The first public meeting of the Marion Village Historic District Study Committee was held on Wednesday, January 15. The meeting was primarily to present the Preliminary Study Report to the public as well as leave time or questions.
Chair of the committee, Will Tifft, began the presentation by saying, “The Marion Village is the most intact historic village in the South Coast. The Marion Village Local Historic District Bylaw aims to preserve and protect the distinctive architectural and historic significance of buildings in Marion Village.” He continued, “In fact, over half of the cities and towns in Massachusetts have local historic districts.” Tifft spoke of the bylaw’s ability to protect the town’s distinctiveness and history while also stressing it would not be restrictive and wouldn’t prohibit alterations to homes and businesses.
The central village contains many different historical architectural designs, including Federal style (1780-1840), Greek Revival style (1820-1860), Gothic Revival style (1840-1880), Italianate style (1840-1885), Victorian Eclectic style, being a mix of many, Queen Anne style (1875-1910), Shingle style (1880-1910), Craftsman style (1905-1930), and Colonial Revival style (late-19th to mid-20th century). Included in this are some exceptions and combinations of designs.
Stressed again by Tifft was the bylaw’s general powers, that being “very limited” in scope. As stated in the bylaw: “This bylaw would limit review to additions, new constructions, and demolitions. All other alterations, including siding, roofing, windows, doors, trim, mechanical equipment, maintenance, and paint color are exempt from review. Also, review is limited to work visible from a public way – if it’s not visible, it’s exempt.”
The district would be maintained by the Marion Village Historic District Commission, which would be instated should the bylaw pass. Consisting of five appointed members and two alternatives chosen by the Select Board. The Commission would seek its membership from those with experience in “historic preservation, architecture, land use planning, architectural history, history, law, construction, or engineering.”
The bylaw will be voted on at this year’s town meeting, Monday, May 12, where a 2/3 majority vote is needed to pass. Information such as the proposed bylaw draft, the preliminary study report, as well as a map of the proposed district can all be found on the town website: www.marionma.gov/631/Marion-Historic-District-Study-Committee.
Marion Village Historic District Study Committee
By: Sam Bishop