[MassHistPres] Demolition of a Newton Local Landmark

[Elizabeth Ware]

As I understand this, the developer demolished the house but also gained two additional lots by subdivision of the main parcel with the house.
From my perspective the developer should be made to:

·         Not develop on the two new lots for at least two years;

·         Rebuild the old house to “original” plus pay a fine for the demolition….. if not, no construction for 2 years, plus a fine.

How was a demolition permit secured?  The realtor certainly seems culpable here based on the real estate listing.
What a mess…………..good luck,

Betsy Ware

Director of Community Development
Town of Dracut, Ma.
Tel: 978-453-4557



From: MassHistPres [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of George Shaw
Sent: Monday, May 3, 2021 7:35 AM
To: WN Hill Preservation <wnhpreservation at gmail.com>
Cc: MHC MHC listserve <MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Demolition of a Newton Local Landmark


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That is absolutely horrible news. I hope there is serious payback.
This might be useful from historic new england
https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/hpg/uwandhc/offences/
Apparently, the realtor may be liable as well, I certainly would approach the state realtor board.
Good luck
George Shaw
Harmony Woodworking.

On Sun, May 2, 2021, 7:36 PM WN Hill Preservation <wnhpreservation at gmail.com<mailto:wnhpreservation at gmail.com>> wrote:
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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