50 Years Ago
- The state’s special education law, Chapter 766, has failed to provide better services to children with learning difficulties because it is vague and insufficiently funded, Supt. of Schools John M. Buteau has written in his latest annual report. Buteau said that Chapter 766, which was implemented in 1974, is “another well-intentioned road plagued with potholes in profusion, both visible and invisible.”
- Superintendent John M. Buteau has recommended that when the enlarged Jackson Street School is opened next year, the Vernon Street School be razed immediately so that the site can be converted to a neighborhood park. The Vernon Street and Feiker schools will be consolidated at Jackson Street, probably in January.
25 Years Ago
- Developers planning a subdivision that would build 33 homes off Burts Pit Road are looking for a go-ahead from the Conservation Commission this week on a preliminary plan for developing the 48-acre parcel. The project is tentatively called The Plantation at West Farms.
- Organizers of Bike Commute Day are hoping residents wake up a little earlier Wednesday, fill that water bottle, strap those pant cuffs — don’t forget the helmet — and climb onto a bicycle for an invigorating ride to work. They are also hoping the bike-commute habit takes hold for longer than a day, as communities around the Pioneer Valley hold events designed to promote bike use.
10 Years Ago
- Four restaurants in downtown Northampton are poised to get all-alcohol licenses after the Legislature approved a bill Thursday granting the city four over-quota licenses. Should Gov. Baker sign the bill, the licenses would go to Sylvester’s Restaurant, Local Burger, Ibiza Tapas, and Sierra Grille.
- A third candidate entered the race Friday for the at-large City Council seat vacated by Jesse Adams. Mary “Mimi” Odgers, has taken out nomination papers. The other declared candidates are Ryan O’Donnell, and Andrew Smith.