49 Laundry Room Complaints 2011 April 2011
Samana and Sacredlittle, a Northampton monk and nun,have taken a Vow of Stability to live in
ampton for the rest of their lives,and never to travel by car, bus,train,or plane. They have each
final vows to care for, to love, and to serve people in the neighborhood who need clothing,shoes,
q,whole foods,medicinal herbs,household goods,tools,appliances, furniture,books,and
m counseling—anything, really that makes up a life.
This spring,Samana,Sacredlittle,and a couple dozen neighbors at 49 Old South Street are
ning to create gardens around the perimeter of the building. This building,also known as
maid House, is one of the Northampton Housing Authority's subsidized public housing
lexes, and home to seventy or so neighbors,many of whom live with various disabilities and
:es,including diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS),arthritis,hypertension,obesity,alcoholism,
•ssion, post-traumatic stress disorder,and other chronic,degenerative conditions. Many tenants,
with a handful of grandchildren,nieces,nephews, and friends,are very excited and interested in
!ning! A compost has been initiated,beds are being made, and native river species and spring
as are being planted.
Tools,soil, plants, and seeds are needed. Do you have any unwanted or unneeded things that
vould like to channel to neighbors in need? Shovels,rakes,pruners,buckets,hoes, wheelbarrows,
,seeds,money,or starter plants? Or do you have clothing,blankets,backpacks,shoes, school/art
lies,books,lamps,bedding,irons,laptops,or other appliances or furniture that you would like to
on?
Please call the Sanctuary anytime between 4 a.m. and 8 p.m.,if you would like to channel
anted or unneeded things to others in need. Also feel invited to call or to write to the Sanctuary if
are in need of one-to-one wisdom counseling,which our monk and Sacred Elder Samana offers to
rte in the neighborhood. As Samana teaches us,we belong to one another,we share a planetary
inage with all things and people,each of us attached to the one living,whirling host that is earth.
. the Sanctuary . 413. 584.8187 . Box 321 Northampton 01061 . All donations are accepted .
-This was sent to Lilly Lombard and the Grow Food Northampton mailing list,as well as numerous other
neighbors here in Northampton.
Dear billy Lombard and Grow Food Nordhanhptou.
Tuesday,May 17, 2011
The Sanctuary gardens here at 49 Old South Street,McDonald House,arc growing expansively
well,with more than thirty tenants of this sixty-unit public housing complex participating in the revitalization
of the grounds around their(homes. Each day for the past three weeks,a group of us have been tearing up
grass,raking leaves,creating beds, shoveling earth, planting,pruning,watering,and hauling wheelbarrows of
old leaves, twigs,and trash. Eleven tenants arc actively involved in the physical work,and another twenty or
so tenets have come out to say a kind word or voice appreciation. I have taken nearly twenty people for a
tour of the gardens to see the indigenous species,vegetable plants,young trees,flowers,and herbs.
Just last week, Mayoral candidate and former City Council President Michael Bardlsey was(here for
an extensive tour of the garden. And Bob Flaherty,reporter for the Daily Hampshire Gazette, stopped by
with his wife Arm Marie to see the plants and enjoy the spirit of the place A number of people who work
in the Northampton Housing Authority offices and on the NHA Maintenance crew have taken a walk
around the gardens with us or said a kind word about the work and the changes.
Comfrev,anise hyssop,bee balm,nettles, and young willow trees were given by Montview
Neighborhood [arm,and other uciglibors in Northampton have given us two wheelbarrows,a tarp,two
rakes,two pitchforks,a hose reel,a push mower,and an array of seals. Sacredhtrle has been harvesting the
great mullein plant,cattails,sun chokes,burdock,and violets from the nearby meadows and Capawonk
riverbed. We are bringing back the native plaits to where the river originally flowed.
For the gardens,we are still looking for a pair of hedge clippers,a lawn mower,a bench (or picnic
table), and more shovels,hand-tools,starter plats,and seeds of any kind. The Sanctuary also continues to
collect unused or unwanted things,along with local vegetables, fruits,bread,and money,and channel them
to where they are needed. If you or any neighbors are cleaning out closets or an attic and you would like to
pass on things you no longer need or want,please feel welcomed to call the Sanctuary. Needed items
include:clothing(men/women/children),shoes, books,furniture,lumps, irons,school/at supplies,laptops,
phones,or any other household item or appliance. We simply ask that things are clear working,and in
usable condition so we can give the goods to neighbors the same day they am donated to the Sanctuary.
