[MassHistPres] Historic District Assistance Request

[cdw]

Hello,  

  

The town of Upton Massachusetts currently has a state and federally listed
Historic District. However, our current Historic District does not have any
real protections besides a demolition delay bylaw.  

  

In the 1990s, Upton attempted to pass a Historic District bylaw but it was not
voted into law by the residents of Upton because they were concerned that the
Historical Commission would enforce design standards on individual homes which
would prevent residents from adding porches, painting their house the color
that they want, and generally restricting freedoms of their properties.  

  

With the popularity of 40B complexes and business overlay districts, there
seems to be a new threat to our community and the very real possibility that
our town may lose very special historic homes in our Historic District. With
that being said, the Historical Commission would like to re-introduce the
Historic District bylaw.  

  

I was wondering if anyone on the listserv might be able to provide advice
and/or guidance about how they successfully introduced a Historic District
bylaw into their towns, perhaps share the verbiage that you used for the bylaw
and also share any pitfalls that might be avoided. Thanks so much for your
help and assistance!  

  

Sincerely,  

Craig  

  

  

  

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