Page 210 - Microsoft Word - Annual Report 2016

HISTORIC DISTRICTS COMMISSION

The Boxford Historic Districts Commission (HDC) was established in 1971. Our jurisdiction is
the Boxford Village Historic District and the Howe Village Historic District. We follow the
Massachusetts General Law C.40C, the purpose of which is to promote the distinctive
characteristics of buildings and historic places, as they relate to and profile the history of the
cities and towns of the Commonwealth.

In the Commission’s continuing effort to make it easier for applicants to apply and go through
the process of being granted a Certificate of Appropriateness, copies of the current Design
Guidelines (revision/updating due in 2017) at the Town Clerk's office and on the Town of
Boxford website. They have also been sent to the real estate offices in Boxford / Topsfield area
and in the major markets surrounding the town. Applications can also be found on the town
website. The fee for applications for a Certificate of Appropriateness is $25.00, payable to the
Town of Boxford.

In 2016 we had a wide spectrum of hearings: from temporary signs for various community
projects, a variety of restoration and renovation projects in both the Boxford Village Historic
District and the Howe Village Historic District and exciting changes at Cleaveland Farm.

This year we regretfully accepted the resignation of Lisa DiLuna. We thank her for her valuable
advice and many contributions to both Commissions over the last few years, especially as our
legal representative. We wish her well with her many volunteer endeavors in the legal profession
and in town.

At this time, the Commission has an opening for three new members: an architect, an attorney
and an alternate member. If interested in volunteering, please call get in touch with any one of
the members of the commission, the Selectmen or Town Administrator Alan Benson.

The Historic Districts Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month starting at
7:00 PM at the Community Center on Elm Street. The purpose of the meetings is to hear and act
on requests for Certificates of Appropriateness, Certificates of Non-Applicability or Certificates
of Hardship. We encourage and welcome all interested residents and guests to attend.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wendy Perkins
Chairman

Members:
Wendy Perkins, Chairman
Virginia Havey, Vice Chairman
Andrew Gori
Nancy Merrill