Northampton
Upcoming
City Council Committee on City Services
The committee will consider the appointment of a new Veterans Services Director. Additionally, they will review several new appointments and reappointments for various city commissions and boards.
- Appointment of Daniel Nye as Veterans Services Director
- Appointments to Disability Commission, Council on Aging, License Commission, Conservation Commission, and Board of Assessors
- Reappointments to Zoning Board of Appeals and Historical Commission
- Reappointments to Energy and Sustainability, Human Rights, and Urban Forestry Commissions
- Reappointment to Central Business Architecture Committee
Housing Partnership
The Northampton Housing Partnership will discuss updates on the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund and a rent control update. They will also approve previous meeting minutes and receive project updates as needed.
- Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund update
- Rent Control Update discussion
- Approve minutes from June 1, 2026
- Project updates as needed
Housing Partnership
The Housing Partnership will review the status of the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund and receive an update on rent control. The board will also coordinate its August meeting schedule.
- Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (MAHTF) review
- Rent control update
Northampton Reparations Study Commission
The Northampton Reparations Study Commission will review the status of their report presented to the City Council and discuss the development of a preliminary report. Members will also explore how to establish official accounts for accepting philanthropic and private reparations donations.
- Status update on the report presented to the governing body
- Plan for interviewing residents and business owners on equitable actions
- Data collection update on Black-owned businesses
- Process for setting up municipal accounts for reparations donations
- Update on UMass Amherst grant for Black Sovereign Land research
Board of Registrars
The Board of Registrars will meet to review previous meeting minutes and current voter registration statistics. The agenda follows a standard monthly state calendar for election administration.
- Review of ROV (Registered Voter) statistics
Planning Board
The Planning Board will continue a hearing on a site plan major project and special permit for demolition and construction at 33 King St. The proposal includes demolishing a 21,000 sq ft building and constructing 114,000 sq ft of mixed uses in two buildings. The board must decide if site plan standards are met and if special permits for building footprints over 10,000 sq ft are warranted. Other items include a discussion on sign ordinance amendments and approvals of minutes and ANRs.
- Demolition of 21,000 sq ft building and construction of 114,000 sq ft mixed-use in two buildings at 33 King St (Map ID 32A-127)
- Special permit requested for building footprints over 10,000 sq ft (one ~10,000, one ~12,000 sq ft)
- Discussion of proposed sign ordinance amendments
- Approval of minutes from June 11, 2026
- ANRs for Fairview Ave and Spring Street (ANR-26-7 & 8)
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two special permit applications. One seeks to amend a permit to change use and structure from principal to accessory at 105 Pine St in Florence. The other seeks a permit to replace a nonconforming house with another nonconforming house at 32 Clark Ave.
- Special permit amendment for Eric Winkler at 105 Pine St, Florence (change use/structure from principal to accessory)
- Special permit for Jared Starr at 32 Clark Ave (replace nonconforming house with another nonconforming house)
Board of Registrars
This meeting covers monthly topics from the state calendar, including annual street listing, inactive voter outreach, early voting plans, and election warrants. The board will also review previous meeting minutes and election statistics.
- Review minutes of previous meeting
- Annual Street Listing updates and additional inserts
- Inactive Voter Status and outreach plans
- Early Voting Plans and Accessible Vote System (Omniballot)
- Election Warrant and other election items
Board of Registrars
The Board of Registrars will discuss the State Primary Election wrap-up for September. They will also review plans for vote-by-mail applications, early voting, and the Election Warrant. The meeting includes approval of minutes and new business.
- State Primary Election wrap-up discussion
- Plans for Vote By Mail applications (June)
- Early Voting Plans for August and October
- Election Warrant and other election items
- Annual Street Listing status and inserts
Board of Registrars
The Board of Registrars meets to review minutes and discuss monthly election-related tasks for the year, including street listings, vote-by-mail, and early voting plans. The meeting is mostly procedural with no major decisions expected.
- Review of meeting minutes from previous meeting
- Monthly topics: January annual street listing, February status update, March second mailing, April inactive voter outreach
- June plans for vote-by-mail applications
- August early voting plans and vote system (Omniballot)
- October plans for counting overseas ballots after election
Board of Registrars
The Board of Registrars will meet to review voter registration statistics and handle monthly administrative tasks. The primary focus for this November meeting is approving additional inserts for the annual street list mailing.
