[MassHistPres] Developer using 40B to advance development in LHD

[edandrews at earthlink.net]

Mr. Hamilton:

 

While I certainly would encourage you to explore the route of using regulations and ordinance that will protect the building, I strongly suggest that you also further enlarge your community “action group” so as to put pressure on your mayor and selectmen to protect the building.  Try to find someone who has publicity skills who can help your effort by publicizing your effort.  

 

You will be amazed how quickly government will work on your behalf if the leadership gets a clear message telling them what the community wants.  Suddenly, all the regulations and objections working against you lose their importance.  

 

I suggest that you talk to Preservation Massachusetts and other groups that have successfully used political means to protect historic buildings.

 

Once an historic building is demolished, it is lost forever.  

 

Edward Andrews

Shaker Farm

Richmond, Mass.  

 

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Ward Hamilton
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2021 6:14 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Developer using 40B to advance development in LHD

 

In 2019, the Melrose Historical Commission led a coalition of concerned residents that opposed the demolition of the oldest commercial building (ca. 1875) in the downtown local historic district. The Historic District Commission unanimously rejected the application and all was well for the moment.

 

Since then, the developer has filed a 40B application and has a hearing before the Melrose zoning board of appeals next Wednesday night, January 27th.  What can be done at this point? Anything? I'm guessing that they still need to acquire permission from the ZBA for certain variances, is that the only bargaining chip left?

 

The mayor, city planner and city councilor (whose ward this is in) all support the project.  So there's no support to be found there.  




 

 

Ward Hamilton

Chairman

Melrose Historical Commission

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