Connie Burak: Bombyx shutdown a questionable act

Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity is not the name of a “nightclub.” Neither is a nightclub the same as a “live music venue” which doesn’t even sell water or have space for dancing (among church pews?). Nor does it comply with Merriam-Webster’s definition of this ill-used term. Rather, the broadly inclusive nature of Bombyx’s performance menu is more aligned with the values of the two religious groups that use the same church facility for worship services. These may include candles and group-related social activities where food and, in some instances, wine are offered to celebrants. And certainly music is integral to both service and ceremony. Yet the fire inspector has not deemed these “nightclubs.”

While Bombyx, BeitAhavah synagogue and the nursery school at the same site have made it financially possible for Florence Congregational Church to remain in its home, the concern about extinguishing fires appears to be oddly directed at the music venue. How many sprinkler systems are there in alternative use buildings in the Valley and specifically within Northampton which occasionally or more frequently become concert venues? To my knowledge, none of these has been so abruptly shut down.

As some have suggested, why were other gentler and less destructive approaches to the installation of fire safety mechanisms not thoroughly examined before this poorly considered, heavy-footed and inaccurate action (not a nightclub) was taken by the Northampton Fire Department? We need to know the origin of the directive that has potentially taken a hammer to two religious organizations, a nursery school and one of the best new entertainment resources in years that serves the Pioneer Valley.

Since Bombyx is not, in fact, a nightclub, there must be a more beneficial and constructive way to bring about any truly necessary modifications to the church structure.

Connie Burak

Leeds 

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