Come aboard and bring your dory!

Written by James Grieder on April 8th, 2010

Thank you for your interest in the preservation of Nantucket’s unique history. Unfortunately it is more at-risk than most people realize. As you can see from the Nantucket Architecural and Cultural Resources surveys that I’ve scanned and posted online many of our architectural treasures have been altered in some way. Granted some of those changes were minor but I can count on one hand the number of true preservation projects (not restorations or renovations, more on this later).

The number of pre-Civil War houses typically noted is around 800, but many of these are now in fact simulacra of the original historic structures; were the NACR surveys conducted today the number of true contributing historic structures would be shockingly low.

Not all is doom and gloom though! People are beginning to understand that the true meaning of being “Green” is not simply purchasing some “eco-bling” to hang on your house, but returning to old-fashioned Yankee thrift:

Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!

I will also be posting links to news about developments elsewhere in historic preservation and tidbits of history that I unearth in the course of my work at the HDC. If you have any questions about the HDC process or historical mysteries that you could use some help solving please feel free to contact me.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Suzanne and Jerry Daub for providing me with this opportunity. Thank you!

 

Posted in General News | 2 Responses »

Nantucket lore on Hurricane Earl and other mirogenous weather

Written by James Grieder on September 2nd, 2010
“The varieties of weather known to Nantucketers often surprise the inland visitor, who recognizes only two kinds, good and bad. We have fair, good, fine, foul, dirty, nasty, bad, thick, rough, heavy and several other sorts, including ‘owlish’ and ‘mirogenous’. Wind conditions are described as dead calm, stark calm, calm, light, puffy, squally, heavy, single-reef, two-, three- and close-reef breezes, half-a-gale, gale, hurricane, etc. ; or a wind may be described as a six or eight-knot-breeze, and so on. Among those to the manner born, a tempest means a thunder-storm.”
…
“One of the things which every old-time Nantucketer recognizes at sight is the particular kind of a day which is known as a ‘weather breeder’. It is always a perfect day, but not every perfect day is necessarily a weather breeder. It is difficult to describe, and still more difficult, to the uninitiated, at least, to recognize.”
“The saying, there’s always a calm before a storm, is known the world over, and the expression has its counterpart in all languages. It may be applied to a day as well as an hour. Hence the ‘weather breeder’ — a fair, calm day, with a cloudless sky, or at most a few fleecy white wisps far up in the blue, when distant objects stand out clearly, when Pocomo Head and Great Point hang suspended ‘twixt sea and sky and even Cape Cod may be visible in mirage. Everything on or near the water is clearly and sharply reflected.
“The wind is usually, but not always, from the east, for though ’tis said when the wind is in the east ’tis good for neither man nor beast, we often have some beautiful weather when the wind is in that quarter—a fact which is, we think, not generally recognized. But, as every perfect day is not a weather breeder, neither is every fair day with an east wind such. The unusual clearness of the air is one of the best signs, for ‘the further the sight the nearer the rain’. Toward night there is quite apt to be a mackerel sky, and every sailor knows mackerel scales, furl your sails.“
Nantucket Scrap Basket
 

Posted in General News | No Responses »
Tags: , ,

Why is the DPW attacking the HDC?

Written by James Grieder on September 1st, 2010

As reported in the September 1st issue of the Nantucket-Not-So-Independent Jeff Willett, head of the Nantucket DPW, in the middle of an article about the Harbor Plan implementation, launched into a diatribe against the HDC.

It was an unfortunate decision on his part to do so. Leaving aside that it was rather unprofessional — though not atypical — of him to snipe at a fellow department head through the media*, it also threatens the constructive, collaborative progress made by both departments. The HDC board expressed concern about the sidewalks last year (as it turned out, the contractor apparently installed some of them upside down resulting in the color that caused a problem), and there are certain segments and spots in the town hardscaping that preserve and protect fragments of Nantucket history. But that’s for another post.

Mr. Willett questioned the jurisdiction of the HDC over “trash barrels”. It’s understandable, if lamentable, that Mr. Willett apparently has very little understanding of anything outside of his bailiwick. If any of you see him would you please direct him to the link below? Or perhaps print it out and if time allows, read it to him.

From the HDC’s enabling legislation, which can be found here:

Section 2: "The purpose of this Act is to promote the general welfare of the
inhabitants of the Town of Nantucket through the preservation and protection
of historic buildings, places and districts of historic interest through the
development of an appropriate setting for these buildings, places and districts
and through the benefits resulting to the economy of Nantucket in developing
and maintaining its vacation-travel industry through the promotion of
these historic associations."

