[MassHistPres] MACRIS listings

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

The state maintains a list of "historic assets" in its MACRIS database,
viewable online:

http://mhc-macris.net/

Does inclusion in this register carry any weight with respect to public
monies being used to demolish buildings? 

For example, if a property is listed on the National Register, the local
historical commission gives an opinion as to whether any alteration done
with federal dollars will adversely affect the property, and if it does,
the project can be stopped at a higher level since the state and federal
authorities respect the opinion of local historical commissions.

In Springfield, the last surviving brick schoolhouse may be selected as
a site for a new fire station. I don't think anyone knew that the
property was historic when it was included in the selection process, and
the site *is* attractive for a fire station. Unfortunately the building
is not in a local historic district nor is it on the National Register.
It does, however, exist in MACRIS, so it was surveyed at some point.

I'm trying to find a quiver for my belt in case city officials don't
immediately recognize that this last surviving schoolhouse shouldn't be
torn down.

Ralph Slate
Springfield Historical Commission