[MassHistPres] Boulders

[James Howard]

The Wenham Historic District Commission is confronting an interesting problem.  A new development is being build which has an entrance way on Main Street.  All of Main Street is in the Historic District, however the new development is far enough back from the road so that is not in the Historic District.  The developer is calling the New Development "The Boulders" and has placed two large boulders at least 6 feet tall on either side of the entranceway on Main Street.  It is the feeling of the commission that since these boulders are above ground objects put in place by the developer that they are subject to the approval of the Commission.  The developer thinks otherwise.  He contends that the boulders are landscaping features not covered by the rules set up in Chapter 40C.  We were wondering if any other district had dealt with a similar issue and if so, how it was resolved.  We also would be interested in any other thoughts on the subject.

Thank you.

Jim Howard 
Chairman
Wenham Historic District Commission.