Commission issues leave to withdraw for 37 Stoneman Road after fire‑damaged, altered building found ineligible for listing
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
The commission granted a leave to withdraw without prejudice for 37 Stoneman Road, finding the building heavily altered, vinyl‑clad and lacking sufficient integrity for state or national register listing after a nearby fire.
The Worcester Historical Commission voted June 26 to issue a leave to withdraw without prejudice for 37 Stoneman Road after staff and commissioners concluded the building no longer retains sufficient historic integrity to be eligible for listing on the state or National Register of Historic Places.
Scott Sampson, who said he has lived at the property about 18 years, described a February fire that damaged the top floor. Commission staff and members noted the building has been vinyl sided, has vinyl windows and an asphalt shingle roof and "has no character defining features remaining." Based on those observations, staff recommended—and the commission adopted—a leave to withdraw so the owner may proceed with necessary repairs without the commission taking jurisdiction.
Chair Diane Long and the commissioners voted yes on the motion. Staff said the leave to withdraw will be recorded and the applicant may proceed with building‑permit steps; staff will mark the permit as cleared so demolition or repairs may continue.