[MassHistPres] opposing S2053

[Judy Markland]

For those of you who intend to contact the members of the Joint Committee 
on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in opposition to 2053, 
there is a list of contact information for the members at 
http://whatelyhistorical.org/contact_info_joint_committee.pdf.

The points that I've been encouraging folks to make when they contact their 
legislators and the committee are:
    * Far too few historic resources are listed on the National and State 
Registers.  Most towns have a long list of structures and areas they know 
are significant but don't have the time, knowledge or financial resources 
to do the listings.  These properties deserve protection too.
    * Only projects getting government funding or a government subsidy or 
license are reviewed by MHC.  When commercial entities receive tax dollars, 
should not be upset at some scrutiny to ensure that those tax dollars are 
being spent wisely.  They have the option to forgo the public money, after 
all.
    * MHC reviews are not designed to stop projects but to mitigate harm to 
historic resources when an adverse affect is found.  The Commission tries 
to bring both sides to an accommodation and usually manages successfully.
    * The reviews aren't top down.  MHC relies extensively on input from 
local historical commissions in their determination of significance, so 
municipalities are well served.
    * Developments come and go.  Historic resources once lost are gone 
forever.

Judy Markland 
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