- Approval for additional inserts for Annual Street List mailing
- Review of ROV (Registered Voter) statistics
- Approval of previous meeting minutes
Board of Registrars
This is a procedural meeting of the Board of Registrars to review minutes, discuss recurring monthly tasks for voter registration and elections, and handle routine administrative items. No significant decisions or new business are noted.
- Review of January Annual Street Listing and inserts
- Status update on February Annual Street List
- Outreach for inactive voters in April
- Plans for Vote By Mail applications in June
- Early voting and accessible voting system plans in August
Last 30 days
City Council Committee on Legislative Matters
The Committee on Legislative Matters will discuss five proposed ordinances: parking restrictions on Parsons, Vernon, and Elm Streets (ordinances 26.070, 26.071, 26.083, 26.084) and bus stop locations (26.085). They will also consider a report from the Ordinance Review Committee and how to incorporate its recommendations. Public comment will be heard at the start.
- Ordinance 26.070: Parking restrictions on Parsons Street
- Ordinance 26.071: Parking restrictions on Vernon Street
- Ordinance 26.083: Parking restrictions on Elm Street
- Ordinance 26.084: No parking at certain times on Elm Street
- Ordinance 26.085: Bus stop locations, with memo re Elm Street bus and parking
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold two public hearings for special permits to add decks to nonconforming houses. One at 73 Warner St (single-family) and one at 31 Elizabeth St (two-family). The board must find the changes not substantially more detrimental. Other agenda items include approving prior minutes and discussing board operations.
- Special permit for deck addition at 73 Warner St, Florence (nonconforming single-family house)
- Special permit for deck addition at 31 Elizabeth St, Northampton (nonconforming two-family house)
- Approval of minutes from May 14, 2026 meeting
- Discussion of next hearing dates and summer schedule
- Discussion on board operations
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding special permits for residential properties. Both requests involve modifying nonconforming setbacks for single- and two-family homes.
- Special permit for new nonconforming setbacks at 73 Warner St, Florence
- Special permit to increase nonconforming setbacks at 31 Elizabeth St, Northampton
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two special permit applications to add decks or increase setbacks for nonconforming houses. One application from Elaine Kersten at 73 Warner St in Florence; the other from David Murphy at 31 Elizabeth St. The board must find the changes not substantially more detrimental. Other agenda items include approving past minutes and discussing board operations.
- Public hearing for special permit to add deck at 73 Warner St, Florence (LU-26-16)
- Public hearing for special permit to increase nonconforming setbacks at 31 Elizabeth St (LU-26-18)
- Board must vote 3-0 with super majority for each permit
- Review of minutes from May 14, 2026 meeting
- Discussion of summer meeting schedule and board operations
Northampton Retirement Board
The Northampton Retirement Board will review actuarial results and determine the funding schedule and COLA base increase for FY2028. The board will also process retirement applications and approve payroll warrants.
- FY2028 Retiree COLA Base Increase vote
- FY2028 Funding Schedule review and vote
- Actuarial results presentation by Stone Consulting
- FY2027 Chair and Vice Chair appointments
- Review of disability and superannuation retirement applications
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission will hear public comments, review May minutes, debrief the Juneteenth event, and discuss Northampton Fair Housing Advocacy. They will also reimagine how to address complaints, potentially leading to changes in procedures.
- Public comment session
- Review of May 28, 2026 minutes
- Debrief of Juneteenth event and tabling communication
- Discussion on fair housing advocacy
- Reimagining complaint handling process
Conservation Commission
The Commission will evaluate a request regarding loading dock alterations on Mt. Tom Rd and a notice of intent for a home addition at 162 Main Street. Additionally, members will consider approving the Mineral Hills South Conservation Restriction and a certificate of compliance for Riverside Drive sewer work.
- Loading dock alteration determination (Mt. Tom Rd)
- Home addition and accessory structure modification (162 Main Street)
- Mineral Hills South Conservation Restriction approval
- Riverside Drive Sewer Certificate of Compliance (DEP File 246-0794)
City Council Committee on Finance
The Committee on Finance will review and compare price proposals from CBIZ and Scanlon for auditing services. The committee will also discuss client experiences with CBIZ regarding the FY2027 audit.