The daily investment in this healing,sacred work is bringing together many people. It is very
heartening and very positive. Please come by any day to see the beautiful garden. We go out evchy
afternoon around 4 p.m. Thank you for linking arms with us.
Peace,
S A". '- --, NEE •
. Saimaa, NGSE .
for the Sanctuaiy,the Northampton Group,and the Sanctuary gardens
p• Please feel welcomed to call the Sanctuary,or to write,if you would like to hear about The Laundry
Basket,which involves banging your clothes out to dry here in Northampton aid sending the quarters to
I laic to help children go to school and eat a meal.
ac:Anna Bayles Arthur,NGSM;Michael Radlscy;Bob Flaherty, Gazette;Pedal People
. the Sanctuary . PO Box 321 Northampton 01061 413.584.8187 .
. Samana . Northampton monk . sessions . wisdom counseling .
Pen blood , Health Anent
Director, Eoard of Health
"'ear Ten Mood, *'ay 2E, 2011. hedne sday Horning.
I write today to apnri_se you of what V believe to be
unsanitary conditions in the laun;,r=r room and adjacent
co-rigors o" 5cmovvld house in dorth 2Mpton.
Dan serous for the health_ of al] of us tenants here, three
th,a+nts pass la nndr- thr-,rrrrh these Te cc I nes, urine and or feces
still on there, At tin, s, tns stench fills the co-ridors of
the first and second floors, as well as fioodirn the apartrer:t.s,
particularly the apArthent directly above the laur_;ry room,
apart e t
knrther abnger is from fumes, both fabric softener and
possible gas from the trvers, due ro leaky hoses and/or
inadequate or makeshift ventilation.
.nor example, only because T as a tenant requested it ,
fans now Tull out of the laueviry room windows, yet the three
'ryers also vent out directly beneath those window, making
it likely that fumes are also ' e nom; drawn into the laundry
room and first floor corridors. The result of incontinence
issues and improper vent latinn is that the laun'rp room,
aH ;oininFy corridors, and the ^'a'n lobby to the buildin_e often
smell foul end may be harmful, as well as the machines
themselves spreao r[;. serious r=e-ms or disease to an elderly
and di ...hled tenancy.
7.11thy hl arl•ets wth real urible and rrasto on ther are
al sn t shed in those mac_' nes,
°7ease lnok into this sitration, and "eel freetr, contact
me et am time ,
cc: .-ichae7 3ardslev
Atty. Nancy Jane
_'_ve rman
A. les 'thur,
S.acredl i `,t,le, ''.TGSA
Peace S.: blessi.nes,
Sc....s...�. N6,16
, ��n,,ana, 73SE ,
:ur nhy, DIfi
Together we work locally, toward more beauty and hope.
Samana . the Sanctuary . Box 321 Northampton 01061 . 413.584.8187 .
May 26, 2011
Dear Ben Wood,
This is to give you a bit of a context about me, Santana, who wrote to you recently about a
possible health violation here at McDonald House, where I am a tenant.
. Santana .
BOARD OF HEALTH 1
CITY HALL
COMPLAINT RECORD
Date:
Time: t'4“
Map:
Name of Complainant: c5iv-tA+-!
Address: "4"'-'"Awn 'tDoic' , knxruna rnd ? -
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NATURE OF COMPLAINT:
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Parcel:
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Location: orc174—' J floasg E--tu ✓oey Ace,*
Owner: el Y.
Address:
REPORT:
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Action Taken: F,av- z."t Is
Tel:
Time: -EV
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Inspector Signature
O
BOARD OF HEALTH
CITY HALL
COMPLAINT RECORD
Date:a 1.0 7-07'
Time:
o`'
po
tY^
Parcel:
Name of Complainant: 56-04
NATURE OF COMPLAINT:
7Z YF-,C- — Nett, !Ai t 6(f4 =T
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prJ I T - 5 TeIA-sJ r5 c i,JCo+`rnNi'
( Kfs ir-th'i6' r yuar Uf,
owner:
Taken by:
Date of Inspection:
Time:
Inspector Signature
O
OF HEALTH
MBERS
3ALLOOM,CHAIR
IE SMITH,M.D.
