Debate in Newburyport over proposed historic district

“There is a totally different kind of development pressure today than there was in the 1970s,’’ said Sarah White, chairwoman of the city’s Local Historic District Study Committee, noting that “many property owners on High Street have been approached because they have deep lots that could support another structure. For years, we’ve been relying on luck and the largesse of a lot of people who don’t want to sell to developers. The question is, how much longer do we want to rely on luck?’’...

Newburyport is widely considered one of the most architecturally rich areas of the country. High Street, for example, includes many Federal-style homes that were built between 1778 and 1818, at the height of New England’s maritime culture, as well as a number of homes that represent a greater variety of architectural styles, from bungalows to Colonials and Greek Revivals...

The downtown is also noteworthy for its architecture. After a devastating fire in 1811 destroyed much of the area, the city rebuilt its commercial center. The historic brick buildings went on to survive the threat of demolition in the 1970s during an era of federal urban renewal programs."

The Boston Globe, February 9, 2012
Debate in Newburyport over proposed historic district
By Brenda J. Buote  
To read the whole article press here.


“When the new City Council convenes in January, local leaders will weigh a proposal that would create a Local Historic District, which would protect the downtown area and High Street, the principal gateway to Newburyport and the cornerstone of Newburyport’s Historic District. Named an endangered resource by Preservation Massachusetts, High Street dates to the 17th century. From its humble beginnings as a country road, the city’s signature street has evolved into a socially prominent roadway of national renown. It is home to Newburyport’s only National Historic Landmark, the Caleb Cushing House.

If embraced by city leaders, creation of a Local Historic District would protect the exterior appearance of properties along the 2.48-mile High Street and the commercial downtown between Federal and Winter streets to ensure that any planned changes would not detract from the district’s historic character. The intent is to protect historical architecture and encourage new construction compatible with the surrounding buildings.”

The Boston Globe, November 6, 2011, by Brenda J. Buote  
To read the whole article press here.

Facing demolition, Plans to tear down historic Federalist home raises concerns

"By right, Brian and Tara Patrican can do what they want with the $1.6 million, 12-room Federalist home at 1 Little's Lane that they bought in October.

But their decision to demolish the 19th century home and adjacent carriage barn abutting their residence at 53 High Road has ignited a wave of protest from local historians and residents.

The carriage barn was torn down yesterday, Newbury Town Planner Martha Taylor said. Repeated calls to Brian Patrican to confirm the remainder of the demolition schedule were not returned…

According to town assessor records and information available on the website zillow.com, the 6,500-square-foot home at 1 Little's Lane was built around 1800 and is said to have been recently remodeled. It features six bedrooms, five baths and nine fireplaces, with bucolic views from every angle, including a distant glimpse of the ocean. It sits on a 5.16-acre lot, which abuts conservation land.

The 4,276-square-foot barn on the property, which was most recently used as an office/workshop and was listed in sales material to be in "great shape," was demolished yesterday…

Mary Baker Eaton, leader of the Save Newburyport advocacy group lobbying for the creation of a Local Historic District in downtown Newburyport and along High Street, saw the impending demolition of the Little's Lane house as an indication of things to come in Newburyport if protections aren't put in place.

"I worry that somebody will do the same thing on High Street in Newburyport — take down one of the beautiful mansions," she said. "Unless we have a Local Historic District, it's just a matter of time until this happens on High Street."

To read the whole article press here.

The Newburyport Daily News, January 18, 2012
Facing demolition, Plans to tear down historic Federalist home raises concerns
By Michelle Pelletier Marshall 


Members want High Street, sidewalks and trees included

"Petitions
The online petition duel has just started to heat up in the past few days.

The pro-LHD petition is succinct: "We the undersigned are in support of creating a Local Historic District for Newburyport that consists of High Street, the gateway to the city and downtown Newburyport."

Author of the petition is listed as Mary Baker Eaton, a local artist and blogger who has advocated strongly for the district.

"When I checked, the petitions showed 58 for the LHD and six against," said Eaton, who was a major force in helping stop the state-initiated attempt to widen High Street about a decade ago."

The whole article can be read here.

Newburyport Daily News, January 27, 2012
Historic District Committee urges changes, Members want High Street, sidewalks and trees included
By Dyke Hendrickson 

(The pro-LHD petition can be signed here.)


Four part series on Newburyport's Local Historic District by Dyke Hendrickson
 
At stake: history
Read the article here.

A model in Southern charm
Read the article here.

A question of rights
Read the article here.

The road ahead 
Read the article here.

Take the Bagels, Leave the Petition

"What is necessary is an informed and engaged public…

Just take some time and Google, “Newburyport Historic District”. You’ll find plenty on the subject including the city-sponsored page put out by the Local Historic District Study Committee. Bookmark this. Read it. Read it closely, especially when the final draft of the proposal comes out (next month I think, when the hearing restart.) That’s an important fact, we’re just looking at a draft right now. It’s worth going over, no doubt, but it’s not the final word.

In fact, the study committee just last week made a significant change, dropping a requirement that homeowners with slate roofs need to replace them with slate."

Newburyport Today, February 16, 2012, 
Take the Bagels, Leave the Petition, by Tom Salemi
To read the whole article press here.