Nantucket’s main attraction has always been it’s living, working historic downtown setting; does an appropriate setting include large, blue, plastic trash bins like this:

ugly trash

What the DPW thinks Nantucket deserves

Section 2A: "Structure," a combination of materials, other than a building,
including but not limited to a sign, fence, wall, terrace, walk or driveway.

Trash barrels, particularly municipal ones, clearly are a structure. So the HDC has jurisdiction, but can it determine  materials and colors, etc.?

"Exterior architectural features," such portions of the exterior of a building
or structure as are open to view from a beach, a public way, a traveled way,
a street or way shown on a land court plan...a public park or a public body
of water, and shall include but not be limited to the architectural style and
general arrangement and setting thereof;  the kind, color and texture of
exterior building materials...."

But why do I even need to prove this? the HDC has received at least one letter that I’m aware of complaining about the current state of our trash barrels — this person took the time to sit down and write an honest-to-God letter because she felt so much concern about this. Does Mr. Willett want to degrade the appeal of Nantucket to our visitors? I don’t believe so — I think that Mr. Willett is only considering the bottom line of his department. Which begs the question: if Mr. Willett thinks that any old trash barrel — or brick, bench, sign, what-have-you — is a good choice for Nantucket, do we as a community really want to leave these kinds of decisions to Mr. Willett?

Let the HDC do its job, Mr. Willett, and you do yours.

* Lest I be accused of hypocrisy let me point out that I am not a member of the Historic District Commission, and I don’t think that anyone other than Suzanne reads this anyway so it hardly is on par with a newspaper.

 

Posted in General News, HDC and design review, Nantucket | Comments Off
Tags: , , , ,

Land Bank to re-arrange deck chairs on the SS Nantucket…again

Written by James Grieder on July 29th, 2010

As reported in the Nantucket Independent, the Maria Mitchell Association and the Land Bank plan to swap land on opposite sites of Washington Street to create a new natural science museum and aquarium for the MMA.

An open memo to the Nantucket Lank Bank:

Please stop destroying our island’s history. Thank you.

The Management

 

Posted in General News, Land Bank, Nantucket, Threats to historic preservation | Comments Off
Tags: , , , ,

Millions for Road Signs?: That’s Stimulating? – ABC News

Written by James Grieder on July 15th, 2010

Your tax dollars at work

Millions for Road Signs?: That’s Stimulating? – ABC News.

 

Posted in General News | Comments Off

Preservation News from the Massachusetts Historical Commission

Written by James Grieder on June 28th, 2010

June 21, 2010

HISTORY OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNING IN MASSACHUSETTS

The upcoming State Historic Preservation Plan 2011-2015 will include a timeline on the history of historic preservation planning in Massachusetts.  We have completed a draft of this section and included it here.  Do you have some events that you think should be added?  Please let us know.

1863

The concern over the loss of historic resources in Massachusetts can be traced back at least to the destruction of the John Hancock House in 1863.  Despite a vocal public outraged with its loss, the building is demolished.

1876

The Old South Meetinghouse in Boston is saved from demolition.

1881

The Old State House in Boston is saved by a citizens group that later becomes the Bostonian Society.

1891

The Trustees of Reservations is established.

1908

The House of Seven Gables in Salem is restored for the Salem Settlement House Association.

1910

The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities is founded.

1927

Relocated historic buildings are incorporated into Storrowtown in Springfield.

1934

The Historic American Building Survey begins an architectural recording program in Massachusetts.

1939

The Massachusetts Archaeological Society is founded.

1944

Historic Salem, Incorporated is founded.

1946

Old Sturbridge Village opens to the public.

1949

National Trust for Historic Preservation is founded.

1952

Historic Deerfield is incorporated.

1954

The federal Housing Act is passed which provides financial incentives for urban renewal plans that would demolish entire neighborhoods.

1955

Local Historic Districts on Beacon Hill and Nantucket are established.

1956

The Federal Aid Highway Act is passed providing federal funds for new highways and sparking concerns over demolition of urban neighborhoods.

1960

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40C – The Local Historic Districts Act is passed.

Historic Boston Incorporated is founded and saves the Old Corner Bookstore from demolition.

Demolition of the West End in Boston begins under urban renewal plans.