IE LEVIN,M.D.
STAFF
nin Wood,MPH
of Public Health
R.N.,Public Health Nurse
iuk,Health Inspector
nith,Health Inspector
r McBride,Clerk
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
212 MAIN ST RE Tt OfiO
NORTHAMPTON,
CODE"
RDS FOR HUMANLHABITATION HAP 49 OLD SOUTH STREET:NMACDONALLD HOUSEUM
This legal document. It may affect your rights. You may
i an imp
obtain n a translation of this form at: 212 Main U Northampton Ma
que Isto a um documento legal muito impornte q P odes afectar os seus
direitos. Podem adquirir uma tradgao deste documento de: 212 Main St,
Northampton Ma
Le suivante est un important document legal. II pourrait affectar vos
droits. Vous pouvez obtenir une traduction de cette forme a: 212 Main
St, Northampton Ma
ortante. Potrebbe avere of a: tot ui
s u i di a i. documento legate a tr
suoi diritti. Let Pu Mare una traduzione di q
Main St, Northampton
Este es un documento legal importante. Puede que afecte sus direchos.
Ud. Puede adquirir una tradcci0n de esta forma en: 212 Main St,
Northampton Ma
To jest wazne legalny dokument. To mote miec wplYW na twoje
uprawnienia. Mozesz uzyskac tlumaczenie teo dokumentu w ofisie: 212
Main St, Northampton Ma
NORTHAMPTON 12 Mein OF HEALTH
City MA 01060
Tel#Northampton,) 587 -1214
Tel#: (44113)
LC Le Ce4-71
gt'` R> t-4 I BcufNS
N'�r�
MAILED rD T
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Sr a a (rEt-IAtr
BARD OF HEALTH
MEMBERS
NNA C.SALLOOM,CHAIR
SUZANNE SMITH,M.D.
JOANNE LEVIN,M.D.
STAFF
Benjamin Wood,MPH
Director of Public Health
kbbott,R.N.,Public Health Nurse
iel Wasiak,Health Inspector
fund Smith,Health Inspector
Heather McBride,Clerk
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
212 MAIN STREET
NORTHAMPTON,MA 01060
7/25/2011
uthority of Chapter 1I of the State Sanitary Code, as adopted under Chapter 111, Section 3 and 127A and
3 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Northampton Board of Health has conducted an inspection of
]welling named in the attached report, and found it to be in violation of the Minimum Standard of
ess for Human Habitation. A list of the violations is enclosed.
are hereby ordered to begin necessary repairs, or contract in writing with a third party within five(5)
> (of the date on this letter), and to make a good faith effort to substantially correct within thirty(30) days,
f the date of this letter, all violations recorded on the report.
I are further ordered to correct any violations followed by an asterix(*)within twenty-four hours of
eipt of this notice.These are violations or conditions,which endanger the health, or safety and well-being of
occupant as determined by 105 CMR 410.750 of the Code or the authorized inspector.This may permit the
upant to exercise one or m. A re inspection will be more
onducted, as indicated, to determine compliance.ed in the enclosed inspection
u are entitled to a hearing,provided a written petition is received within seven(7) days.You are also
itled to be lers and notices. Any adverse parties also ahave the right to appear at obtain of all relevant reports,
'ery occupant shall give the owner, agent or employees, access,upon reasonable notice, for the purpose of
rrecting these violations. (CMR.810)
tilure to comply with this order may result in a fine of not less than ten,nor more than five hundred
tllars; each day constituting a separate violation. It is your responsibility to provide proper workmanship
td to obtain the appropriate private permits where necessary.
our immediate attention will be appreciated. If you have any questions,please contact this office.
