50 Years Ago
- Strong opposition has developed among Democratic members of the City Council to a resolution that calls for the creation of a nonpartisan primary in city elections. At present, Northampton is one of only two cities in the state that have a two-party primary system.
- The zoning board of appeals voted unanimously last night to deny developer Donald Grant a special permit to construct 36 town houses on Hatfield Street. The ZBA voted to deny Grant the permit because the proposed town house project did not conform with the conditions and density requirements required by the new city zoning ordinance, which was adopted in July.
25 Years Ago
- Families at Jackson Street School on Tuesday night took one small but crucial step toward encouraging children to read by attending a literacy potluck. Organized by the Family Center, a parent group at the school, the event drew families to a potluck meal — then shepherded children into the gym for a book fair.
- A memorial plaque honoring Jean Hosmer will be unveiled Wednesday, one year after she was shot to death by her estranged husband. The plaque will be placed on the Center Street sidewalk near the area where Hosmer, 45, was killed by her husband, who then fatally shot himself.
10 Years Ago
- With closing of the Rowe Yankee Atomic plant years in the past, Vermont Yankee’s decommissioning looming and shutdown of the Pilgrim Nuclear Station plant recently announced, economic planners, researchers and state analysts from around the region and beyond gathered for a first-ever conference Wednesday on how communities deal with the demise of nuclear plants.
- If there was ever any doubt about support for the city’s public schools, it was squelched Thursday evening when hundreds of people showed up at the kickoff event for School Local, a campaign to support the Northampton public schools. Families, teachers, and city and school officials gathered on the steps of City Hall and spilled out onto Main Street.