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SIEGFRIED PORTH
A • R • C • H • I • T • E • C T . AUG 2
193 NORTHAMPTON ST.,EASTliAMPTON,MA 01027 413/52 -283rD
EM
July 29, 1993
City of Northampton,
Building Dept .
Francis X. Sienkiewicz
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
221 Pine Street
Florence , MA
The scope of the work will be phased as follows :
Basement Phase-- to be determined upon further_ investigation
and approval of the various inspectors and the fire chief .
Phase I-- Egress (Halls , lights , emergency systems , etc. ) ---
plans submitted dated 7/26/93 for building permit .
Phase II-- Handicapped elevator , ramps , lavoratories , stairs
. and lobby enclosure --plans to be furnished.
Phase III-- Site work-- plans to be furnished
Building classifications
1 . Use group F (moderate hazard)
2 . Type 4 construction (heavy timber) section 405
NFPA # type 4--2HH is a 2 hr. rated construction as long
as the timbers (beams , girders and posts) meet or exceed
the minimum dimensions required by section 405 for heavy
mill construction which this building does .
3 . Height and area limitations-- table 501
Existing building (first floor) = 46 , 025 s . f .
Allowable area--type 4 heavy timber = 14, 400 s . f .
Plus 50% increase due to section 502. 2
street frontage = 21, 600 s . f .
Plus 100% increase due to section 502. 3,
fire suppression system = 43, 200 s. f .
FILE
APPLICANT/CONTACT PE ON:
ADDRESS/PHONE: �� e
PROPERTY LOCATION: -
MAP �� PARCEL: Ci ZONE T
or—
THIS SECTION FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY:
PERMIT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
ENCLOSED REQUIRED DATE
ZONENG FORM MLED 0111
Type of Constairtion-
New Cnngtriirtinn
C�
Bnildina Planc Trichi ed-
�.
l�
7
T FOLLOWING ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THIS AP ICATION: <
// Approved as presentedfbased on information presented
Denied as presented:
Special Permit and/or Site Plan Required under: §
PLANNING BOARD ZONING BOARD
Received&Recorded at Registry of Deeds Proof Enclosed
Finding Required under:§ w/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Received&Recorded at Registry of Deeds Proof Enclosed
/
Variance Required under: § w/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Received&Recorded at Registry of Deeds Proof Enclosed
Other Permits Required:
Curb Cut from DPW Water Availability Sewer Availability
Septic Approval-Bd of Health Well Water Potability-Bd Health
Permit from Conservation Comm' i p
Signature of Building Inspec r ate
NOTE:Issuance of es zoning permit does not relieve an appiioant's burden to comply with ail
zoning requirements emd obtain all required permits from the Board of Health, Conservation
Commission, Department of Publio Works and other applicable permit granting authorities.
City of Northampton REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
BUILDING DEPARTMENT 2. Struccttugrsal and Components in Place*
3. Complete Building*
No. 777 Office of the Building Inspector
Zoning Form No. 001291 Date 8/27/93 Fee $200 Check#
Page, 22B parcel 40 ,Zone GI Section 127 ® Yes ❑ No
BUI]LDINGPERMII'
* Plumbing and Electrical Inspections required
THIS CERTIFIES THAT Pro Corp before Building Inspections
has permission to Renovate building & bring up to Mass Code Inspection on Site—Foundations
situated on 221 Pine Street Inspection of Plumbing—Rough
provided that the person accepting this permit shall in every respect Inspection of Plumbing—Finish
conform to the terms of the application on file in this office, and to the Gas Inspection
provisions of the Statutes and the Ordinances relating to the Construction, Inspection of Wiring—Rough
Maintenance and Inspection of Buildings in the City of Northampton.
Any violation of any of the terms above noted is an immediate revocation Inspection of Wiring—Finish
of this permit.Expires six months from date of issuance,if not started. Building Inspection—Rough
Note:A certificate of occupancy will be issued by this office upon return Insulation Inspection
of this card signed by the Plumbing,Wiring and Building Inspectors. Building Inspection—Finish
Smoke Detectors(Fire Department)
Other
THIS CARD MUST BE DISPLAYED IN A CONSPICU U PL qN THE PREMISES
Certificate of Occupancy _
g spector i j;�11 Sil��1
w-, O l l ortnanl toll REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
8 = .
BUILDING DEPARTMENT 2. Stiucttural Components a in Place*
3. Complete Building*
r $�
Office of t pie Building Inspector
No. 37k
Zoning Form No. 960590 Date 2/1/96 Fee$80 (heck#: 40il-
Page,, 22B Parcel 40 ,ZoneGI/WS/WSp Section 127 ❑ Yes
BUILDINGPERMIT
*Plumbing and Electrical Inspections required
THIS CERTIFIES THAT George xoeber before Building Inspections
has permission to convert to ceramic studio & offices ace. Inspection on Site—Foundations
situated on 221 Pine Street - 3A3 - Jessica Feldheim Inspection of Plumbing—Rough J
provided Ithat the person accepting this permit shall in every respect Inspection of Plumbing—Finish Q(�
conforrif to the terms of the application on file in this office, and to the Gas Inspection:
grovislons of the Statutes and the Ordinances relating to the Construction,
Maintenance and Inspection of Buildings in the City of Northampton.
Inspection of Wiring—Rough
a'of any of the terms above noted is an immediate revocation Inspection of Wiring—Finish .,
qf this�emut.Expires six months from date of issuance,if not started. Building Inspection—Rough
Note A certificate of occupancy will be issued by this office upon return a
of this card Signed by.the Plumbing,Wiring and Building Inspectors. Insulation Inspection = _ T
d e
Building Inspection—Finish 4
ZS 1
Smoke Detectors(Fire Departments `
Other
Y
r
THIS CARD MUST BE D SPLA IN CONSPICUOUS PLACE ON THE
Certificate of Occupancy +-
Buildin g pector Ins
.
of x
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m` DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
212 Main Street ' Municipal Building °^„ SJ•y.
INSPECTOR Northampton, Mass. 01060
Susan Montgomery
#4AG
Arts & Industry
221 Pine Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Illegal use of 221 Pine Street as place of Residence
November 12 , 1996
Tenant of Arts & Industry,
The Northampton Board of an is of 221 Pine Street have registered
Department that several ten lace of residence. I want
to vote using 221 Pine Street as their p
to take this time to inform the tenants that the area of
General Industry)221
Street , Arts & Industry is zoned GI
Northampton Zoning Ordinances table and use regulations and does
not allow the use of a area zoned GI as a residence. prohibits
The issues are twofold for this, one issue is that Zoning p
d is a
the use for a residence and the s
constructed for u issue.
se as industry,
safety issue is the building
the fire safety regulations do notcover lives the
at and
structure for
those of
sleeping quarters, you place your
firefighters in the event of aefStreet as their The
place of residence
the tenants have used 221 Pin
to register to vote clearly indicates that some of you do not take
this seriously, please do not disregard tion The lease agreementothateyou
prepared to enforce this the clearly states that you will
have with the owners of the property you could face losing your
not live there, by violating the lease
lease if found in violation.
I hope that this situation is resolved.
