[MassHistPres] Historic restrictions

[Joan Nix]

"Façade" is only the exterior, so the word should suffice. I would wonder, though, if what they really mean is the front or main façade; leaving alterations to the sides and rear an option for the affordable housing developer. The intention might be to preserve the main elevation or main façade, but not the sides and rear; or the intention might be to preserve the exterior in general on all sides and likely the roof, too.  I suggest it should be spelled out.  
I also question the Board of Selectmen holding the restriction, because it is difficult for me to see how they have the expertise to evaluate the changes that will be proposed to any façade or elevation. I am confident that windows will be replaced, for instance, and it will be important to determine if what the replacements are complies with historic preservation goals. I suggest that any alterations comply with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. 
I am not sure what historic restrictions are.
Joan Nix
Orleans Historical Commission 

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Today's Topics:

   1. Historic preservation restrictions (sally milne)


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Message: 1
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2022 12:42:30 -0400
From: sally milne <urbanosally at gmail.com>
To: Masshistpres <MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: [MassHistPres] Historic preservation restrictions
Message-ID: <3924E415-DE52-4E02-A6D4-15E255FF574D at gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=utf-8

Hello everyone,
     Our town is about to purchase the Historic West Harwich Baptist church, oldest baptist church on Cape Cod rebuilt (1871) and Jonathan Walker (man with the branded hand)  attended services here. 
  The town proposes “ historic restriction to the facade” with the Board of Selectmen holding the restriction. They then propose to convey the property to a developer for affordable housing. We’ve had problems with Historic restrictions in town, either promised or not fulfilled. I envision Harwich BOS revoking or not even implementing the restriction after they gain control of the property.
They will use town funds for this purchase.
Shouldn’t the restriction run with the deed. ? and doesn’t a restriction apply only to the outside, the wording of facade is throwing me off. I will have to propose an amendment to the article proposed at the upcoming special town meeting. 
Anyone care to share ideas or experiences.
Thank you
Sally Urbano, West Harwich
An individual.



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