23A-146 City of Northampton
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Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity
C/O Cassandra Holden May 16, 2023
130 Pine St.
Northampton, Ma.01060
Re: Bombyx Event Shutdown
Dear Ms. Holden,
Recently, the Building & Fire Departments met on site at the Bombyx event space located at
130 Pine Street due to a concern as to the type of events that were being produced there. Upon
investigation of the situation, it was determined that some of the scheduled events are considered to be
in the "Night Club" cate o , ie: lar a attendance, live music, food, alcohol, nighttime operating hours
and low lighting levels. , this type of event requires
that the building in which the event is held, be equipped with a "Fire Suppression S stem" throughout if
the occupant load for the entire building has a capacity of 100 or more. Also, it is that "Night
Clubs" are not allowed to operate in the Office/Industrial zoning district. In the interest of"Life Safety",
we ordered that the building be shut down for such uses.
When you spoke with members of city departments last year, you made it very clear that these
were not the type of events that your group was planning on having. You stated that it was to be used
more for small scale entertainment, charity dinners, lectures, art exhibits, etc. You were also made
aware that you were going to have to have a fire suppression system installed if and when the Zone
Change that you applied for was granted.
At this time, the City would like to meet with you to discuss upcoming events and which ones
you may be allowed to continue to have. The Mayor's office will be reaching out to you shortly to
schedule said meeting. In the interim, you will not be allowed to hold "Concert" type events, and "Fire
Watches" are not an option. Also, the daycare and the Synagogue are not affected by this decision and
can remain in operation.
Respectfully,
L,NoAriA, IcA9g
onathan S. Flagg Chief Jon Davine
Building Commissioner Fire Chief
City of Northampton City of Northampton