[MassHistPres] Demolition Delay Bylaw scope question

[Chris Skelly]

I encourage local historical commissions to not expand a demolition
delay bylaw beyond its typical usage of preserving and protecting
significant buildings.  Within this context, a demolition delay bylaw
may not protect all significant historic resources, however, I think a
better approach is to investigate other bylaws or tools, rather than
expanding the scope of a demolition delay bylaw.   

If a bylaw such as a local historic district doesn't seem to fit the
bill either, perhaps an entirely new bylaw is warranted.  Cities and
towns have great flexibility to craft local bylaws and ordinances that
meet their needs for protecting the public welfare.  Demolition delay
bylaws aren't the only option available.  

Christopher C. Skelly
Director of Local Government Programs
Massachusetts Historical Commission

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of knrmcguire at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2007 6:09 AM
To: djdewitt at rcn.com; masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Demolition Delay Bylaw scope question

 
It's an interesting discussion point.
I was referring to stone walls that might exist on the lot and
exist either along a road which isn't designated as Scenic and/or
old stone walls which run perpendicular to the road, to delineate land
borders.
 
The other element worth thinking about are exposed but inactive
remnants of stone foundations which suggest prior usage on the property.
 
Perhaps another way to tackle these currently non-regulated items
is to work to refine the zoning bylaws to incorporate the preservation
(or reuse) of these older structures.
 
The concern is that if the demolition delay bylaw is too stringent
there might be a movement to repeal its use.
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: djdewitt at rcn.com
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Sent: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:45 PM
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Demolition Delay Bylaw scope question


If a properly drafted DD law can be applied to something as limited  
as an entrance portico, as I understand routinely happens in Newton,  
why not a fieldstone wall, if the law is written to cover it?

Dennis De Witt


On Jan 17, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Marcia Starkey wrote:

> I have assumed that the jurisdiction for all or most DD bylaws is  
> limited to
> buildings unless the language specifies otherwise.   Marcia Starkey ,
> Greenfield
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <knrmcguire at aol.com>
> To: <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
> Sent: Monday, January 15, 2007 8:15 PM
> Subject: [MassHistPres] Demolition Delay Bylaw scope question
>
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I'd be interesting in hearing from communities that
>> attempt to preserve objects, stone walls, abandoned
>> foundations, etc as part of what is governed as
>> part of their implementation of their Demolition Delay Bylaw.
>>
>> Often times, it is the objects, walls and abandoned foundations on
>> a parcel which contribute to the historical context
>> to a house or other 'enclosed' structure attempting
>> to be saved.
>>
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Roberta McGuire
>> Westford Historical Commission
>> _____________________________________________________________________

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WHOLE 
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Check out the new AOL.  Most comprehensive set of free safety and
security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from
across the web, free AOL Mail and more.
******************************
For administrative questions regarding this list, please contact
Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us directly.  PLEASE DO NOT "REPLY" TO THE
WHOLE LIST.  
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