23D-107 (34) b- tai
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON (�
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
OFFICE OF BUILDING INSPECTION
9 August 1989
Attorney John B. Howard
39 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Re : Pioneer Valley Nursing Home
548 Elm Street, Northampton, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Howard:
You have asked for my opinion as to whether the Pioneer Valley
Nursing Home structure is in compliance with the Northampton
Zoning Ordinance. I am informed that the structure is located
on property owned by New Pioneer Valley, Inc. in the URB
District and shown as Parcel 107 on Sheet 23D of the Northampton
Assessor ' s Maps.
I have examined the plan entitled "Record Plan of Land in
Northampton, Massachusetts Surveyed for New Pioneer Valley,
Inc. " , prepared by Almer Huntley, Jr. & Associates, Inc. and
dated 26 June 1986 and recorded in the Hampshire County Registry
of Deeds in Plan Book 139 , Page 80 . I have also reviewed the
zoning and building inspection file in this office on the
subject property.
I find that the use of the property as a nursing home was
allowed by a Special Permit granted on 29 May 1973 by the
Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals pursuant to Section 11,
Paragraph (i ) 5 and Section 12 of Northampton City Ordinance
Chapter 44 , the then-current zoning ordinance. In my opinion
the structure was erected in accordance with the permit and with
the plans and specifications submitted to the Zoning Board of
Appeals and to this office at that time.
Since its placement and construction predate the current
provisions of the Northampton Zoning Ordinance governing such
matters as setbacks, building coverage and open space, the
nursing home building is classified a pre-existing nonconforming
structure, is not subject to such provisions of the Ordinance
and therefore is not in violation of the same.
I am aware of no actions pending or contemplated by the City of
Northampton against New Pioneer Valley, Inc. on account of
zoning matters pertaining to the nursing home structure.
Very truly yours,
Bruce P Palmer
Building Inspector and Zoning Enforcement Officer