Public to weigh in on Swampscott historic district bylaw proposal

SWAMPSCOTT – Residents on Thursday night will have a chance to comment on a proposed bylaw that would establish Swampscott?s first Local Historic Districts, giving the town more control in maintaining the architectural integrity of storied locations.The Local Historic District Study Committee, appointed in April 2012 by the Board of Selectmen, is hosting a public hearing on the four proposed districts – the Frederick Law Olmsted subdivision, the Fish House, the railroad depot and the oldest section of Swampscott Cemetery – Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Name, 60 Monument Ave.The bylaw proposal is on the warrant for the Swampscott Town Meeting for May 5.All four sites are on the National Register of Historic Places, but Jer Jurma, the committee?s vice chair, said those are honorary titles and do not set up protection guidelines.The bylaw, he said, would establish a design review based on aesthetics for those four sites, and that process does not currently exist in town. For example, if someone wanted to build an addition on a home in the Olmsted District, the person would have to pull regular permits and would also be subject to a review determining if the project is historically and architecturally appropriate.?This is another step in the process, but it?s not designed to be burdensome,” Jurma said.The bylaw only extends to a building?s exterior changes in view of public ways, he said.?A lot of people think we?re trying to take over their private property,” Jurma said. “We?re just looking at changing the way in which people are able to work with the town and alert their neighbors about any changes that are coming forth.”The Olmsted District is the only proposed Local Historic District that includes private property, and the other three sites are town-owned. The portion of Swampscott Cemetery is about 20 acres, he said, and it includes the Andrews Memorial Chapel. If the bylaw passes at Town Meeting with a two-thirds majority, Jurma said a selectmen-appointed Local Historic District commission would be established to conduct the design reviews.Besides Thursday?s hearing, Jurma said the committee is open to more conferences with residents.?I don?t want people fearing this,” he said.Guidelines for setting up a Local Historic District are dictated by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which includes holding a public hearing 60 days after a preliminary study report is accepted by the commission. That hearing will fall the week before Town Meeting, Jurma said.Historic districts have already been set up in nearby cities and towns, he said, such as Salem and Marblehead.Jurma said among the topics that will be covered at Thursday?s hearing will be the bylaw?s real estate implications and how keeping the Olmsted District intact could be financially advantageous for homeowners.?It?s not like we?re in a rampant decay situation,” he said, “but it is a case where this is something that really secures a neighborhood forever.”