[MassHistPres] Special permit development in historic districts

[William Moonan]

We had a commercial block in center of Bedford that came before the HDC for
demolishing and replacement with new construction.  In this case, the
planning board was very much involved in the process.  Because of similar
questions of who goes first and who's hands would be tied if one group or
the other came to a decision first, it was decided to hold joint meetings to
deal with those issues that impacted both boards' decisions.  Decisions that
were totally in the purview of one board or the other were left for separate
(non-joint) meetings.  Thus, for instance, architectural issues were left
for HDC meetings, but joint meetings were held for issues such as sidewalk
location, massing of buildings, traffic flow, etc. 

 

It was a new experience for both boards, but it allowed both to understand
the concerns of the other board and to find mutually acceptable conclusions.
The final permit from the planning board reflected the requirements of the
HDC.  I would strongly suggest this approach to avoid the conflicts you
anticipate.

 

Bill Moonan

Bedford HDC

 

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of
redhawk at redhawkstudio.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 7:58 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Special permit development in historic districts

 


When a new Planned Residential Development by Special Permit (not
Subdivision Approval) is proposed within an historic district does the HDC
review the application before or after it is approved by the Zoning Board of
Appeals?

If afterwards, is the HDC then precluded from reviewing and requesting
changes to the massing and locations of buildings and structures that were
included in the approval documents?  How are conflicts resolved?

-Karle Packard, member
Concord HDC

 

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