[MassHistPres] Electric Meters & other utility locations

[Burks, Sarah]

We're seeing this same change in Cambridge. We're trying to open conversations with NSTAR, which used to be responsive to our recommendations for meter placement for designated properties. NSTAR has indicated that they don't want any new gas service installs (and this applies to many major rehabs too) to be inside the building due to concerns about corrosion of the pipes inside the walls.

I'm interested to hear that this is a more universal problem and not unique to Cambridge. If they hear enough complaints from enough communities, maybe they'll begin to cooperate. Is there any trigger for an NR/SR review process to begin with MHC?

I have likewise found that they don't need building permits or electrical permits so there's no way for the Historical Commission to find out about the work if the owner doesn't let us know. A large transformer box was installed on grade along Mass Ave near Harvard Square and we are treating it as a violation in the Harvard Square Conservation District.



______________________
Sarah L. Burks
Preservation Planner
Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd Fl.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone 617-349-4687; Fax 617-349-3116; TTY 617-349-6112
http://www.cambridgema.gov/historic




From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Kristi Chase
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:32 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Electric Meters & other utility locations


We have a spate of new electric meters being placed on the front of buildings in our LHDs.  We only find out about them when the owners object, otherwise the electricians just install them wherever.  The City Electrical Inspector told me that the placement of meters does not fall under MGL 143 section 6A because the Electric Code is different from the Building Code and therefore we have no say about the location.

How are other cities handling this?  Are there other tools we could be using to relocate the meters?

Thanks,

Kristi Chase

Kristenna P. Chase, Preservation Planner
Historic Preservation Commission
Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development
93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA  02143
(t) 617-625-6600 x2525, (f) 617-625-0722
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