historic District Study Committee New Business: File on Rehabilitation Informtation August 15, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, August 15 in the old City Council Chambers at City Hall. Absent was commissioner Wilbur. Present were Associates Pinto and Rowe. Minutes of the July 18 meeting were read and accepted. There was no Treasurer's report. Suggestions were made about uses for our current budget. We need old maps reproduced, and it was suggested that available maps be copied by Hamilton Newell, and that John Pinto photograph some of Gordon's maps. Also, Harvey Finison has made copies of maps from Forbes Li— brary, and we will investigate the possibility of obtaining copies of these. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Publication on Speakers Bureau and Program Resources of the Bay State Historical League. 2. Letter from the Northampton Planning Department to the Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission, regarding Northampton's desire to have a list of scenic roads adopted. OLD BUSINESS 1. Time Capsule. Eleanor Lincoln brought a set of Smith College postcards to be stamped by the City Hall postal meter. 2. South Street National Register district. Phyllis Mount will do some of the outstanding inventories. Current plans for this district call for inclusion of build — iiigs along South Street only. Under the new Multiple Resource Nomination from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, it may be possible to cite a collection of significant buildings on Conz Street. This type of nomination is well suited to the trio of districts in Florence. We will ask Joe Orfant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to visit and make suggestions about the South Street district boundaries. 3. Historic District Study Committee. The five prospective members (Ed Jendry, Greg Tweed, Peter Rowe, Jan Hemminger, Mrs. Robert Jeffway) will all receive the MHC handbook. 4. Building Inspector's form. Gordon Murphy's proposed information sheet was read and edited. NEW BUSINESS 1. File on Rehabilitation Information. Nancy Stack has initiated a file for the Historical Commission office. August 15, 1977 page 2 NEW BUSINESS, continued 2. Planning Board meeting, August 24 Eleanor Lincoln urged commissioners to attend this meeting to push for the formation of a Design Review Board and to request zoning revisions for historic districts. 3. The Historical Commission will be moving to an office in the Municipal Office Building. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing Secretary OFFICIAL* HZEETING ?.OTICS g - I L OR' 14 vL .r�w,v 1 H."STORRICA , X.M-MI$S`OfI p 1 4.-00 P.,M, kLla g Old Council 1 ."harrOo-ers C i t Ra I I Nancy J Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutas of August 1 5, 1- - J' '7 Meeting L 2. Di'LIG for Auqus`.: 3. c cat iu na H1,85 DI'Lst Projec 1 pt Terrace zisl.rict status TILMe O'.10SU'le 5. New ne tai s " for Fall 1977 Burv-ey Zo►irlg revi.;4icins - draft r;f Reha,bilitation qragrari - xsv C± buildings September 12, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, September 12 in the old City Council chambers at City Hall. Absent were commissioners Murphy and Spencer. Present were associates Pinto and Rowe. U Mass intern Nina Nicolosi was introduced; she will be working on outstanding inventories. Minutes of the August 15 meeting were read and accepted. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Letter from Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission with letter of intent to apply for federal assis— tance to construct a sewer line between the existing municipal line and the new jail site,between Burts Pit Road and Rocky Hill Road. The Historical Commission is asked to comment on the impact of this project. The Historical Commission feels that on the basis of evidence of some early post—Glacial civilization at the proposed site, an archaeological review is in order. 2. Letter from the Historical Museum of New England announcing plans to develop an Historic Sea Port in the former Charlestown Naval Yard, and requesting indications of interest in participation from the historical societies and commissions of the state. 3. Notice of 15th Annual Conference of New England Historical Societies, November 4, 5, and 6, Manchester, N.H. 4. Letter from Miriam Chrisman regretting that she will be unable to work on the Historic District Study Committee. 