Those seeking to buy and revamp Northampton’s beloved World War II Club may be one step closer to doing so.
Members of the City Council Committee on Legislative Matters voted unanimously Wednesday evening to give a positive recommendation on an ordinance that would change the zoning designation of the club and eight other parcels of land on Conz Street from a neighborhood business to a central business district.
Signature Sounds, a local record label company and concert host, is in talks to buy the building and its liquor license. Officials from both the company and the club as well as several residents spoke in favor of the rezoning at the committee’s meeting.
“For me, it’s about the veterans and making sure they have a gathering space,” said Steven Connor, president of the World War II Veterans of Hampshire County Inc., which owns the club. "We no longer have the money to run the building, run the business, run the bar.”
The club, known as The Deuce, was put on the market in September 2019 for $899,000 after the owners reported a decline in membership and financial uncertainty. The building, located on 50 Conz St., has been a cornerstone of the city since it was established in 1972, hosting popular karaoke and dance nights, trivia activities and poetry slams. The space includes a bar and a social hall.
Kate Zdepski, who owns a home near the club on Fruit Street, claimed Wednesday evening the The Deuce played a positive role in the decision to purchase a house in Northampton.
The homeowner has lived in the community for more than a decade and has been a regular at the club’s karaoke night for at least the past five years, according to Zdepski.
“The place isn’t just about routine either,” Zdepski said, adding that the club has encouraged civic engagement and provided a safe space for those in the LGBTQ community.
Following the mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub, a public event was held at The Deuce to allow individuals in the queer community to mourn and dance. A recent debate was held there between state representatives in the district as well, according to Zdepski.
“I really do believe this new zoning is the best answer," the resident said.
The Deuce has always been a “community place,” Connor said during the public forum. The club held benefit dinners after a rash of fires on Fair Street killed two people in 2009, and events have been hosted for disabled folk as well. The organization has also raised money for Iraq War veterans.
Peter Hamelin, director of live music at Signature Sounds, said that if the purchase of the building is successful, the company will continue holding events advocating for veterans, he said.
“I just want to say, we love being in downtown Northampton and supporting downtown Northampton," said Jim Olsen, Signature Sounds president. "We want to stay in downtown Northampton, and we think the World War II Club is the perfect place to do it.”
Others were more wary of the rezoning, though.
Concerns brought up during the meeting included potential drunken behavior on the property, an increase in space at the building and parking, an issue that has already been a problem for those whose homes neighbor the club. One resident said patrons of The Deuce have even parked on her lawn before.
Tetty Gorfine wrote in a letter to community members earlier this year that if the sale of the property goes through, nearby residents will likely hear more activity, particularly at night, as well as increased rowdiness due to alcohol-consumption.
“I think that what the World War II Club offers and what Signature Sounds proposes is great,” said Gorfine. "But I’m scared to death about what will happen if that’s done on a larger scale.”
Parking is another problem for Gorfine, who said she lives roughy 50 feet away from the club. The resident sometimes has a “very difficult time” getting in and out of her own driveway when The Deuce’s lot is filled up.
People hang out outside the club to smoke as well, causing smells to waft her way, according to Gorfine. She also hears loud arguments when people become more intoxicated and is sometimes kept awake by activity going on at The Deuce.
“Sixty may be the new 40, but bedtime is still 9 o’clock," she said. “But the WWII Clubs closes at 2 o’clock.”
Dick Bart lives in Haydenville and has owned a home across the street from the club for more than 45 years, where he rents out units. Though Bart, a Vietnam War veteran, has previously been a member of the The Deuce, he is hesitant of the rezoning due to the possibility his property’s value will decrease.
“I think this will definitely decrease my property value and make it hard for me to obtain tenants," he said. “This venue will be significantly large from what I’ve read and understand."
Other residents said the benefits of having the club outweigh the inconveniences.
Connor told MassLive that he understands concerns from those living in the community about the potential zoning change, but he noted that the use of the property will not substantially change and has largely not been altered since the club started up decades ago.
“The reality is we’ve been operating there the same way since 1972,” he said.
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2020-03-10 03:27:38Z
https://www.masslive.com/news/2020/03/northampton-city-officials-give-positive-recommendation-on-world-war-ii-club-rezoning-after-residents-express-both-support-and-concern.html
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