Currently the Massachusetts Historic Commission’s (MHC) has the authority to review all projects receiving state funding, or needing state permits, that are listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places. State bill S2053 would restrict the authority of the MHC to review only those properties officially listed on the National Register and to those located in Local Historic Districts. MHC would only be able to provide recommendations on projects that create an adverse effect on historic properties (buildings, districts and sites) that are in MHC’s inventory but not yet listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Thus project proponents could ignore MHC’s recommendations for preservation or mitigation for any National Register eligible properties not yet on the National Register or in local districts. The bill would also be retroactive to any previous state project reviews that MHC has done in the past. (Read full bill here – www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S02053)
Historic Salem, Inc. estimates that about 1,550 of the some 4,300 properties in Salem located in MHC’s inventory are on the National Register or in a local historic district. So roughly 64% of the recognized historic properties in Salem would lose protection. This bill would remove critical tools which help ensure that development is consistent with the future vitality of our historic cities. We need more protection, not less. This bill puts at risk one of our most important assets – the many historic properties and sites that form part of what draws residents, tourists and businesses to Massachusetts.
On behalf of Historic Salem, Inc. I urge strongly that you voice your opposition to S.2053 to your state senators and ask that they forward this opposition to their colleagues that sit on the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The bill will be heard in committee on January 24, 2012 at 10am. Community members are encouraged to write letters or attend the hearing and testify in opposition of this bill. Take action now to let your representatives know that you value historic preservation and oppose this bill.
You can download a sample letter by clicking here > S2053 Letter Template