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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Medford Historical Commission and the Medford Historic District Commission share the common goals of preserving and protecting the City’s historic character and heritage, in order to sustain and improve the significance of Medford’s place in American history. The following individuals are Commissioners of both groups:
  • Nino Susi, Commission Co-Chairman
  • Ryan Hayward, Commission Co-Chairman
  • Patricia Brady Doherty, Commissioner
  • Hank Turner, Commissioner
  • John Woods, Commissioner
  • Christopher Bader, Alternate Commissioner
  • Claire W. Dempsey, Alternate Commissioner

    The Commissioners hold regular meetings, usually on the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 p.m. at Medford City Hall. Click for most recent meeting agenda.

    Medford Historical Commission
    Medford Historic District Commission
    c/o Office of Community Development
    Medford City Hall
    85 George P. Hassett Drive
    Medford, MA 02155

    Telephone 781-393-2519
    TDD 781-393-2516
    Email medfordhistoricalcommission@comcast.net
    • The Medford Historical Commission was established under Section 8d of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws and Chapter 48 of the Medford Municipal Ordinances. The Commission is the official City body charged with the identification of properties and sites in the City of historical significance and is the principal advisor to the City on matters relating to historic preservation. The Commission is further charged with reviewing all requests for demolition of buildings that were constructed before 1900, or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or are listed on the Massachusetts Register of Historic Places.

    The Medford Historic District Commission was established under Section 4 of Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws and Chapter 48 of the Medford Municipal Ordinances. This Commission is the official City body charged with administration of the city-designated Historic Districts. There are currently two such districts: Hillside Avenue Historic District and Marm Simonds Historic District.
    The Commissions should not be confused with the Medford Historical Society, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of local history through collecting and exhibiting artifacts on local history, publishing booklets on historical topics, and holding public programs on historical themes.
    Demolition Delay

    One of the major responsibilities of the Medford Historical Commission is to protect significant properties located outside of the city’s designated historic districts, by encouraging preservation and rehabilitation rather than demolition.

    Chapter 48 of the Medford Municipal Ordinances provides, in part:

    		This article is enacted for the purpose of protecting the city's significant historical, cultural, and architectural buildings. This article aims to protect and preserve significant historic properties within the town by encouraging their owners to seek out persons who might be willing to purchase, preserve, rehabilitate, or restore such buildings rather than demolish them.

    Any person who intends to file an application for a permit to demolish a building which: (1) has been listed in, or is the subject of a pending application for listing in, the National Register of Historic Places or is listed in the Massachusetts Register of Historic Places; or, (2) which was constructed before 1900, shall first file a notice of intent to demolish a significant building with the city clerk. The city clerk shall forthwith transmit copies of each duly filed notice of intent to the commission and the building commissioner.

    If the commission determines that a building is not significant, this determination shall be transmitted to the applicant, to the building commissioner, and to the city clerk and the applicant shall not be required to take any further steps prior to filing for a demolition permit.

    If the commission determines that a building is significant, the commission shall hold a public hearing on each such notice of intent within 30 days after the initial determination of significance is made. Within 21 days from the close of the public hearing, the commission shall file a written determination with the city clerk as to whether the demolition of the building will be detrimental to the historical, cultural, or architectural heritage or resources of the city. Upon a determination that the building is a preferably preserved significant building, the commission shall so advise the applicant, the building owner, the building commissioner, and the city clerk and no demolition permit may be issued until at least six months after the date of such determination by the commission.
    The purpose of this demolition delay provision is to ensure that the City has a record of the evolution of its built environment. Another purpose of the demolition delay provision is to allow the Commission time to raise public awareness if a property of exceptional significance is involved, and to work with project proponents to ensure both that adequate documentation is obtained and that options that would allow preservation are explored.

    Click to download a copy of the Notice of Intent to Demolish a Building, which must be filed with the City Clerk's office in City Hall.

    Historic District Administration

    The Medford Historic District Commission was established in 1985, along with the creation of two city-designated Historic Districts. This Commission’s role is to ensure that any visible changes to properties within these districts enhance rather than detract from the area’s historic character. The Commission can issue certificates of appropriateness, certificates of nonapplicability, and certificates of hardship with respect to construction or alteration of buildings and structures within the historic districts.

    Residents of designated Historic Districts who are considering making any changes, including repairs, to their properties that are visible from the street – including architectural features, windows, siding, temporary and permanent structures, fences, walls, chimneys, signs, etc. (please note that this list is not meant to be complete) -- are required to apply for and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Medford Historic District Commission.

    Click to download a copy of the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. This document also details the process for submitting this application.

    The Commission will consider, among other things, the historic and architectural value and significance of the site, building, or structure; the general design, arrangement, texture and material of the features involved; and the relation of such features to similar features of buildings and structures in the surrounding area. Artificial siding shall not be approved. Permanent and temporary signs and signs in windows visible from the street must be approved by the Commission.

    Residents of these Historic Districts should note that work begun without an approved Certificate is subject to removal.

    Research and Public Education

    The Historical and Historic District Commissions are further charged with researching sites of historic interest and value in the City of Medford, establishing additional historic districts, advising property owners regarding historic preservation, and educating the general public about the community’s historic resources. The Commissions may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets as needed to accomplish their objectives.

    The Commissions cooperate and collaborate with relevant unofficial groups and also with other City agencies, including the Office of Community Development, Building Department, and the City’s Planning Board.