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Historical Commission
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Members
- Vacant
- Martha Lyon, Vice Chair
Term expires: June 2022 - Craig Della Penna, Historic Northampton & Realtor Association Nominee
Term expires: June 2022 - Pauline Fogel, Realtor Association Nominee
Term expires:June 2019
- Vacant, WMAIA Nominee
- Barbara Blumenthal
Term expires: June 2021 - Dylan Gaffney
Term expires: June 2019
Mission
Established by city ordinance in 1973 and updated in 2013 with the merger with the Historic District Commission, the Northampton Historical Commission (NHC) is charged the “preservation, promotion and development of the historical assets of the city.”
Commission Responsibilities
The seven-member Historical Commission is concerned with the preservation, promotion and development of the city’s historical assets. The commission also oversees the Elm Street Local Historic District, and works with the Department of Public Works to preserve and protect the City’s four historic cemeteries.
Historic District
The Historical Commission administers requests for work proposed in the Elm Street Historic District, which includes portions of both Elm Street and Round Hill.
Demolition Review
Northampton’s "Demolition Review" is a prerequisite review process prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. The ordinance protects properties from total demolition up to twelve months from the initial demolition request if, in the view of the commission, the property is historically significant or has architectural or cultural merit.
The ordinance covers all properties built in 1900 and earlier and all principal structures constructed from 1901 - 1945. Permits for demolition originate in the Building Department.
Permits Issued by the Commission
- Certain work within the Elm Street Historic District
- Demolition of certain historical buildings citywide