[MassHistPres] DCR Historic Curatorship inquiry MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu

[Heli Meltsner]

Anne,
The DCR Historic Curatorship program is an innovative example of the   
"public-private" partnership that cash-strapped preservationists have  
advocated for years.  In this case, the program has taken years to  
get this far, I'm guessing because the Department lacked money for  
sufficient staff to supervise it and prepare the necessary legal  
documents. But instead of standing for demolition by neglect, the DCR  
took an active stance, going out and asking the community for help  
with the restoration of its redundant properties.

Heli Meltsner


This article appeared on the Channel 5 website:

BOSTON -- It sounds like a renter's dream -- living free in one of  
six historic mansions in some of the toniest communities in  
Massachusetts.

Here's the hitch. Anyone interested needs to dole out lots of time,  
money and elbow grease.

While structurally sound, the homes -- including a 1903 shingle-style  
manor in Newburyport -- are in desperate need of repair. One family  
spent 10 years and $1.5 million fixing up a similar property.



The homes are part of a program run by the Massachusetts Department  
of Conservation and Recreation designed to save historic sites before  
they crumble.

The repairs can include replacing a roof, installing new heating and  
plumbing systems, patching holes in walls and removing lead paint. <end>


I am curious:  why wouldn't this fall under MHC's domain?
Anne Kornitsky
Oakham