Design review district proposed for Marion village

MARION — The Marion Historic District Study Committee plans to move forward with a proposed bylaw for a design review district in Marion village.

A preliminary study has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

The Marion Historic District Study Committee will present the study to the Marion Planning Board on Monday, Jan. 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 are invited to attend the study committee’s meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center.

A Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m., also at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center. Consultant Eric Dray will offer a 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 for demolition, new construction, and new additions visible from a public way, according to a press release. “Most exterior maintenance and renovation projects will be completely exempt from review,” the release read.