HDC secures two preservation grants: design guidelines project and CAMP training

The Bedford Historic District Commission reported on April 1 that it secured two preservation grants: a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to develop formal design guidelines for the historic district and a Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP) grant to host training from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.

Conservation staff described the design‑guidelines project as a roughly year‑long process that will include a consultant kickoff meeting, a tour of the district, public outreach and a draft schedule of deliverables. The commission has selected Chris Skelly of Skelly Preservation Services as the consultant; he will hold a kickoff session with the commission and staff and is expected to help the commission refine character‑defining features and produce prescriptive guidance so applicants and commissioners share a common rubric for review.

Commissioners discussed scheduling the consultant’s kickoff meeting and raised concerns about finding a date that accommodates members and the consultant. Staff proposed two candidate dates (April 30 or May 1) for an evening kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and asked commissioners to confirm availability by email.

Members described what the design guidelines should cover: a short historic overview, definitions of "character‑defining" features, step‑by‑step replacement preferences (match existing first, then alternate materials if necessary), guidance for roofs, siding, tree removal and treatment of later additions. Commissioners also discussed whether guideline work might prompt consideration of district boundary adjustments for properties that are partially included in the district.

The commission also reported a separate CAMP grant to host training (in‑person or virtual) provided by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. The commission was awarded a budget of $7,000 for CAMP programming, which staff said would pay expert presenters; options discussed included a single‑day in‑person session with four topics (up to 30 seats) or a virtual program with six topics. Staff proposed using Stevens Buswell (local venue) if the commission holds an in‑person session and encouraged commissioners to complete a forthcoming self‑assessment that the National Alliance will use to recommend training topics such as "why preserve," meeting procedures and legal basics.

Commissioners expressed interest in outreach (walking tours, barn tours, float/table at town events) to involve residents and said the design guidelines and CAMP training together should provide a clearer, consistent rubric for future decisions and more support for owners of older properties.

Staff noted the district contains approximately 130–150 properties and that public outreach will be part of the grant work. The commission agreed to review consultant availability and to schedule the kickoff meeting once a date is confirmed.