[MassHistPres] Preliminary Mtgs & Special Fund

[Sarah White]

to Chris Bader's question regarding the survey:


I am aware of communities doing both paper-based (direct-mail) along with well-advertised online surveys, simultaneously, in order to capture the largest percent of responses possible.  Particularly if doing both online and paper surveys, you will need to have a process in place to de-dupe (eliminate duplicate) responses. Perhaps this is done through coding paper surveys and through requiring specific information from online survey-takers in order for the responses to be sent. While helpful, such processes sometimes raise suspicion in the minds of those who are prone to being concerned about responding to "government" questionnaires.


When doing these surveys a few years ago, there was no requirement that they be sent via US Mail. The surveys themselves are not required as part of the 40C process. However, they are highly recommended. Can you determine from the community listserv the number of subscribers that are also property owners within presumptive LHD district boundaries? That will be key.


Sarah White

City Planner/Preservation Planner

City of Somerville

93 Highland Avenue

Somerville, MA 02143

617.625.6600 x2534

swhite at somervillema.gov



________________________________
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> on behalf of jworden at swwalaw.com <jworden at swwalaw.com>
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2017 11:22:23 AM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Preliminary Mtgs & Special Fund


Responding o both posts below - one regarding preliminary neighborhood info before considering an historic district, and the other about establishing a separate fund that the historical commission could use without town meeting appropriation, here's the experience in Arlington:

1.  We always do neighborhood work before considering an historic district.  Often, the impetus has come from concerned residents.  After some preliminary research, we schedule one or more informational meetings.  Notice might be by mail or door-to-door hand distribution.  Not only do residents get their questions answered, but they often have historic tid-bits and info not found in public   records. Also, you can smoke out the opposition (if one is still allowed  to use that analogy).

2.  As to the fund  of the type described, I was instrumental in setting one up here  some 35 years ago.  We got an allocation from Community Development Block Grant funds (200K) to establish a 501(c)(3) corporation, separate from the Town, but whose members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen from certain categories, similar to an historic district commission.  The principal business of the fund has been to make low-interest loans for historic preservation or restoration.  We've helped over 100 property owners over the years.

John Worden, Arlington HDC, former president, Arlington Preservation Fund Inc.




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