Dear Citizens of Ashland,
On Wednesday, May 4, 2022 will have town meeting at the high school at 7 p.m. There are two articles I would like to make everyone aware of that need your support by coming out to town meeting to vote.
You must be an Ashland resident and registered to vote in order to participate.
The articles are warrant articles 9 and 10 which are basically the same article. Warrant article 9 was submitted by Ashland’s Historical Commission. Warrant article 10 was submitted in the form of a citizen’s petition. These warrant articles consist of much needed updates to the current demolition delay bylaw.
Let’s first discuss what exactly is the Demolition Delay Bylaw and why this is an important tool in helping to preserve historically and architecturally significant buildings in Ashland. The ideology of having a demolition delay bylaw is an excellent concept.
It says that historically and Architecturally Significant buildings get a review or hearing before the developer/builder is given a demolition permit to demolish a building or buildings with possible Historical or Architectural significance.
That would be great if after having been determined historically or architecturally Significant it could then stop the building or buildings from being demolished. It does not stop it at all it only delays it and it only delays long enough currently to make it a nuisance not a deterrent.
Builders are aware of the bylaw and allow the time of delay to be built into their building plans as to not disrupt their timeline at all. There is also no real deterrent at all when a builder/developer is considering buying a historical property really at all.
I would like to express that these changes are all very good for the town of Ashland which I know supports historical preservation. I have in fact been assured by many town officials they are definitely in support of Historical preservation in Ashland. The Historical Commission is in support of these changes which is why they have sponsored warrant article 9 the same as the citizen’s petition warrant article 10.
I am very much hoping that you will come out to town meeting and support this as well by voting for warrant article 9 or 10 both are the same and add some additional protection to historical buildings and properties in Ashland. The bottom line is that anyone supporting Historical preservation will support these changes.
This is something we desperately need to help in the effort of losing more historical buildings in Ashland than we already have and are continuing to lose. Please come to town meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. It is held at the Ashland High School Auditorium, 65 East Union Street, 7 p.m.
Your support on this warrant article is needed to assure that it passes.
Thank You,
Helen Nickole
Save The Mill Buildings Organizer
