[MassHistPres] Historic application 60-day window for decision

[Robert Busch]

Hi

In Bolton all Town buildings are closed.  We're looking into acquiring  
several call-numbers (sometimes called  "bridge numbers") that would 
allow board members, permit seekers,  and the public to call in to 
particular scheduled meetings. The Governor's recent order appears to 
allow this. If this is correct, then the required permit timelines can 
be satisfied without a meeting in a single location.

Bob Busch

Co-Chairman, Bolton Historical Commission

On 3/17/2020 10:13 AM, Skelly, Christopher (SEC) wrote:
> This issue is also of concern to other local boards, such as planning 
> boards, that must make a decision within a certain time or risk 
> constructive approval.
>
> There has been some relief granted to cities and towns through 
> executive order for open meetings via remote participation.
> https://www.mma.org/gov-signs-order-suspending-parts-of-open-meeting-law-to-enable-local-decision-making-during-covid-19-emergency/
>
> I don't think there is any relief yet for an actual public hearing, 
> where the public has a right to speak.
>
> I have heard there is some effort to seek a temporary legislative 
> remedy regarding constructive approvals.  I would discuss this further 
> with your planning staff at city hall.
>
> I would at least recommend requesting an extension in writing from 
> applicants.
>
> Christopher C. Skelly
> Director of Local Government Programs
> Massachusetts Historical Commission
> Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us <mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* MassHistPres [masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] on behalf of 
> Ralph Slate [slater at alum.rpi.edu]
> *Sent:* Monday, March 16, 2020 12:04 PM
> *To:* masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
> *Subject:* [MassHistPres] Historic application 60-day window for 
> decision vs. Governor Baker order
>
> Is anyone here familiar with the interaction between MGL 40C, which 
> specifies that an application must be acted upon within 60 days of 
> receipt (otherwise petition is deemed approved automatically), and 
> actions being taken by state and local governments which may not 
> permit historical commissions from meeting?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ralph Slate
> Springfield, MA
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> MassHistPres mailing list
> MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
> http://mailman.cs.umb.edu/listinfo/masshistpres
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.cs.umb.edu/pipermail/masshistpres/attachments/20200317/c21008b7/attachment.html>