[MassHistPres] Demolition of a Newton Local Landmark

[rcsmitharch at verizon.net]

In Swampscott an owner who demolishes a historic building without getting approvals is liable for a fine not to exceed 10% of the assessed value of the property and cannot get a building permit for anything other than the faithful reconstruction of the historic building for two years.

 

Sounds as though the realtor may have some liability exposure if the listing misrepresented the status of the property.

 

Richard Smith

Swampscott Historical Commission

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of WN Hill Preservation
Sent: Sunday, May 2, 2021 7:05 AM
To: MHC MHC listserve <MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: [MassHistPres] Demolition of a Newton Local Landmark

 

We discovered last week that a builder has demolished an 18th century farmhouse, one of Newton's 24 Local Landmarks <https://www.newtonma.gov/government/planning/historic-preservation/newton-city-landmarks> .  This took place 3 months after the sale to a developer, despite very specific preservation measures discussed at length and agreed with the Historical Commission, and a stop work order from the inspectional department. 

 

The farmhouse in our Oak Hill neighborhood originally belonged to the Hyde family, ancestors of the first mayor when the city was incorporated,James F. C. Hyde <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_F._C._Hyde> .

 

We are interested to learn from others if you have had something like this occur and how it was handled, including penalties. There is a strong concern that if this builder gets away with a light penalty that gives a green light to others.

 

Another note is that the property was listed by the realtor <https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/29-Greenwood-St_Newton_MA_02459_M36199-25165>  as "shovel ready" ... "get to work with your backhoe on day one."

 

Laura Foote

West Newton Hill Preservation Initiative

 

 

  <https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1icwkTbeX7YuTy0mErK98NGa1gTakY0wn&revid=0ByjOZq27h0WqZ1JyWkxBV2FKZmpabHdOK0VpR3lFUFFtbDI0PQ> 

wnhpreservation at gmail.com <mailto:wnhpreservation at gmail.com> 

 

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