[MassHistPres] Demo Delays

[Roughan, Michael]

Julie,

I couldn’t agree more that public opinion is an important component in Historic Preservation and demo delay is a last resort. In Hopkinton we’ve hired a noted preservationist to help craft the story of the threatened Aaron Claflin Inn. To that point until we hired the preservationist, I’ve been referring to the structure as 76 Main St but clearly putting some context to the property starts to build the case why “local history matters”.

….Mike

Michael Roughan, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP, ACHA

D +1.617.357.7725 M +1.617.784.6463


From: MassHistPres [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Julie Nardone
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2019 5:32 PM
To: MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Demo Delays

Hello,

The biggest problem with demolition delays is that we need them in the first place. The length is almost irrelevant.

The towns themselves often don't care about them or why they should matter or why local history matters or how it drives the economy.

I visit other parts of the country that seem to be more in tune with Historic Preservation.

And when the towns don't really care, the developers don't usually care either.

More recently, I've seen a few important historic buildings demolished in my town. One by the town. One by a developer. With another one fighting for its life. The demolition gets waited out.

From where I sit now, I believe the best defense is an offense. I did a semi-decent job doing that when the chair, but not totally.

Someone ought to be able to explain why these buildings matter and convey that to the public.

Then the town and the public will want to save them.

Now, people will rally to save the last one, but, alas, not the last 20.

Thanks,

Julie Nardone

Former HC Chair, Ashland


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