Northampton closes FY2027 budget hearing as five departments present staffing and infrastructure demands. Fire Chief Andy Pelis reported 9,240 calls in 2025, with 6,900 medical emergencies, justifying eight new firefighter positions added in 2026; the department remains five short of full strength.
Housing Partnership charts dual rent control strategy, eyes August formal position. Vice-Chair Hannah Shaffer and members discussed a statewide ballot initiative seeking to lift Massachusetts' ban on rent control, with 88,000 certified signatures from 124,000 gathered statewide in the first round,
City Council opens FY2027 budget hearing amid school funding debate. The Northampton City Council opened its public hearing on FY2027 budgets May 27 with presentations from the Information Technology Services Department, Health and Human Services Department requesting $1,531,675, and Northampton
Bicycle Subcommittee reviews multiple street projects, delays e-bike ordinance pending state action. The subcommittee heard updates from Carolyn Misch of the Office of Planning and Sustainability and Donna LaScaleia of the Department of Public Works on multiple street projects, including an Elm
Northampton Council approves Elm Street safety project, housing zoning changes. The City Council voted 8-1 to advance six ordinances implementing the Elm Street safety improvement project near Northampton High School, addressing congestion and unsafe crossings with modifications to traffic
Northampton Board of Health distributes $42,000 in ventilation grants, revises tobacco regulations. The Board of Health reported that a Ventilation Task Force initiative distributed $42,095.79 in American Rescue Plan Act grants to 11 local restaurants, bars, and event venues over two rounds,
Northampton subcommittee moves forward on restraint and phone policies. The Rules and Policy Subcommittee unanimously advanced revised restraint and seclusion procedures to the full School Committee on June 11, with rules facing a mandatory August 17 state deadline. Parent notification accelerated:
Northampton School Committee votes 6-0 to pursue Business Administrator hire. The Committee, after interviewing candidate Ann Marie DaSilva Nembirkow on budget management, Chapter 70 funding, and special education collaboration, voted to empower the Superintendent to enter negotiations with her.
Northampton License Commission approves 14 applications at remote May 20 meeting. Chair Natasha Yakovlev and Commissioner Jennifer Ewers unanimously approved short-term licenses for four Taste of Northampton restaurants serving wine and malt beverages on September 12-13, entertainment licenses for
Northampton Transportation Commission ends Vernon Street parking debate. The commission unanimously approved ordinances restricting parking on Vernon Street, Elm Street, and Parsons Street. The Vernon Street ordinance addresses eight years of congestion concerns dating to April 2018 and a February
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