5. Bay State Historical League News 6. Announcement from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Association for State and Local History for an Historic House Museum Workshop, Mobile, Alabama, October 13. OLD BUSINESS 1. Historic District Study Committee Names of prospective study committee members will be submitted to Mayor Cramer for approval. Emmy Clausing will speak to the mayor personally. 2. Priority projects for 1977. The basis of our work will be inventory, as groundwork for both National Register and State historic districts. To avoid unnecessary inventory, Joe Orfant would be of help in explaining the Multiple Resource Nomination. A priority of order for district formation should be established. Mazie Cox suggested that the remaining railroad bridge into the city be painted and stencilled. This should be suggested to the Chamber of Commerce The idea was met With September 12, 1977 page 2 enthusiasm among the commissioners. 3. Pomeroy Terrace District. This district must be reviewed according to new guidelines. As long as there are no changes to be made, the district is essentially complete. 4. Time Capsule. Mazie Cox will see to making a collection of prints of downtown store fronts plus a panorama from College Hall of Main Street. NEW BUSINESS 1. Design Review Board. This all — important topic will be the subject of the September 26 meeting. The focus of our involvement should realistically start as being an advisory body. 2. Zoning revisions. At this point it is possible that the consideration of historical significance of property can be included in principle in the revised zoning ordinance. 3. Rehabilitation Project. U Mass intern Nina Nicolosi will review these applications. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, 1 Emmy C. Clausing Secretary orp CIAL NE271$q VPTIC* Tom glftdkidA boMkttOO L y :5 . n i. l5riptiembOt 16'% 1977 •dhbabexi; Nalzc J. Stack Senior Planner 10 mimltea ot It 2 '. Cbxresponde�O n< q.,V 4t Qld` Bus-i fst; Int"doth 1- 9 kelpq�rt na Pico lolfi Joil n Pinto Aa County !eil kevieV - AML Sttlbk Historic District study ebmmitt6b Status - Emmy Clausing 5. Main topic y besign Review and zoning Revisions 6 Next Meeting bate September 26, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, September 26 in the City Council Chambers at the Municipal Office Building. Absent was Mazie Cox. Present was associate Pinto. Minutes of the September 12 meeting were read and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Newsletter from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. 2. Letter from General Services Administration stating that the old Post Office building is now available for disposal by sale, and will be offered to the state, county, and city, and then to private purchase. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Election of chairman and treasurer will take place at the October 17 meeting. OLD BUSINESS 1. Intern's report. U Mass intern Nina Nicolosi will start work on South Street inventory, with the help of work already completed by Phyllis Mount. 2. Pomeroy Terrace All Pomeroy Terrace inventory forms must be transcribed to the new forms. This is to be done in the most painless way. 3. Hampshire County Jail Review. The Economic Development Administration does require an archaeological review of the sewer line site. 4. Historic District Study Committee. There was no report. 5. Design Review and Zoning Revisions. Nancy Stack will re- activate the question of whether the principle of historic significance can in fact be in- cluded in the revised ordinance. 6. Railroad Bridge. In the past the Chamber of Commerce has failed to obtain permission to paint the bridge. If it were declared a detri- ment to the downtown by the Building Inspector, there might be more incentive to improve the bridge's appearance. If such work were in violation of the city's sign ordinance, then perhaps that ordinance could be changed to allow such improve- ments. NEW BUSINESS September 26, 1977 page 2 NEW BUSINESS 1. Easements Eleanor Lincoln suggested that a letter describing the principle of an easement be sent to owners of historical houses. Eleanor's specific concern is the round house on Conz Street and the brick cape adjacent to it. 2. October meetings will be on the 17th and the 31st. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing Secretary r' OFFICIAL NOTICE OF A MEETING NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL CO21MISSION DATE: October 17, 1977 TIME: 4::00 P.M. PLACE: Council Chambers Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner ----------------------------------- AGENDA 1. Minutes of September 26, 1977 Meeting 2. Correspondence 3. 