- Comparison of CBIZ vs. Scanlon price quotes
- Review of Scanlon proposal for FY27-FY29
- Inquiry into CBIZ client experience
City Council
The City Council is meeting to approve the final transfer of funds for the 2026 fiscal year. The discussion focuses on miscellaneous accounts and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB).
- Order 26.092: FY2026 End of Year Transfers - Miscellaneous
- Order 26.093: FY2026 End of Year Transfers - OPEB
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks & Recreation Commission will hear a director's report covering the Soccer Festival, summer camps, and a parks update on the Maines Field Resilience Study public engagement. They will also discuss Community Preservation Committee updates and any new business.
- Soccer Festival June 14 recap
- Summer camps update
- Maines Field Resilience Study public engagement
- Community Preservation Committee updates
Public Shade Tree Hearings
This is a brief, procedural public hearing on municipal shade tree management. The agenda includes a short period for resident comments, a reading of the official notice, and a brief discussion by the Tree Warden. No specific tree removals, contracts, or fee changes are listed for this session.
- Public comment period (5 minutes)
- Reading of the Public Shade Tree Hearing notice
- Brief discussion and adjournment
The Tree Warden held a public hearing regarding the removal of four slippery elm trees. With no public objections recorded, permission was granted to remove the trees.
- Approved removal of four slippery elm trees (7, 15, 13, and 10 inches)
City Council
The City Council will consider several financial orders, including transferring $656,012 from free cash to cover the snow and ice account deficit. They will also vote on second readings of multiple Community Preservation Act (CPA) appropriations totaling over $938,000 for projects such as Forbes Library lighting, Parsons House restoration, an accessible rail trail entrance, and Nashawannuck Brook restoration. Other actions include appointing a new Veterans Services Director, issuing a secondhand dealer license, and first readings of parking and sidewalk snow removal ordinances.
- Transfer $656,012 free cash to cover snow/ice deficit
- Appropriate $145,583 for Coolidge Museum lighting at Forbes Library
- Appropriate $253,660 for Parsons House restoration
- Appropriate $202,000 for accessible rail trail entrance at Northern Avenue
- Appropriate $330,111 for Nashawannuck Brook restoration
Board of Health
The Board of Health will hold a public comment session and consider a minor modification to Valley Recycling's site agreement to increase daily tonnage by 150-200 tons. They will also conduct a final review and possible adoption of revised tobacco and nicotine regulations, including the Nicotine Free Generation policy. Follow-up on Kratom regulations and an update on FDA guidance on flavored vapes are on the agenda.
- Valley Recycling – increase daily tonnage by 150-200 tons (currently 324 tons per day)
- Final review of edits to tobacco/nicotine regulations, including Nicotine Free Generation policy adoption
- Follow-up on Kratom regulations
- Update on FDA guidance on flavored vapes
- Review of May 21, 2026 meeting minutes
Youth Commission
This meeting of the Northampton Youth Commission will discuss updates on volunteer parking data collection, the summer fundraiser, and committees for the next year. It also includes a City Council update and a senior send-off. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.
- Volunteer for parking data collection update
- Summer fundraiser update
- Discussion of committees for next year
- Senior send-off
The Youth Commission approved the minutes from the June 10 meeting. The rest of the meeting consisted of discussion about subcommittees for the next year, a parking volunteer opportunity, and updates from the city council. No other formal decisions were made.
- Approved June 10 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Northampton School Committee Rules & Policy Subcommittee
The Rules & Policy Subcommittee will discuss proposed updates to field trip policies, including new procedures for school buses and motorcoaches (IJOA-1) and revisions to the overall field trip policy (IJOA). They will also review subcommittee goals and plan future agenda items on absenteeism, AI policy, and rules of procedure.
- Review new IJOA-1 field trip procedures for school buses and motorcoaches
- Discuss proposed policy IJOA on field trips
- Consider removing current procedures (IJOA-1) and guidelines
- Set subcommittee short- and long-term goals
- Future agenda items: absenteeism, AI policy, rules of procedure
Northampton School Committee
The Northampton School Committee will enter executive session to discuss a prohibited practice charge filed by the Northampton Association of School Employees and then consider multiple votes, including codifying an off-and-away phone policy pilot at the high school, approving the bullying prevention and intervention plan, and a resolution supporting Massachusetts bills H.4361 and S.1884. The committee will also receive reports on school improvement plans and the budget.
