[MassHistPres] preferably preserved

[Sullivan, Charles M.]

You have a definition in your bylaw (I hope), and of course you should be guided by that.

The basic issue is how to balance competing public interests - the commission in preserving a significant building, the community in seeing something worthwhile on the site. (The developer's interest may or may not coincide with the public's interest, but must also be taken into account.) If you look at the replacement project and find that it doesn't preserve any of the building and doesn't offer the community anything worthwhile, then delay may be the obvious answer. Not all replacement projects are entirely without merit, however, so it's important to listen carefully to all parties. If you do impose a delay, make sure the proponent knows that he or she can short-cut the process by coming back with a proposal that meets your goals.

Remember - a) every demo situation is unique, so your analysis must be situational; and b) it's only a delay, not a taking, so no significant property interests are involved. Keep calm and carry on.

__________________________________
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 Jane Lowell
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 11:39 AM
To: MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
Cc: 'Ellen Wagner'; 'WAYNE WAGNER'; 'Kathy Schofield'
Subject: [MassHistPres] preferably preserved

The Mendon Historical Commission is having a hearing to determine if a building should be preferably preserved.  This hearing is a first for the HC.  What criteria do other commissions use to determine if a building should be preferably preserved?  Any advice will be appreciated.

                                                                                                                                                Regards,
                                                                                                                                                Jane Lowell    Mendon HC
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