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1978 Historical Commission minutesNORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL MEMBERSHIP - 1978 Der,. C. Keith Wilbur - Chairman 397 Prospect Street Northampton, MA 01060 Mrs. Emmy Clausing - S,ecretary & Treasurer 9 Barrett Place Northampton, ,NIA 01Q60 Eleanor Lincoln 54 Prospect St - r.:e:e:t Northampton, MA 01060 Gordon ;iur;phy 76•No,rth: Elm Streets. - Northampton,. MA 01 John Pinto 49 Kensington Avenue Northampton, MA 01060 Ed Jendry Architects, Inc. 7.8 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060: Peter Rowe 69 Fox Farms Road Florence, MA1 01060 584 -2510 (home) 584 -1440 (office) 586 -3250 (home) 584 -7058 (home) 584 -5700 ('office) 586 -3237 (home) 584 -7224 (office) 584 -5624 (home) NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS - 1978 Gordon Clark 584 -8402 (home) 88 North Elm.Street Northampton, MA 01060 Saul Gliserman 584 -7271 (office) 8 Crafts Avenue Northampton, MA 01060 _ Sam Goldman. 584- 87 .. (home) -_- - Grove Hill Road - -- - -- Leed -s_, .__MA , 01053 Helen Searing ,1105 Prospect Street Northampton,_ MA 01060 Myron Andersen r 18 Columbus Avenue Northampton, MA 01060 Cecil Clark Building Inspector's Office Municipal Office Building 212 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 584 -4455 (home) 584 -2700 (office) Ext. 866, 893 584 -2818 (home) 584- 3503-(office), NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON -'HISTbRIC.AL COMMISSION Rate: January 9, a918 Time: 4:00 P.M. Plac : e:Council Chamber's Municipal Bldg. Nancy J. Stack `Senior Planner — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — - - - - - - - — — — — — — 7 AGENDA 1. :Minutes of. Dec.ember 19, 1977 Meeting 2. Bills for December 3, old Business: Pomeroy 'Terrace NR Submitted. d. Publicity? "Budget "Pre'sent'at.lon..for Coun'c'il preserv'atio Week 197`8 Hist-6kiC Djjtjict Study Committee set meeting Report Of Joe Oilaint'd Visit, January 6 4. New Business: Reus6 o f post Office - DP',c.- 1 8heehaWs Bldg., - Rphov6t-iong, Planned Grant Cations - D14C ReView Policy. . in -Aid applications .. January 9, 1978 The Northampton Historical Commission met on Monday, January 9 at the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, and Clausing, and associate Gliserman. There was not a quorum present. Minutes of the December 19 meeting were read. COMMUNICATIONS 1. Letter from the Historical Commission to Frank Keefe, Office of Planning and Development filed, protesting the decision of Pyramid Corporation to construct a shopping mall in the flood plain. 2. Letter from Massachusetts Film Bureau requesting information on historic sites in the Northampton area, in order to provide various film agencies with possible sites for film making in the commonwealth. The Historical Society will answer the letter. 3. Flyer on Harvard /MIT evening courses. 4. Notice of National Trust for Historic Preservation: Community Preservation Workshop, Galveston, Texas, March 18-25. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace. Publicity about this district in the form of a press release will wait until the district is official, which may not be for 6 months, according to the Mass. Historical Commis— sion. The article might include history of the district as well as a summary of tax benefits for owners of historic property. The question of the existence of National Register seals of identifying logo for historic district structures was raised. 2. Budget preparation. A comprehensive but concise presentation of our total request will have to be made to City Council. We will invite Mayor Chapman to a meeting soon to acquaint him with our work. 3. Preservation Week. Keith Wilbur has not heard any reaction to our proposed plans from Paul Walker. 4. Deed storage. There may be a grant in the works for additional storage. 5. Historic District Study Committee. A meeting will be set up. 6.. - Joe__Oxfant. _ _ _ _ _. There is no new date for a meeting with Mr. Orfant. January 5, 1978 NEW BUSINESS 1. Post Office Building. The individual doing the feasibility study for adapting the old post office building for community use will present the proposal to the County Commissioners on Wed., January 11 at 7:30 at the Court House. 2. Sheehan's Building. The new owner wants a grant -in -aid application, and will be in touch with us as he has more plans. We urgently wish that his plans include saving the antique bar. 3. Grant -in -aid applications. The lack of awards for Northampton makes us wonder if one needs an "in" in Boston to get money. Mass. Historical generally eliminates projects under $10,000. The new manual for application procedure should be out soon. Perhaps Lee Guerney and Candy Jenkins can come to Northampton with Joe Orfant. 4. Design Review Committee. We should push for a meeting soon. 5. January 23 meeting. Commissioners should bring to the coming meeting ideas for both the Preservation Booklet and for conversation with Mayor Chapman. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing Secretary OFFICIAL MEETING- NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION Date: January 23, 1978 Time 4:00 PM Place: Council Chambers Nancy Stack Senior Planner A G E N D A le Minutes of January 9, 1978 meeting 2. Communications 3. Old Business: (Status Reports only) o Historic District Study Committee - meeting date o Joe Orfant's Visit - January 31, 1978 - boundary reviews o Preservation Week 1978 o Registry of Deeds - storage 4. New Business: (Major agenda items) o Preservation Guidelines Booklet - please bring ideas and suggestions to the meeting o Prepare presentation for Mayor OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE February 6, 1578 TIME 4:00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Office Building AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Treasurer's Report - Bills for January 3. Correspondence 4. Old Business: Report on Boundary Reviews - 1/31 Report on Budget Review - 2/4/78 Preservation Week - 1978 5. New Business: Plans for Rehabilitation Booklet? Slide - tape shows from AASLH DCA Slide Show Preparation of Survey and Planning Grant Application Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner February 27, 1970 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com- mission was held on Monday, February 27 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commis- sioners Wilbur, Lincoln, Pinto and Clausing, and Senior Planner Nancy Stack. Minutes of the January 9 meeting were read and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Mayor Chapman about noted absenteeism on city boards and commissions; he pledges his help to quickly fill new appointments resulting from resignations of those unable to keep up attendence. 2. National Trust booklet: "Films: Historic Preser- vation and Related Subjects." 3. Copy of letter from Chairman Wilbur to Terry Morton editor, Preservation News, urging that Northampton's City Hall be considered in a survey of City Halls throughout USA. 4. Letter from Frank Keefe, Director of State Planning acknowledging our letter of protest against the shopping mall on the flood plain. 5. Information on UrbanImage Corporation and its award - winning preservation film about Newburyport, MA, "A Measure of Change." 6. Application for 20th annual seminar for Historical Administration, Williamsburg, VA, June 10 -July 8. 7. Information on Textile Conservation Center Work- shop, Merrimack Valley Textile Museum, North Andover, MA, March 17. 