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Build Out Analysis - Town by
Town
PRESERVATION THROUGH BYLAWS AND ORDINANCES
The Massachusetts Historical Commission is updating our guidebook
entitled "Preservation through Bylaws and Ordinances - Tools and
Techniques for Historic Preservation Used by Municipalities in
Massachusetts." This guidebook contains descriptions on the variety of
local bylaws and ordinances currently in use in Massachusetts for
protecting historic resources and community character. The guidebook
describes how each bylaw functions, includes a list of municipalities
that have passed each bylaw and summarizes success stories from around
the state. Originally prepared in 1998, the guidebook has been
incrementally revised since then. The current version of the guidebook
can be viewed online at http://commpres.env.state.ma.us/content/ptbo.asp
Historic
Preservation: The National Trust for Historic Preservation has
a site that addresses a number of your questions: http://www.nationaltrust.org/legal/easements/index.html
Federal law related to taking a federal tax deduction has recently been
updated. There are also links to discussions of these changes on this site.
A number of Massachusetts municipalities have active programs using preservation
restrictions as a protective tool, either in relation to Community Preservation
Act grants, or donations of preservation restrictions for tax purposes, or
requirements of preservation restrictions as a condition of a local permit or
variance, or a combination of the above.
Municipalities often will retain a preservation restriction on a historically
significant municipal property when it is sold or otherwise goes out of
town-ownership, but placing a preservation restriction on town-owned property
means ceding significant control to a qualified outside organization, something
most cities and towns would be reluctant to do, at least without some
incentive. Most preservation restrictions on town-owned properties are held by
the Massachusetts Historical Commission because they were required as a
condition of a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund grant.
And again, keep in mind that in Massachusetts, Preservation Restrictions fall
under state statute (MGL Chapter 184, ss 31-33) and must be approved by the
Massachusetts Historical Commission, and (if held by a qualified charitable
corporation or trust) by the local municipality.
Growing Greener - A smart way to build subdivisions
A Win, Win Way to Conserve Land
Residential growth, economic development, sprawl, inclusionary
zoning are all issues that play a large role in our changing communities. Check out Blackstone Daily's Affordable Housing,
transportation and Smart
Growth, and GIS,
Open Space sections. Water use is also a critical
element in planning: Mendon aquifer, Valley
basins, watersheds and preservation
incentives.
Critical Resources:
http://www.masszoningreform.org/index.html
http://www.mma.org/news/news_files/econ_develop_news/summary_of_zoning_bill.
pdf
http://www.planning.org/features/2003/masszoning.htm
http://www.environmentalleague.org/Issues/Zoning/Zoning_home.html
http://www.cmrpc.org/Agency/CMRPC_LegislativeUpdate.htm
MGIC usually posts the Presentations online, but have not done so as yet, but
this link is available to contiue checking:
http://www.state.ma.us/mgis/mgic-mtg.htm
Tons of links on Planning: http://www.planetizen.com/links/dir.php?/Science/Social_Sciences/Urban_and_Regional_Planning/
This
page will also offer national headlines and experiences often bringing further
insight into issues that impact the Blackstone Valley. Please check out the
following links:
10/23
UNMARRIED AMERICA
New demographics and non-traditional families are changing the
nature of the U.S. social infrastructure.
Oct 21 -- Business Week
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=11004&rf=e
THE MCMANSION NEXT DOOR
Homes are the one item where spending more doesn't guarantee good
design. The 'American house needs a makeover.'
Oct 22 -- Newsweek
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=11031&rf=e
THE CASE FOR INCLUSIONARY ZONING
A new report examines inclusionary zoning successes from around
the country.
Oct 20 -- Policy Link
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=11000&rf=e
State officials are making changes to 40B, the Massachusetts'
anti-snob zoning law, in efforts to boost housing supply.
Oct 20 -- Boston Globe
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=10979&rf=e
