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2019.03.11 Staff Report.doc To: Historical Commission From: Sarah LaValley RE: Staff Report, March 11, 2019 Commission Meeting Please note that staff recommendations are based on the paper record. Applicants may present other information that could be persuasive. 5:30 PM – Public Hearing: To determine whether the building at 43 Finn Street, map ID 24D-202 should be determined "Preferably Preserved" pursuant to the Northampton Demolition Review Ordinance, Chapter 161 of the General Code. The Commission must deterrnine whether it would ‘be in the public interest to be preserved rather than demolished.’ Evidence.  Evidence to be gathered in order to render this determination could include the following: What is the current condition of the building or structure? How intact is the building or structure? What is the age of the building or structure? Is the building or structure an exemplary representation of a certain style or period and if so, how many of those exist? What is the building or structures role in the streetscape? Are there exemplary construction elements that embody distinctive characteristics of a period? Does the building or structure yield information important to history? Has the building or structure been designed by a famous and/or local architect? Has the building or structure been removed from its original location? If so, does it still have architectural value, or is the surviving structure importantly associated with an historic person or event? If the Commission determines the building to be Preferably Preserved, a delay of up to 12 months could be implemented, or the Commission could find that the intent and purpose of the Demolition Review ordinance is served in another manner. Determination of Significance Pursuant to Demolition Review Ordinance – 47 Chapel Street The Commission must evaluate the building for ‘significance’ based only on the below criteria. If the building is determined to be significant, a public hearing regarding ‘Preferably Preserved’ status and a possible demolition delay will be scheduled. This step is generally performed by a subcommittee to meet timeframe requirements The building or structure is listed on, or is within an area listed on, the National Register of Historic Places; or The building or structure has been found eligible by the National Park Service or the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the National Register of Historic Places; and/or the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places, or has an application pending; or The building or structure is importantly associated with one or more historic persons or events, or with the broad architectural, cultural, political, economic or social history of the City or the commonwealth; or The building or structure is historically or architecturally important, in terms of period, style, method of building construction or association with a recognized architect or builder, either by itself or in the context of a group of buildings. CT River Crib Structure The City of Northampton and its local partners in the river channel markers program is pursuing removal of a log and rock crib that requires marking and poses a hazard to boats. Removal will require approval of the state Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources. If the Commission does not have concerns with removal of the in-river structure as described in the memo, a letter to the BUAR is requested. This could include any conditions the Commission suggests, such as interpretive signage.