Proposed bylaw looks to protect, preserve Marion’s historic village

MARION — After a year and a half of work, the Marion Historic District Study Committee plans to move forward with its bylaw recommendation that would establish a historic district in town to be overseen by a commission, focusing on its preservation and protection.

Said to be the “most intact, historic village” in the area, Will Tifft, chair of the Marion Historic District Study Committee, went over how the proposed bylaw would affect homeowners in Marion at a Monday, Jan. 6 Planning Board meeting.

Recalling the original bylaw proposed about a decade ago, Planning Board Chair Andrew Daniel said he prefers the new bylaw in comparison to the original, which seemed to be looking to create something similar to Nantucket, with unfavorable restrictions.

The new version of the proposed bylaw would establish a Marion Historic District Commission, which would consist of five members and two alternates appointed by the Select Board. The commission would have authority over reviewing and regulating additions or demolitions to any building in the district or the construction of a new building.

The drafted bylaw and accompanying materials from the study committee emphasized that the bylaw would have “very limited review authority,” focusing on additions, demolitions and new buildings that would be visible from a public way.

“If it’s not visible, it’s exempt,” the committee states.

The district, which was determined as a part of the committee’s preliminary study report, includes 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.

If the proposed bylaw were to be passed, homeowners in this district would need to submit an application to the commission for approval only in the instance of an addition, demolition or new buildings that would be visible from the public way.

Applicants would go through a public hearing process and upon approval, the commission would issue a certificate. The draft for the bylaw recommendation outlines the specific criteria that is considered when determining whether work can take place.

It also stipulates that this work would need to maintain the design of the existing structure along with compatible materials. 

Additionally, the drafted bylaw states it cannot prevent any “ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior architectural feature within a district.” It is clarified that all other alterations, including siding, roofing, windows, doors, trim, mechanical equipment, maintenance and paint colors are exempt from review.

“The goal is to strike a balance between preserving our historic village and enabling home and business owners to alter and expand their properties with minimal restrictions,” the committee stated.

Tifft said Marion is “unusual” in that it does not have a “demolition bylaw” or any other regulations that would protect its historic properties.

He said the bylaw has received an “OK” from town counsel and the building inspector, ensuring it would not interfere with other regulations and follows the law. Next steps will be meeting with the public to provide information and receive feedback.

The next meeting held for homeowners, and the general public, will be on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marion Council on Aging, located at 465 Mill Street.

A Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m., also at the Marion Council on Aging, 465 Mill St. 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.