To the editor:
The City of Bruges, Belgium, which dates back to the 12th century, placed the interior of the walled city entirely under historic protection decades ago. The restrictions placed on homeowners resulted in time in an increase in property values far out of proportion to other cities in that country. Bruges became a desirable place to visit and to live. Similarly, closer to home, can anyone imagine Beacon Hill homes being subject to alteration at the property owner's whim?
Property owners' rights are important. Included in those rights is the protection that zoning provides, which limits what a property owner can do with the property, but also protects the property owner from having a neighbor do something that hurts the value of the property and the appearance of the neighborhood. We have come to accept the necessity of this.
Newburyport's historic fabric attracts visitors and investors to the city. Despite a dramatic decline in real estate values in many surrounding towns, Newburyport values have held fairly steady, largely because of the beauty of the city. Young families are buying homes here. Retirees are looking for condos near downtown. Tourist traffic is steadily increasing. Newburyport is a growing success story, and the historic architecture has much to do with it. Newburyport's antique buildings are perhaps its greatest asset.
I believe almost all historic property owners in town recognize this and do their best to care for their properties appropriately. However, without education and guidance, it is very easy to harm these structures unknowingly. There are real estate developers out there who don't care. A Colonial on High Street recently had its faéßade insensitively altered and is now completely out of place with the surrounding homes.
Property owners do not live on an island. Their actions can and do affect others. Property owners who make the effort to maintain the historic integrity of their homes are protecting the values of the surrounding homes. The Newburyport Local Historic District, limited to High Street and downtown, will protect the property values of everyone in the city, as well as protect historically significant assets.
There is concern expressed that the committee will consist of entrenched fanatics.
Here's the reality, as per the ordinance. Members are limited to two-year terms. A careful reading should dispel those concerns.
Commission composition: The membership, where possible, should include (a) two (2) members and one (1) alternate from nominees of the recognized historical societies including the Newburyport Preservation Trust and Historic Society of Old Newbury. (b) one (1) member and one (1) alternate nominated by the American Institute of Architects covering Newburyport, (c) one (1) member and one (1) alternate nominated from the Greater Newburyport Board of Realtors, (d) one (1) member from the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, and (e) two (2) members who are residents within the district.
If you believe, as I do, that the Newburyport LHD (Local Historic District) makes good common sense, you can show your support by signing the petition at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-a-local-historic-district-for-newburyport.html.
John P. Wells
Newburyport
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