[MassHistPres] Perpetual historic preservation gl 184:31-33. Town seems clueless though voted at town meeting.

[sally milne]

Hello
   I’m seeking your experience . Our town entered into a complex purchase and sale with  a development company to use the Historic West Harwich Baptist Church for housing.

The church is within Captains’ Row a developing National Register district and a District of Critical Planning concern.  It is listed on MACRIS .

To be able to do this project a town created  article was on town meeting warrant. An Amendment was made  to that article and passed that a  perpetual Historic preservation restriction be placed on the church that would meet gl.184;31-33

However what might you advise me as the town in its purchase and sale agreement  now has language that says:

"We   (the  development company) agree to enter into a mutually acceptable exterior historic preservation restriction upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy."

I have concerns here and hope to hear any of your impressions or similar experiences as I try to make sure  the intent of the amendment is followed.

Thank you
Sally Urbano
West Harwich