Sincerel
Anthony Pat' o
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
212 Main Street ' Municipal Building
INSPECTOR Northampton, Mass. 01060
Rebecca Graves
4G12
Arts & Industry
221 Pine Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Illegal use of 221 Pine Street as place of Residence
November 12, 1996
Tenant of Arts & Industry,
The Northampton Board of Registrars has informed the Building
Department that several tenants of 221 Pine Street have registered
to vote using 221 Pine Street as their place of residence. I want
to take this time to inform the tenants that the area of 221 Pine
Street , Arts & Industry is zoned GI (General Industry) under
Northampton Zoning Ordinances table and use regulations and does
not allow the use of a area zoned GI as a residence.
The issues are twofold for this, one issue is that Zoning prohibits
the use for a residence and the second is a safety issue. The
safety issue is the building is constructed for use as industry,
the fire safety regulations do not cover the structure for use as
sleeping quarters, you place your lives at risk and those of
f iref ighters in the event of a f ire at night. The f act that some of
the tenants have used 221 Pine Street as their place of residence
to register to vote clearly indicates that some of you do not take
this seriously, please do not disregard this notice. Our office is
prepared to enforce this regulation. The lease agreement that you
have with the owners of the property clearly states that you will
not live there, by violating the lease you could face losing your
lease if found in violation.
I hope that this situation is resolved.
Sincere .
Anthony Pat to
Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
INSPECTOR 212 Main Street ' Municipal Building
4 yv�y`
Northampton, Mass. 01060
David Lynch
4G2
Arts & Industry
221 Pine Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Illegal use of 221 Pine Street as place of Residence
November 12, 1996
Tenant of Arts & Industry,
The Northampton Board of Registrars has informed the Building
Department that several tenants of 221 Pine Street have registered
to vote using 221 Pine Street as their place of residence. I want
to take this time to inform the tenants that the area of 221 Pine
Street , Arts & Industry is zoned GI (General Industry) under
Northampton Zoning Ordinances table and use regulations and does
not allow the use of a area zoned GI as a residence.
The issues are twofold for this, one issue is that Zoning prohibits
the use for a residence and the second is a safety issue. The
safety issue is the building is constructed for use as industry,
the fire safety regulations do not cover the structure for use as
sleeping quarters, you place your lives at risk and those of
f iref ighters in the event of a f ire at night. The f act that some of
the tenants have used 221 Pine Street as their place of residence
to register to vote clearly indicates that some of you do not take
this seriously, please do not disregard this notice. Our office is
prepared to enforce this regulation. The lease agreement that you
have with the owners of the property clearly states that you will
not live there, by violating the lease you could face losing your
lease if found in violation.
I hope that this situation is resolved.
Sincerely,
of
Anthony Pati
Building Co issioner
City of Northampton
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
INSPECTOR 212 Main Street ' Municipal Building
Northampton, Mass. 01060 SV
Michael Richardson
4C2
Arts & Industry
221 Pine Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Illegal use of 221 Pine Street as place of Residence
November 12, 1996
Tenant of Arts & Industry,
The Northampton Board of Registrars has informed the Building
Department that several tenants of 221 Pine Street have registered
to vote using 221 Pine Street as their place of residence. I want
to take this time to inform the tenants that the area of 221 Pine
Street , Arts & Industry is zoned GI (General Industry) under
Northampton Zoning Ordinances table and use regulations and does
not allow the use of a area zoned GI as a residence.
The issues are twofold for this, one issue is that Zoning prohibits
the use for a residence and the second is a safety issue. The
safety issue is the building is constructed for use as industry,
the fire safety regulations do not cover the structure for use as
sleeping quarters, you place your lives at risk and those of
firefighters in the event of a fire at night. The fact that some of
the tenants have used 221 Pine Street as their place of residence
to register to vote clearly indicates that some of you do not take
this seriously, please do not disregard this notice. Our office is
prepared to enforce this regulation. The lease agreement that you
have with the owners of the property clearly states that you will
not live there, by violating the lease you could face losing your
lease if found in violation.
I hope that this situation is resolved.
Sincerely,
An o
Building Co issioner
City of Northampton
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
INSPECTOR 212 Main Street ' Municipal Building ''�„ 5 •`•
a Northampton, Mass. 01060
t
H
I Erin Sullivan
c/o Mieke Geffin
#4A7
Arts & Industry
221 Pine Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Illegal use of 221 Pine Street as place of Residence
November 12, 1996
Tenant of Arts & Industry,
The Northampton Board of Registrars has informed the Building
Department that several tenants of 221 Pine Street have registered
to vote using 221 Pine Street as their place of residence. I want
to take this time to inform the tenants that the area of 221 Pine
Street , Arts & Industry is zoned GI (General Industry) under
Northampton Zoning Ordinances table and use regulations and does
not allow the use of a area zoned GI as a residence.
The issues are twofold for this, one issue is that Zoning prohibits
the use for a residence and the second is a safety issue. The
safety issue is the building is constructed for use as industry,
the fire safety regulations do not cover the structure for use as
sleeping quarters, you place your lives at risk and those of
f iref ighters in the event of a f ire at night. The f act that some of
the tenants have used 221 Pine Street as their place of residence
to register to vote clearly indicates that some of you do not take
this seriously, please do not disregard this notice. Our office is
prepared to enforce this regulation. The lease agreement that you
have with the owners of the property clearly states that you will
not live there, by violating the lease you could face losing your
lease if found in violation.
I hope that this situation is resolved.
Sincerely,
Anthony Pat'
Building C issioner
City of Northampton
&4W4P�73 �7,0S,5-1/
Northampton Board of Registrars CYaf
o.f_.Voters .
212 Main Street
'Northampton, MA 01060 300
(413 ) 586 - 6950 , ext. 290 , 291 _ /;
Name: ace, D A. &&r3un Date: to a7 %
Address : �a•1 I h Lbl_
A CKNOW L EDGEIM ENT NOTICE
This is to inform you that we have received your affidavit ca
voter registration and have taken the following action: .
Your name has been entered on the voting list and
are eligible to vote in all future elections . C4" _ __
Your 'name has been entered on the voting list and yeu
are now registered as "unenrolled" because you did not
complete the party designation of the affidavit .
Your a:"fidavit at voter registration is a duplicate .
"our name already appears cn the voting list at the
s air,e address 1 is ted on the aif idavi c . You w4. 11 remain
a registered voter at this address .
Your voter registration address has been changed from
to
You are now registered at your new address .
Your party affiliation has been changed from
to
Your affidavit of voter registration was received after
the registration deadline . You are therefore no _
=eligible to vote in the nee election scheduled for
You will be eligible to vote
in all future elections .
Your affidavit of voter re?istration was incomolete .
Therefore, your name has not been entered on the voting
list . Please call this office immediately at this
phone number (113 ) 586 - 69:.0 or drop by personally so .
that you can remedy the defect in your affidavit . if
the affidavit is not completed within 20 days , your
affidavit of voter registration will be rejected.
We are returning your affidavit of voter registration
to you because it was not signed. Therefore , your name
has not been. entered on the voting list . Please sign
the affidavit and mail or deliver it to this office
immediately.
It appears from the facts set forth in your affidavit
of voter registration that you are ineligible to
register to vote. Your affidavit of voter registration
is therefore rejected.
Your affidavit of registration has been rejected. Your
affidavit .vas incomplete, and you did not respond to
our notice within the twenty day period.
Original Notice Sent :
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BOARD OF STATE EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS AND GAS FITTERS "` °f Act I
Leverett Saltonstall Building, 100 Cambridge Street, Room 1511
f�':�
Government Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02202
a
APPLICATION FOR Dual Fuel Gas System $50.00 FEE
To the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas fitters and the
Gas Inspector for the City, of ��?
Company/Name: c rc- cam
Street/city: 7 r,� Sj i�'�:c1� , / �.Z �
Si q natrfre/Title ; '
is requesting a dual fuel gas system for
Location
Reason(s)
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Any additions or alterations to the system are not permissibte without
the prior written approvat of the State Board of Examiners of Ptumbers
and Gas Fitters . Application must show all required signatures before request is
j filed with the Board.
1 A comp ete copy of this dual fuel request shall be filed by tte
applicant with the tocai gas inspector and fire chief before the -, art of
any work.
ature Requesting Party Date
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Si t I for Date
//wa - - 3
Signature of Local Fire Chief Date
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DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTIONS
INSPECTOR 212 Main Street ' Municipal Building
Northampton, Mass. 01060
Bruce D. Ackerson
4th Floor
Arts & Industry
221 Pine Street
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Illegal use of 221 Pine Street as place of Residence
November 12 , 1996
Tenant of Arts & Industry,
The Northampton Board of Registrars has informed the Building
Department that several tenants of 221 Pine Street have registered
to vote using 221 Pine Street as their place of residence. I want
to take this time to inform the tenants that the area of 221 Pine
Street , Arts & Industry is zoned GI (General Industry) under
Northampton Zoning Ordinances table and use regulations and does
not allow the use of a area zoned GI as a residence.
The issues are twofold for this, one issue is that Zoning prohibits
the use for a residence and the second is a safety issue. The
safety issue is the building is constructed for use as industry,
the fire safety regulations do not cover the structure for use as
sleeping quarters, you place your lives at risk and those of
f iref ighters in the event of a f ire at night. The f act that some of
the tenants have used 221 Pine Street as their place of residence
to register to vote clearly indicates that some of you do not take
this seriously, please do not disregard this notice. Our office is
prepared to enforce this regulation. The lease agreement that you
have with the owners of the property clearly states that you will
not live there, by violating the lease you could face losing your
lease if found in violation.
I hope that this situation is resolved.
Sincerely,
Anthony Y
Building Co ssioner
City of Northampton
�
6q596 1,5
All okay.
The following units must be cleared by management.
3F3rear, 3F3front,3B2, 3B 1, 2C 1, 2172, 2F3.
All okay.
The following units must be cleared by management.
3F3rear, 3F3front,3B2, 1 2CILF2,/2)
4G12 - Bathroom installed without permits, kitchen installed
without permits, Residential Space?
4G4 - Plumbing installed without permit.
Floor Three
3G5 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, extension
cords wrapped around sprinkler system.
3G6 - Kilns installed without electrical permits, tub installed
without plumbing permit. ��w,� '
3F2 - Photo processing equipment installed no electrical permits,
hot water heater installed no permits.
3C3 - Improper storage of flammable materials (paint thinners),
use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
3A7 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, improper
storage of flammable materials (paint thinners)
3A3 - Kiln installed no electrical permits, Residential Space?
3A5 - Kiln installed no electrical permit.
Floor Two
2H 1&2 Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, open
electrical junction boxes.
2A 1 - Propane tank installation no Fire Department approval,
extension cord for permanent wiring of roaster, kiln installed no
electrical permit.
2B2 - Improper storage of flammable materials, use of extension
cords for permanent wiring.
2B I - Improper storage of flammable materials.
2F 1 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, shower and
bath installed no permits.
First floor
The Following Units have Building and Or Fire
Code Violations - 3/12/98
4A5 - Improper Storage of Flammable Materials, use of extension
cords for permanent wiring.
4A7 rear - Kitchen Bath, shower, installed without permits, use of
extension cords for permanent wiring.
4A4 - Improper Storage of Flammable Materials, use of extension
cords for permanent wiring.
4A9 - Kiln installed no electrical permit, use of extension cords for
permanent wiring.
4A 1 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
4A 10 - Kitchen area installed no permits.
4A1 I - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, kiln installed
no electrical permit, air compressor installed no electrical permit.
4B5 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
4B4 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
4B3 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
4B2 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring. Residential
Space?
4B 1 - Full Bathroom installed no permits, full kitchen installed no
permits.
4C2 - Propane tank being used to fuel stove, kitchen installed no
permits.
40 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, Residential
Space?
4G7 - Photolab improperly installed with out proper plumbing, use
of extension cords for permanent wiring.
4G9 - Kitchen installed without permit, use of extension cords for
permanent wiring.
4G5 - Improper storage of flammable materials.
:moral -
ea n Fire raises issue of risk
tay in 1 at a lived-in workplace
for ?;
e of By GREG KERSTETTER in the building, according to its co-
Staff Writer owner Terry Minnick, city officials say
they are aware many artists,looking to
an NORTHAMPTON—Nobody was hurt save money, use their work space as
n Thursday when a small fire broke out their apartment.
n in a former industrial building in City Health Inspector David Kochin -
lust Florence.But Fire Department officials. said yesterday he has received"a couple
warn that the artists and craftspeople of complaints" over the last few years 4
living illegally there remain at risk, of people living in the building,
hicle should another fire start. The city's Registrar of Voters,Patricia a`
The former Pro Brush Co.building at Shaughnessy, said that approximately 1 '
221 Pine St. lacks basic fire safety 35 people in the last four years have
and a systems,according to Fire Department tried to use 221 Pine St. as their home f-
to officials,and the people who live in the address when registering to vote.
four-story building are exposing them- Shaughnessy said she could not allow
er selves to danger by sleeping there. the voters to register using a commer-
pipe "This is probably our worst nightmare cial residence.
they — a fire in here," said Northampton Thursday,when Fire Department offi-
Fire Deputy Chief Duane Nichols. cials decided the building needed to be
,i5EL Even as some city officials call the evacuated, firefighters and police
building unsafe for people to live in,city officers were sent to all the floors to is
planners are moving to change zoning make sure people had left. Passa said
so that the building will be legal for both a police officer found one person taking
work and live-in space. a nap with her child, another taking a
said shower and a third taking a bath.
