Three things you need to know about Landmarking in Boston

~ Boston, MA - The City of Boston has a unique and constituent-driven historic designation process that allows for community involvement in designating new landmarks or districts. According to the Boston Landmarks Commission, it only takes 10 registered voters to petition for a new landmark or district designation.

The first step in the process is to contact the Executive Director of the Boston Landmarks Commission at BLC@boston.gov to request a meeting. During this pre-file meeting, the Executive Director and Landmarks Commission staff can assist petitioners by assessing the potential for designation, explaining how to fill out a petition, providing guidance on research, and explaining the overall designation process.

In order for a petition to be considered, it must include a written summary of the history and significance of the resource being proposed for designation. The commission also requires a minimum of 10 signatures from registered voters in Boston. Alternatively, the Mayor or an individual BLC Commissioner can also submit a petition. If accepted by the BLC at a public hearing, the petition will be added to the pending Landmarks list.

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Once added to the list, a study report must be prepared. This report will then be posted for public feedback before being voted on by the Landmarks Commission. If approved by both the commission and city council, the resource will receive official landmark status.

It is important to note that not all landmarks are buildings. The Landmarks Commission has designated various resources as landmarks including physical features such as natural topographic elements and improvements such as structures or landscapes that enhance real property.

There are four criteria used to evaluate the significance of a resource: being listed on National Register of Historic Places; having events occur that have made an outstanding contribution to cultural or social history; being associated with significant historic figures; or representing distinctive architectural or landscape design.

Based on its level of significance, a resource may be designated as an individual landmark, landmark district, architectural conservation district, or protection area. Currently, the neighborhood with the highest number of landmarks is Downtown with 55 designated landmarks. However, some neighborhoods such as Hyde Park, the Leather District, and the West End have no designated landmarks.

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In an effort to increase outreach to underrepresented communities, the Office of Historic Preservation is committed to educating residents about the designation process and providing resources for creating a petition. "A petition comes from the people - so if you know of a physical feature or improvement that you think is worthy of designation, please reach out to us at BLC@boston.gov!" says Jennifer Gaugler, Architectural Historian.

The City of Boston encourages its residents to take an active role in preserving its history and culture by utilizing the historic designation process. With just 10 registered voters and a well-researched petition, anyone can help designate a new landmark or district in Boston.

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