24B-030(1) 3 �
F. L. ROBERTS AND COMPANY
January 10, 2003
Claire Higgins, Mayor n ^nr
City of Northampton
210 Main Street
Rooml2
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: F. L. Roberts & Co., Inc. new car wash at the corner of King and Barrett Streets
Dear Mayor Higgins:
It is a pleasure to write this letter. We have met and spoken before at various EDC Board
meetings and other similar events.
Unsolicited from my construction manager, Tom Laramee, came the following comments to me
yesterday, Thursday the 9`h, after we received our Certificate of Occupancy for our car wash. Tom
wanted me to know that he has never been more impressed with, and actually very surprised
about, the Northampton building department and its inspectors.
Tom has worked in many Cities and Towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut over the past
fifteen years.Never has any building department been as responsive, helpful, and on time as
Northampton. Because of this Building Department team,Tom never experienced any delays in
construction as a result of inspectors not being on time as agreed.
One other note, they are knowledgeable as well. At the beginning of our project we had in issue
with converting fuel tanks to store water. It seemed simple to us, and no issue. Your inspector
was concerned, and we thought improperly so. As it turned out he was correct. He knew the law
and how to proceed to protect the integrity of the Department's inspection certification. We
learned from him.
You should be congratulated for such a fine department. It makes anybody who builds anything
(your tax base)want to come back. Wishing you a healthy and successful New Year.
Sincerely,
F. L. Roberts& o., Inc t1 r
WVO)iI1—Rob.erts._
President
cc:Building Department
POST OFFICE BOX 1964•SPRINGFIELD,MASSACHUSETTS 01101 •413/781-7444
WWW.FLROBERTS.COM