Angela Plassmann - Northampton Ward 3 City Councilor

March 13: Office Hours, 10am-1pm, Walter Salvo House

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:44:00 GMT

I will hold office hours this Saturday, March 13, 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.

Thanks to Rotary for Supporting the Neighborhood Watch

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:37:00 GMT

February 28, 2010

Northampton Rotary Club
P.O. Box 505
Northampton, MA 01060

Dear Members of the Northampton Rotary:

On behalf of the residents of Northampton’s Ward 3, I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you and your members for the numerous acts of generosity and kindness you have offered and continue to provide to this community.

As a result of your outstanding financial assistance and visible commitment to the community, the Neighborhood Watch program has been expanded and will soon be active and advertised throughout the City of Northampton. Your organization willingly spearheaded the efforts to procure the signs as well as provided a new façade for the mobile billboard advertising the Neighborhood Watch program and I cannot thank you enough for your help. I am aware that your members have volunteered their time to move the billboard to various locations in the City. Please extend my heartfelt appreciation to them for their efforts and dedication to this cause.

To my knowledge, this is the City’s first undertaking of this type and I am anticipating its continued success due to your leadership, cooperative spirit, and continued involvement. Without your generosity and support it would be unlikely that residents and businesses would be able to meet the financial expense of these types of programs or even have the networking ability to effectively begin.

Thank you again for your willingness to provide this invaluable assistance and for helping this City through what is no doubt one of the most tragic events it has ever had to endure.

Respectfully,

Angela Plassmann
Ward 3 City Councilor

Here is a 30-minute blip.tv video introducing the Northampton Neighborhood Watch program. The Rotary Club hosted a press conference and luncheon at the Hotel Northampton on February 1. To learn more about the Neighborhood Watch, please call 413-584-1550.

A Dialogue on Marijuana Fines

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:55:00 GMT

You may have heard that I have been working on a proposed ordinance regarding marijuana fines. Here is an edited version of an email exchange I recently had with a resident of Ward 3, addressing why I care about this issue. As always, please email me or call me at 413-727-8770 should you have any questions or concerns.

Respectfully,

A constituent writes:

Dear Councilor Plassmann,

I was a bit surprised by the recent video [link] of the Committee on Social Services and Veterans Affairs meeting in which you advocated increasing fines for public marijuana use in Northampton. Nor was I aware that local drug enforcement policy was in that committee's purview.

Could you please provide some background, perhaps on your blog, as to why this is suddenly an issue? Has there been any public discussion at all about this matter, and on what basis have you concluded that your proposal represents the wishes of Ward 3 residents? Personally, I would prefer to see our overworked police focus their efforts on preventing violent crimes and crimes against property.

Thanks for your consideration.

Northampton, MA 01060

My response:

Dear Resident:

Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I too was a bit surprised when this topic came up at the Social Services and Veterans Affairs meeting but since Councilor LaBarge mentioned it, I felt it was only honest to share my thinking on the subject since I had recently been looking into the statistics. Councilor LaBarge was asking the members of the Committee what departments we would like to meet with for our upcoming schedule--that is the context and the manner in which the topic was brought up for discussion.

You have asked me why this is "suddenly an issue"? I must say that this subject has been an ongoing issue not just in our ward but the entire community. From the onset of my election campaign, I have tried to be forthright about my stand on illegal drug use in our neighborhoods and how it impacts our children, our families and our everyday lives. I am passionate on this subject as my family has suffered from one member’s use of illegal drugs, specifically marijuana. This person’s initial exposure to drugs was at age 14 in the Northampton Public School system. I see many other local teenagers traveling down this same road today.

The proposed fine increases are not primarily about the money. They are intended to provide a more serious deterrent to public use and to assist the police in enforcement.

You may not be aware, but the current law does not require a person caught with marijuana to identify himself to a police officer. A person could give a false name or even no name with impunity. In addition, the City Clerk's office is charged with administering the citations and fines--another manpower draw on her already overburdened office. Increasing the fines would provide the City Clerk's office with the funding to process the citations.