incerely,
ldmund Smith
3ealth Inspector,Northampton Health Department
Inspection Form
Northampton Board of Health,212 Main St.,Northampton, MA 01060,413-587.1214
SSC 105 CMR 410.000: Chapter II,Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation
#Occupants: NA #Children<6 Years: NA Cd ITown; Northampton
s:49 Old South Street: MacDonald House Unit# 1't Floor Laundry Room Y
Samana
712512011Time:1:00 pm
Phone#1(413)5848187
s
rant Na Authority David Adamson Maint.Director Phone#
me:
r Name:NoAhampton Housing
e: 010
Floor Level of Unit: Ground
r Address:49 Old South Street City/Town: Northampton#S ories
ailing)Rooming Units in Dwelling:
aping Rooms:
actor: Edmund Smith
#Habitable Rooms:
Title: Health Inspector
If violations are observed and checked,describe them fully on Page 3.
rea or
ement
Type of Violation
Use blank boxes for ones not listed
ommon
.reas &
Entry;
-aundry
Room
CI Electric 0 Fire ❑ Plumbing 0 Building
0 This inspection repo is signed
under the pains and penalties of perjury.
;nature: Representative Signature:
Occupant's P Time: 1:00 p
n Date:01312011 pm
violation(s)checked above 105 CMR 410 000.
ron of any condition(s)that constitute the violation. You may
description of the compliance con with impair the
Written description or Element, code citation and acceptable means of achieving endanger or materially P
de Area conditions which may
include remedies that would b Spection has upy n the premises -,
of any person(s)occupying
*Indicates that this housing lace duct materials as
,,safety, and well-being Description of Violation Repair and rep dryer venting
away from necessary to make dry
prRoomiment,Code Citation tly reply
DNer Venting currently sagging, elbows falling
Dints wrapped In non-compliant duct tape. code come
dry Room'. Dints-no
split sections and joints
of this tape to secure joints
are
;ent pipe, P exceeds cap the of pipe lace to secure joints,and some lengths Iht of horizontal ducts
and few clamps are in place seam.
splitting along
_OWING IS A BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE LEGAL REMEDIES TENANTS MAY
RDER TO GET HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS CORRECTED.
ithholding(General Laws Chapter 239 Section 8A).
Iolations Are Not Being Corrected you may be entitled to hold back your rent payment. You can do
Aan prove that your dwelling unit or common areas contain violations which are serious enough t
,ut being evicted if: o
' or materially impair your health or safety and that your landlord knew about the violations before you
Und in your rent.
Aid not cause the violations and they can be repaired while you continue to live in the building.
are prepared to pay any portion of the rent into court if a judge orders you to pay for it. (for this it best
le rent money aside in a safe place.)
ar and Deduct(General Laws Chapter 111 Section 127L).
nu sometimes allows you to use your rent money to make the repairs yourself. If your local code
sment agency certifies that there am code violations which endanger or materially impair your health,
or well-being and your landlord has received written notice of the violations,you may be able to use this
y. If the owner fails to be necessary repairs (or enter into a written contract to have them made)within
ays after notice or to complete repairs within 14 days after notice you can use up to four months' rent in
ear to make the repairs.
;taliatory Rent Increases or Eviction Prohibited (General Laws Chapter 186, Section 18 and Chapter 239
owner may not increase your rent or evict you in retaliation for making a complaint to your local code
•on 2A).
ircement agency about code violations. If the owner raises your rent or tries to evict within six months after
have made the complaint he or she will have to show a good reason for the increase or eviction which is
elated to your complaint.You may be able to sue the landlord for damages if he or she tries this.
tent Receivership (General Laws Chapter 111 Sections I27C-H).
e occupants and/or the board of health may petition the District or Superior Court to allow rent to be paid into
urt rather than to the owner. The court may then appoint a "receiver" who may spend as much of the rent
oney as is needed to c,orrect the violation. The receiver is not subject to a spending limitation of four months'
nt.
. Search of Warranty of Habitability.
'ou may be entitled to sue your landlord to have all Or some of you returned if your dwelling unit does net
neet minimum standards of habitability.
i.Unfair and Deceptive Practices(General Laws Chapter 93A)
Renting an apartment with code violations is a violation of the consumer protection act and regulations for
which you may sue an owner.