Thursday's fire started in a mainte- "That's not my idea of an artist's
nance closet and was contained to that studio," said Passa.
is car small room, said Nichols. He said the Minnick said that the leases for the
wo fire's cause had not yet been deter- more than 100 studios plainly say that ? t
mined. living in the spaces is illegal. { '
63 Northampton Acting Fire Chief "We had no idea people were living '
Edward Passa said that the owners of here," Minnick said Thursday h '
the Arts & Industries Building would Artists who live in the building say }:
.da have to add more smoke detectors and it's difficult to determine just who lives
fire walls separating some rooms before there, because many people work odd
n', it would be safe to allow people to liye hours—sometimes through the night.
ed in what is called the Arts& Industries Paul Shoul,a photographer with a studio
Building. in the building, said the building is
As it stands now, said Nichols, fire- active 24 hours a day as artists work to
:ion, fighters treat the building as an complete projects.. t
industrial space and do not think of it
as an apartment building.He said that Zoning change eyedw.,' ,, " •� �
if a large fire occurred at night in.the The change that would allow the Cal ARLES ABEL
cavernous building,it would be.difficult, building to be used for residences is A dog waits outside an entrance to the Arts & Industry Building at
if not impossible, to make sure every- opposed by both Fire Department offi- 221 Pine St. yesterday after a small fire in a storage closet.forced
body had left the building. cials and Anthony Patillo, the city's the buildir ;'s evacuation.
ce Nichols said some people Thursday building commissioner.,
Y, heeded existing fire alarms in the "It's an unsafe building for people to special industrial — a more liberal .to allow the inspectors room to work.
building,but others ignored them. be living in," said Patillo Thursday zoning designation — Patillo said he He said the building would possibly be
Firefighters found fire hazards such before he started inspecting the struc- "strongly" disagreed, opened again today.
as paint thinner stored unsafely,flimsy ture. "From my point of view, I would say That meant that many of the artists
extension cords leading across rooms Patillo said that if the zoning is no one should live here, said Nichols. who use the building as their work space
and bare lightbulbs, said Passa, One changed allowing people to live there Thursday, inspectors from the Fire had to cut their days short— or take
artisan even went back into the building legally, then the artists and craftspeo- Department, the state fire marshal's their work home.
after the fire was put out and retrieved ple will be living under a "false sense office and the city building commis- Ben Goldman, a film producer, said
a gallon container of gasoline from his of security." sioner's office all combed through the that he was in the middle of making a
studio, Passa said. When the city's chief planner Wayne building looking for safety and code vio- commercial for a film festival when the
"It's an accident waiting to happen," Feiden proposed the idea of changing lations, fire broke out shortly before 1 p.m.That
said Passa of the building. the zoning of the Arts & Industries Passa ordered the building evacuat- work will be delayed until the building
Although no one is supposed to live Building from general industrial to ed Thursday both for safety reasons and is reopened,he said.
14 fS4
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r
p-Alsu—v
3/16/98
17 911
HTE CAD
PAGE 1
15 : 06 : 31
Unit
CAD CALL INFORMATION
980710030
Call Number:
980710030
Call Type . : 122 FIRE
Police
Entry Day/Tm:
3/12/98
12 : 51 : 09 122 FIRE
Police
CmnN: PRO CORPORATION
Agency. . . . . . . . . :
001 Northampton
Location. . . :
221
PINE
ST Apt :
City. . . . . . :
Florence
Block# : 200 Loc
ID: Mapr: 4DN
Intersectn. :
NONOTUCK
SPRING
Caller Name :
Last :ARTS
First : &
Mid: INDUSTRY
Address . . . :
221
PINE
ST Apt :
City/State :
Florence
Phone# : 586 - 7939
( 413 )
Call Taker. : 0150 POWERS ROBE Dispatchr: 0150 POWERS
N A R R A T I V E
FIRE ON SECOND FLOOR FD AND AMR NOTIFIED
IN THE BUILDING AT 221 PINE STREET. OFFICERS ARRIVE ALONG W/
NFD UNITS AND FIND SUBSTANTIAL SMOKE AND FIRE ON SECOND FLR.
AT REQUEST OF CHIEF PASSA, POLICE BLOCK OFF PINE STREET AT
FLORENCE ROAD AND NONOTUCK STREET.
*NONE Unit Status History Information
98/03/12 12 : 50 : 53
17 911
Received Time
E9
104
Unit
Status History
Information
98/03/12 12 : 51 : 27 4 Dispatched D
98/03/12 12 : 51 : 27 11 Assigned as Primary Unit PR
98/03/12 12 : 59 :21 6 At Scene A
98/03/12 14 : 11 : 22 20 Available AV
123
26
98/03/12 12 : 52 : 21
98/03/12 12 : 53 : 02
98/03/12 20 : 04 :42
98/03/12 12 : 59 : 35
98/03/12 12 : 59 : 35
98/03/12 14 : 11 :21
Unit Status History Information
4 Dispatched
6 At Scene
20 Available
104 KANDROTAS
D 123 BLOCK
A
AV
Unit Status History Information
4 Dispatched
6 At Scene
20 Available
D 26 NICHOLS
A
AV
D I S P O S I T I O N S
1 015 SERVICE RENDERED Case# 1 -
12 : 59 : 58
10 : 03 : 16
10 : 03 : 16
10 : 03 : 16
10 : 03 : 16
10 : 04 : 54
JAMES
IT -I 18
KENNE
Unit : 123
♦
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y
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Y�y`a�lo�ao�o ti�el�
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ON
a
3/16/98
Unit Status History
HTE CAD
~~~ ~~~~ ^
PAGE1
15 : 06 :31
12 :50 : 53
CAD
CALL INFORMATION
980710030
Call Number:
980710030
Call
Type . : 122 FIRE
Police
Entry Day/Tm:
3/12/98 12 : 51 : 09
122 FIRE
Police
CmnN: PRO CORPORATION
98/03/12
Agency. . . . . . . . . :
001 Northampton
Location. . . :
221
PINE
98/03/12
I ST Apt :
City. . . . . . .
Florence
Block# : 200 Loc ID:
Mapr: 4DN
Intersectn. :
NONOTUCK
AV
SPRING
123
Caller Name :
Last :ARTS
Information
First : &
Mid: INDUSTRY
Address . . . :
221
PINE
123 BLOCK DANIE
ST Apt :
City/State :
Florence
A
Phone# : 586 - 7939
( 413 )
Call Taker. :
0150 POWERS
20 Available
ROBE Dispatchr: 0150
POWERS ROBE
26
N A R
R A T I V E
FIRE ON SECOND
FLOOR
FD AND
AMR NOTIFIED
12 : 59 : 58
10 : 03 : 16
IN THE BUILDING AT 221 PINE STREET. OFFICERS ARRIVE ALONG W/ 10 : 03 : 16
NFD UNITS AND FIND SUBSTANTIAL SMOKE AND FIRE ON SECOND FLR. 10 : 03 : 16
AT REQUEST OF CHIEF PASSA, POLICE BLOCK OFF PINE STREET AT 10 : 03 : 16
FLORENCE ROAD AND NONOTUCK STREET. 10 : 04 : 54
*NONE
Unit Status History
Information
98/03/12
12 :50 : 53
17 911 Received Time
E9
104
Unit Status History
Information
98/03/12
12 :51 :27
4 Dispatched
D
104 KANDROTAS JAMES
98/03/12
12 :51 : 27
11 Assigned as Primary
Unit PR
98/03/12
12 :59 :21
6 At Scene
A
98/03/12
14 : 11 :22
20 Available
AV
123
Unit Status History
Information
98/03/12
12 :52 : 21
4 Dispatched
D
123 BLOCK DANIE
98/03/12
12 :53 : 02
6 At Scene
A
98/03/12
20 : 04 :42
20 Available
AV
26
Unit Status History
Information
98/03/12
12 :59 : 35
4 Dispatched
D
26 NICHOLS KENNE
98/03/12
12 :59 : 35
6 At Scene
A
98/03/12
14 : 11 :21
20 Available
AV
D I S P O S I T I
O N S
1 015
SERVICE
RENDERED
Case# 1 -
Unit : 123
7-SS
AJI ic)of3
I0
a�
The Following Units have Building and Or Fire
Code Violations - 3/12/98
4A5 - Improper Stora e of Flammable Materials, use of extension`` -
g
cords for permanent wiring.
