[MassHistPres] Imitation stone in historic districts

[Anne Forbes]

The Acton Historic District Commission has had two recent applications for certificate that propose the use of some of the newer imitation stone products on the market.  

The most problematic proposals for us have been for retaining walls, which can involve a large amount of material.  The main choices for retaining walls seem to be real stone (by far the most expensive,) concrete, landscape timbers, or imitation stone block.   Specifically, on 11/6 we will be reviewing the product called Redi-Rock, which imitates large granite blocks, for a retaining wall on the rear part of a property.  

Have other commissions dealt with these materials, or developed policies concerning them?

Thanks for sharing any experience in this area.

Anne Forbes
Acton HDC