[MassHistPres] New Construction inHistoric District

[kate johns]

The Historic District Commission in Rockport faced a similar issue. A
developer wanted to construct a new 4 unit condo building using "As of
Right" zoning in the civic center of one of our historic districts. The
design of the project they presented was inappropriate. The Commission was
able to work with the developer to redesign the massing, roofline and
details, without losing the desired number of units. The resulting
structure, now nearing completion, is one with which the developer, the
Commission and the Town are very happy. We were lucky to have an amenable
developer who took our suggestions as intended to create a building which
fits comfortably within the historic context of the Town.

Kate Johns Shaw
Vice Chair
Rockport Historical Commission

On Thu, Mar 20, 2025, 12:29 PM Ralph Slate via MassHistPres <
masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> wrote:

> MGL 40C says:
>
> The commission shall not make any recommendation or requirement except for
> the purpose of preventing developments incongruous to the historic aspects
> or the architectural characteristics of the surroundings and of the
> historic district.
>
> It would be permissible exercise control over architectural design and
> features, and even massing, however use of the structure or number of units
> cannot be controlled via MGL 40C.
>
> Ralph Slate
> Springfield, MA
>
>
> On 3/20/2025 8:36 AM, PEG DOOLEY via MassHistPres wrote:
>
>
>
> 
> Any suggestions re a builder planning on using every inch of space on a
> lot in the center of the District. Retail first floor 18 condos above.  I
> realize we have a bit of control over the area. How much success has it
> been out there scaling down such a development?  Thank you.
>
>
> Peg Dooley
>
> Co Chair Norton HDC
>
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