[MassHistPres] utility meters in a 40C district

[Sullivan, Charles M.]

This topic has been pretty well covered in the past. It would be useful if someone who has compiled those posts and could put them up again.

It's pretty clear that a) meters are exterior architectural features and b) utilities often don't or won't recognize LHD jurisdiction. Owners are often held hostage, because these decisions are often made by the technician in the field, and no one wants their gas or electricity held up while the preservationists argue with the utility bureaucrats.

We've recently made some progress with NSTAR in the course of resolving a violation involving an above-ground transformer in Harvard Square, but I think these issues will continue to trouble everyone until we can obtain general recognition from the utility industry, either through the Mass DPU or the legislature (as I think was recently done in Rhode Island). In the meantime, try cultivating the utility community relations people who are the gatekeepers between us and their engineers and installers.

Charles Sullivan

__________________________________
Charles M. Sullivan, Executive Director
Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Mass.  02139
617 349-4684 (direct line)
617 349-3116 (fax)

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of melanie deware
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 10:45 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] utility meters in a 40C district

I know there have been previous discussions here about locating utility meters on structures in a 40C district.  I think I recall a posting regarding how to make sure the utility companies work with rather than against the district when considering placement.  Anyone know where I can get the info on how much say the LHDC has in a case like this?  And is there legal precedent supporting LHDC input on this issue as well?  Thanks.

Melanie Deware
Chair, Easton Historical Commission
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