1962

The Waterfront Historic Area League is founded in New Bedford in response to urban renewal plans.

1963

Massachusetts Historical Commission is established.

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 8d is passed which clarifies the role of local historical commissions in cities and towns of the state.

Cambridge Historical Commission is established.

1964

The Museum of Afro American History is founded.

1966

The National Historic Preservation Act is passed which establishes the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation and State Historic Preservation Offices.

1969

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 184 is passed providing statutory authority for historic preservation restrictions.

1970

Governor Sargent declares a moratorium on highway projects within the Route 128 area.

Plans to demolish downtown Newburyport as part of an urban renewal plan are reversed.

1971

The position of State Archaeologist is established through state law.

Plans to demolish downtown Salem are reversed.

1972

The Springfield Preservation Trust is founded.

City Conservation League is formed to oppose demolition of Jordan Marsh building in Boston.

1973

The Old Kings Highway Regional Historic District is established.

1975

Jordan Marsh building in Boston is demolished.

Boston Landmarks Commission is established pursuant to Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975.

1976

The Tax Reform Act is passed which provides financial incentives that encourage preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings.

Boston University Preservation Studies Program is established.

1978

Boston Preservation Alliance is founded.

Lowell National Historical Park is established.

1979

The Massachusetts Historical Commission adopts a comprehensive statewide preservation planning document known as Cultural Resources in Massachusetts: A Model for Management.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission initiates the statewide reconnaissance survey of historic and archeological resources.

The State Building Code is amended to provide exemptions for listed properties.

City of Cambridge establishes a demolition delay ordinance. 

1982

The State Register of Historic Places is established by state law.

1983

City of Cambridge establishes an ordinance for neighborhood conservation districts.

1984

Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund is established at the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

1985

Historic Massachusetts, Incorporated, the statewide advocacy organization for historic preservation is established.  Today, it is known as Preservation Massachusetts.

1987

The Massachusetts Historical Commission develops the Massachusetts Cultural Resources Inventory System (MACRIS) and initiates computerization of inventory forms.

1994

Special Commission on Historic Preservation is formed to review issues and develop statewide recommendations.  The 24 member Commission includes legislators, preservation organizations, state agencies and the development community.

1995

Massachusetts Historical Commission begins preparing five year state historic preservation plans as required by the National Park Service for all state historic preservation offices.  The five year plan provides the framework necessary for developing annual work programs, outreach efforts, technical assistance, grant allocation, and preservation partnerships.

2000

The Community Preservation Act is passed.

Massachusetts Historical Commission prepares the State Historic Preservation Plan for 2001-2005.

2004

The Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit is passed.

2005

Massachusetts Historical Commission prepares the State Historic Preservation Plan for 2006-2010.

2010

Massachusetts Historical Commission prepares the State Historic Preservation Plan for 2011-2015.   The 2011-2015 State Plan continues the five-year planning cycle and offers guidance to review past accomplishments, analyze the challenges ahead, and move onward with a clear vision.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN 2011-2015 PUBLIC MEETINGS

The next public meeting on the State Historic Preservation Plan for 2011-2015 is scheduled for June 30, 2010 in Duxbury, MA.  If you cannot attend a public meeting, comments to the Massachusetts Historical Commission can be delivered by mail, email or by phone.  For more information on the public meeting or the state plan, please contact Christopher.Skelly@state.ma.us

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER

June 30, 2010

State Historic Preservation Plan 2011-2015 Public Meeting, Duxbury, MA.  For more information and/or to RSVP, please contact Christopher.Skelly@state.ma.us

July 28, 2010

The National Conference for Local Commissions will take place this year in Grand Rapids, Michigan July 28-August 31.   For more information, visit http://uga.edu/napc.

July 30, 2010

Deadline for submitting nominations to Preservation Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources for 2010.  For more information, visit http://preservationmass.org/programs/most-endangered

 

Posted in General News | Comments Off
Tags: ,

Historic Chatham bridge battle rages

Written by James Grieder on June 14th, 2010
Chatham drawbridge

Chatham drawbridge

 

Posted in General News | Comments Off
Tags: , , ,

And now a word from your HDC administrator

Written by James Grieder on June 14th, 2010

Benjamin Franklin said, “The only things certain in life are death and taxes.” While this may or may not be true is really from one’s own perspective and I wish to share mine with you. If taxes are inevitable then the consideration is how to use them to a community’s best benefit.  The benefits at the top of my list are those which have a positive impact locally, especially historic preservation.  Preservation equals jobs and Nantucket has received over 20 million dollars since the inception of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC).  These monies have funded projects which fall into three basic categories – affordable housing, open space and historic preservation projects. These projects enhance the community’s well being, character and sustainability.  Historic Preservation is my specialty so let’s focus on it.

