2023.10.30 Staff Report
To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: October 30 2023 Historical Commission Staff Report
Please note that staff recommendations are based on the paper record. Applicants may present
other information that could be persuasive.
The Commission should review the Design Standards for each proposed piece of regulated work.
Demolition standards are on page 23.
5:00 PM – Public Hearing - Request for a Local Historic District Certificate
Appropriateness pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code for the
proposed demolition of an existing garage structure. David Dietz & Renee
Wetstein. 17 Harrison Ave, Map ID 31A-334.
Overview:
The application proposes demolition of a garage. The parcel on which the garage sits is unique
in the district in that it does not have frontage on Elm Street; it was divided just recently from
222 Elm Street. The prior parcel’s frontage and size (at .6 acres, it had been one of the largest
residential properties in the district) was sufficient to allow the rear parcel to be its own lot with
frontage on Harrison Avenue. The LHD boundaries are set, and do not shift in the case of a
parcel division. Since the parcel is within the LHD, demolition is considered pursuant to local
historic district processes and standards, not the Demolition Review Ordinance. A replacement
structure is not proposed at this time.
Recommendation:
The Design Standards specify that “Historic buildings are irreplaceable community assets.
Demolition of any building or structure within the district should be carefully considered. With
each demolition, the historic integrity of the district is further eroded. Demolition or removal of
a building or structure located in the historic district (whether or not the structure is visible to
the public) requires a demolition or removal permit from the Commission. The Commission will
approve a demolition permit only if the building or structure to be demolished has been
determined by the Commission to have no significant historic merit or historic relationship to
the Elm Street Historic District. Removal and relocation shall be considered only as an
alternative to demolition.”
The garage structure was built in 1965. It is not mentioned in the historic inventory form for
222 Elm Street. It is situated towards the rear lot line from Harrison Avenue, though it is visible
from Elm Street as it served that structure and is not hidden from view by the multifamily
building. If the Commission finds that the standard for demolition has been met, and that the
demolition will not detract from the character of the district, a certificate of appropriateness can
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be issued. Any new construction, or any other site work not specifically exempted will also
require a separate application and review for a certificate of appropriateness.