EASTHAMPTON — After a brief presentation of the work it has achieved, the Easthampton City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the work of Easthampton City Arts for its 20th anniversary.
In a brief presentation to the council, City Arts Coordinator Pasqualina Azzarello explained the work that the group has done during the first half of the city’s most recent plan. Although interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the presentation noted the development of CitySpace in the old town hall as well as many gatherings of artists and works.
“[We were] able to work together to create a space that really valued public process,” noted Azzarello. “I feel so fortunate to be a civil servant and to get to give locally.”
Councilor Koni Denham said that the ECA “emphasizes the integration of art into public [spaces]” and that she looks forward to it continuing to offer and grow its programming.
Fellow Councilor Felicia Jadczak added that she knows firsthand the tremendous work that goes into everything the ECA does, as she worked with them for roughly three years before joining the council.
Easthampton City Arts is an initiative of the city and its planning department to oversee cultural activities in the city.
The council also voted for a resolution opposing the proposed lithium battery energy storage system in Westfield. Noting possible contamination of the city’s water supply at the Barnes Aquifer, no realistic economic benefits and other unknown impacts of such storage, the council’s resolution called for a third-party consultation to address some of its concerns before any project moves forward.
In a public hearing to discuss the shrubbery ordinance, the council and Greg Nuttelman, the director of public works, expressed concerns about shrubbery that impedes the accessibility of sidewalks and visibility for drivers.
Nuttleman explained that there will be no set distance for how far back shrubs must be from the road, as it will be dependent on the location. If there are issues, then homeowners will be alerted and given a set amount of time to rectify the problem. He added that if the problem has arisen because the property owner is unable to manage the shrubs, then the Department of Public Works will assist.
“We’re not trying to create an undue hardship,” said Nuttleman. “We’re just trying to keep people safe.”
He added that there are some structures, like fences and retaining walls, in town that impede accessibility and visibility. Those are mostly municipally owned and are being managed.
The council did add an amendment to the ordinance before passing it that would allow for appeals to be made to the Board of Public Works.
