COUNCILOR RYAN R.

ODONNELL

CITY COUNCIL, WARD 3
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS





Downey Meyer, Chair
Community Preservation Committee
City Hall
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060


September 8
th
, 2014



Dear Chairman Meyer and Members of the Committee,

I am writing in support of Historic Northamptons application for Community
Preservation Act funds to restore the Parsons, Shepherd and Damon Houses, built between
1719 and 1813 and designated in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

As a repository of letters, furniture, fine art, clothing, textiles and yes, even historic
political campaign materialsas well as many other artifacts from Northamptons
fascinating history, Historic Northampton is important to our city culturally, even spiritually.
As a driver of local tourism, and as part of the landscape that provides a gateway into
downtown Northampton, Historic Northampton is also important to our city economically
and serves as one of our most treasured landmarks.

Their request, which includes funds for heating system upgrades and mold
remediation, directly fulfills their mission of historic preservation by allowing them to
provide warm, dry and safe air needed to preserve the priceless collections and the buildings
themselves. This project would be a worthy recipient of Community Preservation Act funds,
greatly benefitting our city today and into the future by preserving our local history for future
generations.

Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter and for your dedicated
service as members of the Community Preservation Committee.


Sincerely,


Ryan R. ODonnell
City Councilor, Ward 3