With regard to public discussion on the matter, the law is a result of a referendum question which the voters approved after considerable discussion. Many in the law enforcement and legal communities feel that the proponents' campaign misled the general public. Most non-users have little idea of how much an ounce of marijuana really is, nor do I suspect the majority were aware of the non-identification clause. An ounce of marijuana is about half a sandwich bag full--which represents far more doses than what most people would consider a "small amount". However, the Northampton proposal for discussion is not about the amount, it is about better deterring use of an illegal substance in public.

I agree that the marijuana issue has more than one side, and indeed, there is currently a proposal in the Senate to legalize and tax the marijuana industry.

I respect your opinion that the Northampton Police Department should prioritize more serious crimes. However, having worked at a Police Department and living with a police officer, I have firsthand knowledge of the frustration so many of the officers experience in dealing with the marijuana issue.

I did hear this as an issue during the city council campaign and I feel obligated as councilor to raise the topic for discussion. I appreciate your feedback and I hope you will understand that I am doing my best to serve the residents of Ward 3.

Fairgrounds Stormwater Management Hearing at Conservation Commission Set for March 25

Angela Plassmann — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:34:00 GMT

The Conservation Commission hearing for the proposed redevelopment project at the Three County Fairgrounds has been pushed back to March 25 at 6pm. The commission meets in the City Hall Hearing Room (Room 18 on the second floor, enter City Hall via the back door). See the proposed stormwater management plans here. I will keep you posted should there be any further changes.

-Angela

Download the Latest Three County Fairgrounds Stormwater Management Plans

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:50:00 GMT

Below are the latest proposed stormwater management plans for the Three County Fairgrounds redevelopment project. The plans are complex and I wanted you to be able to download and review them at the earliest opportunity. It is expected that the Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on this version of the plans on ~~March 11, 5pm~~ March 25, 6pm in the City Hall Hearing Room (Room 18 on the second floor, enter City Hall via the back door). I urge concerned citizens to attend.

Please contact me with your questions and concerns. I will post updates and meeting schedules regarding this project as the plans move forward.

-Angela

Three County Fairgrounds: Stormwater Drainage Report, Revised 2/5/10 (PDF, 118 pages, 8MB)

Three County Fairgrounds: Northampton Stormwater Permit Plans, Revised 2/5/10 (PDF, 18 pages of large charts and diagrams, 12MB)

See also:

Video: MEPA Visit to Three County Fairgrounds, 11/30/09

Video: Conservation Commission, 11/12/09: Three County Fairgrounds

Please Complete and Return Your Federal Census Form by April 1

Angela Plassmann — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:49:00 GMT

Please help Northampton have a successful 2010 census! For more information, click here. -Angela

February and March Meetings of Interest to Ward 3 Residents

Angela Plassmann — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:45:00 GMT

Dear Residents:

To update you on my meetings relating to city business, I will publish my schedule for a month in advance. I'll also publish intermediate updates as needed.

I have the following meetings in my calendar through March.

February Meetings

Wednesday, February 17
Zoning Revisions Committee meeting, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Room 11, City Hall

Thursday, February 18
City Council Meeting, 7:15 p.m. (public comment), Council Chambers

Monday, February 22
Committee on Social Services and Veterans Affairs, 4:30 p.m., City Council Chambers

Monday, February 22
I-91 meeting, 6:00 p.m., Bridge Street School

Tuesday, February 23
Committee on Economic Development, Housing and Land Use, Council Chambers, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 24*
Zoning Revisions Public forum, 7 p.m., JFK Community Room

Thursday, February 25
Conservation Commission Meeting, 5 p.m., Room 11, City Hall