8. Questionnaire from National Trust to all member organizations. 9. Bay State Historical League "Bulletin." 10. Application for National Trust summer youth pre- servation experiences. 11. Preservation News Feb., 1978. OLD BUSINESS 1. Report on Boundary Reviews. Joe Orfant visited on January 31. He OK'ed the length of South Street as far as Olive St. or Revell Avenue, with some possible individual nominations for buildings off South. February 27, 1978 page 2 Elm Street and Smith College boundaries were approved at his visit, but we have to be sure he OK'ed the inclusion of Clarke School buildings with the Smith district as an educational district. 2. Budget hearing. There is no indication of how our request was received. 3. Preservation Week, May 7-13 - We will invite Paul Walker to return to discuss our proposed plans. Jean Kitely of the League of Women Voters wants to jointly sponsor some events, such as an information booth at Main Street Center preceeding the eeg week, a downtown apartment or building tour, and the slide show. It was suggested that the schools record a promotion for broadcast publicity. The A.A.S.L.H. (American Association of State and Local History) slide show on Victorian house colors will be rented for Preservation Week, and a D.C.A. (Dept. of Community Affairs) show might be used with a walking tour. A request will be made for the National Trust films "Stations" and "Working Places" for Preservation Week. 4. Historic District Study Committee. At its organizational meeting on February 21, Abe Allen was elected chairman and Jan Hemminger secretary. Nancy Stack is meeting with the committee, and Pat Weslowski from Mass. Historical will attend the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS 1. Plans for Rehabilitation Booklet. An original booklet by May 7 seems too ambitious a project. Two alternatives were therefore discussed: One is a book of largely "borrowed" material, aimed at either downtown property owners or at National Register listed home owners. A second , and more feasible, is the publishing of an index or bibliography of rehabilitation materials arranged by topic, with appeal for any type of property owners. In conjunction with this publication we will get Forbes Library to join the National Trust and to subscribe to the Old House Journal (or we will give them the membership and subscription) so th t our suggested publications will be more accessible to the public. Stanley Greenberg will be invited to a future meeting. When we have gotten some of our suggested readings into Forbes, we can write to owners of National Register buildings to publicize the new library resources. 2. ACT and Adaptive Re —use. Architectural Conservation Trust is now looking at the Jail, Post Office, and Memorial Hall, and is also available for paid consultation by private property owners. February 27, 1978 page 3 3. Massachusetts Historical Commission State —wide Conference. There will be a spring workshop and meeting in Northampton, and we will investigate appropriate facilities for it. Respectfully submitted, Emm C. Clausin Y g Secretary OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE February 27, 1978 TIME 4:00 P.M: PLACE o , Council Chambers Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior.Planner - AGENDA 1.' Treasurer's Report — Balance 2. Correspondence 3. r.�ld Business Report on Boundary Reviews - January 31 Report on-Budget Review - 2/4/78 Preservation Week 1978 Report of Historic District Study Committee - February 21 4. New Business Plans for Rehabilitation Booklet? Slide - tape shows from AASCH DCA Slide Show National Trust Film Listing .Information on Tree Committee - Pulaski Park? 090TO SJ J HSf1HDVSSVlq `NOZdIAIVHIHON rI'IVH UIO NOISSIMOD - 1VM10.LSIH . 0JLdWIH.L2I0N OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION r' 7 _! l'hursday, TIME 4.00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers March 16, 1978 Municipal Office Building Nancy J Stack Senior Planner AGENDA _ Jieving of Slide Show - "Built to Last" - Karen Hemboldt, DCA Discussion re plans for Preservation Week -U Minutes of February 27, 1978 Meeting 3— General al Business : . Discuss next meeting date Plans for Mayor's Visit Review FY 1979 Goals for Annual Report 4. 7.�scussion of plans for "restoration" work at City Hall �i NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL CO1V1MISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE. NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE March 30, 1978 TIME 4:00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes of February 27, 1978 Meeting 2. 'Viewing`of "Built to Last Slide Show" (tentative) 3. Old Business Plans for Preservation Week 1978 - Set dates Preservation Awards nominations 4. New Business; FY 79 Grant-in --Aid Applications "Available Discuss Meeting dates Reuse Slide Show - Building list Dwyer Associates Plan - Review Pine Rest Nursing Home Court Case - Status March 30, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com— mission was held on Thursday, March 30 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, Rowe, Jendry, Pinto, and Clausing. Minutes of the February 27 meeting were read and accepted. There was no significant correspondnce. REPORT: HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE Peter Rowe reported that there have been two meetings: one organizational and a second to define goals for an ordinance and to set preliminary district boundaries. The Committee is currently reading sample ordinances and will be touring the length of Elm Street. As a district boundary can be extended leter, the simplest boundary lines possible will be drawn now, possibly including the length of Elm Street from the State Street light to the hospital and including Childs Park. Smith College is the major property owner in the district, and the wishes of the college's property committee might jeopardize an ordinance. The Study Committee will therefore be in consultation with the property committee. The final ordinance will be aimed at preserving a pleasing non — homogeneous entry and exit to and From Northampton. PRESERVATION WEEK, MAY 7 -13• 1. We will need comment soon from Paul Walker. 2. We would like to see an historic marker errected annually. 3. The League of Women Voters will present the "Built to Last" slide show on Monday, May 8. Emmy Clausing will be present as a spokesman from the Historical Commission. 4. Awards were discussed. There would seem to be a dearth of commendable buildings this year. Sheehans and the Forbes Library office were mentioned. 5. The LWV downtown apartment tour is currently planned for League members and guests only. The possibility of expanding it for the general public was suggested, as was inclusion of additional buildings, such as Dewey and Capen Houses at Smith. 6. Dr. Wilbur will talk to Mayor Chapman about pro — motion of tree planting along the tree belts. 7. Downtown merchants will be contacted about window displays. $. The Gazette will be furnished publicity information and an award nomination form. 9. A building tour of our own was suggested, including the Round House, Court House, and the Hotel, followed by a showing of "Built to Last" at the Hotel. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the new owner of the hotel urging that the current atmosphere of the hotel be preserved. The April 13 meeting will be devoted to Preservation Week. R spectfully submitted, Emmy C' Clausing secretary OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION 13, 1978 TIME: 4.00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers DATE Ap Municipal Office ril Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Bills 3. Preservation Week Plans . Possible Tour of Downtown Sites . Preservation Awards - Nomination Farm Preservation Bookshelf - Forbes Library Slide Shows - Availability to Service Organizations April 1 3, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com— mission was held on Thursday, April 13 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commis— sioners Wilbur, Murphy, Jendry, Clausing, and Lincoln, Senior Planner Nancy Stack, and Associate Gordon Clark. Minutes of the March 30 meeting were read and accepted. HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK, MAY 7 -13• 1. Site tour. It was decided that the awards ceremony would precede the building tour. Suggestions for the tour are: backstage at the Academy of Music, the Round House, First Church, and the Court House, with "Built to Last" or the Victorian house color slide show to be shown in the old Superior Court Room. Nancy Stack will check about the Academy. Gordon Clark will get a key to the Round House, and Emmy Clausing will contact Josiah Parsons about touring First Church. It was suggestdd that Cecil Clark's painting of the old Court House be exhibited at the slide show site. 2. Nomination form for Gazette. This form will be submitted shortly to the paper, with a nomination cut —off date of April 26. Additional publicity will include the following: an announcement of the awards cere— mony; outline of the walking tour with a photo of the original three round houses on the present site; and information about the proposed preservation bookshelf in Forbes Library. 3. Downtown window displays. Emmy Clausing has contacted Main Street store owners. It is hoped that they can come up with their own display material, as the Historical Society cannot be expected to furnish displays every year. It would be helpful if the Chamber of Commerce could have a window co— ordinator. A display using our collection of line drawings was suggested for a window in Main Street Center. 4. Awards. The list so far consists of Sheehan's and the Forbes Library Office. 5. Preservation bookshelf -- Forbes. Emmy Clausing will consult with Stanley Greenberg about library membership in the National Trust and to Old House Journal and the creation of an accessible bookshelf. We wiles furnisi a — bookplate for any b oks which we give the library. The book "Built to Last" andtthe Victorian house paint slide show would be a good start for t e shelf. 6. Slide shows for service groups. We should seriously consider purchasing shows such as the Victorian house color slide show so that we can regularly lend them to service groups. The April 2 me -etin will devoted to Preservation We Respectfully submitted y Secretary es NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE April 27, 1978 TIME 4:00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner ------------------------------------ AGENDA 1. Minutes of April 13, 1978 Meeting 2. Correspondence 3. Preservation Week Plans Discussion of list of tasks Status reports on various activities Publicity plans - Flyer for Tour, etc. Preservation Awards NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL TO: Historical Commission Members FROM: N. J. Stack RE: Suggested List of Tasks - Preservation Week - 1978 DATE: April 20, 1978 I. PRESS RELEASES (double- spaced 1 -12 pages) ASAP: • Awards Ceremony and Tour - May 13 - Gordon Murphy • Window Displays - Emmy Clausing • Summary of Activities (awards, tour, displays, bookshelf at library) - Dr. Wilbur II. TOUR ARRANGEMENTS (phone calls, keys, etc.) May 13 Round House - Gordon Clark - Tour leader and Arrangements Steve Roper - Technical information Academy of Music - Tour leader - Gordon Clark -/. '_ �si.a S V10- , , 1�n%� Arrangements - Nancy Stack 5 �, 7 W First Church - Tour leader - Gordon Clark Arrangements - Emmy Clausing ✓ .,County Courthouse - Tour leader - Gordon Clark Arrangements - Nancy Stack Slide Show Arrangements - Nancy Stack III. GENERAL PUBLICITY • Declaration of Preservation Week by Mayor - Dr. Wilbur • Radio Spots to WHMP - Nancy Stack, • Feature and /or photo coverage - Nancy Stack NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 'OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON COMM ISSION PLACE: Council ChaMbe�6 D 1978 TIM 4:00 P.M. ATE: May Municipal Office Building N ancy J. Stack Senior Planner ------ ------ ------ -- - ._._.----- _.. - -- AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Correspondence 3. Bills 4. preservation Week Preview of Slide Show "Victorian ':PXtqXi0r -paint. Colors" Review of.tour arrangerments Preparation of P11 on Awards certificates arrangements Review of May 11, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com— mission was held on Thursday, May 11 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Clausing, Wilbur, Lincoln, Pinto, and Murphy, and associates Gordon Clark and Cecil Clark, and senior planner Nancy Stack. Notes from the April 27 meeting were read and accepted. The slide show on Victorian house color from the American Association of State and Local History was viewed and it was generally agreed that it should be purchased for donation to Forbes. PRESERVATION WEEK 1. Building tour. This will start at 10 AM at the Round House, with back— ground and history briefly described by Steve Roper. Free Old —Ho Journal reprints will be distributed. After viewing the entire uilding we will proceed to First Church, then to the Court House, where awards will be made and Built to Last shown. Four different commissioners will read tie award citations. 2. Tree planting. It was noted that the city has planted some oaks on Dryads Green. 3. LWV talk. Emmy Clausing reported that the informational talk about the work of the Commission plus slide show of Built to Last were a successful combination. The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 23• R ,qspectfully submitted, Emm C. Clausin Y g Secretary OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE Joint Meeting of: NORTH-.' :PION HISTORICAL COMMISSION and .. _ .. , .,.:... -:. HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE DATE May 23, 1978 TIME 4:00 P: M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes of May 11, 1978 Historical Commission Meeting 2. Correspondence 3. Discussion of Study Committee's Project Boundary issue Smith College plans Plans for public meeting 4. Recap of Preservation Week activities May 23, 1978 The Northampton Historical Commission met with members of the Historic District Study Committee on Tuesday, May 23. Present were commissioners Clausing, Lincoln, and Rowe; associate Gordon Clark; Study Committee members Louise Jeffway and Abe Allen in addition to Peter Rowe; Senior Planner Nancy Stack. All present reviewed the mapped suggested boundary for the proposed Elm Street National Register district, and concluded that the State district might well extend "from Drew House at the college westward, to include all small dornitories fronting on Elm Street, on along to the high school, and from Round Hill Road to Woodlawn Avenue. A summer Study Committee meeting will review some options for the future ordinance and will further discuss boundaries. It was generally agreed that Preservation Week activities were successful. Respectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing Secretary { OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE June 8, 1978 TIME 4 :00 P. M. PLACE Council Chambdrs Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Correspondence -3. Treasurer's Report - Balance 4. Old Business: • Preservation Bookshelf - Forbes Library • Status of Survey and Planning Grant • South Street Inventory Forms 5. New Business: . 58 Center Street - Planned Demolition - John Unger . Plans for summer meetings Interns for summer? June $, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com- mission was held on Thursday, June 8 in the City Council Chamber, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Lincoln, Pinto, Wilbur, Clausing, and Jendry; associates Gordon Clark and Saul Gliserman; and senior planner Nancy Stack. Notes of the May 23 meeting were read and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Historic Preser Jan - March, '78. 2. rder fforF7or Adaptive Use, published by the Urban Land Institute; suggested for Forbes bookshelf. 3. Mass. Historical Comm. Newsletter, May '7$. 4. Preservation News, May, 7. 5. National TFU t annual meeting and preservation conference, Chicago, Oct 11 -15, 197$; and conference on Building Community Support for Urban and Small Town Conservation, July 20 -21, San Francisco; and Annual Report 1976 --77. 6. Society for Preservation of New England Antiquities invitation to membership. 7. American Association for State and Local History membership invitation and list of publications. TREASURER'S REPORT Approximately $16 remains in the OM budget. Virtually all the $1,000 from the OOM budget (less a small amount for Preservation Week newspaper publicity) remains, to be applied to the FY'79 budget toward the survey and planning grant. At this point City Council has not eliminated our grant request. OLD BUSINESS 1. Dr. Wilbur thanked all commissioners for attending the preservation awards and tour. 2. Preservation Bookshelf. Mr. Greenberg at Forbes will accept clear donations 6f books - -no loans - -and wants us to make periodic recommendations for purchases. 3. Grant status. Unless our request is elininated by City Council, we will receive the application in August. 4. South Street Inventory. Nancy has 70-80 forms, which can be edited during the summer; photos are needed for these and for the college forms. 5. There is no word on passage of Pomeroy Terrace. NEW BUSINESS 1. Demolition at 58 Center Street. This 4- apartment building, owned by State Street Fruit, is slated for demolition for extending the store's parking lot. The building is not, it was agreed, one for which we want to fight. 2, Summer meetings. We will meet once a month in July and August. June 8, 1978 page 2 NEW BUSINESS, continued. 3. Sign review committee. Ed Jendry has not received word about any plans. 4. Old Wright Home, Bridge St. It was suggested that a Certificate of Appreciation be awarded this structure for exterior improvements. The July meeting will be on the 13th. R spectfully submitted, Emmy C? Clausing Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAI, HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSET'T'S 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE: July 13, 1978 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE: Council Chambers Municipal office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Correspondence 3. Bills 4. Old Business - Inventory Forms - South Street Pomeroy Terrace- KQ-, � wW-u2 '2y Preservation Bookshelf 0 . Annual Report Historic District Study Committee S. New Business - � JQ ��hq , �®,. Plans for Summer o FY79 Budget - Grant Request July 13, 1978 A regular :meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Thursday, July 13 in the City Council Chambers, Municipal Office Building. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, Pinto, Jendry, and Clausing, and Senior Planner Nancy Stack. Minutes of the June 8 meeting were raad and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Preservation News, July '78 . 2. National Trust News Service," May -June, 197$, and special edition on upholding of landmarks law in Grand Central case. 3. Old -House Journal, July 1978. 4. Over7oo _ ess flyer, featuring The Old - House Journal Compendium suggested for Forbes bookshelf . 5. Historic Preservation April -June, 1978. 6. Letter from Richard Covell, President N.I.S., thanking us for the preservation award and offering support for preservation in Northampton. TREASURER'S REPORT $$.63 remains in our budget. Our grant request has not yet been cut, and it would seem that the $976.00 which we will turn in from FY'78 will help us in justifying grant - matching money for FY'79. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace We must do inventory for 20 -30 insignificant buildings within the district boundaries, inventories which were formerly understood to be unnecessary. The district will, however, be forwarded to Washington lacking this additional inventory. At our August 10 meeting we will determine approximate dates and st for these buildings. Com- missioners will be assigned several houses apiece to des- cribe and view. It was noted that the South Street inventories are of uneven quality, and many need amplification. 2. Forbes Bookshelf. Emmy Clausing will try to have some news about this at the next meeting. 3. Annual Report. This has been misplaced, but, when it is found, we will complete the section on goals for '78. 4. Historic District Study Committee. A new meeting time is being sought so that a larger number of commit e mpm.�ers can attend. The Lower Pioneer '^v» r7, J O Valley Planning �e9 will have a grants person available to them as of August 1 and perhaps this person can wort with the Study Committee in preparing a sample of ordinance guidelines for a public meeting in September. July 13, 1978 page 2 5• 58 Center Street. The question of why we did not know sooner about de— molition plans for this building was raised. NEW BUSINESS 1. Preservation Weex, '79: trees. It might be helpful to plan now for public education about tree planting and care, perhaps with the help of the local garden club. 2. Carlo Valone and the Armory. It was decided that a letter will be written from us to the Mayor and City Council, endorsing the projected renovations of the Armory as a reasonable way to preserve the building and to serve the city as well. The stated desire of Mayor Chapman -- to receive top dollar for all marketed city property- -is to be challenged as a policy which does not always guarantee that the city be well served by all purchases. It was suggested that a letter be sent to local banks asking where they stand regarding historicFpreservati.on and the financial backing of historic preservation in Northampton. 3. Zoning map motif. We need a motif for marking historical buildings on the Building Inspector's map. The commission will meet on August 10. Res ectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing, Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE: August 10, 1978 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE: Council. Chambers Municipal office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -- — — — — — — — --- AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Correspondence Comments on Preservation Policy - HCRS 3. Bills 4. Pomeroy Terrace Survey Forms 5. Other Business West Farms School - Request for Extended Lease LPVRPI- Preservation Planner - Status Repurt August 10, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commission was held on Thursday, August 10. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, and Clausing; associate Gliserman; senior planner Nancy Stack; and LPVRPC preservation planner Charles Lennon. Minutes of the July 13 meeting were read and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Charles Lennon describing his duties as the Historic Preservation Planner for the Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission. It is a post created by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which funds the position with a matching grant. He will help our Historic District Study Committee, and is to generally work as liaison between us and Boston. 2. Letter from Cecil Andrus, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C., plus letter of ,explanation from Paul Guzzi explaining the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (HCRS) and its goal of establishing a national preservation plan; ideas are requested from local historical commissions Our concern, which we will indicate by letter, is planning for use of vacant public buildings, and that they be con- sidered for re- location of state and federal offices. 3. Registration materials for the Nation Trust Annual Meeting and Preservation Conference, October 12 -14, Chicago. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace survey forms. We will schedule a special meeting for completing forms when photos are available. NEW BUSINESS 1. West Farms School. Rev. Kirkpatrick, who has held the lease for the building since 1975, is seeking a long -term lease from the city, and will make some necessary improvements when such a lease is secured. He expects to speak at the next City Council meeting, and wants our support in stressing that the building should be utilized. Chairman Wilbur will write a letter to the mayor, prompted by the school's request, asking that the Historical Commission be advised about any city property which goes on the market The West Farms area has potential as an historic district, and may be surveyed accordingly. 2. P.O. mural. Who will remove the mural and where it will be placed were discussed. SPNEA will probably know who removed the Nonotuck Bank mural. The P.O. mural must go to a public building; either Memorial Hall or City Hall are likely locations. It was noted that the feasibility study for renovation of Memorial Hall is beginning. August 10, 197$ page 2 NEW BUSINESS, con't. 3. Annual report: goals for "7$. It was suggested that the goal dealing with our publication be changed to refer to the Forbes bookshelf. The report can otherwise stand as written. 4. Survey and planning grant status. The outlook is optOmistic. 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- September 14, 1978 TIME: 4:15 P.M. PLACE: Planning Dept. Office Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner — — — — — — — — — — — — -- — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — AGENDA 1. Minutes 2. Bills 3. Correspondence 4. New Business: Re of Community Development Funded Rehabilitation Projects 5. old Business: Status of Pomeroy Terrace Survey Forms Status of Survey and Planning Grant PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME AND MEETING LOCATION. September 14, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Commis- sion was held on Thursday, September 14. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, and Clausing; associate Gordon Clark; senior planner Nancy Stack; and Charlie Lennon. Minutes of the August 10 meeting were read and accepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Mrs. David Vanasse regarding the brown garrison colonial house at 262 Bridge Street. The owner wonders if low - interest loans might be arranged to finance repairs of an historical ui ng. This structure is inventoried but is not National Register, and is not, therefore, eligible for a low - interest loan through HUD. It was noted that Cecil Clark has reported that the Duffy Tire building -- formerly the Rose Tree Inn - -is slated for some kind of work. 2. Order form for "American Preservation Magazine." This publication should be on the shelf at Forbes. 3. Notice for seminar "Recycling the Built Environ- ment," Madison, Wisc., October 5 -6. 4. Mass. Historical Comm. "Newsletter." NEW BUSINESS 1. Storefront rehabilitation under Community Development Block Grant. The Commission is required to comment upon any impact of each of three proposals: 1 -Hour Martinizing, Main St., for street -level exterior work; Hampshire- Franklin Mental Health Association, 28 Center St., for an interior ramp and storm door; and O'Brien Drug, Main St., for brick cleaning by Pioneer Surface Cleaning method, repainting of over -the- door sign, and possible replacing of verticle sign. It was noted that the Martinizing shop has started work prematurely, and that no grant money will be available until after the impact study is completed. The O'Brien Drug store may have difficulty replacing the vertical sign under the current sign ordinance. It was suggested that the front sign_be painted gold on black, and that the tin ceiling be uncovered inside. It was decided to make a report of "no adverse impact" although design details can still be negotiated. 2. Block Grant -- Housing Rehabilitation for Hampton Avenue tenement. The owner has applied for $50 to face the building with brick, to add concrete steps and porches, and to do interior work to bring the building up to code standards. If the owner is denied grant money for the exterior facing and steps, then he will finance that work personally and use the grant money for interior work. We want to suggest to him that the wood exterior is more appropriate to the block, and that brick facing would actually detract from its appearance. We cannot, unfortunately, block the grant September 14, 1978 page 2 money, but we can try to imply that we can,in order to make the owner reconsider the exterior work. 3. Membership. Gordon Murphy has resigned as commissioner. Gordon Clark's name will be submitted as a replacement to the mayor's office. Gordon Clark suggested the name of Jim Tobin for an associate. 4. Meeting time. We will be meeting at 4:15 from now on. OLD BUSINESS 1. Pomeroy Terrace inventories. We are still awaiting word on the pictures. It was noted that the district would make a good walking tour site. 2. St. Mike's. Dan O'Connell and Sons' proposal has been approved and they are waiting for funding. 3. Nonotuck bank mural. Leo Riendeau, 21 Arlington St., Chicopee Falls, did the removal. Respectfully submitted, C- E mmy C: Clausing, Se retary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION CITY HALL NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION DATE: September 28, 1978 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE.: Council Chambers Municipal Office Building Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA Minutes of September 14, 1978 Meeting Correspondence Old Business - Membership Status Preservation Bookshelf - Recommendations Status of Review - Storefront Projects Pomeroy Terrace Survey Forms Survey and Planning Grant Update - Charles Lennon New Business - Status of Manse - Revaluation September 2$, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com— mission was held on Thursday, September 28. Present were commissioners Lincoln, Wilbur, Clausing, and Pinto; asso— ciate Gordon Clark; senior planner Nancy Stack; and Charlie Lennon. Minutes of the September 14 meeting were read and ac— cepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Letter from Elizabeth Reed Amadon, Special assistant to the Deputy for Historic Preservation, Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, explaining a proposed program for high school curriculum for the inclusion of archi— tectural history within existing humanities curriculum, plus abstract of the grant proposal for the program. Program initiators are soliciting our comments regarding our support and willingness to cooperate with the program. 2. Letter from Board of Assessors amending the original revaluation of the Manse, which was erroneously reported. The actual value is $121,340. 3. Historic Preservation July — Sept., '78. 4. Membership form for the Victorian Society in America. 5. Order form for 80 —slide show presentation of "Suc— cessful Downtown Revitalization - -Case Studies of 13 Award...- Winning Projects," plus entry form for 2nd annual Downtown Development Awards competition from Downtown Research and Development Center. 6. Preservation News Sept., '78. 7. Order form for "American Preservation" magazine. 8. Report of telephone conversations about the quality of the proposed archaeological survey for the Northampton Sewer Facilities Plan between Leeds and Northampton. We will write to Valerie Talmadge at Massachusetts Historical requesting that she carefully review the survey when it is submitted, and that she investigate personally if she feels the survey is deficient. OLD BUSINESS 1. Membership status. Nancy Stack has sent a memo to Mayor Chapman with Gordon Clark's name as a new commissioner. There has been no word about it. 2. Preservation Bookshelf. Nancy Stack pointed out several publications from the "Old House Journal" for the shelf, and it was agreed that - Fo -rbe -s -should be given a full- set of "H sto-r e P- r- enervation -, -' -' ---- - - - - -- -- September 28, 1978 page 2 the magazine of the National Trust. 3. Hampton Maee-F Avenue update. Work has commenced in the brick facing of the Hampton Avenue block. We will (again) notify Cecil Clark that we wish to be informed when permission for this type of work is sought. The mayor will be sent a copy of this cor— respondence. 4. Status-Fe of review of storefromt projects. Joe Orfant has suggested that we comment directly to Boston, and that when we do we should point out that the Martinizing project was started prematurely and is inappropriate to surrounding architecture. A letter will be sent to owner Pitoniak with a copy to the mayor, stating that he has jeopardized funding by starting as he has. 5. Pomeroy Terrace survey forms. Photos are completed, and will be able to be attached to forms at our next meeting. 6. Survey and Planning Grant update. A decision is due in a few weeks; we will wtite and urge all haste in making the decision. 7. City Property update: the Old Post Office. The Veterans' Administration wants to use this building as a day care out — patient facility. It was noted that if the building remains a public building then the mural will remain there. NEW BUSINESS 1. New intern. Nancy Stack introdi.ced Alicia Primer who will be doing inventory on South Street. 2. Duffy Tire building. It has been learned that the Duffys want to acquire the building from the oil company that now owns it, and then sell it. The next meeting date was set for October 19. R pectfully submitted, Emmy C. Clausing, Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION , ?ATE: October �19, 1978 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE: Council Chambers Municipal Office Building 1� "rancy J. Stack Senior Planner AGENDA .1�1 i - L). 1.1 t e s Correspondence c Business . Preservation Bookshelf . Status of Survey and Planning Grant New Business • Capital Improvement Requests • Meeting on Elm Street District November 9 • South Street Inventory Forms • Pomeroy Terrace Forms October A6, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com- mission was held on Thursday, October 26. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Clark, Jendry, Lincoln, and Pinto; and Senior Planner Nancy Stack. Notes for the meeting were taken by Eleanor Lincoln. Gordon Clark has been appointed by Mayor Chapman, OLD BUSINESS Status: Survey and Planling grant. Application forms have not been received. NEW BUSINESS 1. Chapter 667 Elderly Housing application. The Northampton Housing Authority has applied for funding from the Department of Community Affairs for additional housing units re -using buildings within Northampton. Nancy Stack has drafted a letter of endorsement of these plans. 2. Capital improvement requests. A grant for a feasibility study for the old Jail has been requested. 3. Elm Street Historic District meeting. A meeting will be held on Thursday, November 9, 7 :30PM in the little theater, high school. It is an open meeting for all residents of the district. Helen Searing will give a slide presentation of houses in the district. 4. State Hospital. An adaptation of the hospital buildings for the new Jail has been proposed. 5. Next meeting. We will meet on November 7 in Memorial Hall to review plans for its reorganization and restoration. Because it ais impossible to design two exits from the Historical Sociiety storage rooms, the space cannot be used for a museum. NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION K MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSE'T'TS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION ::)p, November 7, 1978 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE: "HAP Housing Office" First Floor Memorial Hall .fancy J. Stack ,,r- Planner AGENDA Id i i u t e s 1-tE!view of Plans for Renovation of Memorial Hall 11 ti S itus Reports: • Survey and Planning Grant (Application received) • Pomeroy Terrace Survey Forms - Set date for work session • Annual Report (?) November 7, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com- mission was held on Tuesday, November 7 at Memorial Hall, for the purpose of reviewing Memorial Hall renovation plans. Present were commissioners Lincoln, Clausing, Clark, Pinto, and Wilbur; Nancy Stack; and Charlie Lennon. MEMORIAL HALL RENOVATIONS. Cindy Scott explained the various needs of the tenants of a renovated Memorial Hall. 1 oy These tenants are: Council on Aging, Visiting Nurses, Homemakers Services of Hampshire County, Highland Valley Elder Services, R.S.V.P., and Foster Grandparents. These agencies have been located according to the number of service contacts they make, the ones most used being the most accessible within the building. Plan C of all proposals most fully meets the requirements of full utilization of existing space, plus code requirements for access by the handicapped and constuuction of fire stairs. Offices will be partitioned by 8' walls. The one design proposal to which the commission objected was the use of the center hall space on the first floor level for bathrooms and air ducts; a suggestion was made that these facilities be moved to the rear window area or to the elevator area. A tour of the Hall followed the review of renovation proposals. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Emmy C. ausing, NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL Historic District Study Committee C/o Planning Department Room 102, Municipal. Building October 31, 1978 Dear Elm Street Resident /Property Owner: This letter is to invite you to a public meeting to be held on Thursday, November 9, 1978 at 7:30 P.M. in the Little Thester of Northampton High School, 380 Elm Street. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the possibility of creating an historic district on Elmatreet, under the authority of the Historic Districts Act, Chapter 40C of the General LdWs of the Commonwealth. The attached information sheets outline the meaning of historic district status, proposed guidelines for controls to be implemented, the purpose and need for an historic district on Elm Street, as well as an overview of the historic development of the Elm Street area. We hope that you will be able to attend this meeting to give us your thoughts on the proposed Elm Street Historic District. Sincerely, Historic District Study Committee cc: Mayor Harry S. Chapman, Jr. City Council Historical Commission Planning Board INFORMATION SHEET Proposed Elm Street Historic District W hat is an Historic District The purpose of historic district zoning is threefold: (1) to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the Commonwealth and its cities; (2) to maintain and improve the settings of those buildings or places; and (3) to encourage new designs compatible with existing buildings. An historic district can provide a city with a continuing sense of its; past; it can limit the destruction and disintegration of the historical and architectural legacies of our ancestors with the assurance that the best of these may be enjoyed by future generations. To the public a district offers a visual example of the town's historical and cultural. heritage, and to residents it affords protection of property and land values. W hat would Historic District Status mean Any major change to the exterior of a building within the District which can be seen from Elm Street must be approved by a board ?pointed by the Mayor. Ordinary maintenance would not require approval. Exactly what features of the buildings will be controlled will be estalb- lished by the Historic District Study Committee in consultation with t:ne residents and property owners, subject to final approval by a two- thircjss vote of the City Council. These controls are intended to prevent the intrusion of incongruous structures and to maintain the harmonious relationships of the houses on Elm Street, as well as the distinctive external architectural features of the individual structures. Inclusion within an historic district does not affect property o wnership in any way. It does not control the zoning of the property the Zoning Ordinance of Northampton does that. Applications for new construction, demolition, or substantial alterations of buildings in the district would be submitted to the Review Board for approval. W hat architectural features and what elements of the setting would b c ontrolled ? The following is a suggested list of features that would be, and would not be controlled. FEATURES GUIDELINES Awnings Rigid permanent awnings are not allowed. Canvas or other fabric is recommended. Rollable aluminum awnings will be considerer.3. Signs Size, shape and designs of signs larger than one square foot shall require approval. Garages Changes in shape or design subject to approval - feature by feature! as listed above. Porches (Including Railings) Any change in shape, location, or design, including enclosure with wood or glass, shall require approval. Chimneys Any change in shape, location, or design,r, design of new chimneys, shall require approval. The following features would not be subject to Historic District Review BoE -._i regulations, although property owners would be encouraged to seek the advice from the Historical Commission or Review Board regarding appropriate changes: 1. ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior feature which does not involve a change in design, material or outward appearance. 2. Landscaping with plants, shrubs, trees. 3. Temporary signs or structures (for no more than six months). 4. Terraces, walks, driveways, and sidewalks, provided they are substantially at grade level. 5. Storm windows, screens, window air conditioners, antennae, and similar appurtenances. 6. Color of paint. (owners would be strongly urged to consult the Commission about appropriate colors.) 7. Signs of not more than one square foot. 8. Reconstruction, if substantially similar in exterior design, of a building, structure, or exterior architectural feature damaged by fire, storm, or other disaster. 3 - _ - -___ . _ depradations by preserving many buildings, such as those of the old Burnham School, which would have become economically obsolete but: for institutional intervention. ARCHITECTURE: A walk on Elm Street still offers a perspective of American residential architecture for over two hundred years: 1700 -1800: The brick house at #84 Elm, the Jewett salt.-box at #153 Elm, the Ebenezer Clark house at #197 Elm, the Burnham School Building (Enos Clark House) at #41 Elm, and the Hunt- Sessions house at #109 Elm were all built in the 18th century. 1800 -1850: The Greek Revival blouses include #196, 210, 218 Elm Streel_, as well as #45, the Deacon Napier house, later modernized by the Burnham School. The Huntington -Clark house at #137 was built in 1841 and reflects•Italian architecture. 1865 -1875: The cottages at #138 and #146 Elm Street were built above Paradise Pond after the Civil War. 1880 -1910: The large turreted Queen Anne houses on upper Elm Street: were built in the and 1890's and continued on into the first decade of the twentieth century. The earliest houses reflect the guidance of builders' pattern books. After the mid - nineteenth century the designs of the Pratts, father and son, the Putnams, father and son, and the Boston firm of Peabody and Stearns offer a record of practicing architects. INDUSTRY• Westward from the street and below, the Mill River contributed to to the development of the district. Timothy Jewett's mill stood below his house at #153 Elm Street. The Maynard Hoe Factory was built along the river below the Pond. Year after year more small industries using watE:r power increased the building activity and the traffic along.the street which ultimately led to the industrial center in Florence. SUMM VISITORS The river with its steep banks providing far views of the Holyoke Ranee attracted another interest, the summer resident, and produced the cottage architecture at #138 and #146 Elm Street, on Paradise Road, and on upper Elm Street. - 5 - NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL OFFICIAL MEETING NOTICE NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION and HISTORIC DISTRICT STUDY COMMITTEE DATE November 30, 1978 TIME 4:00 P.M. PLACE Council Chambers Municipal Office Nancy J. Stack Building Senior Planner AGENDA 1. Minutes of November 7, 1978 Meeting 2. Discussion of Public Meeting of November 9, 1978 on proposed historic on Elm Street 3. Survey and Planning Grant Application 4. Status of Memorial Hall Renovation Plans NOTE: Please call the Planning Department Office (584 -0344) by Monday, November 27, if you will not be able to attend this meeting. Thank you. November 30, 1978 A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com- mission was held on Thursday, November 30. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Lincoln, Rowe, Jendry, Pinto, Clark, and Clausing; senior planner Nancy Stack; Charlie Lennon; and Historic District Study Committee members Louise Jeffway and Jan Hemminger. Minutes of the November 7 meeting were read and accepted. 