Established in August 2007 pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40C, the Local Historic Study Committee is charged with exploring the potential for a local historic district within the City's National Register Historic District.
According to the Massachusetts Historical Commission,
"A Local Historic District* (LHD) is established and administered by a community to protect the distinctive characteristics of important areas, and to encourage new structural designs that are compatible with the area's historic setting. A District Study Committee is appointed to conduct a survey of the area and to prepare a preliminary report for local and state review. A final report is then submitted to the local governing body for approval of the local historic district ordinance or by-law. Once a LHD is established, a Local Historic District Commission (LHDC) is appointed to review all applications for exterior changes to properties within the district. This design review process assures that changes to properties will not detract from the district's historic character. Review criteria are determined by each city and town and vary for each local district."
Proposed Newburyport Local Historic District
The following report, ordinance, maps, and guidelines were submitted to the City Council on September 24, 2012 for review:
Final Study Report, Ordinance, Maps, and Guidelines (09/12)
Ten Top Misconceptions - rev. 6/6/12
FAQs - rev. 6/6/12
Videotaped Meetings and Presentations
Presentation from October 25th Planning and Development Committee meeting
Public Hearing Presentation from June 21st
General Information
Historical Background