Friday, February 26
All-day training for Neighborhood Watch Program

March Meetings

Monday, March 1
Public Safety Committee meeting, 6 p.m., Council Chambers

Thursday, March 4
City Council Meeting, 7:15 p.m. (public comment), Council Chambers

Monday, March 8*
Committee on Elections, Rules, Ordinances, Orders & Claims, 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 8-10
Interviews for the CDBG Public Review Committee in conjunction with Veterans Affairs, 6 p.m., Room 11, City Hall

Tuesday, March 9*
Walter Salvo House Tenant Meeting, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 9*
Ward Three Neighborhood Association meeting, 7 p.m., Bridge Street School

Saturday, March 13
My Office Hours, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Walter Salvo House (all welcome)

Monday, March 15
Committee on Social Services and Veterans Affairs, 4:30 p.m., Room 11, City Hall

Thursday, March 18
Meeting with Mayor Higgins, 4:30 p.m., Mayor's office

Thursday, March 18
City Council Meeting, 7:15 p.m. (public comment), Council Chambers

Tuesday, March 23
Committee on Economic Development, Housing and Land Use, 7 p.m., Council Chambers

* Due to a conflict, I will be unable to attend.

If you have any questions about these meetings, please email me or call me at 413-727-8770.

Respectfully,

Volunteers Wanted for Charter Review Committee

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:20:00 GMT

“Rezoning Northampton for a Sustainable Future”, February 24 Public Forum

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:02:00 GMT

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.

February 13: A Reiki Valentine for Arson Survivors and Firefighters

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:01:00 GMT

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.

WWLP Video: "Oxbow hosts ice fishing benefit"

Angela Plassmann — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:49:00 GMT

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

An Open Letter of Thanks to Sheriff Robert J. Garvey

Angela Plassmann — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:48:00 GMT

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

January 22: Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser for Northampton Fire Victims

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:24:00 GMT

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.

January 23: Open Office Hours to be Held at Salvo House, All Welcome

Angela Plassmann — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:52:00 GMT

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.

New Residential Phone Number for Councilor Plassmann

Angela Plassmann — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:41:00 GMT

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.

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

Angela Plassmann — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:50:00 GMT

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

February 10: Ward 6 Public Meeting - Overview of Fire Safety

Angela Plassmann — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:58:00 GMT

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.

January 16: Free H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic

Angela Plassmann — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:02:00 GMT

The Northampton Health Department is holding a free and open H1N1 vaccine clinic for everyone 18 and older on January 16th, 2010, from 9:00am-12:00pm at Smith Vocational High School, 80 Locust Street, Building A. The clinic is for persons 18 years and older who live or work in Northampton.

Have questions about the flu? Call the flu hotline at 413-587-1314 or email flu@northamptonma.gov with your question.

January 6: Ward 3 Neighborhood Watch 1st Meeting

Angela Plassmann — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:51:00 GMT

The Ward 3 Neighborhood Association announces today:

Ward 3 Neighborhood Watch 1st Meeting

The first meeting of the Ward 3 Neighborhood Watch will be at 7 PM Wednesday, January 6th at the World War II Veterans Club at 50 Conz St. The meeting is open to all and there will be some time for public comment.

A representative from the Hampshire Sheriff's Office will be present to talk about crime prevention and safety measures that each individual household can take. It will also include ways to make your home less susceptible to a break-in.

We will be looking for volunteers to be Block Captains. A Block Captain will be the point person for their neighbors and be responsible for distributing information to them, getting their contact information, and understanding their situation and concerns. We hope to establish an initial list of Block Captains and build a rudimentary infrastructure to distribute information, news and materials.

We will also discuss the potential for increased surveillance and lighting. This will include technology like motion lights and possibly personal cameras.

Arnold Levinson is the point person for this effort and can be contacted at 413-320-6982.

January 4: Inauguration Ceremony and Luncheon - You're Invited

Angela Plassmann — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:47:00 GMT

All members of the public are welcome to these events. Hope to see you there. -Angela