[MassHistPres] Question about MHC review

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

I have a question about MHC historic property review, as referenced on
this web page:

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcrevcom/revcomidx.htm

The web page references 950 CMR 71, which, in part, states:

"In reviewing a Project Notification Form or an Environmental
Notification Form, the MHC shall consult the Inventory to determine
whether properties not listed in the State Register exist within the
project's area of potential impact. If the Inventory indicates that
historic properties not listed in the State Register exist within the
project's area of potential impact, the MHC will so notify the state
body and the project proponent. To the extent feasible, the MHC will
notify the state body and the project proponent whether such property
will be listed in the State Register prior to the conclusion of the
project review under 950 CMR 71.00. The MHC shall encourage the state
body and the project proponent to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate
adverse effects to properties included in the Inventory."

I received a notification on a project which states "After review of
MHC's files, the structures proposed for demolition are neither included
in MHC's inventory of Historic and Archeological Assets of the
Commonwealth" nor listed in the State Register of Historic Places". That
is a true statement, however one of the structures proposed for
demolition was built in 1886, and could possibly be deemed historic.

Does the MHC review apply to properties which *may* be historic, but
have not been formally surveyed - which is implied with the above quoted
paragraph? Or must the property be included in the State Register in
order for the "eliminate, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts" to kick
in?

Thanks,

Ralph Slate
Chair, Springfield Historical Commission 
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