Historical Commission

The Amesbury Historical Commission met on August 1, 2024. Commissioners reviewed a demolition application for 230 Main Street submitted by owner Robert L. Zeraschi; the commission found the submission met bylaw requirements and noted an updated MACRIS form for the property. The commission voted 4–0 to designate the September 5, 2024 meeting (7:00 PM) as the public hearing for the 230 Main Street demolition application.

Members also reviewed an emergency demolition at 201 Elm Street reported by the building inspector and owner/ purchaser Greg Southard: a collapsed rear shed addition and a failing side entrance porch attached to the main house were removed after being deemed unsafe, and a newer detached structure under 75 years old was also demolished. The commission noted any further demolition at 201 Elm Street would be subject to the full demolition‑delay bylaw and that the owner intends to seek historic designation and development under the Historic Preservation Special Permit. The commission heard from Nick Cracknell that an amendment to the Historical Preservation Special Permit Bylaw to extend applicability to commercial zones has been referred to a City Council subcommittee and that the Planning Board sent a letter of support. The commission was also copied on a July 15, 2024 Massachusetts Historical Commission letter regarding an Environmental Notification Form for the proposed Golden Triangle Residential Development on Elm Street (addresses including 265R, 277, 281, 287 Elm), a 375‑unit project that proposes demolition of the J.S. True House at 287 Elm (AME.306), which the commission has previously identified as historically significant.