Historical Commission

Historical Commission - 7.25.2024

Updated 9 days ago

Historical Commission Meeting 7.25.2024

The Fitchburg Historical Commission convenes on July 27, 2023, to discuss several key topics, including the redesign of the Massachusetts State Seal and flag. The Commission considers supporting a resolution for a new seal that better represents harmonious and respectful relations among all people in Massachusetts. Additionally, the meeting covers the distribution of downtown historic area brochures and explores the potential establishment of a local historic district in the Prospect Hill area. The Commission also reviews updates on the Monument Park repairs and the Historic Building Demolition Delay ordinance.

File Attachments:

Fitchburg Historical Commission Meeting Agenda 7.25.26 (pdf, 493 KB, opens in new window/tab)

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:18)
The meeting of the Fitchburg Historical Commission is officially called to order.

The chair of the Fitchburg Historical Commission calls the meeting to order, noting that it is being recorded for public broadcast. Attendees are asked to identify themselves if recording.
Roll Call (00:00:47)
Roll call of commission members present is conducted.

The chair conducts a roll call of members present, confirming attendance and identifying the chair and members participating in the meeting.
Public Comment Period (00:01:41)
Opportunity for public comments, but no guests are present to speak.

The agenda provides for a public comment period; however, as there are no guests present at the meeting, the commission moves on to the next agenda item.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:58)
Review and approval of previous meeting minutes, but no votes were taken last month.

The commission reviews the minutes from the last meeting, noting that no official meeting occurred and hence no votes were taken. Discussion centers on approving the minutes despite the lack of a quorum in the previous month.
Discussion on Massachusetts State Seal and Flag (00:03:32)
Discussion on the current Massachusetts state seal and flag and the proposal to change it.

The commission discusses the Massachusetts state seal and flag, including a presentation received about the potential changes to the seal. The discussion revolves around the historical and cultural implications of the current seal and the process for supporting a change.
Update on Brochure Distribution (00:41:00)
Update on the distribution of downtown historic area brochures to various locations.

Members discuss the distribution of the Fitchburg Downtown Historic Area brochures, including locations where they have been distributed such as local businesses, city buildings, and rest areas. Suggestions are made for further distribution efforts.
Resource Links for Commission Website (00:49:07)
Discussion on the addition of resource links to the Historical Commission's website.

The commission reviews the list of resource links intended to be added to the website, including links to preservation guidelines, local resources, and historical inventories. The goal is to enhance public access to historical preservation information.
Resources in Historic Districts (00:54:57)
Discussion on resources available in local historic districts and National Register listings.

The discussion centered around resources available for properties in local historic districts, National Register listings, and surveyed buildings. It was suggested to check with community development for zoning reviews and procedures.
Prospect Street Property (00:56:00)
Discussion about a property on Prospect Street, its history, and potential for historic designation.

The conversation included the history of a property on Prospect Street, its past as a convent, and its current status. There was also a discussion about whether it could be listed on the National Register and potential tax credit financing.
Local Historic Districts (01:09:05)
Exploration of creating local historic districts and the benefits they offer to communities.

There was a detailed exploration of the process and benefits of creating local historic districts, including the preservation of architectural character and the potential increase in property values.
Prospect Hill Inventory (01:29:02)
Presentation of the Prospect Hill inventory and its significance for potential historic designation.

The Prospect Hill inventory was presented as a valuable resource for understanding the architectural and historical significance of the area, which could aid in creating a local or national historic district.
Update on Resources Link (01:36:06)
Update on the resources link related to historic districts and properties.

There was an update on the resources link and coordination of signage for the Twin Cities rail trail, including contributions from members for images and resources.
Historic Marker Update (01:37:02)
Discussion on historic marker applications and their implications for properties.

An update was given on historic marker applications, specifically for Rosemont. It was clarified that markers do not impose restrictions but are a way to display historical information.
Downtown Building Histories Project (01:37:57)
Discussion about documenting downtown building histories and the importance of tax credits.

The project aims to document and share the histories of downtown buildings, historic districts, and available tax credits. Members are encouraged to assist in gathering information.
Monument Park Repairs (01:39:03)
Update on the status of Monument Park repairs and plans for future coordination.

There was a brief update on Monument Park repairs, with an emphasis on coordinating efforts with Parks and Recreation and Public Works for budgeting and design documents.
Historic Building Demolition Delay (01:40:03)
Discussion on the demolition delay ordinance and the roles of the Historical Commission and Building Commissioner.

An update was provided on the demolition delay ordinance, highlighting the roles of the Historical Commission and Building Commissioner in enforcement. It was clarified that the Building Commissioner has the authority to impose fines.
Meeting Time Adjustment (01:44:38)
Proposal to change the meeting time to 5 PM for future meetings.

There was a proposal to adjust the meeting time to 5 PM starting in September. Members discussed the need to vote on this change.
Motion to Adjourn (01:44:43)
The meeting was adjourned after a motion was made and seconded.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded. The meeting was declared adjourned following the vote.

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Fitchburg Historical Commission Meetings