[MassHistPres] Historic house demolition and ownership

[John Worden]

Elizabeth,

 

Could you find a private  charity that would  do the deal & then transfer
to the town?

 

Don't forget that he electric co. & tel. co have to move their wires for no
charge,  unless the electric is a muni.

 

John Worden

Arlington HDC

 

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Ware
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 12:51 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Historic house demolition and ownership

 

All,

 

Most recently a development proposal has come before the Dracut Planning
Board that will involve the demolition of a significant "villa" in Dracut.

The developer and the property owner have both refused to keep the house on
site, as more units can be generated without the house there. 

Additionally, the project is subject to a special permit process with the
Planning Board.  The CPC and Historical Commission have most recently
lobbied to keep the house on site.

Several staff and board/commission chairmen have been trying to figure out
how to address this issue and have explored moving the house.

The town has CPC funds which can be used for moving, foundation and
restoration on a new site.  We acknowledge that this situation is not ideal
but it is what it is.

 

Today, the issue of ownership came up, with the understanding that, if the
house were moved, the town would own it and have all the liability, etc. for
oversight of the house.

This would then lead to public bidding for moving the building, exterior
stabilization, etc.  More complication to an already complicated situation.

 

In other situations that I have been involved with in the moving of a house,
usually it's an agreement between the developer/owner and a new buyer/owner,
who would restore the house.

The town acts as the facilitator between owner/developer and new owner but
does not have an ownership in the house to be moved.

 

I would appreciate knowing how other communities address the issue of moving
buildings and their ownership as they travel over public roads and state
"highways". 

 

Thank you.

 

 

Betsy Ware

 

Director of Community Development

Town of Dracut

978-453-4557

 

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