4A7 rear - Kitchen Bath, shower, installed without permits, use
ex ension cords for permanent wiring.
4A4 - Improper Storage of Flammable Materials, use of extensionof/
cords for permanent wiring.
4A9 - Kiln installed no electrical permit, use of extension cords f r�
permanent wiring.
Mme' 4A I - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring
R 410 Kitchen area installed no permits:--
_____� 4A I 1 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, kiln installed
no electrical permit, air compressor installed no electrical permit.
4B5 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
4134 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring.(:=
4B3 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring. cA� tN
4B2 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring. Residential
LJ
e?
h 4B I - ull Bathroom installed no permits, full kitchen installed no
its. Afs' Ct4
��- 4C ropane tank being used to fuel stove, kitchen installed no OpS 40 Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, Residential 6 cam' I' ke
S ace?
� 7 - hotolab improperly installed with out proper plumbing, use^;�:_g s
ension cords for permanent wiring. �
�-!� 4G9 Kitchen installed without permit, use of extension cords r
CGIgRt
permanent wiring.
—:- 4G5 - Improper storage of flammable materials C 4
ti \.
improper extinguishment of smoking materials inside the maintenence closet. It
was obvious that the fire did not result from any fire hazard caused by any
tenant since the lock on the maintenence closet was intact and tenants do not
have access to the closet. Under the circumstances, the tenants have legitimate
concerns about the manner in which the situation was handled, which resulted
in a complete disruption of business in the building for five days, and the need
for artists to be displaced from their studios.
Northampton prides itself on being an open minded community, which is
fundamentally supported by its unusually strong artistic base. The Arts and
Industry building at 221 Pine Street contains the art studios of some of the
area's most talented artists, who have been nationally recognized for their
important artistic contributions. Any legitimate concerns about safety must
respect these artists, as well as the creative process and environment
necessary to allow them to not only survive but to flourish.
Lyours,
. Stallone
01_� - M. C_A/e��
221 Pine Street, Suite 3A8
Northampton, Massachusetts 01062
phone(413)584-2200
facsimile (413)584-2200
By Facsimile_ March 21, 1998
413-788-1301
Editor
Union -News
To the Editor:
I was shocked when I read the headline about a "clash" with fire officials and the
tenants in the Arts and Industry .building at 221 Pine Street, which appeared
above my picture on Tuesday. No "clash" occurred, as suggested by the glaring
headline.
The tenants in the building had a meeting and agreed to send a letter. The
letter stated: "the tenants at 221 Pine Street are committed to working in a
cooperative manner with building management as well as with city officials to
maintain a harmonious and safe work environment for all."
In the interview with your reporter, I specifically told him that this was not an "us
against them" situation. Although tenants had legitimate concerns about the
manner in which the matter was handled, I specifically stated that our approach
to resolving any issues would be to have an open dialogue and better
communication. I stated that I believed that part of the problem stemmed from a
fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of an artist's studio. The studio
is an intensely personal space. Long hours are involved, which may extend
late into the night, especially if the artist works another job or has family
obligations. The artist may cook, eat, nap, entertain, collaborate with other
artists, meditate, exercise or do yoga in his or her studio. These activities are
all perfectly legal in the studios as long as an artist does not make the studio
his residence and he complies with safety regulations. As it turns out, almost all
of the artists were able to prove that they had permanent residences elsewhere.
The news article also failed to point out that this small fire was out and any
potential danger was over in about seven minutes. The building is equipped
with, an elaborate sprinkler system which worked perfectly. Fire damage was
minimal. The fire marshall has indicated that the fire was most likely caused by
/r(3� �•,-,fit
4G 12 athroom installed without permits, kitchen installed-�- 4-�`�5
�z
v ut permits, Residential Space?
G4 Plumbing installed without permit. ,sre
Floor Three
3G5 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, extension�v
cords wrapped around sprinkler system.
---� 3G6 - Kilns installed without electrical permits, tub installed-•�' G
without plumbing permit.
3F2 Photo processing equipment installed no electrical permits, :s:ec
of water heater installed no permits.
C3 - Improper storage of flammable materials (paint thinner ,
. r
use of extension cords for permanent wiring.
3A7 - Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, imprope!CL_-_')
storage of flammable materials (paint thinners)
3A3 - Kiln installed no electrical permits,�esidential Space?_ '``
—� 3A5 - Kiln installed no electrical permit.- ��Ao
6
Floor Two
2H1&2 Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, open
electrical junction boxes.
2
Q� extension cord for permanent wiring of roaster, kiln installed noCti
electrical permit.
2B2 - Improper storage of flammable materials, use of extensions <
cords for permanent wiring.
,c�6 2 1 - Improper storage of flammable materials. �''`�"�� T-
2F Use of extension cords for permanent wiring, shower andl/
bath installed no permits.
First floor
lrity of Northampton
MASSACHUSETTS
Ei ht -three
In the Year One Thousand Nine Hundred and SK-X€114' -- °X
the City Council Committee on Police & Traffic
UPONTHE RECOMMENDATION ..............._............................................_............................................_..........................._.
ORDINANCE NO ...............................
An Ordinance of the City of Northampton, Massachusetts, providing that the Code of Ordinances,
20-205 of said Code;
City of Northampton, Massachusetts, be amended by revising section ..........................
For no parking zones in the Round House Parking Lot
providing that ...................._........................._..............................................._. .
.............................._................_........................
......................-.....................
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Northampton, in City Council assembled, as follows:
20-205
Section 1. That section ............................. of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Northampton, 1Zas-
sachusetts, be amended so that such section shall read as follows:
20-205 Schedule I, Parking
"Section................._...........
a, No Parking Zones
Add
Location Side From To Type
Round House Southerly Old South Point 140' No Parking
Parking Lot Street westerly any time
entrance
Location Side From To Type
Round House Westerly Point 140' Crafts Ave. No Parking
Parking Lot westerly of any time
Bus service Old South St.
road
In City Council, _ September 15 , 1983
Rules suspended,passed two readings,ordained and enrolled.
Attest: Adeline Murray City Clerk
Approved: David B. Musante, Jr. Mayor
A true copy
�
Attest: e City Clerk
Liar of 'N" a tliamptan
MASSACHUSETTS
Eighty-three
In the Year One Thousand Nine Hundred and NXY0=)X............................._.................................._.......
-•-
t h e City Council Co itte.eonPQjj� Q.e....,& Traffi
UPONTHE RECOMMENDATION OF ...................................._...............................
ORDINANCE NO ...............................
An Ordinance of the City of Northampton, Massachusetts, providing that the Code of Ordinances,
City of Northampton, Massachusetts, be amended by revising section ......2-97.2--l-.2........ of said Code;
providing that ,,,For a tow away zone in the Round House__Parkinq,,.Lot.......................
Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Northampton, in City Council assembled, as follows:
20-212
Section 1. That section .............................. of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Northampton, Mas-
sachusetts, be amended so that such section shall read as follows:
20-212
,Section..............................
a, Tow Away Zones
Add
Location Side From To Type
Round House Southerly Old South Point 140 ' No Parking
Parking Lot Street westerly any time
entrance
Location Side From To Type
Round House Westerly Point 140' Crafts Ave. No Parking
Parking Lot westerly of any time
Bus service Parking Lot
road entrance
Ir ''-ily Council, September 15, 1983
i u as suspended,passed two rea,'Ings,ordained and enrolled.
Attest: Adeline Murray ,City Clerk
ApproVedl:David B. Musante, Jr. Mayor
A true::7!ast Att City Clerk
improper extinguishment of smoking materials inside the maintenence closet. It
was obvious that the fire did not result from any fire hazard caused by any
tenant since the lock on the maintenence closet was intact and tenants do not
have access to the closet. Under the circumstances, the tenants have legitimate
concerns about the manner in which the situation was handled, which resulted
in a complete disruption of business in the building for five days, and the need
for artists to be displaced_from their studios.
Northampton prides itself on being an open minded community, which is
fundamentally supported by its unusually strong artistic base. The Arts and
Industry building at 221 Pine Street contains the art studios of some of the
area's most talented artists, who have been nationally recognized for their
important artistic contributions. Any legitimate concerns about safety must
respect these artists, as well as the creative process and environment
necessary to allow them to not only survive but to flourish.
ZVery y yo urs,
R. Stallone
i 221 Pine Street, Suite 3A8
Northampton, Massachusetts 01062
phone (413)584-2200
facsimile (413)584-2200
By. Facsimile_ March 21, 1998
_4.13-7_.&-101
Editor
Union -News
To the Editor:
1 was shocked when I read the headline about a "clash" with fire officials and the
tenants in the Arts and Industry ,building at 221 Pine Street, which appeared
above my picture on Tuesday. No "clash" occurred, as suggested by the glaring
headline.
The tenants in the building had a meeting and agreed to send a letter. The
letter stated: "the tenants at 221 Pine Street are committed to working in a
cooperative manner with building management as well as with city officials to
maintain a harmonious and safe work environment for all."
In the interview with your reporter, I specifically told him that this was not an "us
against them" situation. Although:tenants had legitimate concerns about the
manner in which the matter was handled, I specifically stated that our approach
to resolving any, iSsue-S, %.von !d the to have an open dialogue and better
communication. I stated that I believed that part of the problem stemmed from a
fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of an artist's studio. The studio
is an intensely personal space. Long hours are involved, which may extend
late into the night, especially if the artist works another job or has family
obligations. The artist may cook, eat, nap, entertain, collaborate with other
artists, meditate, exercise or do yoga in his or her studio. These activities are
all perfectly legal in the studios as long as an artist does not make the studio
his residence and he complies with safety regulations. As it turns out, almost all
of the artists were able to prove that they had permanent residences elsewhere.
The news article also failed to point out that this small fire was out and any
potential danger was over in about seven minutes. The building is equipped
with an elaborate sprinkler system which worked perfectly. Fire damage was
minimal. The fire marshall has indicated that the fire was most likely caused by
his partner, Terry Minnick, returned calls ii�f ,.�J /� � supported downtown arts district, a
from the Advocate,and an employee at their 'I stz*a �i It ���y/� k • ^r t-tsts� !/ o piece of the city's revitalization efforts.
office said last week that Christensen, who / �^ / ^'_J opers who bring old buildings up to co,
also manages the building,was out of town.) �� IOVV4,_T G' � �� A►iU provide affordable housing for artists
Many tenants bristle at the increased surveil- tax breaks from the city, and no sales
lance they've been under since the fire.Patillo
has made several return visits to follow up on ew-e—, '_J �I-A / �,',y ,',^ J » charged on work sold from studios in ti
�►K� V ' t/ter GY U5�5 �C�lC�L1 trict,to encourage more people to shop
code violations,and a rumor has flown around Northampton can look even closer to
the building that undercover investigators have for models of artist-friendly communitir
been lurking,hoping to catch illegal residents. ton has had considerable luck shifting its bit seedier,a bit less posh than it is today,they over the town line in Easthampton,On,
"I don't work well as an artist,in a place focus to a tourism- and arts-based economy say,but it was also vital and exciting. cage Street has housed artisans,small bus
that's highly controlled. It's just not con- — symbolized by the transformation of an But somewhere along theCvay,that vitality and community agencies since the
ducive to the creative experience," said one old brush factory into a successful home for may have backfired.As Northampton became Newer on the scene is EastWorks,an olc
tenant,who is thinking of moving her studio. studios and artisans. a trendy,more desirable place to be,real estate ley Home Products factory that offers
"If people in suits are running around with But not everyone's entirely satisfied with values rose.Artists'studios and mom-and-pop space for local artists and'craftspeople.
pads and pens,I'm outta here. the cultural direction the city has taken.Some business owners were pushed out of down- businesses,social service agencies and ce
"There's a real feeling of looking over your artists complain that local galleries are filled town,replaced by tony boutiques,offices and nity organizations.Developers Will Bun.
shoulder," Karmody added. "If you're doing with safe—and sellable— landscapes and chain stores able to pay the high downtown Milton Howard expect to have 25 businc.
art,you re already doing something marginal. pottery, leaving more experimental artists rents.Artists,like other working-class people, ants by May 1,and have begun construct
And now you're being treated`officially'as a with few places to show their work.(Ironical- found it increasingly difficult to live in the some residential units on the top floor
marginal figure." ly,the hottest new place in the Valley to show city they bellied resuscitate. 500,000-square-foot building.
cutting-edge artwork—the See Gallery—is Indeed,Karmody suggested,Northampton's While Kasper applauds EascWork
pe,pite their gripes about how city offs- in decidedly un-cutting-edge Springfield). :rusts, like their peers in other cities, might worries that it will lure away
coals have handled the recent inci- When local venues do exhibit non-tradition- have become "the agents of their own self- Northampton artists and craftspeople
dents, tenants at Arts&Industry say, al work,it tends to be that of artists from out- destruction,"helping to revitalize a neighbor- like to see the city come up with it
they share the city's interest in making the side the region, like Smith College's current hood, only to be displaced by the wealthier comparable facilities,perhaps byencou
place safe. "If it were my job, I wouldn't be Sandy Skoglund show. Even stodgy insur- newcomers drawn to the newly-hip area. developers to apply for federal subsi,
very compromising about letting people live ante-capitol Hartford,with its Real Art Ways "Historically, it always happens," agreed create affordable housing for low-ii
there,either,"one former resident noted.And and ArtSpace, a new.downtown studio and one Arts & Industry tenant. "Artists go into artists."There's already something hap,
tenants have objected to news stories that residential building for artists, is giving these low-life places and make it a hopping in Easthampton," she said. "Obviou
have painted the situation as a "clash" Northampton a run for its money. place, and then the artists get kicked out." attempt is to keep[artists]in Northar:
between the artists and city,officials. Proposed zoning changes in the cin
But while it may not qualify as a clash it's _ s ar .roti also help.Planners recently drafted a p.
definitely been an uneasy meeting of two very t r r that would redassi former mill buildin,
different worlds,one b o ulated '
P P Y city work- Y a� � k ��„ as Arts&Industry from"general Indus:
ers who traffic in official lan ua e, pap
work and regulations, the ocher b artists � 1 ' #,� special industrial."Tharwouldbethefi;
who,to va in de rees,haves ent their lives ''.` %r toward opening the buildings to the pos:
rY g g Py g, of other uses,including,in some cases,
working outside, or in opposition to, that J use,work living spaces.
kind of regimented world.
