The Massachusetts Attorney General has approved a new Edgartown bylaw that will require minimum maintenance on buildings in the town historic district. Last April Edgartown town meeting approved the new bylaw, which will require owners of buildings in the historic district to “keep such buildings from falling into a state of poor repair.” This applies to the exterior of buildings or interior portions of buildings that, if not adequately maintained, will affect the exterior. <p>Violators are subject to a fine of $300 per day.
The Massachusetts Attorney General has approved a new Edgartown bylaw that will require minimum maintenance on buildings in the town historic district. Last April Edgartown town meeting approved the new bylaw, which will require owners of buildings in the historic district to “keep such buildings from falling into a state of poor repair.” This applies to the exterior of buildings or interior portions of buildings that, if not adequately maintained, will affect the exterior.
Violators are subject to a fine of $300 per day. The town historic district commission may grant a waiver in cases of financial hardship or other circumstances.
The Oct. 24 letter from Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office notes that the bylaw is similar to one adopted and approved for Nantucket in 2004. The letter also notes that the bylaw will not take effect until the town has posted and published it.
The issue of minimum maintenance has been a topic of interest in other Island communities this year, with the town of Oak Bluffs considering a similar regulation. Selectmen in that town decided this week to withdraw a blight bylaw article on the November special town meeting warrant to allow more time for discussion on the issue.
Comments
If each down island town had
Abbie Badcick 3rd Vineyard HavenIf each down island town had this bylaw the Halls would loose a big part of their grandfathers inheritance. BTW I am sure he is rolling around 6 feet under knowing what they have done to everything he worked for, bought and left for them! It is a shame but I bet the $300.00 per day fine will get their attention! GO Edgartown, and I hope OB & VH get on deck!
Edgartown purchased a house
the dukeEdgartown purchased a house and let it fall into blight, and lost 2 million dollars !! People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. Bunch of hippos. You have no idea how to run a town. You are all worthless and a waste of time and money. Do us all a favor, don't run for reelection.
Good job Edg! Now lets see if
deshandra brown obGood job Edg! Now lets see if the other towns follow the leader and do the same.
Such a law is appropriate,
John Somewhere-in-the-Middle, USASuch a law is appropriate, especially in the context of a town (and an island) that derives so much of its income from selling its historic status and ambiance to its visitors. But there is one sentence in the article that should raise eyebrows---the sentence that says, "The town historic district commission may grant a waiver in cases of financial hardship or other circumstances." Allowing any Board to exercise discretion, instead of adhering to the letter of the law, is just the type of "wiggle room" that can lead to favoritism and other types of abuse. The use of discretion has the potential to make the law less effective than its proponents intended it to be.
I agree some sort of waiver
Neil Off IslandI agree some sort of waiver should exist for extraordinary and unpredictable circumstances to protect against sledgehammer use of such laws. The use of the law should be public and timely, both in application and waiver; there should be no overnight demolitions.
none now
Mr. Right confined to this rocknone now
I understand the importance
Mike Upstate NY and EdgartownI understand the importance of a well kept historic district, but why shouldn't a bylaw like this be extended to include the entire town? Homeowners should not be excused from responsible maintenance of their property because their home is beyond the borders of the historic district.
You cannot have a waiver for
Gert stuart, floridaYou cannot have a waiver for financial hardship or else everyone will reside under that umbrella. We should have some zoning laws to maintain your property and not allow it to look like a slum. It shouldn't be just classified as ''historic'' but should apply to the entire island.
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