Preservation projects generate jobs.  Jobs concentrated in the construction, manufacturing, service, and retail sectors.  Jobs generated by historic rehabilitation require higher skill levels and pay better wages than those generated by new construction.  Also, estimates illustrate 75% of monies spent on preservation projects are retained in the local economy.*

Preservation projects help communities retain their character through the built environment.  “The city tells its own past, transfers its own memory, largely through the fabric of the built environment.  Historic buildings are the physical manifestation of memory – it is memory that makes places significant.”, Donovan Rypkema.  Nantucket is a significant architectural place, built by a bygone whaling era industry, which is recognized as a National Landmark.  We are the stewards of a rich architectural history bestowed to us by our ancestors, and with stewardship, comes responsibility.  Nantucket’s CPC has met these responsibilities by helping to protect some of its most significant structures.  The Methodist Church, the 1800 house, the Congregational Church, the Sankaty Lighthouse, African Meeting House, the South Church, Greater Light, St. Paul’s the Athenaeum and many others have received funding to preserve these iconic structures, today and for future generations.  Historic buildings are a finite resource – they are irreplaceable, and without the assistance of the CPC many would have suffered irreparable damage due to deferred maintenance, neglect, or worse.

Preservation is sustainable.  Have you ever heard the term, “the greenest building is the one that is already built.”  It means that saving an historic building is the ultimate in recycling.  Here’s a comparison.  Take a typical building on Lower Main Street.  If you tear that building down you have wiped out the entire environmental benefit of recycling 1,344,000 aluminum cans.*   We not only would have lost an historic building we would have also wasted months of recycling efforts by citizens of our community.  A community that has been recognized as one on the nations leaders in recycling.

According to Mr. Franklin, a couple of things in life are certain, like taxes.  What isn’t certain is how we use them.  It is up to us to decide and I can’t find a better example than the Community Preservation Act (CPA) of how our tax dollars should be used.  CPA funded preservation projects enhance our community’s well being by providing better wage jobs.  It enhances our community’s character by preserving our memories in its built environment for future generations.  It enhances our sustainability by rehabilitating buildings – the ultimate in recycling.  I am un-certain about the last time I felt this good about how my tax dollars worked.  Nantucket’s inhabitants benefit today and in the future from this worthwhile endeavor – the Community Preservation Act.

Thank you for letting me share my perspective with you.

Mark W. Voigt, AICP, Administrator, Nantucket Historic District Commission

April 2010 CPC Article

* Economics, Sustainability, and Historic Preservation, by Donovan Rypkema, principal, Place Economics.

 

Posted in General News | Comments Off
Tags: , , , ,

Preservation news from the Mass Historical Commission

Written by James Grieder on June 10th, 2010

LOCAL PRESERVATION UPDATE E-NEWSLETTER

Published by the Massachusetts Historical Commission

June 7, 2010

This e-newsletter from the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Planning Division has been prepared for local historical commissions, historic district commissions and others interested in historic preservation activities around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  It is published roughly every other week.  If you have suggestions or items of interest for this newsletter, please contact Chris Skelly at the Massachusetts Historical Commission.  Christopher.Skelly@state.ma.us

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN 2011-2015 PUBLIC MEETING

The next public meeting on the State Historic Preservation Plan for 2011-2015 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 30, 2010 in Duxbury, MA.  If you cannot attend a public meeting, comments to the Massachusetts Historical Commission can be delivered by mail, email or by phone.  For more information on the public meeting or the state plan, please contact Christopher.Skelly@state.ma.us.

LOCAL COMMISSION’S ROLE IN FEDERAL AND STATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REVIEWS

As a local historical or historic district commission, you will occasionally get letters or inquiries from federal or state agencies, professional consultants, or the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) asking for your comments on a state or federally assisted project in your municipality.  Your comments are sought because of your knowledge and legal role in representing the interests of your city or town government and its citizens in historic resources.

When you receive such a letter, if you have any concerns regarding the project’s impacts on historic resources and wish to participate in the impact review and consultation process, respond in writing and be sure that the MHC gets a copy of your comments. Timeliness is important: typically, comments are required within 30 days.

