Minutes Relating to the Purchase of the 43 Center Street Condominium

2000.11� Friends spent some time clarifying details of the proposed development of the Center Street property.� (Note:� Property Committee now recommends purchase of a portion of the second floor, as indicated on the plans distributed.)� The developer will charge us $90/sq.ft. to purchase the second floor.� He is willing to build an extension of the second floor at the back of the building.� Renovations will cost the meeting approximately $35/sq.ft.

Several Friends noted the increased public exposure the meeting would enjoy at the Center Street location, and that it might be useful to further our ministry.� The proposed presence of the cot shelter was noted, as was the possibility of having as neighbors in the building social service agencies with whom we share many interests.

A Friend said it might be more helpful to us to refer to the property as the �Center Street property� rather than the �Elks Club.�

Some Friends noted the financial burden of buying, renovating, and maintaining any property, and expressed concerns about our ability to bear that burden.� Other Friends expressed satisfaction with the use of Bass Hall, while one Friend noted that it is getting harder and harder to come with her children to meeting in Bass Hall.

Many Friends expressed an affection for the Barrett Street property, and sorrow at the possibility of relinquishing it and the vision of a meetinghouse there.� It was suggested that we should perhaps honor our stewardship of that property with some sort of communal event there.

Barrett still holds a special place and we need to honor and care for that.� Friends expressed a deeply felt sense of unity that the Center Street property held greater opportunity and promise for carrying out our ministries.

2000.24� Minute on purchasing property - Northampton Friends Meeting feels clearly led by the Spirit to proceed with the purchase of two portions of approximately 3100 sq. ft and 450 sq. ft. of the second floor of the property at 43 Center Street as shown on the attached plan, within the terms generally outlined on the attached page.� There is unity in the belief that our individual and collective ministries both within the Meeting and within the community can be served best through purchase and right use of this space.� This is done with respect and appreciation for the deep attachment of some Friends to the Barrett Street property and for the uneasiness of some with the size of the financial obligation required.� Friends have faith that, with divine assistance, the financial responsibilities will be within our means.� Friends APPROVED.