[MassHistPres] Preferably Preserved Significant Structures

[Gretchen Schuler]

It sounds like the structure that was determined to be "not preferably
preserved" was in fact historically significant, and you made the
determination based on the replacement.  As you probably know, you have no
authority since the "not preferably preserved" determination sends the
applicant on to the building commissioner with no conditions.  Another way
to handle such a situation is to make the determination that the structure
is preferably preserved (if it is) and then discuss how you may consider
waiving the 6-month delay....so that the new construction would be a
condition of waiving the delay, remediation for loss of the significant
structure.
Gretchen Schuler
Wayland Historic District Commission

On Mon, Jan 7, 2019 at 11:57 AM Roughan, Michael <Michael.Roughan at hdrinc.com>
wrote:

> Hopkinton last week had public hearings for 3 “historically significant”’
> structures that the owners applied for demolition permits. For two of the
> structures the commission determined they were “preferably preserved” and
> instituted a 6-month demolition delay. The third structure was determined
> to not be “preferably preserved” based on the applicant submitting plans
> and elevations prepared by an architect indicating the barn to be
> demolished would be replicated in new construction. The following issues
> were discussed during deliberations and advice from this List Serv is
> requested:
>
>
>
> 1.       What precedents are there for assuring that (after determination
> an existing structure is not “preferably preserved”) an applicant who
> represents they will “replicate” a structure, actually does so?
>
> 2.       When the Commission encourages an applicant to preserve part of
> a structure, is it best practice not to release a ‘partial demolition’
> permit until an agreement can be reached? Should the Commission insist on
> specific plans and elevations rather than a narrative of intent?
>
> 3.       One of the structures (1794) has significance both as a
> structure and for the past events / occupants of the structure. Has anyone
> tried to extend their demo delay time period for a project already under a
> demo delay? Our six month maximum demo delay has not seemed to be an
> impediment for developers taking 4-6 months to go through other town
> committees. Is a single structure historic district a viable option given
> the time frame? (Hopkinton Town Meeting is scheduled for May 2019)
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
>
> ….Mike
>
>
>
> Michael Roughan, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP, ACHA
>
> Chairman - Hopkinton Historical Commission
>
>
>
> Town of Hopkinton
>
> 18 Main Street
>
> Hopkinton, MA 01748
>
>
> *D* 617.357.7725 *M* 617.784.6463
>
>
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