[MassHistPres] Opposition to Senate Budget Amendment GOV 119

Wed May 23 13:23:26 EDT 2012

because time is of the essence and bills are often voted on on fridays and because  senators brown and kerry offer an email form rather than an email address, i called and spoke with staff in each senator's office requesting that they OPPOSE the bill proposed by senators rodrigues and donnelly (S-2053)...

for those of us who have precious little time to write a letter on this important topic, may i urge you to pick up the phone and call?

john kerry         617 565-8519
scott brown      617 565-3170

jade mortimer
heartwood window restoration
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Courtney Whelan 
  To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu 
  Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 12:05 PM
  Subject: [MassHistPres] Opposition to Senate Budget Amendment GOV 119

  Earlier this week, Preservation Massachusetts learned from our SHPO's office about a proposed senate budget amendment, GOV 119, that would seriously curtail the Massachusetts Historical Commission's review authority on historic preservation projects in the state

  After reviewing the proposed changes, and strategizing with partners and other colleagues, Preservation Massachusetts submitted the following letter to Senators Kenneth Donnelly and Michael Rodrigues and copied Senate President Therese Murray and Secretary of State Galvin, supported by our Board of Directors.  

  Preservation Massachusetts and the SHPO's office reached out to our statewide network through our Preservation Coalition, Board of Directors and other partners and ask that you also contact via email or letter your Senators to oppose this serious threat to MHC and historic resources and preservation efforts in our state. 

  May 22, 2012

  Senator Kenneth Donnelly

  Senator Michael Rodrigues

  Massachusetts State House

  Boston, MA 02133

  RE:      Opposition to Senate budget amendment GOV #119 - The Massachusetts Historical                           Commission

  Dear Senators Donnelly & Rodrigues:

  On behalf of Preservation Massachusetts, I write to you regarding Senate budget amendment GOV 119 and its impact on the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC).   Preservation Massachusetts is the statewide non-profit organization that actively promotes the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes as a positive force for economic development and the retention of community character. We work with partner organizations across the Commonwealth and beyond in our efforts to promote, educate and advance historic preservation.

  The proposed Senate budget amendment GOV #119 would have serious implications on the ability of MHC to preserve the numerous historic properties, archaeological and Native American sites that make up the rich heritage of our Commonwealth.  It is this heritage and the history in our buildings that attracts many residents and businesses to call our state home.  The oversight and guidance of the MHC is important to retaining that history as the state continues to expand and grow into the future.

  That guidance and oversight would be compromised by proposed changes in the Senate budget GOV #119.  As their regulatory statute currently reads, all parties must consult with MHC after their finding of an "adverse effect" in order to explore prudent and feasible alternatives that would eliminate, minimize or mitigate the adverse effects of a project. In the proposed amendment, such review would be triggered only if the project proponent requests consultation. We feel that an optional consultation and review would not be undertaken by the majority of proponents, a situation that could have dire consequences for many historic resources.

  Also, the proposed 90-day limit on the consultation process would severely curtail the ability of MHC to properly explore feasible alternatives, conduct feasibility studies, structural analysis and conduct archaeological investigations. It would also limit the ability to seek comments from consulting and interested parties, which can prove important a project or historic resource.

  After a consultation, MHC would only be able to issue recommendations under the proposed amendment. Currently MHC develops a Memorandum of Agreement which commits the proponent to mitigation. Simply issuing recommendations would allow proponents to essentially ignore MHC's findings and could jeopardize numerous historic resources and have far and long ranging consequences for our state.

  Preservation Massachusetts has spent nearly three decades promoting the positive and economic benefits of historic preservation in our Commonwealth.  Preservation means jobs, economic development, community revitalization, tourism and enhanced quality of life, all while retaining the incredible historic fabric of Massachusetts for future generations.  Every effort should be made to ensure that that historic character remains intact but can also grow with us into the 21st century and beyond.

  As a statewide organization, tasked to represent all 351 cities and towns in our Commonwealth, we stand in opposition to Senate budget amendment GOV #119. We are happy to discuss this with you at any time and hope to work with you to find a reasonable alternative to the proposed language and its impact on our historic resources in Massachusetts.

  Sincerely,

  James W. Igoe

  President

  Preservation Massachusetts 

  To find contact information for Massachusetts Legislators click here.

  Also, there is another amendment (OTH18) that would a negative effect on an historic Olmsted landscape listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.  It proposes the transfer of the currently DCR owned property to the City of Boston and authorize its transformation into a parking area. The parcel was conceptualized as part of the Emerald Necklace in 1883 and built in 1897.  

  Please contact your Senator's office today! 

  Preservation Massachusetts
  Old City Hall
  45 School Street
  Boston, Massachusetts 02108
  www.preservationmass.org

  -- 
  Courtney M. Whelan
  Program Manager
  Preservation Massachusetts
  Old City Hall
  45 School Street
  Boston, MA 02108
  (617) 723-3383

  www.preservationmass.org

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