'Election of Chairman and Treasurer 4, Old Business 5. New Business I y 9 October 17, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, October 17 in the City Council Chambers in the Municipal Office Building. Absent were commissioners Cox and Spencer. Present were associates Jendry and Rowe. Minutes of the September 26 meeting were read and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Old House Journal. 2. Preservation News. ELECTIONS Dr. Keith Wilbur was elected by acclamation as the new president; Emmy Clausing will assume the duties of treasurer. Thanks were given heartily by all to Gordon Murphy for his full —time leadership through what proved to be an entire year of work. ASSOCIATES Letters will be sent to Sam Goldman, Saul Gliserman, Richard Gaffney, Joe Gardner (to be contacted by John Pinto), Myron Andersen, Al August, and Cecil Clark, inviting them to serve as associates. Gordon Murphy will confirm the membership status of Mazie Cox and Bill Spencer. John Pinto and Ed Jendry are nominated as full commissioners. OLD BUSINESS 1. Historic District Study Committee. Emmy Clausing will try to guarantee that the slate of committee members is presented to City Council at its meeting on October 20. A meeting of the committee will then take place with Associate Peter Rowe as the liaison between committee and commission. 2. Pomeroy Terrace. John Pinto reported that transcription to new forms is not necessary, and remaining work consists of the writing of the description of the district. NEW BUSINESS C.E.T.A. application. Dr. Keith Wilbur has written to Mr. Morrissey X urging all due haste in filling our J application. 1. Work plan. Future projects as outlined in the 1976 annual report will be reviewed at the next meeting. In addition, the fol— lowing suggestions were made: a. Inventory: All commissioners interested in doing - - -- - -- - - inventory should work in co_- operation as a group_ - on districts in order, with Elm Street and October 17, 1977 page 2 South Street to follow the completion of Pomeroy Terrace; b. Ed Jendry will be our downtown specialist, and Paul Walker will be asked to attend the next meeting to speak about possible Chamber of Commmrce involvement in the next National Historic Preservation Week; c. York Phillips should speak to us about the new zoning ordinance; d. a letter of thanks will be sent to N.I.S. for their gift of sidewalks and street lights for part of Main Street, and a letter will be sent to the Hazette that we may publically show our approval of this development. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing Secretary OFFTCIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION . 't F - p.-E: oz. , tober 31, 1977 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE: Council chambers Municipal Office Building Stack -Planner - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AGENDA Iiirna'es of October 17, 1977 Meeting Q­ Report - Bills old Business - Pomeroy Terrace - Status Report County Jail. Review Status "Other" Nlew Business -Preservation Week 1978 - Paul Walker Set Next Meeting Date "Other" October 31, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, October 31 in the City Council Chambers at the Municipal Office Building. Absent were commissioners Cox, who will resign, and Spencer, who may resign. New Associates Saul Gliserman, Myron Andersen, and Cecil Clark were introduced; Associates Jendry and Rowe were also present. John Pinto is now a full commissioner. C14AMBER OF COMMERCE AND NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK Chamber President Paul Walker addressed the commission and stressed the willingness of the downtown merchants to support our May program. If given notification as early as February, the Chamber could hold its Spring Salute Breakfast at the Hotel Northampton during Preservation Week, and an organization such as 4--H could aid us with a program of tree planting. Almost anything is possible, and early timing is the key. Among suggestions for the week were a community supper, window display judging, the Historical Society Historical Fair, and a crafts fair on Gothic Street freed of traffic. Mr. Walker assured us that downtown businessmen would like to hear from us about possible storefront changes and about the possibility of establishing a tax incentive for historic restoration of downtown buildings. Myron Andersen said that he feels that store owners undoubtedly view the Historical Commission as another bureaucracy in which they do not wish to become involvdd when making structural changes to a building, and therefore avoid such contact. Communication is all - important. A suggestion was made for a committee to be formed of Historical Commission members and downtown businessmen for the purpose of developing Preservation Week projects. