[MassHistPres] Combined Historical and Historic District Commissions

[Dennis De Witt]

I would like to concur with Chris’s caution below.  In Brookline the function of the Historical Commission has been entirely lost because of the overwhelming design review load.  

I would also emphasize the importance of the final part of the Cambridge language:

"The Commission shall . . . have all the powers and duties of an Historical Commission as provided in Section 8D of General Laws, Chapter 40 as in effect from time to time.”  

Section 8D of MGL, Chapter 40 grants powers not entirely covered by MGL 40C.  It is important that they not be inadvertently lost.

Dennis De Witt
Brookline

 
> On Jun 28, 2017, at 12:16 PM, Skelly, Christopher (SEC) <christopher.skelly at state.ma.us> wrote:
> 
> I have forwarded this information on to the city of Brockton.  For those interested in the subject of combined historical commissions and historic district commissions, see below.
> ******
> I believe the city of Northampton and the town of Falmouth were the most recent municipalities to combine commissions.  However, there are many others such as:
> Alford
> Belmont
> Beverly
> Boxford
> Braintree
> Brookline
> Carlisle
> Cambridge
> Dedham
> Falmouth
> Edgartown
> Hamilton
> Harvard
> Harwich
> Lowell
> Manchester by the Sea
> New Bedford
> Northampton
> Petersham
> Plymouth
> Rockport
> Rowley
> Royalston
> Quincy
> Salem
> Sharon
> Shirley
> Somerville
> Springfield
> Townsend
> Wenham
> Westport
> Worcester
> ****************
> In many places, combining commissions works just fine. My concern over combining has to do with the differing roles of the two commissions.  One primarily does regulatory design review, and the other primarily community-wide historic preservation planning. In some towns, with a combined commission, the sole focus is on design review in the local historic district and community-wide preservation planning is neglected.  
> 
> However, it can work quite well so long as both roles are maintained. The advantages are less staff administration, less need for a larger pool of volunteers and less confusion to the public. 
> 
> If you decide to pursue combining the commissions through town meeting or city council, the AIA, realtor and historical society nomination process found in MGL Chapter 40C must be followed.  
> 
> Christopher C. Skelly
> Director of Local Government Programs
> Massachusetts Historical Commission
> Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us <mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us>
> 
> 
> From: massplanners-bounces at cs.umb.edu <mailto:massplanners-bounces at cs.umb.edu> [massplanners-bounces at cs.umb.edu <mailto:massplanners-bounces at cs.umb.edu>] on behalf of Rob May [rmay at cobma.us <mailto:rmay at cobma.us>]
> Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:49 AM
> To: massplanners at cs.umb.edu <mailto:massplanners at cs.umb.edu>
> Subject: [Massplanners] Combined Historical and Historic Commissions
> 
> We are looking for a community with a regulatory body established under both MGL 40 Section 8D (Historical Commission) and MGL 40C (Historic District Commission).  
> 
> The City of Brockton is looking for an ordinance to use as a template for a combined Commission 
> 
> Rob May, CEcD
> Director of Planning and Economic Development
> City of Brockton
> 45 School Street
> Brockton, MA 02301
> 508-580-7113
> rmay at cobma.us
>  <mailto:rmay at cobma.us>_______________________________________________
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