The Fall River Historical Commission met on June 1, 2021, to conduct regular business and review proposed ordinance revisions regarding the merger of the Historical Commission and the Historic District Commission. Following roll call and public input check, the commission voted unanimously to approve minutes from meetings held on January 7, March 30, and April 20, 2021. The chair reported on demolition notices for 183 Fountain Street, 238 Henry Street, and 230 Lawton Street, noting none were on the city register and letters were sent accordingly. An update was also given on 45 Morgan Street (the Nathaniel Borden School), confirming that the six-month demolition delay had expired but no demolition permit had been pulled yet.
The majority of the meeting centered on an in-depth review of the merger draft prepared by Corporation Counsel Attorney Rumsey. Members, along with resident and Historic District Commission member Jason Bouchard, identified several revisions: clarifying ‘local historic district’ under MGL Chapter 40C to avoid confusion with National Register districts; expanding the definition of protected places to include parks, monuments, bodies of water, and cemeteries; reinserting omitted divisions regarding demolition delays and council exemptions; and adding considerations for construction materials regarding additions. The commission also discussed its legal authority regarding exterior alterations, signage, and lighting for historic properties outside 40C districts, agreeing to seek guidance from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and city legal counsel.
The commission addressed the duration of the city’s demolition delay ordinance, weighing an extension against neighboring municipal standards. Members determined that the priority should be enacting the merger under the current six-month delay and pursuing an extension as a separate effort later. The meeting adjourned with the next regular meeting tentatively set for July 20, 2021.
Topics discussed
- 2:55 · Demolition Notices for Non-Register Properties — approved
Notices were received for 183 Fountain Street, 238 Henry Street, and 230 Lawton Street, none of which were on the significant structures register. - 3:35 · 45 Morgan Street (Nathaniel Borden School) Demo Permit Status — approved
Discussion regarding whether a demolition permit had been pulled for the Nathaniel Borden School following the expiration of the six-month demolition delay. - 4:36 · Commission Merger Ordinance Review — approved
Detailed review of draft ordinance merging the Historical Commission and Historic District Commission, including MGL 40C references, missing demolition delay language, and material reviews. - 6:51 · Purview Over National Register Structures and Signage
Members debated the commission’s authority over signage, lighting, and additions on National Register or deed-restricted properties outside local 40C districts. - 36:35 · Demolition Delay Length and Extension Strategy
Discussion on whether to extend Fall River’s six-month demolition delay to nine or twelve months, comparing standards in New Bedford, Providence, and other Massachusetts cities. - 47:01 · Local Historic District Public Education
Discussion on educating the public and property owners on the process and benefits of establishing local historic districts under Massachusetts guidelines. - 51:47 · Adjourn the meeting — passed