[MassHistPres] Demo review procedures

[James Hadley]

In Orleans, here on Cape Cod (where we have far too many demolitions) our 
ordinance allows only for  review of total demolitions. The definition of 
demolition reads, in part: "The act or process of pulling down, destroying, 
removing or razing a building, or any portion that results in a change in 
footprint..." The operable phrase is "change in footprint."  The ordinance 
contains a definition of Significant Building also - we only review and pass 
on buildings in that category, and have an excellent survey done a number of 
years ago by Tremont Preservation Services as our guide. I would welcome the 
opportunity to gain control over removal and replacement of detail on our 
buildings here, but fear a reaction from the libertarians. The Old Kings 
Highway Historic District in Town does have total esthetic control, but it 
is only a small portion of the Town.
James W. Hadley AIA, Chair, Orleans Historical Commission
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <BLever3043 at aol.com>
To: <mdstarkey at crocker.com>; <Anne.Louro at newbedford-ma.gov>; 
<masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 8:27 PM
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Demo review procedures


> Perhaps I am not being clear.  What I am looking for are examples of  how
> other commissions operate their demolition review.  It is a  procedural 
> question.
> In particular how is the determination made with  regards to subjecting a
> building to a delay.  Is the entire building  determined to be significant 
> and
> subjected to delay or only portions  (example: if no one can see the rear 
> of a
> historic building as it is  located away from a street surrounded by trees
> would a commission determine it  not significant because you can't see it 
> or find
> it significant as it is part of  an overall building considered 
> significant).
> Obviously portions  of a building contribute to the whole, I am not 
> arguing
> that, I am trying to  find out how other commissions operate.  A member of 
> the
> Brookline  commission responded to me that they find the entire building 
> as
> significant or  not.  How do others do it?
>
> Again thanks for the help,
>
> Brian Lever
>
>
>
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