Historical Commission Meeting

The Amesbury Historical Commission held a public hearing on the demolition application for 230 Main Street (MACRIS AME.200), a property the commission has previously deemed historically significant. Commissioners heard extensive public comment emphasizing the building’s architectural and literary associations, and questioned the applicant’s structural engineer conclusion that demolition was financially necessary. Staff from the Office of Community and Economic Development presented a draft scope for a peer-review structural inspection and noted available funding and possible zoning incentives to facilitate preservation projects.

After discussion the commission voted 5-0 to engage an independent structural engineer to review the applicant’s report, inspect the property, prepare a written assessment, and present findings at a public meeting. The applicant reiterated that rehabilitation is currently not financially feasible but expressed openness to preservation if financial barriers change. The public raised preservation options including purchase/move, fundraising, and town-level protections; staff also noted a zoning amendment under consideration to allow Historic Preservation Special Permits in commercial and office park districts to encourage reuse of historic buildings.