[MassHistPres] Ordinance concerning demolition by neglect

[Mike Potaski]

Hi Pleun et al:

An ordnance or bylaw addressing demolition by neglect would focus on a very real problem impacting historic properties in Massachusetts. However, there arises the issue of enforcement and compelling the owners of historic properties to perform a minimum of maintenance to ensure a property's long-term preservation.

The issue arises not only with private owners but with municipal owners of historic properties.

For example, the town of Uxbridge owns the 18th century Cornet John Farnum house which hosted the first town meeting. MHC provided grant money for an architectural and archaeological review of the structure. MHC placed a preservation lien/restriction on the title as a condition of the grant. The study immediately identified severe structural deficits that should prompt remedial actions.

However, the town has refused to raise and appropriate the funds necessary to restore the building. The Capital Planning Committee, which serves as a gatekeeper for such expenditures, pays lip service to the historic value of the building and the need to preserve it, but balks at spending the money. One member of the Committee openly sneered at the MHC's option under the Preservation Agreement to seek redress in Superior Court .

Fortunately, a civic-minded private entity has expressed an interest in acquiring the building for the purpose of restoring it. That offer has been translated into an article on the upcoming spring town meeting warrant.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a positive town meeting vote,

Mike Potaski
Uxbridge Historical Society
________________________________
From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> on behalf of Pleun Bouricius via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 4:16 PM
To: Dorothy Clark <dorothy.clark at boston.gov>
Cc: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu>
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Ordinance concerning demolition by neglect

That is a question I have as well. The Massachusetts History Alliance is interested in developing a brief on this.

Pleun Bouricius
Plainfield MA

On Mar 12, 2024, at 11:10 AM, Dorothy Clark via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> wrote:

Hello list readers,
I am wondering what, if any, communities in Massachusetts have ordinances in place that protect historic properties from demolition by neglect.
[https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4z7BxTOnUuOqYQjWhT7FtXLK7Vb1SNXS3rKQaqPvUpqeI_vXb3S2LDOg_NJ-boWpapDrhHsVSM]

Dorothy Clark
Assistant Survey Director
Boston Landmarks Commission
Office of Historic Preservation<https://www.boston.gov/departments/landmarks-commission>
Office: (617) 635-2912
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