[MassHistPres] Proposed Rule Changes National Register of Historic Places

[Chris Johnston]

Betsy - Thanks for sending this out to the list. These changes are just
dumb. I've sent comments opposing these two regulation proposals. Hopefully
something will come of this.

 

Chris Johnston, Chairman

Marblehead Historical Commission

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
<mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> > On Behalf Of Friedberg, Betsy
(SEC)
Sent: Monday, April 8, 2019 5:08 PM
To: 'masshistpres at cs.umb.edu' <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
<mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> >
Subject: [MassHistPres] Proposed Rule Changes National Register of Historic
Places

 

Hello masshistpres members,

 

The National Park Service is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) regulations that would have a
substantial impact on how properties are listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. Several of the proposed rule changes go well beyond the
intention of the NHPA.  The proposed rule would give federal agencies sole
authority to identify or nominate historic properties on federal lands.
This would contradict current rules, under which State Historic Preservation
Officers are required to weigh in on National Register nominations by
federal agencies, and where SHPOs as well as communities can pursue
nominations that include federal properties.  

 

In addition, the proposed rule would change the rules regarding owner
objection in nominations of National Register historic districts.
Presently, if the majority of private property owners object, a nomination
cannot go forward.  But the proposed rule adds that a district cannot be
listed if the owners of a majority of the land area object, even if the
majority of owners support the nomination. This contradicts the democratic
principles underpinning the National Register nomination process, and means
that the concept of "one owner/one vote" would no longer apply.  

 

Please consider commenting on the proposed changes, summarized in the
attached Alert from the National Conference of State Historic Preservation
Officers (NCSHPO). Public comments are due electronically by April 30, 2019.


 

To review the proposed rule changes and to submit comments, please see the
link below:

http://www.regulations.gov

and search for the RIN(1024-AE49).

 

Thank you.

 

Betsy Friedberg

National Register Director

Massachusetts Historical Commission

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