31D_151 7 Old South St LaCazuela RestaurantDECISION OF
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
At a meeting held on August 14, 1985, the Zoning Board of Appeals
of the City of Northampton voted unanimously to grant the Special Permit
request of North of the Border, d /b/a LaCazuela Restaurant, Barry Steeves
and Rosemary Schmidt, 7 Old South Street, Northampton to erect a free-
standing sign at the above address (CB Zone). Present and voting were:
Chairman Robert C. Buscher, William Brandt and Kathleen M. Sheehan.
The findings were as follows-
R. Buscher found that unlike the majority of buildings in the
CB District, which have no setback from the street, this building
is setback a distance , is of historic character and is surrounded
by a relatively deep porch, which is not of a character that lends
itself to posting signage. He noted that the building is also
elevated above the level of Old South Street, restricting visibility
from the street. He found that the sign is on the same lot as the
structure and does not exceed area or height regulations.
K. Sheehan concurred.
W. Brandt found that the building is unique to others in the
CB District and that placement of the sign will help to make the
business viable. Be concurred with the Chairman on all other
issues.
The following restriction shall apply:
This Special Permit is specific to the sign as shown
by the photographs and schematics attached to the application,
and no change in the sign may be made without approval of
the Board of Appeals.
I e �
Robert C. Buscher, Chairman
.c?
Kathleen M. Shee n
/-/"a Z�r
William Brandt
Northampton Zoning Boara Appeals
Public Hearing on Applica- -on of North of the Border,
d /b /a La Cazuela Restaurant
August 14, 1985
The Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on August 14, 1985
at 8 :50 p.m. in Council Chambers,Wallace J. Puchalski Municipal Building on the Special
Permit request of North of the Border, d /b /a La Cazuela Restaurant, Barry Steeves and
Rosemary Schmidt under the provisions of Section 7.4 (2.c.), Page 7.4 of the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Northampton for the purpose of erecting a free- standing
sign at property located at 7 Old South Street, Northampton (CB Zone). Present were:
Chairman Robert C. Buscher, William Brandt and Kathleen M. Sheehan.
The Chairman read the public notion as it appeared in the Daily Hampshire
Gazette on July 31 and August 7, 1985. He reviewed Section 7.4 (2.c.) and noted
correspondence from L. Smith, Planner, on behalf of the Northampton Planning Board
recommending in favor of the petition. He advised those present of their right to
appeal.
Barry Steeves, 48 High Street, Florence, owner of La Cazuela, stated that their
building is unique in site and character in that it is situated 25 ft. from the
sidewalk, 30 ft. from the street and elevated above the street, noting the detailed
architectual features on the historic building. He described the existing sign as
being located north of the steps from Old South Street on the larger portion of the
lawn, 11 ft. from the buidling and 14 ft. from the sidewalk near the crest of the
hill and measuring 6 x 2.5' and 8.25 ft. from the ground to the top of the sign.
Mr. Steeves noted their concern with design and their desire to have a minimal
impact on the building, and presented photographs to the Board, as well as signatures
supporting the sign and a favorable letter from their landlord. He stated that they
have received a very favorable response since the sign was erected.
Responding to inquirics from the Board, Mr. Steeves stated that he had realized
the illegality of the sign from a newspaper article and had received a Special Permit
application from the Assistant Building Inspector after the ordinance passed.
He presented to the Board a written agreement with their landlord if future
tenants wish to integrate a sign onto the property. He stated that the present
tenants use a retaining wall on which to affix their signage, and suggested that the
remaining available space is not suited for anything other than office space.
The Board closed the public hearing in order to render their decision.
R. Buscher found that unlike the majority of buildings in the CB District,
which have no setback from the street, this building is setback a distance, is of
historic character and is surrounded by a relatively deep porch, which is not of a
character that lends itself to posting signage. He noted that the building is also
elevated above the level of Old South Street, restricting visibility from the street.
He found that the sign is on the same lot as the structure and does not exceed area or
height regulations. He voted in favor of the Special Permit with the restriction that
this Special Permit is specific to the sign as shown by the photographs and schematics
attached to the application, and that no change in the sign may be made without
approval of the Board.
K. Sheehan concurred.
W. Brandt found that the building is unique to others in theCB District and
that placement of the sign will help to make the business viable. He concurred with
Northampton Zoning Boarc_ - Appeals
Public Hearing - La CazuL
Page 2
the Chairman on all other issues.
It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to grant the Special Permit with
the above - stated restriction.
It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 4:22 p,m.
Present, in addition to those mentioned, was J. Parker, Board Secretary.
Robert C. Buscher, Chairman
Do NotWrit�llj' a aces Application Number:
Rec'd. B.I. ticked Filed Fee Pd. Rec'd. ZBA Map(s) Parcel(s)
1 tp tote Date F, Date By Date }
APPLICATION IS HEREBY MADE TO THE CITY OF NORTHAMPTON ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS:
Rosemary Schmidt
1. Name ofAppllcant North of the Border dba La Cazueela Restaurant Barry 5teeve2
Address 7 Old South St. Northampton MA 01060 _
2. Owner of Property Peter Whalen
Address _ 153 Elm Northampton MA 01060
3. Applicant is: ❑Owner; ❑Contract Purchaser; CALessee; ❑Tenant in Possession.
4. Application is made for:
❑ VARIANCE from the provisions of Section page—of the Zoning Ordinance of the
City of Northampton.
El SPECIAL PERMIT under the provisions of Section—Z-4--L2 , cbage—L�L--of the Zoning Ordinance
of the City of Northampton.
❑OTHER:
5. Location of Property 7 Old South St. Northampton , being situated on
the West side of Old South Street; and shown on the Assessors' Maps,
Sheet No. 31p , Parcel (s) 151
6. Zone Central Uus ess District _
7. Description of proposed work and/or use; Speci a pe_rm_i t for one ground sign on east side
of building, along west side of Old South St. Sign and post is 16.7 sq. ft., 6 ft. wide
at widest point. 8" side at narrowest width: 8.25 feet high at highest point. (See
attached ske tch. ) The location Js 14 feet from the sidewaId and 11 feet from the
building.
8. (a) Sketch plan attached; 91 Yes 0 N
(b) Site plan: [N Attched ❑ Not Required
9. Set forth reasons upon which application is based: Recogn i tion of the restaurant i s restr i cted
due to extreme setback above the road. The building is 30 ft. from the road and the
BASE of the building is 13 ft. above the road which drastically reduces visibility_ of _
signs on the building from the road and sidewalk. Sign is 12cated oo the same lot as
the restaurant, does not exceed 10 ft. in height or 80 soft. in surface area. nor does
it interfere with traffic, pedestrian or fire safety,
10. Abutters (see instructions; list on reverse side of form).
12, 1 hereby certify that information contained herein is true to the best of my knowledge.
vd`�
Dale / . applicant s Signature
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