LYNN — The Historical Commission discussed some of the major issues involving city development during its meeting on Tuesday.
The discussion included demolition-delay review, the Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Museum (GAR) renovation, Eastern Burial Ground fence renovation, and the Rhodes non-denominational chapel’s potential reopening to the public.
“Right now, there is an ordinance that says that the Historical Commission appraises any major renovation or demolition of the buildings that are on a specific historic list,” said one of the commissioners, Calvin Anderson. “That list is finite, and we are trying to get a look at any property that is due for the major exterior renovations that are 75 years or older.”
The commission reviews any major exterior renovations or demolition involving structures that are 75 years old and older.
“It doesn’t mean we are going to stop it,” said Anderson. “It means we will be able to advise the panel on our opinion. It’s just another set of eyes to give advice on historical significance or alternatives to full razing.”
The Massachusetts Historical Commission advised the city’s Historical Commission to try to amend the ordinance so that it is age-specific, Lynn commission members said.
“We just want to make sure that they won’t throw the baby with the bathwater,” said Anderson.
Commission Chair Carl Greenler said the panel also noticed that, throughout the state, people will pay more for an older house because it doesn’t look the same as everyone else’s home.
“And if you simply demolish them, and you don’t say anything, then we lose our past,” said Greenler.
The Lynn Historical Commission is also trying to convince the city’s Department of Community Development to replace the old fence at the Eastern Burial Ground with a more decorative one. The commission also wants to see motion lights installed there that would activate at night with solar power.
“(The) cemetery is an open space, and it is good for the quiet reflections and strolling,” said Anderson.
The commission is also seeking funding for the proposed reopening of Rhodes non-denominational chapel.
“We are trying to get some creative use of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds too, as long as it is in line with their definition of the use of funds,” said Anderson.
The commission is also trying to gain access to the former Daily Item building on Exchange Street before tenants begin to move in. The property has been redeveloped into a residential building with ground-floor commercial space.
“We are reaching out to the owners to see if we could get a tour before they start moving people in,” said Anderson.
