Sign Ordinance Forum, 3/20/08

It seemed to be a cordial gathering, sprinkled with some timely in jokes and cookies. After seeing the Daily Gaz headline for this story, "Forum on sign rules draws annoyed crowd"I wondered if there was something missed. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend the first hour, so my perception could be askew. .The process to fix this ordinance appears clear, but the details will be formidable-best of to the newly created committee-whoever y'all are--I look forward to the next part.

Loudville Lead Mines

As well as a civics geek, I'm also a history geek-especially the American Revolution. My father gave me a children's encyclopedia on it in 5th grade and I've been hooked ever since.
Loudville is an early settlement located on what are now parts of both Easthampton and Southampton MA. It was settled sometime in the late 1600's and its territory contained a lead mine that according to legend was a supplier of this mineral(used in munitions) to the Continental Army that was fighting the British. It sounds great, but I'm not entirely convinced on this yet.(though it would be waycool).
First of all, I've come across different accounts on who owned the mine(s). This matters because if the British government owned it, any lead mined from it would probably go back to the Crown. There is a competing story that claims it was privately owned, therefore its contents might have been used for more nefarious purposes. Also, the mine was said to only operate until the 1750's, closed, and then opened again for a brief time in the early 1800's. Maybe in the middle there the mine was wildcatted for the purpose of the Revolution, which would make the whole thing even cooler if it was true.

Municipal Property Sale?

In the Hampshire Gazette's most recent weekend edition (1/26-27), I came across a letter to the editor by Walter P. Niemiec in which he writes of a transfer of former municipal property to a private developer. The letter states that the property contains former water works buildings, and includes land "right next to the Manhan River dam, and a scenic pleasure". I am currently seeking more info on this transaction, and hope to follow up on this soon.

Precinct map of Easthampton MA

I couldn't find an online version of this map in the easthampton.gov system, or anywhere else for that matter. For now, this copy is fine. If any one has a clearer version, please send it along.

The Sidewalk Shuffle

Hey, I don't want to get all Andy Rooney on y'all, but tough on you:

If you own property that contains a public sidewalk, please get them cleared after all snow and ice storms. Some folks struggle to get around, and by not doing one's diligence, all that's accomplished is making them unnecessarily vulnerable to injury.