Historical Panel OKs Clark Avenue Demolition, Elm Roof

Other Committee · Meeting of June 8, 2026

Northampton's Historical Commission cleared demolition of an 1860s house and backed a cheaper roof over slate. The commission voted 6-0 that a deteriorated house at 32 Clark Avenue need not be "preferably preserved," citing termite damage, 70-year-old gas heat, knob-and-tube wiring and a fire-hazard setback under two feet from an abutting lot. Separately, it voted 5-1 to approve an asphalt roof at 345 Elm Street after contractor Patrick Morrissey priced full slate replacement near $400,000 versus $42,000 for asphalt.

The chair dissented, calling asphalt "kind of screaming at me" and citing the house's "million dollar" value. New member Rachel Simpson, filling the Realtors Association seat, backed asphalt, as did members Douglas and Michael.

In the full story:

• Chair's Report and New Member
• Central Business Architecture Committee Update: 33 King Street
• Florence National Register District Project
• DAR Program Announcement
• Approval of Minutes
• Certificate of Appropriateness: 345 Elm Street Slate Roof Replacement
• Demolition Review Hearing: 32 Clark Avenue
• Advisory Review: 17 Stilson Avenue Carriage House Conversion
• Historic Preservation Award Medallion Design Discussion
• Adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,997 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of June 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.