Residents find proposed historic district and commission ‘arbitrary’

MARION — Arbitrary. That’s the word many residents of the proposed historic district in Marion used to describe the recommended bylaw, focusing on preservation and protection, at the Public Hearing held at the Council on Aging Wednesday, Jan. 15.

For almost two years, the Marion Historic District Study Committee has worked to develop a bylaw that would establish a Marion Historic District Commission, charged with reviewing and regulating additions, demolitions and new buildings within the proposed district.

The goal of the bylaw is to preserve the historic nature of the district, which is said to be one of the most “intact” on the South Coast.

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.

After a presentation of the bylaw Wednesday night, residents voiced dismay with the proposal, wishing they had more say in its formation and that it had been a collaborative effort. 

During the presentation, Consultant Eric Dray highlighted the different architectural styles that make up the homes in the proposed district, including federal style, Greek revival, Italianate, Victorian eclectic and more, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the historic look of the area through these “character defining features.”

However, residents said they felt the bylaw was “arbitrary,” with the commission getting to make these decisions and no clear guidelines to follow — though a set of guidelines are in development by the committee. 

One resident said they didn’t feel comfortable giving up “partial rights” to their property and others suggested an opt-in program. 

Will Tifft, chair of the study committee, highlighted the survey that the proposed district residents filled out, which was largely in favor of the bylaw. 

However, residents said that was not a vote and they were simply sharing their “interest” in learning more about what a historic district would look like for them, adding they would like to see some sort of vote take place prior to the bylaw recommendation making its way to Town Meeting. 

With a two-thirds majority vote required at Town Meeting, they said an additional vote specifically for residents in the proposed district would demonstrate whether this is something they actually want and not just what the town wants. 

During its Wednesday, Jan. 22 meeting, the study committee will be discussing the guidelines to supplement the bylaw as well as the development of another survey, which could serve as a vote for the proposed district. 

Another Public Hearing will be held at the Marion Council on Aging Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m.