50 Years Ago
- The Northampton City Council’s ordinance committee voted unanimously last night to recommend that the city establish a data processing department which would lend computer assistance to all city agencies. The full City Council will vote on the question tonight.
- A proposal by the owners of the Bluebonnet Diner to build a miniature golf course on land behind the restaurant met strong opposition from neighbors last night at a hearing of the zoning board of appeals. The neighbors said that if the golf course is allowed, it will intensify noise and litter in the area.
25 Years Ago
- Gasoline prices nationwide leveled off during the two weeks ending May 18. The average price of gas, including all grades and taxes, rose only about three-quarters of a cent between May 4 and May 18, to $1.76 per gallon.
- After 15 months of wrangling over design details, the city group charged with overseeing new construction in the historic Elm Street area have given a go-ahead for a new $15 million Smith College campus center. The center had generated controversy among neighbors and committee members who said the building’s modern design did not fit in with the character of the street.
10 Years ago
- The Parks and Recreation Department is considering creation of a new off-leash dog park somewhere in the city following public outcry over a policy recommended by the Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School trustees that requires dogs to remain on leashes at the Smith Farm Fields.
- With a vote by the City Council on Thursday, Northampton became the second community in the state to formally replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. Amherst became the first on Wednesday following a Town Meeting vote.