- Executive session to discuss prohibited practice charge (MUP-26-12080) filed by NASE
- Vote on pilot policy: 'Away for the Day' at Northampton High School
- Vote to approve NPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
- Vote on resolution supporting Massachusetts Bill H.4361 and S.1884
- Votes on MOAs for Nutrition Services Clerical Staff, Clerical Staff Tracking Missed Services, and Tech Integrationist
License Commission
The License Commission will consider several short-term liquor licenses for the Taste of Northampton and Look Park events. The board will also hold public hearings regarding a license transfer to Great Wall Restaurant and potential violations by Noho Social.
- Short-term liquor licenses for Taste of Northampton at Armory Street Parking Lot
- Short-term liquor licenses for Look Park and Train Lot events
- Outdoor dining extension for Sub Rosa at 33 West St (166 sq. ft)
- Transfer of annual all-alcohol license from American Legion to Great Wall Restaurant at 176 Pine St
- Public hearings on license violations and failure to exercise license for Noho Social
Transportation & Parking Commission
The Transportation and Parking Commission will convene to approve previous minutes, receive department reports, and discuss specific parking matters including a proposal for Bancroft Road and a referral from the City Council.
- Approval of May 19, 2026 minutes
- Discussion of Parking on Bancroft Road
- Discussion of City Council Order 26.050
- Reports from departments and subcommittees
- Public Comment period
Hampshire Public Health Preparedness Coalition
The Hampshire Public Health Preparedness Coalition will hold a virtual public meeting to review its FY27 budget and work plan, discuss ongoing regional projects, and review programmatic updates.
- FY27 Budget & Work Plan discussion
- Ongoing and upcoming regional projects
- Programmatic, training, and exercise updates
- Public meeting open to residents
- Meeting held via Zoom
City Council Committee on Finance
The Northampton City Council Finance Committee will meet remotely to discuss proposals for auditing services for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The committee will review preliminary responses from Roselli, Clark & Associates and CBIZ, and consider the Scanlon proposal.
- Approval of April 29 and June 10, 2026 meeting minutes
- Review of preliminary responses from Roselli, Clark & Associates
- Review of preliminary responses from CBIZ (formerly Marcum, LLP)
- Discussion of Scanlon proposal for FY2027-FY2029 audits
- Discussion of auditor selection and committee structure
Arts Council
The Northampton Arts Council will hold a remote meeting to review meeting minutes, discuss grant applications, and address public art and poet laureate updates.
- Review and vote on May 12, 2026 meeting minutes
- ArtsEZ Grant Review updates
- Poet Laureate updates
- Public Art updates
- New Business
City Council Committee on Community Resources
The Community Resources Committee meets for a largely procedural agenda, including approval of previous minutes, public comment, and an update from the Downtown Northampton Association (DNA) board members on downtown business and community activities. No items are referred or new business scheduled.
- DNA Update with board members Isaac Weiner (Familiars Coffee & Tea) and Amanda Shafii (Copy Cat Northampton)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold two public hearings: a site plan to convert a historic barn into a residence at 17 Stilson Ave, and a major project for a 114,000 sq ft mixed-use development at 33 King St, involving demolition of a 21,000 sq ft building and a special permit for over 10,000 sq ft footprint.
- Site plan to convert historic barn at 17 Stilson Ave, Florence to residential use
- Major project: demolition of 21,000 sf building and construction of 114,000 sf mixed-use in two buildings at 33 King St
- Special permit for building footprint over 10,000 sf at 33 King St
- Applicants: Valley Community Development and The Community Builders
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hear two site plan applications. The major item is a proposal by Valley Community Development and The Community Builders to demolish a 21,000 sf building and construct 114,000 sf of mixed uses with site improvements, requiring a special permit for building footprints over 10,000 sf. Also on the agenda is a site plan to convert a historic barn/garage to residential use at 17 Stilson Ave. The board will approve minutes from prior meetings and ANRs for West St and Columbus Ave.
