Historic commission signs off on planter boxes at 70 Buckingham Street as non‑applicable

The Springfield Historic Commission voted April 17 to record an application for planter boxes and trellises at 70 Buckingham Street as non‑applicable under the commission’s historic‑district rules.

The commission’s decision followed staff confirmation that city zoning administrators had determined no additional city permitting would be required for planter boxes placed at the sidewalk line. The applicant identified the work as removal of a chain‑link fence, construction of wood planter boxes and garden trellises along the sidewalk, and the installation of a garbage corral.

Commissioners discussed whether the trellises and planter boxes should be considered “structures” under the historical ordinance. One commissioner said the trellises and planter boxes could be temporary because they are constructed of wood and not set in concrete; another noted the boxes have spikes in the ground but are not cemented in place. After discussion a motion was made to treat the application as non‑applicable and to record that status for the public record; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The commission asked the applicant to check the application form box for “non‑applicability” so the determination would be documented in the commission file. No additional documentation or follow‑up was requested at the meeting.

The applicant who addressed the commission identified herself on the record as Victoria Champs and listed the property address for the minutes.