The Newburyport Historical Commission convened on January 25, 2024, to discuss the historical significance of a property located at 42 Moulton Street, owned by Max and Ashley Pillsmaker. The meeting highlighted the findings of attorney Lisa Mead, who presented evidence suggesting that the house, constructed around 1940, does not hold the historical value initially attributed to it.

Mead clarified that the home was not present on the 1924 assessor's map, indicating it was built after that date. The property underwent significant alterations, including a large two-story addition completed in 2003, which the current owners did not initiate. This led Mead to recommend that the commission not designate the house as "preferably preserved," given its lack of historical integrity.

Commission members engaged in a discussion about the neighborhood's architectural landscape, noting that many homes in the area have undergone similar modifications. One commissioner, Biff, shared observations from a recent visit, confirming that a majority of nearby houses have been altered, with some replaced entirely.

The commission's deliberations reflect a broader commitment to preserving Newburyport's historical character while recognizing the evolving nature of its residential architecture. The outcome of this discussion will influence future preservation efforts and the criteria used to evaluate the historical significance of properties in the city.