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace This completed district will be ready for the next meeting. The submitting of this distric will probably hasten our meeting with Joe Orfant. 2. County Jail Review. There will be an archaeological review. Leonard Day will be notified about the results of the study. 3. Time Capsule photos. The question was raised of whether Mazie Cox took the storefront photos for the capsule. NEW BUSINESS 1. Design Review Committee. A memo was read from York Phillips announcing that an informal committee should be formed to consider design review - - -_ -- aspects of various city functions and to think about fo- rmation__ of a more formal design review committee. Ed Jendry and October 31, 1977 page 2 Saul Gliserman will represent the Historical Commission; Helen Searing will be asked to serve also. In discussing the work of a Design Review Committee, Cecil Clark pointed out that building permits are not always applied for, and that numerous signs are errected contrary to the existing sign ordinance. A starting point for a Design Review Committee might be to work within an existing ordinance as the sign ordinance. Mr. Clark stated that in general, design review by itself slows business, and he agreed that it should therefore be incorporated into an existing ordinance. In summary, the Commission would like a Design Review Committee available for advisory purposes to individual property owners, and to have some actual control over projects undertaken by the city. 2. Projects for next meeting. a. suggestions for projected manual for downtown and home owners as a guide to building resources, such as signmakers, awning manufacturers, paint color plates. b. Ideas for National Historic Preservation Week. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40. R spectfully submitted, Emmy Clausing/ Secretary 0c) 3 CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MEMUHAN TO: Members of the Board of Appeals, Historical Commission, and FROM: York Phillips, Planning Directo SUBJECT: Design Review Committee DATE: October 17, 1977 FILE: J551 PLANNING DEPARTMENT The Planning Board at its meeting of September 28, 1977, dis- cussed the proposal to establish a design review committee. As it stands now, the feeling seems to be that an informal committee should be initi- ated first to consider design review aspects of various city functions and to develop ideas toward the establishment of a more formal design review committee. It was suggested that one or two volunteers from the Board of Appeals, the Conservation Commission, the" Historical Commission, and the Planning Board might work together on this matter and that the Planning Department could provide a minimum level of staff assistance on the initial effort. We would appreciate obtaining volunteers from these boards and move as soon as possible to set up an initial meeting. Please let us know if you are interested in serving on such a board. ' CC: Cecil Clark, Building Inspector Mayor David W. Cramer Nancy J. Stack, Senior Planner NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, 1,viASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE November 14, 1977 TINE 4:00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes of October 31, 1977 Meeting 2. Treasurer's Report - Emmy Clausing 3. Old Business - Pomeroy Terrace District - Status Report Preservation Week 1978 Plans Design Review Committee - Set Meeting? Historic District Study Committee - Status Report . Smith College National Register District - Stat-us? 4. New Business • Establish Budget Subcommittee • Status of Sheehan's Building - Pleasant Street • Review priorities re National Register Districts • St. Michael's School - National Register determination • Survey and Planning grant application . Tax Reform.Act Conference - November 28 -30 November 14, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, November 14 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, Clausing, and Pinto, and associates Clark, Andersen, Rowe, and Gliserman. Minutes of the October 31 meeting were read and accepted. There was no formal Treasurer's report. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace John Pinto presented the finished project to Nancy Stack for xeroxing. All expressed great appreciation to John for a job well done. 2. Preservation Week suggestions 1. LWV has expressed interest in planning a house and /or store tour. 2. The publication of the preservation booklet for property owners might be geared for this week. Dr. Wilbur has sent for the Old House Journal Source Book for source references. 