[MassHistPres] demo delay property transfers

[Katy Hax Holmes]

Hello Marilyn,

The City of Newton recently changed its ordinance to make the ownership of historic properties non-transferrable during demo delay periods.  The demo delay no longer transfers by address, and purchase-and-sale documents are no longer sufficient proof of ownership.  Having just passed this change in the spring, we are aware of the 'opportunity' allowed in the building code to transfer ownership of demolition permits once the demo delay expires.  Nevertheless, Newton's primary objective was to strengthen the intent of the demolition delay by ensuring that property owners used the delay period to find alternatives to demolition.  Again, still early yet, but the changes have reduced the number of historic properties on our historical commission's agenda for which demolition was never intended (e.g. a marketing tool to 'start the clock'), and the Commission has more time to pursue protection measures for threatened historically significant structures.

Katy Hax Holmes
City of Newton
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