[MassHistPres] question abouut ADA and preservation restrictions

[Dennis De Witt]

It’s my understanding in the context of our building that “universal access” can be provided by other mean — e.g. an alternative  video experience of a space only accessible by a staircase inside a masonry wall — if the building fabric does not reasonably allow ompliant access.

Dennis De Witt
Metropolitan Waterworks Museum

> On Oct 9, 2019, at 3:23 PM, Diane Gilbert <d.m.gilbert at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> We installed a lift at the back entrance of the 1762 Akin House in Dartmouth. We built a deck since the rear entry is about 5 feet above ground and we use the rear entrance as the entry point so that the front entrance and frontage of this pre-Georgian cape style house remains unchanged. We had to install a new rear entry door that conforms with ADA specs to allow access. It is my understanding that if over $100,000 of public funds are used for a historic building, universal access is required. 
> 
> Diane Gilbert
> Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust
> www.dhpt.org <http://www.dhpt.org/>
> 
> Dartmouth Historical Commission 
> Community Preservation Committee 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On Oct 9, 2019, at 12:54 PM, Gretchen Schuler <ggschuler126 at gmail.com <mailto:ggschuler126 at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
>> I also believe that you can develop another access point that is not the main access for general public an "historic" building - in order to have less impact on key architectural features.  
>> Gretchen Schuler
>> Wayland Historic District Commission
>> 
>> On Wed, Oct 9, 2019 at 12:41 PM Fred Taylor <fmrdm1 at gmail.com <mailto:fmrdm1 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> Olivia,
>> 
>> There is a waiver.  Some of what is involved in obtaining one includes:
>> One of the criteria used by the MAAB in evaluating the variance is whether or not it is technically feasible to establish public access for an historic building 
>> Application first sent to MHC to verify the building is historic. Local historic districts commission and historic commission write letters to explain why it is historic.   
>> If a town/city has a local Committee on Disabilities, they must weigh in with a formal vote.   The application must include the committee’s decision and must be signed by the chair.
>> MHC requires 30 days to review the application.
>> After 30 days the app is sent to Mass. Architectural Access board who schedules date to hear the case.
>> I am not sure if local hdc and hc can write letters to MAAB in support of the application.
>> I believe anyone can attend the hearing.
>> Fred Taylor, Sudbury
>> 
>> 
>>> On Oct 9, 2019, at 7:23 AM, Olivia M <liv1946 at gmail.com <mailto:liv1946 at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Question for the group:
>>> Is there a waiver from historic preservation when making ADA improvements to public buildings-- specifically thinking about widening doors to make them wheel chair accessible.
>>> 
>>> ( The building has preservation restrictions, on the National Register as individual and in a district)
>>> thanks for your help.
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Olivia Mausel
>>> Holyoke Preservation Trust
>>> 92 Race St.
>>> Holyoke, MA 01040
>>> info at holyokepreservationtrust.org <mailto:info at holyokepreservationtrust.org>
>>> www.holyokepreservationtrust.org <http://www.holyokepreservationtrust.org/> 
>>> 413-437-0466
>>> 
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