In the wake of several recent controversies — including the 1756 home at 125 Riverside Avenue, whose demolition has been delayed for 6 months — there has been renewed interest in Westport’s Historic District Commission.
What is it? What does it do — and not do? Chair Grayson Braun and vice chair Scott Springer explain:
The Historic District Commission is an appointed group staffed by volunteers. We work to promote the interest of historic preservation throughout Westport, ensure that local historic districts and properties are preserved, and advise other town agencies in matters related to historic preservation.
We also review applications for demolition permit waivers for buildings that are 50 years or older, and over 500 square feet.
As a recent “06880” post illustrated, a quick glance at our monthly agenda illustrates the unfortunate fact that we spend too much of our time reviewing these demolition permit waiver applications. Demolition exacts an enormous toll on the environment, and on the historic architecture that makes older neighborhoods distinctive and viable.
Demolition permit at 125 Riverside Avenue. It’s been delayed for 180 days by the Historic District Commission. (Photo/Charlie Tirreno)
The 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution protects us from the seizure of private property. It enhances our freedom, provides us security and helps to protect our personal financial investments.
What it does not do is offer people the right to use their property in a way that harms the rights or welfare of others. Richard Moe, former president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, frequently talked about the devastation to communities that is caused by demolition.
He said, “Livability is diminished as trees are removed, backyards are eliminated and sunlight is blocked by bulky new structures built right up to the property lines. Economic and social diversity are reduced as costly new ‘faux chateaux’ replace more affordable houses.”
He explains that everyone should be able to enjoy attractive and livable environments, and that we all bear the responsibility to make sure we don’t act in a way that prevents our neighbors from doing this.
One of your readers recently asked what powers would assist the HDC in our preservation efforts. The answer to this question is easy: Local Historic Designation.
Kings Highway North is a Local Historic District.
It is the only available tool that enables us to exceed the 180-day delay, and stop demolition in perpetuity.
Local Historic Designation provides the most protection to historic properties, as buildings that are locally designated require that exterior alterations visible from a public way – which includes demolition — be granted a Certificate of Appropriateness by the HDC before any such work can take place.
Buildings that are not designated, regardless of their age or the presence of a plaque, can be demolished.
At present, there are only 7 Local Historic Districts and 22 Local Historic Properties in Westport (click here for a list). This means that fewer than 250 buildings are under our protection.
39 Cross Highway (the Chapman-Northrup House) is a Local Historic Property.
Westport also has 4 State Historic Districts and 10 National Historic Districts. However, these designations are largely honorary and do not prevent demolition, as evidenced by the destruction that regularly occurs in the Compo Owenoke National Register Historic District or the Bridge Street National Register Historic District.
Historic properties are resources important to the sustainable development of our community. They contribute to the aesthetic quality of our environment and our cultural heritage; their preservation establishes and reinforces a unique sense of community.
In addition, preservation aids in the retention and enhancement of property values by providing a stable market in which families can invest.
Bridge Street is a “National Register Historic District.” But that designation is honorary, and does not protect properties from demolition.
We are currently working on a Local Historic Property designation for Hillspoint Road, and are in the process of discussing Local Historic District Designation with a group of neighbors on Compo Road South.
But we can do better. We would love to have the “problem” of a flurry of Westporters seeking Local Historic Designation. Without it, the best we can offer is the 180-day demolition delay allowed by the state.
Anyone interested in learning more about local historic designation or the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit available to owners of designated properties should contact Donna Douglass, HDC staff administrator: 203-341-1184; ddouglass@westportct.gov.
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