[MassHistPres] historic district commissions structure and oversight

[Sullivan, Charles M.]

Cambridge has a city-wide historical commission which is both a Ch. 40, Sec. 8D historical commission and a 40C historic district commission; this arrangement dates back to 1963. The CHC administers historic districts, the demolition delay ordinance, landmark designations, and all the other city-wide functions. We find this arrangement advantageous because it is administratively efficient, concentrates authority and expertise, and minimizes the draw on the always-shallow pool of candidates for appointment.

We also have four neighborhood conservation district commissions that are separately appointed and have jurisdiction over their respective districts only. One member is a CHC member; the others are residents of property owners. The CHC staff also services these commissions.

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Charles M. Sullivan, Executive Director
Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Mass.  02139
617 349-4684 voice, 349-3116 fax

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of blever3043 at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:31 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] historic district commissions structure and oversight

The City of Newton currently has 4 local historic district commissions (one per district)?as well as a city wide historical commission.? I?am aware of Haverhill and Boston having similar systems with individual commissions per district.? I would like to know if there are any other cities and towns who operate in the same fashion in MA or elsewhere and if they find that system to be beneficial and/or effective.

Thank You,

Brian Lever?
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