Boston: Community Voices Inform Proposed Monument Square Landmark District

~ On April 15, the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee and Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) staff hosted a community engagement event at the Bunker Hill Museum in Charlestown. The purpose of the event was to provide updates on the progress of the Study Committee, which was formed to complete a study report on the proposed designation of the Monument Square Landmark District. This study was initiated by a group of Charlestown residents who submitted a petition in 2022.

The event kicked off with a presentation led by BLC Architectural Historian Jennifer Gaugler. She provided information on the landmark designation process, ways for the public to participate, and the creation of standards and criteria. Office of Historic Preservation Deputy Director Elizabeth Sherva then led a question-and-answer session, addressing topics such as potential jurisdiction of the Landmark District, individual property rights, and the working boundary of the district.

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Following the presentation and Q&A session, participants were invited to engage in activities prepared by BLC staff with input from the Study Committee. One activity involved gauging interest in regulating certain architectural features in the neighborhood. Participants were asked to place green or red stickers under listed items to indicate their support or opposition for regulation. The majority showed support for regulating building elements such as height, rooftop additions, additions to existing buildings, demolition, and facade materials. However, there was less support for regulating hardware, paint color, and light fixtures.

The second activity focused on which parts of a building's exterior envelope should be regulated. Options included front elevation only, front and side elevations, or no regulation at all. Most participants agreed that some elevations should be regulated to some extent.

The final activity asked participants to consider proposed boundaries for the Landmark District as well as potential expansion and creation of a protection area around it. The community largely supported expanding boundaries and creating a protection area around it. However, two respondents expressed their opposition to any designation at all.

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After the event, the Study Committee reviewed the data collected from the activities. BLC staff and the Study Committee are now planning a second community engagement event for late summer or early fall. Details will be posted on boston.gov/monumentsquare once finalized. This event will provide another opportunity for the public to learn more about the committee's work as a working draft of the study report will be presented.

To stay updated on the Monument Square Study Committee's progress, interested individuals can subscribe to their mailing list by visiting boston.gov/monumentsquare and signing up under "Stay Connected."

This article was written by Gabriela Amore, Preservation Projects Manager, to inform readers about the recent community engagement event held by the Monument Square Landmark District Study Committee and Boston Landmarks Commission. The event provided updates on the committee's work and allowed for community input through various activities.

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