2013.02.04
Northampton Historical Commission
Meeting Notice
DATE: Monday, February 4, 2013
TIME: 5:30 PM
PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room, 210 Main Street, Room 18
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.December 17, 2012
3.Update on Merger of Historical Commission and Local Historic District Commission
4.State Hospital Fountain CPA Project
a.Update
b.Review and Approve MOU
5.Potential MPPF Grant Applications
a.State Hospital Fountain
b.Others?
6.Request for Support Letter – Restoration of Old Courthouse MPPF Grant
7.Section 106 Review – Paradise Pond Dredging
8.Plan State Hospital Artifact Auction
9.Historical Research - 87 Bridge Street/Shaw’s Motel
10.Projects Pursuing Historic CPA Funds Round 1 2013
11.Review of Mail
12.Other business not foreseen when agenda was prepared
Adjourn
13.
Northampton Historical Commission
Minutes
DATE: Monday, February 4, 2013
TIME: 5:30 PM
PLACE: City Hall Hearing Room, 210 Main Street, Room 18
Members Present: David Drake, Dylan Gaffney, Barbara Blumenthal, Bruce Kriviskey
Staff Present: Sarah LaValley
Chairman Drake called the meeting to Order at 5:30 PM.
Public Comments
Fred Zimnoch stated that historic Sanborn maps show the footprint of the Shaw’s Motel
building.
Mr. Gaffney stated that Historic Northampton has some photos of the structure before it
was altered. The builder of the home fought in Shay’s Rebellion and later defended the
Springfield Armory.
Chairman Drake noted that the Commission’s role is not to rebuild the site, but to help
spark interest for others.
Mr. Kriviskey suggested providing historical information discovered to the property’s
owner and listing agent. The Commission agreed.
Approval of Minutes
a.December 17, 2012
Ms. Blumenthal moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Mr. Gaffney, the motion
carried unanimously.
Update on Merger of Historical Commission and Local Historic District
Commission
Ms. LaValleyt stated that the Elm Street Local Historic District Commission approved
the Ordinance, and it will be on the February 7 City Council agenda, where it will be
referred out to Committee. A final action will not be taken until resolution of the Round
Hill possible expansion and Clarke School redevelopment. The Commission discussed
specifics of subcommittees and meeting schedules that will need to be decided when
the Ordinance is passed.
State Hospital Fountain CPA Project
Update
Ms. Blumenthal stated that the fountain committee has not met since the funds were
awarded, and the next step will be to develop the RFP.
Chairman Drake recalled that there was concern that only one response was received
during the initial stage. Ms. LaValley stated that the City is checking with the state
regarding which procurement and prevailing wage laws must be adhered to, and the
RFP can be issued when those are resolved.
Review and Approve MOU
Ms. LaValley distributed a draft MOU from the Community Preservation Committee for
the CPA project award. If the Commission agrees with the terms and conditions, it can
be approved and signed.
Mr. Kriviskey moved to approve the MOU. Seconded by Mr. Gaffney, the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman Drake read an email from Planning Director Wayne Feiden regarding
ownership and permanent stewardship of the Memorial Park. The Conservation
Commission will likely be the fee owner of the property. Does the Historical
Commission feel comfortable with a possible MOU stating that the Conservation
Commission is not responsible for maintenance of the park and fountain. The
Commission agreed this would make sense if it would resolve any issues with
ownership of the park parcel.
Potential MPPF Grant Applications
Ms. LaValley stated that the City’s Central Services Department will be applying for
restoration of City Hall. The Commission agreed that a separate application for a
different project should not be pursued.
Request for Support Letter – Restoration of Old Courthouse MPPF Grant
Mr. Krviskey moved to ask staff to prepare a letter in support of the project. Seconded
by Mr. Gaffney, the motion carried unanimously.
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Section 106 Review – Paradise Pond Dredging
Chairman Drake read a letter from the applicant providing an overview of the project.
Mr. Kriviskey suggested that the project has occurred several times in the past and will
not have negative impacts to historic resources, and moved to issue a letter stating
such. Seconded by Dylan, the motion carried unanimously, with an abstention by Ms.
Blumenthal.
Plan State Hospital Artifact Auction
The Commission agreed that a municibid online auction should be set up, with lots of
additional local outreach. Ms. LaValley will work with the City’s procurement officer
and send email updates as things progress.
Historical Research - 87 Bridge Street/Shaw’s Motel
The Commission discussed whether it is still necessary to visit the building’s interior;
additional information gained is enough to demonstrate the age of the structure.
Mr. Kriviskey stated that he would still like to visit, additional information could be
discovered that could interest potential buyers. However, the bigger concern is what
the building will be replaced with, which is not the jurisdiction of the Historical
Commission. Chairman Drake asked if the neighborhood may have any interest in a
local historic district. Fred Zimnoch stated that he will raise the issue at a
neighborhood meeting, but reactions had not been favorable when it was previously
discussed.
Projects Pursuing Historic CPA Funds Round 1 2013
Projects under consideration in the ‘Historic Preservation’ area are replacement of the
Forbes Library windows, and restoration of City Hall. Mr. Kriviskey stated that the
typical window treatment preference is to rehabilitate existing windows instead of
replacement. The Historical Commission is not required to comment on the merits of
the project; it is eligible since the library is listed in the National Register, but still could
offer input. The Commission will look at the full application at a subsequent meeting.
Review of Mail
The Commission read a letter from MassHistoric to the Army Corps of Engineers
regarding the Upper Robers Meadow Dam removal, and a report about the removal of
the water tower at the VAMC.
Other business not foreseen when agenda was prepared
The Commission asked Ms. LaValley to investigate the dismantling of the bus shelter at
the former State Hospital.
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Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.
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