Artists have had to open their private �s •' a t Changing the zoning designations, r
spaces,where some create very personal work, noted,would not guarantee that the bui.
�r would become residential. In some built
to the inquisitive if well-intentioned eyes of r f the cosy of renovations might be prohib:
city inspectors.Some find themselves m the - x expensive.The Arts &Industry buildin,
uncomfortable position of having to explain Ic 'a g, example,would need major work to mr
how they work;one artist showed an inspec- residential building' code, accordin tc
ter photos of her work—large installations �t� t planning director Wayne Feiden,who sai
'r
that recreate domestic scenes — to explain
building's owners have told him the
that the beds and kitchen utensils and clothes 4� ''j_ F - z g Y
a r r^ - a interested in making the building part-res':
in her studios were props,not signs that she
tial.And even if the landlords were willi
was living here. Others balk at the im lica- ' - o
g P 9 N ink that kind of money into the buil
tion inherent in the ban on residency that 1 r some worry that they might,in turn,pas
there's a line between "
"working"and"living."
g" costs on to the tenants—effectively brie,
For some, the conflict has heightened the Will Bundy and Milton Howard's EastWorks project includes offices, an end to the building's affordability.
alienation they feel from society at large. work spaces and apartn�nts. Still,other,smaller buildings might be
Specifically, some question what the recent ter candidates for mixed, residentialh
events at Arts&Industry say about the role use, Kasper said.On March 26,she'll a
of artists in Northampton. some observers, Northampton has And she worries that Northampton might be care for the zoning changes at a Plan
"This is a community that's supposed to To become the victim of its own success. following that pattern. Department public hearing.
embrace the arts," noted Susan Wilcox, a It's easy to see why Northampton These days,however,Kasper is less optim
painter with a studio at Arts&Industry.The took offas Western Mass.'"Paradise City."It's he Northampton Arts Council, for about the odds for creating live/work place,
city has multiple galleries and theaters and a pleasant place to live, combining rural one,is determined not to see that hap- artists. "I think the fire just freaked even
hosts an array of arts-related festivals and spe- charm with the more urbane sophistication pen. The situation at the Arts & out.The political climate has just changed s.
cial events, including open-studio days on bestowed by its local colleges and relative Industry building, says Mary Kasper, co- then."While the arts council still supports
which visitors can check out the work at Arts proximity to several large cities.Most impor- coordinator of the council,illustrates the siz- idea of developing such mixed-use buildi
&Industry. tant,it's cheaper than those big cities,which able, unmet need for affordable places for she said,the residential issue might be pw
Indeed,the evolution of that building par- helped draw artists, writers and other ere- artists to live and work in the city. the back burner for a while,so as not the si
allels the evolution of the local economy.As ative-but-not-affluent types to the area. "How to make the city more friendly to the track some of the other zoning proposals.
ProBrush left.221 Pine St. for larger, more Many locals still wax nostalgic about the arts community is a major issue,"Kasper said. "I know the arts community feels ut
modern facilities,so too did many industries good old days, prior to the '80s economic The Arts Council is trying to find ways to attack,with the latest thing that happen.
leave the Valley for cheaper, less regulated boom,when downtown was filled with artists' make that happen,and looking ac the exam- Kasper said. "Artists live and work
regions. And while many local towns still studios, performance spaces and affordable ples set by other cities. Providence, R.I., for Northampton.And they need a place to
struggle to recover from that loss,Northamp- apartments.Northampton might have been a instance,has had success with its new publicly both."�
I H
I)Ei, Ci2. y99s;
i �
Vim"]
C4o4it M �r "10
���,.
SAy I �_
sY / -rire_ Ydises
About tee -e6re o-F'
the arts
Karen Crazda is one of many artists who do their work in the Art&Indust,,.
building in Florence.The building's future is now uncertain.
By Maureen Turner " toutr�: L1lnrral ccnrcr of Western Massa- even rigged up plumbing systems to
chu,ctts i;;ncreasingly geared toward the our- form their studios into homes. Soo,,
of-roson rourkrs who come on weekends to part-time residents, officially living a.
sprnd cash hcI,,not the artist,who work and places but spending many nights It tf;
n the night of March 12, a ews that some rcnants sere hs,ing illc- Make th ii home,here dios Others lived at the building full
small fire broke our at Flo- �gally in the Arts & 11 building few'even brazenly—or perhaps nai,
rence's Arrs & Industry fff ��� Ir --evtre>n of the Arts & Industry registered ro voce using the Arts& In
wasn't really news. Some people s csn- winding was a crucial moment in the building's Pinc Street address,
building. mare that as many as 20 or 30 ico�Ic were
Tlic fire was reportedly living in the building—at least,until the firs The 140,000-squaroe-faxrfaeility seas bull in to live at Arc&Industry.Historically,
Few were surprised chat some cenani�
caused by a cigarette in a drove them out. 1866 by the Florence Manufacturing Compa- —notably,those of the struggling varier
locked maintenance closer. Fortunately, it Since the dire,Patillo has been frustrated b, ny and eventually became a ProBrush factory. have sought cheap accommodations so
wasnt much of a blaze. Northampton fire- the way reporters have focused on the illegal- Aber I'roBrush moved to a larger, more mod- can continue to do their work,in places i
fighters arrived at the old Pine Street mill tenants angle of the story. More important ern facilicv in the'80s,the building sat vacant ing
building, which was renovated several years than whether people were living in die build- for several years until it was bought by develop- Soho of the alt,to today's increasingly
e from Paris' Left Bank and New l'
ago into art studios and manufacturing spaces ing, he said, is The dangerous environment ers Milton Howard and Jamie Christensen. P Northampton.
for small businesses,and quickly had the sit- created by the numerous code violations. Howard and Christensen renovated the Files in the Northampton Building Dep
nation under control.The fire did little dam- "That's being lost in all this,"he said. And building, turning the old factory floors into meat show that as recently as last month
age,and no one was hurt. than upsets me."
But the fire turned up the heat on the Like the building inspector, tenants — studios and shops ranging from several huh- city had sent letters to a number of tenants
building's landlords and its tenants—the lar- both residents and non-residents — say by ar sts several thousand square feet,for use eared warning idg m in That its&were Industry violating,
ter group, a diverse collection of artists and they're concerned about safe in the build-business people who had been attracted ing.But they're also upset about other prob- A,is&Industry,is now working on a similar landlords knew that some tenants were lis
safety (lloward, who is no longer invo;ved with zoning ordinances.Many believe the buildii
to the building for its big,well-lighted spaces. lems highlighted by the fire.Sonic are angry project at East hamptmi's EastWorks, an old there but chose to look the other way.
For many of them,the jig was up. about the disrespectful way they say they were factor,that is being converting into studios,
Hot on the heels of Northampton's fire- treated by Patillo and firefighters the night of small business s aces and a partmenrs.
