More about the so-called city of Easthampton, Massachusetts

[ellid]

From the local paper:

Condo project vote expected
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
By NANCY H. GONTER


The Easthampton Zoning Board of Appeals is expected to take a critical vote today on a project that would allow the former Water Works building to be turned into three condominiums.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Water Works project is to be discussed at 7:15 p.m. It will be held at the Municipal Building, 50 Payson Ave.

The Zoning Board has already had two sessions to take public comment and discuss the proposal by Autumn Properties to rebuild the structure. At its last meeting earlier this month, one board member was missing and that could have led the project being rejected.

Four of the five board members need to vote in favor of the project for it to be approved. Because of deed restrictions requiring the building to be used for residences, city officials have said if the permit is not approved, the land will be unusable.

Autumn Properties purchased the property from the city in November 2007 for $121,500 on the condition it be turned into residence and that public access be allowed to the Manhan River which runs next to the building.

However, Zoning Board members raised a series of technical and zoning questions about the project which is under its jurisdiction because it is in the Manhan River Protection Overlay zone. Some of the concerns stem from the plan to partially or completely demolish the building because it is not structurally sound.

Both Mayor Michael A. Tautznik and the Planning Board have endorse the project which includes four parking spaces in a parking garage and 7 other parking spaces and the three condominiums with decks overlooking the river.

Also on the agenda at the Zoning Board meetings is request from Eric M. Froebel of 381 East St. to get a special permit to keep a small flock of chickens. That hearing begins at 6:30 p.m.

Comments

[lorena-snape.livejournal.com]

Yes, the poor overworked city leaders actually have to listen to the little guy now and then, in addition to the big developers. I say "Good Luck" to Eric - personally, I hope he gets his chickens.

Once upon a time, a man could put whatever he damn well wanted to on his own property, and now not only does he have to ask permission, he has to pay for a permit to boot. Sheesh. Chickens are harmless, quiet apart from the occasional pleasant clucking noise (no need for a rooster), and they give us eggs. What's wrong with that?

Besides, if the economy keeps going the way it is, more and more people will have to start raising their own food again, keeping livestock and gardens. People may as well get used to the idea...

/end rant

:-)

[nicolaa5.livejournal.com]

We've had a similar issue crop up here in the Toronto area--someone wanting to keep chickens in their back yard, and really not that many of 'em. I believe one of the neighbours was quoted as being bothered by the "incessant clucking sounds."

[lorena-snape.livejournal.com]

I've been around them (chickens, not the neighbors. *grin*) and perhaps it varies w/ the breed, but the ones we had made a soft cooing sound, rather like a pidgeon or dove.

It's a heck of a lot nicer than snippy little ankle-biters (dogs) who bark incessantly. Now That's annoying!

;-)