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In response to questions about the Green Street
Café, which is owned by John Sielski and located at 66 Green Street near the
Ford Hall project, Smith offers the following background and timeline.
The building at 66 Green Street was formerly
owned by Housing and Economic Resources for Women (HER, Inc.), a non-profit affordable
housing organization, which functioned as the Café’s landlord. In addition
to the Café, the building
contained some 15 single-room occupancy housing units. Although 66 Green Street
is not within the footprint for Ford Hall, it is a property Smith had been arranging
to acquire from HER, Inc., for possible long-term expansion. In February 2007,
Smith acquired 66 Green Street in exchange for building a new and enhanced affordable
housing development for HER, Inc., at 180 Earle Street.
October 12, 2005
In anticipation of owning 66 Green Street, Smith makes the Green Street Café owners
a written offer of assistance, in recognition of the fact that construction on Ford
Hall will be disruptive. The offer includes a 50 percent reduction in rent during
the two-year construction period. Alternatively, if the owners choose to relocate
their business, the college offers to pay moving costs, the differential between
rent in old location and new, and a lump-sum payment of $35,000 to cover losses due
to business disruption. The value of Smith’s offer is approximately $65,000.
The owners have never responded to this offer.
November 28, 2005
The Green Street Cafe is inspected for building and fire code compliance. As reported
in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, the fire department issues a list of mandatory
repairs: installing proper signs and equipment, mounting fire extinguishers on
the wall, testing the fire system, replacing heat detectors and reinstalling a
painted-over smoke detector.
Summer 2006 and continuing thereafter
HER, Inc., offers the Green Street Café a five-year lease renewal, confirming
that this renewal will be supported by Smith College when the building changes ownership.
November 29, 2006
A public celebration marks the opening of 180 Earle Street, a $1.5 million energy
efficient apartment building constructed by Smith containing 16 units of affordable
housing for men and women. The units will replace those moving from 66 Green Street.
January 19, 2007
Smith College formally transfers ownership of 180 Earle Street to HER, Inc.
February 2, 2007
HER, Inc., formally transfers ownership of 66 Green Street to Smith College.
February 28, 2007
The Northampton license commission suspends the Green Street Café’s
liquor license, citing 14 violations, including fire violations. The commissioners
note that the owners were notified of the violations more than a year ago. Smith
commits to promptly repairing any of the violations that are related to the building
(versus the business).
March 9, 2007
Smith-hired contractors arrive at the Green Street Café, by pre-arranged appointment,
to assess repairs to be done, determine necessary materials and take measurements.
Later that day, Smith is notified through Mr. Sielski’s attorney that he wishes
to arrange the building repairs himself.
March 12, 2007
Smith receives a letter from Mr. Sielski’s attorney affirming that he will
take responsibility for necessary building repairs.
March 14, 2007
Citing the owner’s failure to obtain a certificate of inspection certifying
the completion of repairs, the License commission continues the suspension of the
Café’s liquor license.
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