By statue, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has as its basic purpose the preservation of sites, structures, and districts of historical, cultural, archaeological, architectural significance together with their appurtenances and environmental settings. It is charged with implementing Cambridge's Historic Overlay Zoning (adopted as Ordinance 814 and amended to the Zoning Code in 2003 per Article IX, Part VI, Section 185-196).
The Commission's mandate is to safeguard Cambridge's heritage and its broadly visible waterfront within the Historic District. To accomplish this task the HPC is required to review and issue Certificates of Appropriateness (COA's) for all exterior alterations to property in the historic district, including alterations that cannot be seen from the street or water based on Guidelines adopted by the City. This includes restoration, rehabilitation, new construction, renovations, and major landscaping as well as replacing building components, such as roofs, doors, windows, porches, railings, and curb cuts. The Commission does not review paint color.
The Historic Preservation Commission consists of five members and one alternate appointed by the City Council. A majority of the members shall be City residents. Appointees must possess professional or academic qualifications or, have a demonstrated special interest in historic preservation through training, education, employment, experience or membership in a related organization.
The current commission members are:
Kathy Manicke, Chair Term Expires: August 31, 2014
Brian Roche Term Expires: August 31, 2014
Dormaim Bromwell Green Term Expires: August 31, 2012
Kathleen Clendaniel Term Expires: August 31, 2013
Farrell McCoy Term Expires: August 31, 2013
Jay Corvan, Alternate Term Expires: August 31, 2013
The Commission meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00PM in the City Council Chambers located at 305 Gay Street.
Historic Preservation Commission FY 2012 Meeting Schedule
|
Meeting Date |
Submission Date |
| August 18, 2011 | July 19, 2011 |
| September 15, 2011 | August 16, 2011 |
| October 20, 2011 | September 20, 2011 |
| November 17, 2011 | October 18, 2011 |
| December 15, 2011 | November 15, 2011 |
| January 19, 2012 | December 20, 2011 |
| February 16, 2012 | January 17, 2012 |
| March 15, 2012 | February 14, 2012 |
| April 19, 2012 | March 20, 2012 |
| May 17, 2012 | April 17, 2012 |
| June 21, 2012 | May 22, 2012 |
All dates are subject to change when necessary.
The Department of Public Works provides staff support to the Commission and can assist property owners within the District for the application of COA's. In addition, staff administers and enforces Historic Overlay zoning, issues building permits and responds to property code violations.
For information on the application process and deadlines for submission or meeting schedules, call the Cambridge Planning Office.
Staff: Dan Brandewie, Planner II
