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2012.04.30 Northampton Historical Commission Meeting Notice DATE: Monday, April 30, 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.March 26, 2012 3.Continued discussion of Addition of Partial Demolitions to Demolition Ordinance 4.Demolition Review Subcommittee Membership 5.State Hospital Memorial Committee Update 6.Section 106 Review – VAMC Park and Ride 7.Local Historic Preservation Restriction Program - Planning 8.Review of Mail a.Hampshire County 350 9.Other business not foreseen when agenda was prepared Adjourn 10. Northampton Historical Commission Minutes DATE: Monday, April 30, 2012 TIME: 5:30 PM PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room 18, 210 Main Street Members Present: David Drake, Barbara Blumenthal, Bruce Kriviskey, Craig Della Penna Staff Present: Sarah LaValley Chairman Drake opened the meeting at 5:30 PM. Public Comments The Commission was asked about the Shaw’s Motel property. Chairman Drake stated that the Historical Commission would have jurisdiction under the Demolition Review Ordinance if the building were proposed to be demolished. Approval of Minutes a.March 26, 2012. Ms. Blumenthal moved to approve the minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gaffney, and carried unanimously. Continued discussion of Addition of Partial Demolitions to Demolition Ordinance Ms. LaValley presented draft changes for inclusion of partial demolitions into the Demolition Review Ordinance. A new definition of partial demolition to include ‘removal of at least twenty-five percent of the exterior area’ of a building would capture partial demolitions that are not part of the current ordinance, while still allowing the building department to make an initial determination as to whether the ordinance applies when a demo application is filed. Mr. Kriviskey noted that this approach would not capture the removal of character- defining features. Chairman Drake noted the challenges of addressing partial demolitions without creating a de-facto citywide historic district. Retaining initial review of applications in the building department requires very clear standards for when the Ordinance is triggered. Mr. Kriviskey suggested that removal of street-facing walls be addressed. Ms. LaValley added that the Central Business District should also be removed, as partial demolitions are reviewed through other ordinances and regulations. She will prepare a draft for the next meeting incorporating these changes. State Hospital Memorial Committee Update Ms. Blumenthal summarized that the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was charged to, among other tasks, create a memorial on the grounds of the former state hospital. The memorialization subcommittee is working to plan a park that includes the fountain. The City is discussing ultimate maintenance responsibility, and an organization is needed to be financially responsible for possible grants, including CPA. Mr. Kriviskey suggested that the City should be involved, and also that the Village Hill homeowners association could be involved in maintenance. Mr. Della Penna suggested that the Commission support small CPA applications that would have big impacts like this one. The Commission was supportive of working with the CAC to be the applicant for CPA funds for the park. Section 106 Review – VAMC Park and Ride The Commission reviewed a filing for a Park and Ride lot in a vacant area near the VA Medical Center. Mr. Kriviskey suggested that the project will have no negative impacts on historic resources. Chairman Drake added that it will not impact any existing structures. Mr. Kriviskey moved to provide comment that the project will not impact historic resources, adding that the Commission is supportive of the park and ride lot. Seconded by Mr. Della Penna, the motion carried unanimously. Local Historic Preservation Restriction Program - Planning Ms. LaValley provided a recap of the HPR program. The Commission received CPA funds to be used for costs related to placement of HPR on historic properties. The HPR were proposed to be donated by interested property owners, with the fund being available for any soft costs. No donors have come forward, and the full award is still available. Chairman Drake pointed out that placement of a permanent restriction on a building can be more complicated than donating a piece of land for preservation. Mr. Kriviskey moved to retain the program until the CPA award expires in case a potential project presents itself. Seconded by Mr. Della Penna, the motion carried unanimously. Ms. Blumenthal suggested outreach to the Round Hill area. Demolition Review Subcommittee Membership Due to changes in Commission membership, Ms. LaValley noted that the Demolition Review Subcommittee needs to be re-established. 2 The Commission agreed that Ms. Blumenthal, Mr. Kriviskey, and Mr. Della Penna should comprise the subcommittee. Mr. Kriviskey moved to establish these members, seconded by Mr, Della Penna. The motion carried unanimously. Review of Mail The Commission received a letter from the Hampshire Council of Governments announcing activities related to the Hampshire County 350 anniversary. The th Commission agreed that a Northampton presence at these events would be good. The Commission will think about ideas and discuss at the next meeting. Ms. LaValley will contact the COG for more information. Other business not foreseen when agenda was prepared Demolition Application – 112 Ryan Road Ms. LaValley stated that the application was filed April 27, and a determination of significance will be needed by May 11. Ms. Blumenthal suggested that the determination be referred to the subcommittee to allow for a site visit. The Commission agreed. Mr. Della Penna stated that he will be conducting bike tours on Mr. Kriviskey provided an update on Entering Northampton signage. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:35. 3