The MHC reviews and comments on the potential impacts to historic properties from projects that require funding, licenses or permits from state and federal government agencies.  However, it is important to remember that MHC’s review is not triggered by a listing in the National or State Register of Historic Places or MHC’s Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets.  A listing does not necessarily require MHC review, and a lack of any previously identified historic property does not eliminate the need for MHC review.  It is the federal or state agency involvement with a project that triggers the MHC review.

If a historic property is not included in MHC’s statewide Inventory, then it may be difficult or impossible for project planners to consider impacts. For that reason, completing a comprehensive town-wide historic properties survey in coordination with the MHC is critical to proactive preservation efforts.

If a project will have an adverse effect, then consultation begins among the participating parties to discuss alternatives. As a result of being a party in the process, the participants endeavor to help agencies find a solution that will be implemented to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to the resource. However, it is important to note that the MHC does not have a veto or approval authority on projects.  It is a consultative process to consider feasible alternatives and to attempt to resolve the adverse effect. The results of the consultation may be outlined in a formal Memorandum of Agreement that your local commission may be asked to sign to represent your commission’s agreement with the proposed resolution of the adverse effect.

When a project involves only local permits, MHC does not have any formal review role, although MHC may be able to provide some technical assistance to your commission that your commission may implement.  Because the majority of the projects proposed in your town or city do not require state or federal agency involvement, local bylaws and ordinances are the most essential tools for the protection of significant historic resources in your community.

A few useful websites regarding the state and federal review process can be found at:

MHC Website – Frequently Asked Questions about MHC’s State & Federal Environmental Impact Review

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcrevcom/revcomidx.htm

Advisory Council for Historic Preservation – Overview Brochure & Citizen’s Guide

http://www.achp.gov/using106.pdf

http://www.achp.gov/pubs-citizensguide.html

Advisory Council for Historic Preservation – Summary with link to regulations 36 CFR 800 for Federal Review Projects

http://www.achp.gov/106summary.html

LOCAL PRESERVATIONIST AWARD – MARGARET CARROLL

The Massachusetts Historical Commission was pleased to honor Margaret Carroll this past month with an MHC Preservation Award for her outstanding preservation efforts within her hometown of Millville and throughout the Blackstone River Valley.  As chairperson of the Millville Historical Commission, Ms. Carroll was instrumental in the completion of a survey of Millville’s historic buildings, structures, sites and objects as well as the listing of Central Street and Main Streets on the National Register of Historic Places.  Through advocacy and public education, her efforts have made a substantial difference to preserving her unique and significant community.  Congratulations!

PRESERVATION MASSACHUSETTS’ MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC RESOURCES ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2010

Preservation Massachusetts, the statewide non-profit advocacy organization for historic preservation is accepting nominations to their Most Endangered Historic Resources list.  Since 1993, this advocacy and education program has brought statewide spotlight and support to resources facing threats from demolition, policy issues, development and neglect.  In the 17 years of the program, more than 160 resources have been listed and less than 20 have been lost and many are working toward their own preservation goals.  If you would like to nominate a resource for the 2010 Most Endangered Historic Resources Program, visit http://preservationmass.org/programs/most-endangered.

The application deadline is July 30, 2010.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND DATES TO REMEMBER

June 30, 2010

State Historic Preservation Plan 2011-2015 Public Meeting, Duxbury, MA.  For more information and/or to RSVP, please contact Christopher.Skelly@state.ma.us

July 28, 2010

The National Conference for Local Commissions will take place this year in Grand Rapids, Michigan July 28-August 1.   For more imformation, visit http://uga.edu/napc.

July 30, 2010

Deadline for submitting nominations to Preservation Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources for 2010.  For more information, visit http://preservationmass.org/programs/most-endangered

 

Posted in General News | Comments Off

Nantucket’s first public works project

Written by James Grieder on June 9th, 2010
Location of Madaket Ditch

Location of Madaket Ditch

Long Pond and Madaket Ditch Report – 1882

 

Posted in General News, Maps | Comments Off
Tags: , , , , ,

Fire cisterns

Written by James Grieder on May 14th, 2010

The photos I took with my cellphone camera of the cistern/sinkhole on Hussey Street. The maps are courtesy of Wannacomet Water — I hope to have everything at some point and will post it here.




View Fire cisterns in a larger map

 

Posted in General News, Maps | Comments Off
Tags: , , , , , ,

« Older Entries