7 Pleasant Street Inspection Letter 2011-03-31
Jordi Herold
3 Massasoit Avenue
Northampton, MA 01060
April 1, 2011
re: 7 Pleasant Street
32C-019
Dear Mr. Herold,
In response to a complaint from your tenant, I inspected the residential unit on the 3rd and 4th floor of your building at 7 Pleasant Street in Northampton on March 31, 2011.
Your tenant is concerned about the structural integrity of the building, specifically the beams supporting the 4th floor level, and the roof structure.
The beams appear to be hemlock and exhibit a considerable amount of checking. One beam also exhibits some shake. There is a small crack along the bottom side of one of the beams which
is next to a knot. The beams in question support the 4th floor load but not the roof.
I am satisfied that the condition of the beams does not pose an immediate threat to life safety. I do, however, have some concerns about the extent of the checking and shake.
I am ordering that you have the beams evaluated by a structural engineer or other registered design professional, and that you present me with a copy of their report before April 16,
2011. If the report indicates a significant structural deficiency, you must immediately notify this office and take such measures as required under section 116 of the Massachusetts State
Building Code to make the structure safe.
Delivered by hand April 1, 2011 and by mail.
Louis Hasbrouck
Building Commissioner City of Northampton
cc Felicia Criscuolo
Mark NeJame
Lisa Kent
Jesse Adams
David Narkewicz
City Solicitor
Mayor of Northampton