[MassHistPres] 40C districts and political sign installations on contributing buidlings

[Diane Gilbert]

The chair of our one and only 40C district has informed at least two homeowners in the district that their temporary political signs must be removed.

Regardless of my opinion or anyone else's about the aesthetics of historic districts, is there not a Constitutional First Amendment right to free speech that supersedes the chair’s decision to dictate the use of political signs on historic properties?

I can’t imagine that no one hasn’t encountered this issue along the way. Perhaps this is a discussion topic from the past. I don’t recall. 

I am interested in getting thoughts, reactions, experiences with this matter. 

Thanks!

Diane Gilbert
Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust
(508) 965-7265
www.dhpt.org