The Marion Historic District Study Committee is pleased to note that they are moving forward with the proposed bylaw for a design review district in the historic village center.
The Preliminary Study Report has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for review. It will soon be available locally and will be presented to the Planning Board on January 6.
A letter to all property owners in the proposed district will be mailed on January 2. This packet includes the draft bylaw, a list of frequently asked questions and a map of the district boundaries. The district includes these properties: all of Cottage Street, Hiller Street, Main Street, Pie Alley, School Street, South Street, Water Street, #1-9 Allen Street, #137-183 Front Street, #1-2 Island Wharf Road, #2-10 Lewis Street, #61-78 Pleasant Street, and #8-16 Spring Street.
Property owners in the district are invited to attend the Study Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 15, at 5:30 pm, to be held at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center (COA building) on Mill Street. This will be an opportunity for property owners to learn more about the bylaw and have their concerns/questions addressed.
A Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 pm, also at the Cushing Community Center. Our consultant, Eric Dray, will again offer his presentation on the historic importance of Marion Village and a detailed explanation of the bylaw provisions, exemptions, procedures, and design guidelines.
The bylaw offers a review process only for demolition, new construction, and new additions visible from a public way. Most exterior maintenance and renovation projects will be completely exempt from review. Interior renovations are exempt as well.
The Study Committee has worked diligently for the past 18 months to develop a bylaw that helps protect “the most historic seaside village on the South Coast” while also minimizing procedural process and intrusion upon individual property owner rights.