Planning Board and Historic District Commission examine demolition delay bylaw strategy
Joint meeting of the Planning Board and Historic District Commission explores demolition delay bylaw strategy following recent property demolitions. Approximately 160 Massachusetts communities have adopted such bylaws, ranging from 30 days to 2 years in delay periods; nearby communities including
Planning Board · Meeting of July 27, 2026
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA — Joint meeting of the Planning Board and Historic District Commission explores demolition delay bylaw strategy following recent property demolitions. Approximately 160 Massachusetts communities have adopted such bylaws, ranging from 30 days to 2 years in delay periods; nearby communities including Hamilton, Ipswich, Essex, Beverly, and Salem have implemented the tool. Preservation consultant Jennifer Doherty outlined the bylaw mechanics as part of broader preservation planning, while participants raised concerns about scope, developer workarounds, and property-market effects.
Current survey work covers approximately 200 properties at roughly $20,000 per phase. Director of Land Management Marc Resnick and Historic District Commission Chair Rosemary Costello will coordinate with Doherty on funding and scope, with April Town Meeting identified as a tentative target.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of July 27, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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