Historical Commission Meeting
Public hearings and determinations on historic preservation matters including full demolition permit review for 234 Main Street and 5 School, and Historic Preservation Special Permit (HPSP) eligibility/reviews for 230 Main Street, 2-4 Elmwood, 9 School, 14 Maple, and a project application for 13 School Street.
The Amesbury Historical Commission reviewed multiple preservation and demolition applications affecting downtown and nearby historic properties. The commission endorsed the Amesbury Library's Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Projects grant application and held public hearings on demolition and redevelopment matters at 234 Main St (part of a project tied to 230 Main St) and 5 School St. Abutters raised concerns about which structure was proposed for demolition, the accuracy of historical records, notice procedures, and future parking, while staff clarified the scope of the demolition delay and which issues fall under the planning board.
On applications, the commission voted to deem 234 Main St not preferably preserved (allowing demolition to proceed) and to deem 230 Main St historically eligible and approve its HPSP application. Commissioners also deemed 5 School St not preferably preserved after reviewing plans to replace the deteriorated structure with a near-replica, and deemed 2-4 Elmwood St historically eligible with an HPSP process to follow. Draft preservation restriction reviews for 9 School St (Ordway School) and 14 Maple St were discussed but deferred for further DRC and planning-board coordination and revision of draft language; additional details (roof/mechanical plans, landscaping, and exterior finishes) were requested before final PR approval.