3. Eleanor Lincoln re- iterated the importance of tree planting as a committment to the future, and this project might be realized through a yearly campaign for funds for a number of larger trees. 4. The Historical Society cannot hold its Historical Fair that week, but it can hold an open house, and the Pomeroy Terrace District is conveniently close to the Society property. 5. It may still be economically feasible to mark an historical site during Preservation Week. 3. Design Review Committee A meeting for early in the week of Thanksgiving or early the following week has been suggested. 4. Historic District Study Committee The slate may be passed at the November 17 Council meeting. Regardin the establishment of a state district (a chapter 40 -c district, the Massachusetts Historical Commission suggests that the local Historical Commission become the review board for an established district. 5. Smith College National Register District. As there now exist inventory forms for virtually all pertinent buildings at Smith, and as it is possible that some older Smith buildings may be threatened by imminent construction plans, John Pinto suggested that he and Eleanor finish the Elm Street National Register district and move diredtly to the Smith district. The order of priority of National Register districts is as follows: Pomeroy Terrace, Elm Street, Smith College, the Jail as an individual nomination, then South Street or a multiple- resource district in Florence. It was suggested that the Bancroft and Capen School buildings might form an additional multiple - resource district. November 14 page 2 NEW BUSINESS 1. 1977-78 priorities update Dr. Wilbur feels that we are doing well in fulf ±lling our goals. In the area of publicity and printing, a Gazette article on downtown building renovations, perhaps in montF1 y installments, was suggested. Also, a slide show designed for professional and service groups was proposed. Nancy Stack will prepare a list of appropriate buildings for John Pinto to photograph. 2. Budget sub — committee The budget will be reviewed in order that we may see what we can spend for the remainder of the year. Also, Nancy Stack strongly recommends a complete historical survey, which would necessitate applying for a survey and planning grant. As a matching grant, this project would have to be budgeted for the next fiscal year. A comprehensive survey would determine what remaining buildings should be inventoried, and could include the inventory process, too. Carol Dubie was suggested as a candidate to do the survey and planning review. 3. Sheehan's building. Cecil Clark knows of no plans for any change in status of this building. 4. St. Michael's This structure will be converted into housing for the elderly. The Historical Commission will comment on the A -95 review form that we wish no facade changes. 5. Jail site William Young is technically unqualified according to the state to complete the archaeological review, but he will be allowed to do it. He may be asking %us for guidance, such as names of local amateur archaeologists. 6. Tax Reform Act Conference, November 28 -30. The Commission agreed to furnish Nancy Stack bus fare and expenses for this conference. It was noted that the city of Northampton does not have the authority to make any concessions regarding tax breakb for any renovated downtown building; state legislation would be necessary. 7. Other business The matter of more accessible storage of oldest deed books in the Registry of Deeds will be looked into. Cecil Clark has a slug plate of Northampton from the Beers Atlas. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40. Respectfully submitted. Emmy C. Clausing Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE November 28, 1977 TIME 4 :00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes of November 14, 1977 !Meeting 2. Treasurer's Report - Current Balance 3. Communications 4. Old Business: Preservation Week Plana Membership Status - Vacancies? New Appointees 5. New Business: Establish boundaries for Elm Street, Smith College, and South Street Districts Appoint Budget Subcommittee (due Dec. 15) Set meeting date(s) for December Nov. 28, 1977 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Monday, November 28 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Commissioners present: Wilbur, Murphy, Lincoln, Pinto, and Clausing. Associates present: Gliserman and Jendry. Minutes of the November 14 meeting were read and accepted. TREASURER'S REPORT Approximately $450.00 remains in our OM budget; virtually all of the $1,000.00 budgeted for OOM remains, based on record of bills to date. Preparation of the budget for FY79 is due by December 15. Emmy Clausing will make requests similar to those for FY78, with the addition of an amount to match a survey and planning grant. The suggestion was made that services such as printing might be provided by individuals as a tax -free donation. