14 Henshaw Significant Letter.pdf
December 21, 2022
Tom Hartman
Trustees of Smith College
Controller’s Office Northampton MA 01063
RE: Historical Commission demolition review, 14 Henshaw Avenue
Dear Mr. Hartman: In accordance with Chapter 161 of the Northampton Ordinance, “Demolition,” the Northampton
Historical Commission evaluated the house at 14 Henshaw Avenue for which a zoning permit demolition application was filed with the building department, and determined it to be a Significant Structure
pursuant to the Ordinance.
The Historical Commission will hold a public hearing under the Demolition Review Ordinance to
determine whether 14 Henshaw Avenue is “Preferably Preserved,” and whether a demolition delay should
be implemented. This hearing is scheduled for January 30, 2023, at 5:30 PM via an online Zoom meeting. I will follow-up in January with a public hearing notice.
Section 161-5 D of the Ordinance lists some evidence that the Commission might consider when making
its determination of Preferably Preserved status. These include, but aren’t limited to, the buildings’
condition, age, role in the streetscape, and construction elements. It would be helpful if you could provide any information you think would be useful for the Commission to consider.
Please let me know if I can provide any assistance prior to the hearing, or if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you-
Sarah I. LaValley
Cc: Jonathan Flagg, Northampton Building Commissioner
NORTHAMPTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
DEMOLITION REVIEW ACTION
Property: 14 Henshaw Avenue
Map 31B Parcel 196 Year Built 1887
Address: 14 Henshaw Avenue
Received in Building Department: November 17, 2022
Referred from Building Department: December 12, 2022
Action Taken
Action Taken By: ____ Entire Commission
__X_ Sub-Committee of the Commission
____ Commission Designee/ Staff
Date Action Taken: ________December 19, 2022_______Significance Determination
___________NA_________________ Public Meeting held
___________NA_________________ Public Hearing Held
Determination Made:
________ Property has been determined not to be
Significant according to Ordinance definition.
No further action will be taken. Demolition
Permit may be issued.
___X____ Property has been determined to be Significant
according to the Ordinance definition and a
Public Hearing has been/will be scheduled.
Demolition Permit may not be issued at this time.
________ Public Hearing has been held, Property was
determined Significant but not Preferably Preserved. No further action will be taken/
Demolition Permit may be issued.
Photo documentation may be required.