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2012.03.26 Northampton Historical Commission Meeting Notice DATE: Monday, March 26, 2012 TIME: 5:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18, 210 Main Street For questions contact: Sarah LaValley, staff: slavalley@northamptonma.gov, or David Drake, Chairman: davidd321@yahoo.com Agenda 1.Public Comments 2.Approval of Minutes a.February 27, 2012 3.Hopkins House Update 4.Review of Local Historic District Expansion Preliminary Report 5.Continued discussion of Addition of Partial Demolitions to Demolition Ordinance 6.2011 Recap, Planning Goals for 2012 7.Review of Mail 8.Other business not foreseen when agenda was prepared Adjourn 9. Northampton Historical Commission Minutes DATE: Monday, March 26, 2012 TIME: 5:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18, 210 Main Street Members Present: David Drake, Barbara Blumenthal, Bruce Kriviskey, Dylan Gaffney Staff Present: Sarah LaValley Chairman Drake opened the meeting at 5:41 PM. Public Comments There was no public comment. Approval of Minutes a.February 27, 2012. Mr. Kriviskey moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gaffney, and carried unanimously. Hopkins House Update Tris Metcalfe and Steve Strimer discussed proposed plans to move the building to Historic Northampton. The Commission discussed photo documentation of the building in the event it is demolished. Ms. LaValley noted that Building Commissioner offered to coordinate a visit, and she will contact Mr. Della Penna, who had offered to take the photos. Mr. Metcalfe added that those working on a potential move will visit the house to take structural photos. Mr. Metcalfe stated that plans to relocate the house will retain the same orientation as currently exists on King Street, which should help with eligibility for National Register listing and historic tax credits. Mr. Strimer stated that if the house is to be moved, it will need to be done by June 1 to align with construction schedules for the church. Options of moving the house forward to allow construction, as well as an interim location elsewhere are being investigated, since required permits will likely not be in-hand by that date. Chairman Drake stated that the Historical Commission is supportive of efforts to seek alternatives to demolition, and will provide support letters as needed. The Commission discussed the details of the project and rehabilitation. Mr. Kriviskey noted that it is a very extensive project with lots of work remaining, but efforts so far are a very good start. Review of Local Historic District Expansion Preliminary Report Ms. LaValley provided an overview of the expansion process – the draft report has been approved by the Local Historic District Commission and released for comment. The Historical Commission is not required to comment, but is welcome to. Mr. Kriviskey added that the report is a good comprehensive report, although it contains a few errors and omissions to be corrected, primarily in Form B’s. Janet Gross, Round Hill Road, expressed concern about the Form B’s, stating that some contain errors, and information has been lost from the 1970’s inventory forms. Ms. Blumenthal stated that some of the older forms may have contained errors, and noted that the forms can be amended if additional information becomes available. Mr. Kriviskey added that in considering local historic districts, MassHistoric would look at boundaries, regulatory criteria, and the public process followed, but would not focus on the detail of the Form B’s, and these are working documents that can be updated. Ms. Gross provided suggestions for report modifications. Ms. LaValley will provide these to the Local Historic District Commission. Mr. Kriviskey moved that the Historical Commission support the expansion of the local historic district, and encourage neighbors and those knowledgeable of the subject properties to edit and expand the Form B documentation as appropriate. Seconded by Ms. Blumenthal, the motion carried unanimously. Continued discussion of Addition of Partial Demolitions to Demolition Ordinance The Commission agreed that Newton’s example of a demolition ordinance that addresses partial demolition is the best of those outlined in the memo provided by staff. Ms. LaValley will incorporate as much as possible of those elements into Northampton’s Ordinance. The Commission discussed documentation required of buildings slated for demolition. Ms. LaValley suggested that documentation might best be performed by the Commission, with access guaranteed through the demolition delay permit. 2011 Recap, Planning Goals for 2012 The Commission discussed the Form B project. Mr. Kriviskey noted that the goal was to get as much documentation on as many properties as possible, and that additional details can always be added. The Commission agreed that the forms should be reviewed for accuracy. 2 A goal for 2012 will be a map that shows status of Form B inventory for every property in Northampton. Review of Mail The Commission received a letter from the Hampshire Council of Governments for rehabilitation of the historic courthouse building, for which CPA and other grant funds are being sought. Chairman Drake provided an overview of the work as proposed to the CPC. Ms. Blumenthal moved to express enthusiastic support for the restoration work, seconded by Mr. Kriviskey. The motion carried unanimously. Other business not foreseen when agenda was prepared No discussion Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 7:00, the next meeting will be held April 30. 3