1. Memorial Hall Renovations. While it is doubtful that the changes proposed can be accomodated, a motion was made that our recommendations be given in writing to the mayor and to members of the City Pooperty Committee. There will be a meeting with the architects on Wednesday, December 6, 3PM, for a presentation of final plans. It is hoped that some His- torical Commission members can be present. 2. Discussion of public meeting of Historic District Study Committee, November 9. The Commission thanked Chairman Peter Rowe for doing a wonderful job at the public meeting. Peter put forth four points which seem pertinent following that meeting. They are: 1. Is Chapter 404 truly the appropriate law by which to attempt to regulate Elm Street, given the architectural mix on the street? It would seem that in order for an ordinance to apply to all houses it would be full of many detailed stipulations, constituting an abundance of con- straints on Elm Street property owners. 2. How endangered is Elm Street? Is it not fairly well protected by zoning, and therefore not likely to go the way of King Street? And can't we assume that Elm Street property owners want to maintain the value of their property? 3. The timing of Mis effort is poor. With property just having undergone revaluation, people are both way and tired of government and bureaucracy. 4. Shouldn't the leadership for producing an ordinance come from residents of the street? Without the residents' support the ordinance cannot pass anyway, and already there have developed two factions for and against the district. Further, the legislation of the ordinance will fall on an Historic District Commission, the quality of which would be subject to mayoral appointment. It was further pointed out that in the case, for instance, of a state decision to widen Route 9 thereby removing the tree belt, there is no guarantee that a state historic district would stop such a plan. It was noted that several November 30, 1978 page 2 of the residents most opposed to the expansion of Pine Rest have left the area. It was decided that we should continue to work on establishing a National Register district along Elm Street, and that we should look into ways of using existing legislation to implement review of proposed property alteration. (It was noted that a National Register district would exclude Smith College buildings, as they will be included in the college's own district). Meanwhile, a preliminary report to Elm Street property owners can be filed, describing events thus far on the establishment attempts. 3. Survey and Planning Grant. Prospects for funding look good, as Northampton has survey which has been started and is currently being used, plus a cash match for funding. 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: December 21, 1978 TIME: 4:00 P.M. PLACE: First Floor Memorial Hall Nancy J. Stack Senior Planner -- — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — V�kjb I Minutes Correspondence Old Business - Pomeroy Terrace Survey Forms Memorial Hall Plans Elm street Historic District - Status Survey and Planning Grant - Status New Business - FY80 Budget Request Please Note: We will meet in the "H.A.P. Leased Housing Program" Office on the first floor of Memorial Hall to review the final plans for the proposed renovation of Memorial Hall. December 21, 197$ A regular meeting of the Northampton Historical Com- mission was held on Thursday, December 21 in the H.A.P. Leased Housing Program Office in Memorial Hall. Present were commissioners Wilbur, Pinto, Clausing, Lincoln, and Clark, and senior planner Nancy Stack. Minutes of the November 30 meeting were read and ac- cepted. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Announcement of conference on Historic Preservation, Boston, April 2 2. Boston Globe article, November re-use. OLD BUSINESS Tax Incentives for 1979. 4 7 1978, on adaptive 1. Survey and Planning Grant -- status. Money for a one -year job has been approved, as well as a request for a multiple resource nomination for the whole city. Salary is for a 35 hour week at $6.50 /hour. Remaining is the preparation of a job description, advertising (which will be re- imbursed), and formation of a selection committee. Experience in architectural history and historic research skills are necessary. Ann Gilkerson's name was suggested. 2. Memorial Hall Renovations. The plumbing arrangement remains unchanged. The center hall space now has stairs for access to the rest of the building. Columns in the center hall will be repainted per original scheme. Work will progress in phases, with base- ment level and plumbing work in phase I. The architects will make 4 presentation to City Council at its second meeting in January. 3. Elm Street Historic District -- status. It was suggested that Peter draft a letter to residents of the proposed district stating that the Study Committee will not proceed with the establishment of a Chapter 40c district, and that the Historical Commission will continue to consider the following alternatives: 1: to act as an advisory board to help residents of Elm Street with appropriate renovations, 2,.' to strengthen existing zoning laws, 3. to plan Elm Street on the National Register. 4. Pomeroy Terrace. The January 23 meeting will be a work session at which photos will be affixed to remaining forms. NEW BUSINESS 1. FY80 Budget. A proposed budget form was circulated; it is doubtful December 21, 1978 page 2 that we will be granted any more than the $530 for ordinary maintenance. The hearing will Saturday, Jan. 1 3, 9:30 M. 2. Downtown parking. There was discussion of the plight of parkers downtown. At a time when the emerging downtown is seriously threatened by the proliferation of suburban shopping malls, it is certainly time to push for real downtown parking. The question is: how to effectively promote this cause? Respectfully submitted, e �'� Emmy C. Clausing Secretary NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL. 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 ke a CITY HALL Ordinary Maintenance Postage Photographs Copying Telephone Memberships Office Supplies PROPOSED FY80 BUDGET TOTAL $100.00 100.00 100.00 150.00 30.00 5 0.00 $530.00 We have received a mandate of "level funding" for FY80 Budget Requests from the Mayor's office. Therefore, this amount is all that we can expect to receive. NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMORIAL HALL 240 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060 CITY HALL December 5, 1978 To: Mayor Chapman%and the City Property Committee Re: Memorial - Hall renovations Gentlemen: As you prepare for the review of final plans for the renovation of Memorial Hall, the Historical Commission wishes to make a suggestion to all involved. We feel that the large open space on the first floor level iMnich is now slated for baghrooms and air ducts should, if at all possible, be left free of those facilities. I suggest that these facilities be moved to the rear or to the elevator area. We irould hope that the open space can be maintained in order to preserve the openness historically a part of '14emorial Hall. This peeserved space could be used as a large meeting place when one is needed. e hope that you will consider this preservation of space when a plan review is accomplished. Sincerely yours, Eynmy C. Clausing Secretary Northampton Historical Commission