Calvert manages “the nation’s largest family of socially responsible mutual funds.” They refuse to invest in companies that produce harmful products or that conduct business in a harmful way. Calvert believes that consumers have a right to products and services that are safe, of high quality, and not harmful to them or society at large. […]
Northampton Building Inspector Complaint Form
If a business is violating the law, one recourse for citizens is to complain to Northampton’s Office of the Inspector of Buildings. Here is the complaint form: Northampton Building Inspector Complaint Form (PDF, updated on 2/27/07) Forms should be filed in paper with the Building Commissioner, 240 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060. In the case […]
Continue reading Northampton Building Inspector Complaint Form
Planning Board Member: Capital Video Site Plan “one of the poorest I’ve seen in a long time”
Today’s Republican reports on how Northampton Planning Board members voted at the December 14 hearing on Capital Video’s Site Plan. Board members Kenneth Jodrie, Paul Voss and Wilensky voted against granting site plan approval. Chairman Francis A. Johnson and members Keith Wilson, George Russell, Frances Volkmann and Kohout voted in favor. Jodrie said yesterday that […]
Gazette: Residents Can Ask Planning Board to Reconsider Capital Video Decision
Today’s Gazette reports on the December 14 Planning Board approval of Capital Video’s Site Plan. “Planning Board members David Wilensky and Paul Voss said, despite [Capital Video attorney Michael] Pill’s assurances, they were concerned whether Capital Video would hold to the city’s prohibition on sexually explicit or suggestive window displays.” The Gazette notes that “Although […]
Continue reading Gazette: Residents Can Ask Planning Board to Reconsider Capital Video Decision
Breaking News: Northampton Planning Board Approves Capital Video Site Plan 4-3
Northampton’s Planning Board has approved Capital Video’s Site Plan by a vote of 4-3. This means Capital Video may now proceed with building a porn shop at 135 King Street. Capital Video did withdraw a photo of a bondage-themed storefront when a member of the Planning Board objected that it violated Northampton’s new ordinance about […]
Continue reading Breaking News: Northampton Planning Board Approves Capital Video Site Plan 4-3
New York Times: “Whatever Happened to Online Etiquette?”
David Pogue writes on technology for The New York Times, and we sure feel his pain in this post today… I’m OK with criticism, I’m fine with disagreement, I’m perfectly capable of handling angry mail… I’ve even accepted personal attacks as part of the job. I’m a columnist; the heat comes with the kitchen. But […]
Continue reading New York Times: “Whatever Happened to Online Etiquette?”
Capital Video Attorney Michael Pill: Fickle Defender of Free Speech
Capital Video Attorney Michael Pill has tried to portray himself as a First Amendment hero, suggesting that legal restrictions on porn shops are impermissible infringements on freedom of speech. However, not so long ago he was on the other side of the argument, trying to use the law to impede people from practicing their religions, […]
Continue reading Capital Video Attorney Michael Pill: Fickle Defender of Free Speech
Courant: “‘Adult’ Businesses Add To Hartford’s Image Woes”
Citizens of Northampton are not the only ones concerned about how adult businesses present themselves. The 12/10/06 Hartford Courant reports: Hartford has an image issue. For those trying to sell it, the city is all about New England charm, wholesome family outings, high culture, good food and vibrant neighborhoods… But…[f]rom either direction [on I-91], big […]
Continue reading Courant: “‘Adult’ Businesses Add To Hartford’s Image Woes”
Potential Nuisance Claims Against Capital Video
A private nuisance is a thing or activity that substantially and unreasonably interferes with a landowner’s use and enjoyment of his property, or with his interest in that property. (Edward J. Kionka, Torts in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition [St. Paul: West Group, 1999], p.312.) The test is whether “normal persons living in the community would […]
Continue reading Potential Nuisance Claims Against Capital Video
Capital Video Plays Hardball, Proposes Bondage Display for Store, Attorney Disses Community Opposition Ahead of December 14 Public Hearing
A month ago, Capital Video was talking up its “excellent relationship with its host communities”. General counsel Lesley Rich suggested that their store would be “designed in a ‘mainstream’ manner… Capital intends on opening an ‘upscale’ store in Northampton, and would be very receptive to discussions with the community on the look, feel and the […]