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter to Paul Morrisey re CETA application was filed. 2. Letter of resignation from Bill Spencer was read. 3. Letter from Dr. and Mrs. Grimm protesting the decision of New England Telephone Company to errect a new pole at 281 Elm Street for khe support of a guy wire. We will write to the appropriate parties. 4. Old House Journal Buyer's Guide has been received, for use in the owner's handbook. 5. Letter from Margo Webber, Environmental Officer, Massachusetts Historical Commission, re 1978 Community Development Block Grant applications and Historic Preservation activities which might be in- cluded therein. 6. Notice of 16th Annual National Trust Woedlawn Conference on Historic Site Administration, Woodlawn Plantation, Mount Vernon, VA, February 4 -11, 1978. 7. Subscription offer for American Preservation Magazine OLD BUSINESS 1. Deed Book Storage. The problem of the older books' storage is still being looked into. 2. Design Review Committee. There has not yet been a meeting. 3.Preservation Week Plans. The list of suggested activities stands as follows: Window display and awards Photo display on historical theme, with awards. Tour of buildings and /or stores Tour of Pomeroy Terrace district Preservation booklet for property owners Display of Time Capsule photos, present and past Historic site marker Tree seedlings November 28, 1977 page 2 Spring Salute Breakfast with slide show by Karen Humboldt Train stencil for railroad bridge Antique car show Farmers market for closed -off street. 4. Membership status. The names of Ed Jendry and one other will be given the mayor for filling the vacancies of Mazie Cox and-cBill Spencer. Helen Searing is willing to work on the Design Review Committee. NEW BUSINESS The remainder of the meeting was given over to drawing boundaries for the Elm Street and Smith College districts, for review by Joe Orfant. The December meeting will be held on December 19. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing, Sec etary OFFICIAL, MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE December 19, 1977 TIME 4 :00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Bldg. AGENDA 1. Minutes of November''28, 1977 Meeting 2. Treasurer's Report - Current Balances 3. Old Business Pomeroy Terrace - Status Boundary Review Report - South Street, Elm Street, and Smith College Districts Preservation Week Plans 4. New Business Review Budget FY79 Intern for Spring 1978 - South Street inventory Set next meeting date December 19, 1977 The Northampton Historical Commission met on Monday, December 19 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Lincoln, Wilbur, and Clausing, and associate Myron Andersen. There was not a quorum present. Minutes of the November 28 meeting were read. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Built to Last has arrived. 2. Mass. Historical Commission Newsletter 3, National Trust Publication: News Service 4. Pioneer Valley Association, Inc. publication requesting our changes, if any, in published information on Northampton and its recreational facilities. 5. Copy of letter from York Phillips to Planning Board regarding the plan request by Daniel O'Connell and Sons, Inc. for 2 zone variances, in order to allow the maximum floor area ratio to be exceeded and to allow a smaller total lot area for the proposed number of units at the old St. Michael's building; York recommends disapproval of the quite substantial variances. 6. Request for special donation from National Trust. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace. This district is virtually ready to mail. 2. Boundary Review Report. It was suggested that only structures along South Street itself be included in that historic district. Joe Orfant will be in Northampton on Friday, January 6 at 1:30 PM. 3. Preservation Week Plans. Keith Wilbur has reported our suggestions to Paul Walker, and will give him a clipping about Karen Humboldt's slide show. 4. Membership update. Mazie Cox' letter of resignation has gone to the mayor. The mayor has appointed Ed Jendry and Peter Rowe as full commissioners, and City Council has approved the Historic District Study Committee, replacing Greg Tweed with Abe Allen. NEW BUSINESS Budget FY79. Copies of the prepared $9,175.00 budget were read by those present. The Council budget hearing will not be until February or so. December 19, 1977 page 2 2. Intern for Spring 1 78. There is another U Mass intern interested in doing inventory, in addition to Nina Nicolosi, who will be working approximately 12 hours /week. We will hold our CETA application as a 11 babk -up in the event that our survey and planning grant money is turned down by City Council. 