6 "They've been very good about not be,
fighters that evening was Building Commis- the fire. They also chafe at the heightened Renamed the Arts&Industry building,the the Arts&Industry building for several yea
P 1 ) too inquisitive, said one tenant,who lived
sioner Anthony Patillo,who began poking his attention they've received from City Hall old brush factory is ideal for artists—roomy, But the March 12 fire made it impossil ill way through some of the studios. He found since then.
more than 50 building code violations,rang- The fire also raised broader concerns about tenant MiAaaelsKarmody.Perhaps most sent ca building.gFire ioflicials but down nthe buii.
ing from plumbing work that had been done just how hospitable Northampton is to the ing,the studios are also cheap;today,th r.
e going ing for the rest of that night,and 31 tena
with permits to tangled snakes of exten artists,craftspeople and small business owners rare is about$S per square foot annually. had signs slapped on their doors warning th.
lion cords that were hot to the touch. He who play an important role in the city's econ- It's a deal few can refuse.The building's 90 they couldn't return to their studios until tl
found that the fire alarm had failed to sound omy — not to mention its hipster image. units are all occupied, by painters and pho- violations were corrected.
in parts of the building, and that some ten- Indeed, the revitalization of Northampton tographers, sculptors and jewelry-makers. Tensions are high in the building thes
ants had improperly stored combustible that began in the 1970s is based on a tourism The building might not be glamorous,but it days. Tenants who were living there has
materials, which could have fueled the fire economy largely dependent on the city's artsy is appealing, with its high ceilings and large moved out,and some say they have no plan
catastrophically if it had spread. reputation.
And Patillo also found evidence ofa not-so- But Northampton's success in rebuilding sits in a common area n thepthigrd floortanld to"There are too emany psychological costs,'furor dies down.
well-kept secret in the building:Some of the itself, while perhaps the envy of less stable the doors to many studios reflect the work said one former occupant.Besides,he added,
tenants had turned their work spaces into liv- communities like Springfield, has proven to created inside, decorated with photographs, "there are lots of advantages to living in a tea!
ing quarters — a violation of city zoning be a double-edged sword.As the city becomes paintings and collages.
ordinances,which restrict the site h industrt- more and more affluent,it becomes less and But Arts & Industry's bargain prices also Still,some tenants worry that they could br
apartment.Having a real bathroom is nice.
al use only.In the days following the fire,the less accessible to many working-class and low- tempted some renters to ignore the stipula- evicted for having violated their leases.Oth-
scofflaw residents streamed quietly from the income people — including many of the tion in their leases that it was illegal to live in ers complain that the tenants are bearing the
building,carting out clothes and furniture,to artists who fill its galleries and populace its the building. Over the years, some residents brunt of the problem,which should be shared
bunk up with friends and relatives. stages.And that leaves many worried that the have brought in beds and kitchen appliances, by their landlords. (Neither Christensen nor
12 MARCH 26,1998'I'THE VAII"ADVOCATE
> 2 61998
REBECCA GRAVES
Electric,P
X1:4 lumbing,&Gas GtC!",PO ecticns y FINE ARTS
Iarttsam ;cn �.
239 Centre Street• 2-A
New York, NY 10013
phone/fax • 212 • 925 • 6147
March 24, 1998
Mr. Anthony Patillo
Building Commissioner
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Mr. Patillo,
received your letter of March 16, 1998 regarding plumbing violations in unit 4G12 in the
Arts and Industry Building. As per our conversation I am requesting an extension beyond
the 30 days stated, as I do not reside in Massachusetts, and will not be able to return to
Northampton until after April 20th.
I request that an extension be granted to me until May 15, 1998.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Graves
y LOCAL HF Unit
•mofficials
l h.
e St.
clash
some call a �' Lawyer/artist
��, Dianne
Stallone's law
office at 221
w Pine St.,
vacuatzon Florence,
't.a ,?.�•:-.` doubles as an
A art studio,but
,n excuse
she says it is
not a living
By FRED CONTRADA 3 spots.
Y�
Staff writer
SOH photo by
NORTHAMPTON—As a busi- y h BOB STERN
,s owner at 221 Pine St.,Bruce r
idler is glad the city has identi-
numerous safety hazards in
top-t
o-
building following atop
t
tom inspection last week. a�
Vhat has Sandler and some of
fellow tenants fuming is the
r that inspection was done. >r'
lecupants of the Arts&Indus- '
cs building were evacuated y ��
ursday as firefighters extin- "
shed a small blaze in a mainte- x '
ice closet. While they waited
aside, Building Commissioner
chony Patillo, who heard the
11 on his police scanner, did a
iilding-wide inspection that
-ned up code violations in 31
its. The citations ranged from
proper use of extension cords to
egal installation of kitchen and
throom facilities.
City officials have long believed
at some tenants live in their stu- "I certainly don't want to see in and close down a whole build- said she waited to get a space at Pine St.is safety.
)s at the Arts&Industries build- my stuff burned down," he said. ing." 221 Pine St.because she likes the "One thing affects everything in
g, a use prohibited by zoning "We want to make sure all the With public safety officials cor- atmosphere there.Like many art- there,"he said."The sprinkler sys-
des. According to Patillo, a spaces are up to code." doning off the area and state po- ists, Stallone has an unconven- tem and smoke go through every
amber of tenants have tried to In the interest of safety, the lice on hand with arson-sniffing tional work schedule that freely uni illustrate his point, Patillo
gister as voters using 221 Pine group is proposing that all flam- dogs, some residents felt the at- mingles painting and practicing said one tenant had of extension
as their place of residence. mable materials be stored in a mosphere Thursday was unduly law. Although she owns a house cord from a quartz heater wrap-
Over the last several years, central location and plans to ask repressive.Sandler said.he missed nearby in Florence,Stallone often p�around a sprinkler unit,a code
vners William James Christen- a work deadline because he was entertains friends,and cares for
the fire department to give a violation that could have affected
n and Terry Minnick have evict- not allowed back into his office her young daughter at her studio, the entire system. He added that
seminar on fire safety. y
several tenants who were until the next day. which is equipped with a futon, firefighters had to evacuate the
ught living in the building full- Despite the legitimacy of the "Basically,they treated us like VCR, microwave oven and exer- building because many tenants
problems,however,some tenants trash,"he said. cise equipment.ne. �1 P were unable to hear'the fire
About 20 tenants met Sunday to feel the fire was merely an excuse Lawyer Dianne Stallone,whose "A person col uld easily walk into alarm.
,cuss the turn of.events and for officials to crack.down on the law office at 221 Pine doubles as my space and say, She lives "There would have been dead
me up with a plan to address the building. an art studio,fell back on legalese here,"'said Stallone."Factually,I bodies if(the fire)had been in the
oblems. "This wouldn't have happened to describe the situation. simply don't live here." middle of the night," he said. "I
Sandler,who runs Paradise City to any other legitimate business," "It was pretextual," she said. While some tenants may look at had people coming-up to me say-
iss Works out of the building, said Sandler."The fire gave(Patil- "It's pretty clear their motive was the inspection as an invasion of ing they were grateful this was
A the foremost concern is safe- lo)the opportunity to come in here to get people out." their privacy,Patillo said yester- happening. Their livelihood and
carte blanche_You don't just come A tenant since June, Stallone day that the bottom line at 221 work is in this space."