[MassHistPres] Demolition Delay Bylaw Defeated

[RobynBFernald at aol.com]

The Town of Abington defeated the Demolition Delay Bylaw at its annual  
meeting of 2007. Disappointment is a rather gentle term to describe  how the AHC 
feels. The debate became rather heated and the intend and  purpose of the bylaw 
was lost in translation. And it became rather clear that  our reasonable 
responses to get back on tract were not heard nor  considered. The AHC held 
informational meetings ,broadcast several PR  shows and produced an Demolition delay 
bylaw DVD in our year  long PR campaign hoping to enlighten the townspeople We 
strongly urged  for feedback concerns and or any grievances concerning the 
bylaw. WE had  only 5 people that responded throughout the year long campaign so 
it  was extremely surprising that at the town meeting many voiced their 
strong and  somewhat off course opinions against the demo delay..Our loudest 
opponents were  the builders and homeowners who feared they could not sell their 
homes. The AHC  realizes that other communities have faced similar defeats and  
possibly similar reasons for the defeat. The AHC will be regrouping on this  
matter but would like some advice as to how to proceed from this point on.  It 
appears that one of the major flaws in the demo delay by law is the lack  of 
understanding it and not what is written. A weakness in  conveying? on our part 
the AHC is not sure. So if there are other  communities that have found 
themselves in this same situation the AHC would love  to hear from you! 
 
Thanks
Robyn B Fernald
Chair of the AHC
781-982-0059



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