24D-317 (6) City of Northampton
•
z Massachusetts
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTION
sp
212 Main Street • Municipal Building fi
Northampton, MA 01060 7:"
INSPECTOR
Round Hill Road Condominium Association
c/o George Danziger
31 Tara Circle
Florence, MA 01062
Map -Plot 24D -317
October 27, 2008
Dear George,
I inspected the buildings known as 127 -163 Round Hill Road on October 16, 2008. The buildings are,
generally, in good condition but there are a few specific conditions that must be addressed to allow continued safe
occupancy, and a few conditions that may present problems in the future.
The carrying beam in the southernmost basement area shows evidence that it is overloaded; it is
deforming at the bearing points. This is a serious situation and must be addressed as soon as possible. Please
submit plans and a timeline to correct this problem.
The exterior balconies on the rear of the buildings are part of the required means of egress. The decking
has begun to deteriorate, most notably on the center balcony. Additionally, the bottoms of the guardrails along the
balconies are not securely fastened. Please submit plans and a timeline to correct these problems.
The grade along the front of the building is much higher than is allowed by the Massachusetts State
Building Code. There are two sections of retaining wall which are failing, and the grade appears to be several
inches above the top of the foundation in a number of places. This is not an immediate hazard, but will likely
cause structural problems in the future. The sills along that side of the building have been replaced at least once,
and more problems in that area are likely.
A section of ceiling in the office area in the lowest basement has been removed. This ceiling is a fire
separation. It must be repaired.
The wiring for some of the water heaters appears suspect and should be checked by a licensed
electrician.
Several of the sets of concrete steps leading to grade from the walkway along the rear of the building
have settled, causing the height of the first riser to shorten and the height of the top riser to lengthen. The
differential exceeds the amount allowed by code for new construction, and if the steps continue to settle, this will
become a safety issue.
I have issued a temporary certificate of occupancy. The carrying beam, the balcony decking and the
office ceiling must be corrected as soon as possible.
Feel free to call if you have any questions. Our telephone number is 587 -1240 and our office hours are
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excepting that we close at 12:00 noon on Wednesdays. My email
address is: lhasbrouckcity.northampton.ma.us.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Louis Hasbrouck
City of Northampton
Local Inspector and Zoning Enforcement
Ihasbrouck @city.northampton.ma.us