24A-034 (10) /9 -31/
Etheredge & Steuer, P.c.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
64 GOTHIC STREET
NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01060
EDWARD D.ETHEREDGE (413) 584-1600 FAX (413) 585-8406
SHELLEY STEUER'
'Also Admitted in New York
and California
May 14,2003
HAND DELIVERED MAY 1 4 2003
Anthony Patillo, Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: Blackberry Lane/George and Mary Willard
Application for Building Permit
Dear Mr. Patillo:
I understand George and Mary Willard have filed or intend to file an application for a building
permit to construct a single family house on Lot 34 (Map 24A) on Blackberry Lane in Northampton.
George and Mary Willard own an adjoining lot, Map 24A, Lot 69 (68 Ridgewood Terrace), where they
currently reside.
The Assessor's map shows the depth of Lot 34 as 96.25 feet on the northerly side and 95 feet on
the southerly side, less than the 120 feet presently required in a URA zone. While the Willards may have
acquired Lot 34 prior to the imposition of 120 feet depth minimum, they are not entitled to the
"grandfathering" provisions of G.L. c. 40A, §6 because they own adjoining land. Under the common
doctrine of merger Lot 34 is not a buildable lot. See Preston v. Board of Appeals of Hull, 51 Mass. App.
Ct. 236 (2001).
Sincerely yours,
Shelley Steuer
SS/kap