THE INFORMATION PRESENTED ABOVE IS ONLY A SUMNIARY OF THE LAW, BEFORE YOU
DECIDE TO WITHHOLD YOUR RENT OR TAKE ANY LEGAL ACTION. IT IS ADVISABLE THAT
YOU CONSULT AN ATTORNEY, YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE NEAREST LEGAL SERVICES
OFFICE WHICH 1S/
Western Mass Legal Services Tel 413-781-7814
One Monarch Place,Suite 400 \Springfield,MA 01144
BOARD OF HEALTH
MEMBERS
DONNA C.SALLOOM,CHAIR
SUZANNE SMITH,M.D.
JOANNE LEVIN,M.D.
STAFF
Benjamin Wood,MPH
Director of Public Health
Patricia Abbott,R.N.,Public Health Nurse
Edmund Smith,Health Inspector
Daniel Wasiuk,Health Inspector
Heather McBNde,Clerk
Northampton Housing Authority
Attn: Jon Hite
49 Old South Street
Northampton, MA 01060
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE
212 MAIN STREET
NORTHAMPTON,MA 01060
Re: COMPLIANCE WITH ORDERS
Dear Jon,
On July 25, 2011 an initial Housing Inspection was made at the property located at_49 Old
South Street (MacDonald House, specifically the Laundry Room 121 Floor)_, owned or operated by
you. Violations were observed and an enforcement letter with
correction orders were mailed to you on_July 26, 2011
A final re-inspection was conducted on August 1, 2011
All violations noted in the_July 25, 2011
enforcement letter were found to be corrected and therefore, please note that you have complied with
all of the correction orders issued in the inspection report.
This letter was signed under the pains and penalties of perjury. If you have any questions regarding
this matter, please contact me at my office.
Sincerely,
fiS r/ , Zdo/ y�y
Edmund Smith, Health Inspedtor /
,zc«Y ? at-L Njec k'• /• Z0//
J c>w ot-t T"& f- / 2-0 I f
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nos .J 6., 4J t
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r u-Pk-J,7 hP17.M SQ^�
44 ert.,> 4--4-
U-r Jolt H, <, ° ° inspection Form
Northampton Board of Health,212 Main St., Northampton,MA 01060,413-587-1214
SSC 105 CMR 410.000: Chapter II, Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation
te: '7
(dress:
:cupant
ypn Time: (2t) #Owr #Children
Name:
wrier Name:
wrier Address:
Dwelling)Rooming Units in Dwelling:
nit:
Atmik
Phone#
Phone# Sic y - 5,Y7
Cityftown: Zip Code:
#Stories: Floor Level of
Sleeping Rooms:
ispector. -
#Habitable Rooms:
Title:
, describe them fully on Page 3.
If violations are observed and checked
Type of Violation
Use blank boxes for ones not listed
Possible
Code
Section s
Responsible Party
Occupa
nt
Postin•, ID, Exit si li•hts
600,601
ails
s
Left Middle Right
Location(circle): Front Rear Middle
irmof Unit
Location(circle): Front Rear Middle
of Unit
401,402
501,551
Floor Level
Left Middle Right
Floor Level
401,402
501,551
3om
•�1 -p J Grp
i4rye,,C PLA-vric
J/lc� Raw- s UrJDeRnlr4itt , -111,c4 Feint n et S cepa 1—CA'O� rn�t s}c- -i- �1F�
'7V S� LE,to • a re L.t*C 5
Type of Violation
Use blank boxes for ones not listed
Sink, stove,
oven;good repair, impervious and
smooth, s.ace refri. windows,screens
lights, outlets,ventilation,
ter
Fuel Type Natural Gas
taken: Kitchen
T .e circle : Forced Hot Water Forced Hot Air Steam Electra
"Habitable room and every room with toilet, shower,
tub"
• 68F7 am to 11 pm,64 F 11:01 pm to 6:59 am,
except 6/15-9/15
• 78 F max in heating season/measure 5 feet wall,5
feet floor
ducal
Amperage,temporary wiring, metering
nage,
nbing
ce &CO
ectors
Free of .-sts rodents, skunks, cockroaches, insects
Structural maintenance and elimination of harbora!e
❑ Fire ❑ Y�um���ro — -
Referral:
❑ Elr ic ains and penalties of perjury.
This inspection fi
on report s signed and certied under the p
Occupant or Occupant's Representative Signature: