2021.07.12 Staff Report To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: July 12 2021 Historical Commission Staff Report
Please note that staff recommendations are based on the paper record. Applicants may present
other information that could be persuasive.
Determination of Significance Pursuant to Demolition Ordinance, 53 West
Street, 31D-088
Determination of Significance Pursuant to Demolition Ordinance, 16 Paradise
Road, 31A-324
Applications for demolition has been filed with the building department for these
properties.
The criteria on which to determine significance, according to the Ordinance are as follows.
These are the only criteria on which a decision can be based.
A determination of Significance is the first step in the demo review; if the Commission
determines the building to be significant, a hearing to determine whether it is Preferably
Preserved will then be scheduled. The significance determination does not create a delay,
it's just the first step. The Commission should find whether each property is significant,
referencing the criteria on which the decision is based. 16 Paradise Road is recommended
for National Register listing on its historic inventory form, 53 West Street does not have an
inventory form.
A. The building or structure is listed on, or is within an area listed on, the National
Register of Historic Places; or
B. The building or structure has been found eligible by the National Park Service or the
Massachusetts Historical Commission for the National Register of Historic Places; and/or
the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places, or has an application pending; or
C. The building or structure is importantly associated with one or more historic persons
or events, or with the broad architectural, cultural, political, economic or social history of
the City or the commonwealth; or
D. The building or structure is historically or architecturally important, in terms of period,
style, method of building construction or association with a recognized architect or builder,
either by itself or in the context of a group of buildings.
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Establish Designee of the Commission for Demolition ‘Significance’ Determinations
The Demolition Ordinance requires that determinations of Significance be made within 15
days of a referral from the Building Department. If determined Significant, a public hearing
must then be scheduled and advertised. This timeline can sometimes result in the need for
a special meeting. In accordance with §161-6 of the Ordinance, “The Commission may
delegate authority to make initial determinations of significance to one or more members of
the Commission or to a municipal employee.” In cases where the Significance of a building
or structure is clear, such as a building being listed on the National Register or within a
National Register district, or a Form B recommends register listing, staff can make this
determination, and a hearing can be scheduled. In cases where there is any ambiguity, the
initial determination can continue to be made by the full Commission.