saving places

WHY A CHAPTER ON HISTORICAL RESOURCES in the MASTER PLAN ?

A Master Plan is required by Zoning

A Historic Resources Chapter is to aid the Planning Board in designing ordinances that result in preserving and enhancing the unique quality of life and culture of New Hampshire

This is a brief overview of the structure that Durham has in place to oversee and protect its built HISTORICAL RESOURCES…

FEDERAL LEVEL In 1916, the National Park Service was created

In 1966, the Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act

the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

NATIONAL REGISTER

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation.

Honorific status

To have a structure on the National Register, the owner must comply with the Standards set by the Secretary of Interior

The own has the ultimate say in what is done with the property.

NH STATE LEVEL The legislature of New Hampshire determined that the

historical, archeological, architectural, engineering, and cultural heritage of New Hampshire is among the most important environmental assets of the state and that the rapid social and economic development of contemporary society threatens the remaining vestiges of this heritage;

It was declared to be public policy and in the public interest of the state engages in a comprehensive program of historic preservation to promote the use and conservation of such property for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of New Hampshire. (RSA 227-C)

STATE LEVEL

1974 – State Historic Preservation Office was established as the NHDHRDivision of Historical Resources.

DHR is the resource for the Town

NH Preservation Alliance is the advocacy group for properties on the National Register

Town Level HDC (1975)

Heritage Commission (2006)

Certified Local Government (1995)

ZONING ORDINANCE

The Town Council adopted Chapter 17 : HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT ORDINANCE of the Zoning Ordinance

1975 The Town Council created the Historic District Commission to administer and enforce the Ordinance.

1980 National Register survey 

Comprised of 35 architecturally significant buildings that are representative of the growth of the Town from its origins in the early 17th century to the height of its prosperity as a shipbuilding and trading center in the 1830’s. 

The buildings included start at Madbury Rd/Main Street down Durham Point Rd to include the Prince property and Madbury Rd/Main St to Laurel Lane 

HDC The HDC is a quasi judicial land use Commission made up of

7 members - that oversees the structures in the Historic District.  

Owners of property in the Historic District are required to obtain a Certificate of Approval before making significant changes or additions to a property, before beginning new construction, or before demolishing or relocating a property.

The Commission's review of proposed changes ensures that work on property in the district or on a designated landmark is appropriate to the special character of the district .

The HDC’s purview is over the aesthetics of the buildings, NOT the use.

HERITAGE COMMISSION

2006 HERITAGE COMMISSION was formed

The Heritage Commission is combined with the HDC including the same 7 members

It is an advisory Commission to other land use Boards regarding historic properties and structures in the entire municipality..

CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVT

1996 the Town achieved CLG status

This is a partnership between the municipality and the State Historic Preservation program, to encourage and expand local involvement in preservation-related activities

Preservation Grants

Durham has a HDC/HC ,and CLG status.

Most NH grants require these statuses.

Durham has been very fortunate to receive grants from the NHDHR and CLG for restoration of the Smith Chapel and listing on the National Register. 

Durham has been very fortunate to receive a CLG grant from NHDHR to help write the HISTORICAL RESOURCES CHAPTER of the Master Plan.

Prepared by Andrea Bodo

HDC/Heritage Commission

May 8, 2014 Historic Resources Chapter

Master Plan Forum