3. Grant -in -aid applications update. Both the Alumnae Gym and Curran Associates building requests have been turned down. It might be appropriate for us to investigate further and comment upon existing grant policy. 4. Other business: a. A letter has been received from Gerald Newell regarding the restoration of the turrets which have been removed from City Hall. He urges us to join him in approaching Mayor Chapman about this restoration::. b. Mazie Cox and the three other new owners of Main Street Center will be sent a letter of congratilations. c. A letter has been received from Nicholas Oldsberg, new archivist of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, regarding the deplorable condition of state and county records in general. d. Frank Keefe of the Office of Planning and Development has urged us to protest the plan of Pyramid Corporation to construct a shopping mall on the flood plain. Public protest might be effective in pre- venting this construction. e, The commission will meet on January 9 and 23. Rpspectfully submitited, Emmy C. Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 MEMBERSHIP JANUARY 1977 Dr. C. Keith Wilbur 584 -2510 (home) term expires: 10/1971 397 Prospect St. 584- -1440 (office) Northampton Mr. Gordon Murphy 584 -5700 term expires: 10/1977 76 North Elm St. Northampton Wilfred Spencer, Jr. 586 -0469 term expires: 10/1971.1 51 Clark St. Florence Mrs. Emmy Clausing 586 -3250 term expires: 10/ 9 Barrett Place Northampton Mazie Cox term expires: • 1 0/197 , 140 Main St. Northampton ,James Lunny 586 -1866 term expires: 10/19771 X73 Redford Drive Florence Eleanor Lincoln 584 -7058 term expires: 10/1978 54 Prospect St. Northampton t ASSOCIATES: Miss Helen Searing 105 Prospect St. Northampton John Pinto 8 West St., Apt. '4 Northampton Carol Menke 66 Bridge St. Northampton 584- 4455 ( home.) 584 -2700 (office) ext. 866,893 586 -3237 584 -2427 (home) 584-0344 (office) For the Agenda, send copies to: The Gazette Mayor's Office Planning Dept. i NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COWAISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, AdASSACHUSET'I"S 01000 ASSOCLhT C 1 912 Ken Dowen Villa-ze 1 1ill Road i11ia?,qsburg 01096 Gordon Clark 88 North ".lm Street Northampton . Sam Goldman Grove rill Road Florence I-orman Henchey 206 Prospect Street Northam-,;ton Ed Jendry Architects, Inc , 78 Ma i in Street � Nort ham-pt on Carol Drienke 66 Drid� Street iaOl t }7a 7'';� t 021 Joh11 r i_nt0 8 Lest ,street, AUt. 4 Northam .ton Feter Rowe 69 Foy Fan Road Florence Helen Searing 105 .Prospect Street T,orthampton Francis (Zip) ,Sheehan 54 Acrebrook Drive Florence Dill & Eva Trae er 21 Dewey Court Northampton 2684 -7918 (home) 58 -338 (office) 584- - 8402 (home) 584- -8764 (horse 586 - 4004 (business) 584• - 5282 (hoz`e ) 584-7224 (office) 58-4-2 7 (h om.e ) 584- 0344 (off ice ) 5844 -9425 (wio_rk) 586 (? - ) 584- -5624 (home) 584-4 55 (home) 5R4. -2700 (office) eyt 866,893 586 -0496 (home) 586- -3511 (home) - 584 --0042 (business) 4 I v l t4j j I CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COWAISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, AdASSACHUSET'I"S 01000 ASSOCLhT C 1 912 Ken Dowen Villa-ze 1 1ill Road i11ia?,qsburg 01096 Gordon Clark 88 North ".lm Street Northampton . Sam Goldman Grove rill Road Florence I-orman Henchey 206 Prospect Street Northam-,;ton Ed Jendry Architects, Inc , 78 Ma i in Street � Nort ham-pt on Carol Drienke 66 Drid� Street iaOl t }7a 7'';� t 021 Joh11 r i_nt0 8 Lest ,street, AUt. 4 Northam .ton Feter Rowe 69 Foy Fan Road Florence Helen Searing 105 .Prospect Street T,orthampton Francis (Zip) ,Sheehan 54 Acrebrook Drive Florence Dill & Eva Trae er 21 Dewey Court Northampton 2684 -7918 (home) 58 -338 (office) 584- - 8402 (home) 584- -8764 (horse 586 - 4004 (business) 584• - 5282 (hoz`e ) 584-7224 (office) 58-4-2 7 (h om.e ) 584- 0344 (off ice ) 5844 -9425 (wio_rk) 586 (? - ) 584- -5624 (home) 584-4 55 (home) 5R4. -2700 (office) eyt 866,893 586 -0496 (home) 586- -3511 (home) - 584 --0042 (business)