- 33 King St: demolish 21,000 sf building, build 114,000 sf mixed-use, special permit for footprint over 10,000 sf
- 17 Stilson Ave: convert historic barn/garage to residential use
- Minutes from Apr 23 and May 14
- ANRs for West St and Columbus Ave (ANR-26-5 & 6)
Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council
The Northampton School Committee Student Advisory Council will meet briefly to hear a student presentation on the 2026 Student Union Survey. This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and a single presentation, with no formal votes or policy decisions scheduled. Written public comments may be submitted to the School Department by June 10.
- Student presentation on the 2026 Student Union Survey
- Hybrid meeting at JFK Middle School and via Zoom
- Deadline for written public comments (June 10)
Northampton School Committee
The Northampton School Committee will vote on accepting the FY27 budget of $47,001,193, a 6.45% increase from FY26, which includes a Smith College donation and special education stabilization fund. Other major votes include adopting an 'off and away' cell phone policy for the high school, approving a bullying intervention plan, and a first reading of a policy on restraint and seclusion. The committee will also discuss a long-term heat mitigation plan, an agreement with the YMCA for after-school programming, and a resolution supporting Massachusetts bills H.4361 and S.1884. Public comment is open for up to 90 minutes, and the meeting includes a retirement presentation and student representative report.
- Vote to accept $47,001,193 FY27 appropriation (6.45% increase) including Smith College donation
- Vote on 'Off and Away' cell phone policy at Northampton High School
- Vote on NPS Bullying Intervention and Implementation Plan
- First reading of Policy JKB on restraint and seclusion
- Discussion and vote on NPS-YMCA agreement for after-school facility use
Northampton School Committee
The Northampton School Committee will vote on the FY27 budget of $47,001,193, a 6.45% increase from FY26. They will also consider several policy changes including a pilot to restrict cell phone use at the high school, an updated bullying prevention plan, and a restraint/seclusion policy. Public comment is open for up to 90 minutes.
- Vote to accept FY27 budget of $47,001,193 (6.45% increase)
- Transfer $82,197.78 between IT accounts
- Donation of $3,119.88 for 6 air conditioning units at Bridge Street School
- Vote on pilot policy to restrict phone use at high school
- Discussion of agreement with YMCA for after-school programming
Northampton School Committee
The Northampton School Committee will vote on the FY27 budget of $47,001,193, a 6.45% increase from FY26, including a Smith College donation and special education stabilization fund. Other votes include adopting an 'Off and Away' cell phone policy for Northampton High School, approving the bullying intervention plan, and ceding committee responsibility for IGNITE end time to the superintendent. The meeting also features a presentation to retirees, student report, and multiple public comment periods.
- Vote on FY27 budget $47,001,193 with 6.45% increase
- Vote to adopt 'Off and Away' cell phone policy at NHS
- Vote on NPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
- Transfer of $82,197.78 between IT accounts
- Donation of $3,119.88 from Bridge Street School PTO for 6 AC units
Northampton Housing Authority
The Northampton Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to deliberate and vote on selecting a new Executive Director. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
- Deliberation and selection of Executive Director
- Final vote for the Position of the Executive Director
- Authorize Board Chairperson to negotiate salary and terms
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom
- Conference line: 646-558-8656
Council on Aging Board
This is a routine procedural meeting with public comment, approval of minutes, director's report, and updates on the website and Highland Valley Elder Services. No major decisions or financial items are on the agenda.
- Public comment period
- Approval of May 14, 2026 minutes
- Director's report
- Website review
- Highland Valley Elder Services board update
Board of Registrars
The Northampton Board of Registrars will meet virtually to review voter registration statistics and discuss plans for distributing vote-by-mail applications. The agenda also covers reviewing last month's minutes and addressing routine administrative updates. This is a procedural meeting focused on routine administrative updates rather than policy decisions or public hearings.
- Review of prior meeting minutes
- June focus: Vote-by-mail application distribution plans
- Registration of Voters (ROV) statistics update
- Routine administrative updates and new business
License Commission
The commission opened a violation hearing against Sirius Hospitality Group (Tellus & Satellite Bar) for allegedly serving alcohol to a minor and allowing a minor into a 21+ nightclub. After testimony from police and bar representatives, the hearing was held but no decision was recorded in the minutes.
- Opened violation hearing (3-0)
- Took testimony from Officer Spath and Attorney Irvine
- Heard no public comment