I encourage you to attend this forum and voice your questions, concerns and hopes for infill and urban design in Ward 3. -Angela




Here is the associated press release:

City of Northampton Zoning Revisions Committee

For immediate Release: January 21, 2010

Contact:

Joel Russell, Chair, Zoning Revisions Committee, joelrusl@gmail.com, 413-584-7228

Danielle Kahn, Vice-Chair, Zoning Revisions Committee, djkahn2004@yahoo.com, 413-320-7208

Carolyn Misch, Northampton Office of Planning and Development, cmisch@northamptonma.gov, 413-587-1287


“Rezoning Northampton for a Sustainable Future”

The future of King Street, appropriate forms of infill development, controlling sprawl, providing a range of housing options, and improving urban design in Northampton will be among the issues discussed in a citywide public forum on February 24, 2010 from 7-9 PM at the JFK Middle School Community Room. The forum, hosted by the Zoning Revisions Committee (ZRC), will give citizens of Northampton the opportunity to suggest how Northampton’s Zoning Ordinance might be changed to implement the City’s Sustainability Plan. After a brief presentation on the ZRC’s ongoing process and the key issues it faces in revising the zoning, the ZRC will hear from citizens on such issues as ensuring quality urban infill, maintaining neighborhood character, and protecting the City’s green spaces and environmental resources. The goal is to implement the Sustainable Northampton Plan in a manner that improves our quality of life and maintains the best features of our community. Members of the ZRC, which was appointed by the Planning Board as an advisory committee, include Joel Russell, Chair, Dennis Bidwell, Stephen Gilson, Danielle Kahn, Adin Maynard, Peter McLean, Jim Nash, Dillon Sussman, and Tom Weiner.

        

A free healing event is being offered as a Valentine gift to the Northampton Arson Survivors and the Northampton Fire Department by various Reiki practitioners from the Pioneer Valley. Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is a gentle hands-on healing practice which promotes deep relaxation.

Recipients of Reiki lie on a massage table fully clothed, no oils are used, and little or no pressure is applied. Through this seemingly simple touch, people usually experience a sense of comfort and peace, a deep sense of calm and a feeling of general well being.

Arson Survivors and Firefighters are cordially invited to experience the relaxing benefits of a mini Reiki treatment on February 13 at Pathways Cohousing in Florence (Mountain Laurel Path off Florence Road) from 2-4pm. Treatments will be given to walk-ins, but you may also choose to make an appointment for a specific time.

RSVP with any questions. To reserve your place, please call Deb at 413-687-5914.

        

Here is WWLP's video coverage of January 24's ice fishing derby and raffle held at the Oxbow:

        

January 21, 2010

Sheriff Robert J. Garvey
Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office
P.O. Box 7000
Northampton, MA 01061-7000

Dear Sheriff Garvey:

On behalf of the residents of Northampton’s Ward 3, I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you and your department for all that you have done in assisting the formation of a Neighborhood Watch program for our Ward.

You have provided extensive help and support in organizing and coordinating efforts towards this end and I cannot thank you enough. Without the assistance of your Department, the residents of Ward 3 who were interested in the creation of a neighborhood watch would have been without direction or experience in organizing this significant undertaking. You willingly contributed your time and your department’s resources, including safety information and smoke detectors, to the residents of my Ward and I personally thank you for your commitment to our community’s safety.

I wish to also acknowledge Deputy Fenton’s efforts in representing your department through this difficult time. He has done a noteworthy job under difficult and trying circumstances. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I understand that an Officer’s or Deputy’s hard work often goes without recognition or thanks. Please extend my personal appreciation for all that he has done.

It is an honor for me as the City Councilor of Ward 3 to begin forming this neighborhood watch with your help, guidance and expertise. I am confident that the program will be successful and will no doubt be a model for other neighborhoods both within Northampton and its surrounding communities.

Thank you again for your willingness to provide this invaluable assistance. I look forward to our continuing efforts to assist one another in keeping this community safe for all its residents.

Respectfully,

Angela Plassmann
Ward 3 City Councilor

cc: Deputy Dave Fenton

        

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association makes this announcement today. All members of the public are welcome to this event.

To: Members of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Re: Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser for Northampton Fire Victims
From: Jerry Budgar, President

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and the World War II Club on Conz Street will be jointly sponsoring a Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser to benefit the victims of the recent Northampton Fires. There will be two sittings for dinner, at 5:30 and 7 p.m. this Friday, January 22nd, at the World War II Club. Members of the Association and the World War II Club are cooperating in this project, and we hope to raise a nice sum to help our friends and neighbors who were victimized by the recent rash of fires in our area.

Most, if not all, of the food for this supper is being donated by local businesses, and other businesses are donating prizes for a raffle that will also be held. We are very appreciative of the generosity of all who have helped make this event possible.

Tickets for the supper are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and toddlers are free. Many Ward 3 Association board members have tickets available. If you don't know any board members, feel free to contact me by phone or email and I'll be glad to get them to you. My telephone number is 584-2964 and my email address is: gbudgar@rcn.com...

I want to thank the World War II Club for being so helpful and supportive in so many ways in the wake of these awful fires. They offered to do whatever they could to assist our efforts after the fires and in fact hosted the organizational meeting of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Watch. They've been a great neighbor and we thank them for all they've done.

I hope to see everyone at the spaghetti supper on Friday!!!

Jerry Budgar
President

See also:

January 24: Ice Fishing Derby & Raffle for Northampton Fire Victims

Facebook: "Friends of Northampton Arson Victims", Upcoming Benefits

Gazette: "Arlo Guthrie to play at benefit" (1/11/10)
The concert is planned for the night of Jan. 23 at the Academy of Music. Tickets are $15.

Primate Fiasco and The Winterpills are among the other artists scheduled to perform. All proceeds will go to the Northampton Neighbors Relief Fund.

        

I will hold office hours on January 23 (Saturday) from 10am to 1pm at the Walter Salvo House (81 Conz Street). Please drop by to share your questions and concerns. We'll be meeting in the first floor office. It's on the right just after you walk in the front door. Anyone may attend, whether or not you live in Salvo House.

        

As I promised during my campaign to make myself more available to the public, I am pleased to announce a new residential phone number for constituents to contact me.  My new number is 413-727-8770.  My other contact information is still the same. Please feel free to contact me through this new number, my cell phone (413-265-1260) or my email.

Thank you all for your support. It is an honor for me to serve you in this capacity.

        

On January 24, 2010 there will be an ice fishing derby and raffle @ Oxbow/Easthampton Rod & Gun Club to help the victims of the fires in Northampton. Derby times are 6am until 4pm. The tickets will be $10 each and that gets you entrance into the derby and/or a raffle ticket. Over 40 businesses have donated goods and gift cards for the raffle and local business owners have donated cash that will go directly into the fund for victims. All tickets sold and all proceeds but $300 for derby winners will go to fire victims. 1st place fish - $200 prize - 2nd place fish $100 prize. Other prizes for more categories donated by local businesses. Kids under 14 can fish in derby for free and there will be prizes for them also.

All funds will go to The Northampton Neighborhood Fund through the United Way which will dispurse funds to victims. For more info call 413-335-5356. Tickets may be purchased at Valley Sports/Easthampton, Northampton Senior Center and Valley Motor Sports.

Thank you everyone and let's keep these people in our prayers!!


See also:

Facebook: "Friends of Northampton Arson Victims", Upcoming Benefits

        

This fire safety meeting is being organized by Ward 6 City Councilor Marianne LaBarge and the Ward 6 Association. Download a full-size PDF of this announcement.