[MassHistPres] Historical Commission Authority

[Wilmington Town Museum]

I have a question about the authority of local historical commissions.  

The town of Wilmington has an Historical Commission - formed in 1973 under MA General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8D - but not an Historic District Commission or any MA Historic Districts (although we do have National Register Historic Districts, but it is my understanding that there are no restrictions placed by anyone on a property so designated).

The question is - if a specific historic building had preservation restrictions placed upon it by the town - the property in question is currently owned by the town, but could perhaps be sold into private ownership in the future - could the local Historic District have the power to enforce such restrictions if such a power was delegated to it by the town?  Or would the building need to be deemed a state historic district (I believe I read here that one building can be termed a district) and an historic district commission established to oversee it?  

Any insight is appreciated.  Thank you!

Terry McDermott
___________________________________________

Curator
Wilmington Town Museum at the
Col. Joshua Harnden Tavern, c.1770
430 Salem Street
Wilmington, MA  01887
978.658.5475
htavern at townofwilmingtonma.com
http://www.town.wilmington.ma.us/old/hist.htm

The Wilmington Historical Commission can also be reached at the above addresses and phone number.