[MassHistPres] Demolition of a Newton Local Landmark

[Edward Andrews]

There have been more than a few instances in which the courts have required the builder to re-build the landmark building it has demolished.  I would not accept anything less than this; The builder has robbed your town of its heritage.  Steps should be taken to salvage the original materials.

 

In London, there is a recent example of this; An English court required that the Carleton Pub be re-built.  See  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/world/carlton-tavern-london-pub.html

 

Edward Andrews

Shaker Farm

Richmond, Mass.  

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu <mailto: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 <mailto: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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