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Lakeville historical commission, open‑space committee report progress on master‑plan tasks
Summary
The Town of Lakeville’s Historical Commission and Open Space Committee told the Master Plan Implementation Committee they are advancing inventories, outreach and plan updates; the open‑space plan is under state review and the historical commission has funding for an inventory and an archaeological sensitivity map.
Joan Gladu Morton, chair of the Historical Commission, and David Zolonis, representing the Open Space Committee, updated the Master Plan Implementation Committee on Sept. 22 on steps taken to implement elements of the town’s master plan.
The historical commission is working with a consultant to complete an inventory of historic houses and cemeteries and has funding in place for the work, Morton said. “Historic commission is currently working with the consultant on the plan,” Morton said. She added, “We have funding for that.” The commission plans to pursue a first historic district extending from the Old Town Hall to Pond Cemetery once the inventory is complete; a second possible district would center on the former tack factory on Taunton Street.
Morton said a proposed merger between the town’s Historical Commission and the Historical Society will not be pursued now because society members raised concerns about preserving and caring for the society’s museum collection; the merger has been tabled indefinitely. She also reported that an accessibility ramp has been installed at the museum and a ramp is being added at the historic library.
Zolonis provided the Open Space Committee’s progress on the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) and related priorities. “The 2025 open space plan has been with DCR for a couple of months now,” Zolonis said; the committee is waiting for Department of Conservation and Recreation review and any requested edits before formal adoption. Once the DCR review is complete, the town will be able to apply for grants tied to an adopted open‑space plan.
The Open Space Committee has launched direct outreach to landowners it identified as eligible for conservation programs, mailing information to property owners with large parcels. Zolonis said the committee targeted roughly 110 owners of parcels of about 10 acres and larger and another group of roughly 100 landowners who might be eligible for Chapter 61 programs. The committee also distributed flyers and will have a presence at upcoming local events; Zolonis noted the Massachusetts Town Forest Conference on Oct. 4 at Middleborough High School as an outreach opportunity.
Committee members discussed staffing and implementation questions. The master plan lists hiring a town planner and a land‑use specialist; Morton and Zolonis said the town is advertising for part‑time planning help and that a part‑time conservation commission agent has been hired. Zolonis said some other implementation items currently lack specific funding.
Morton said the historical commission has approved funding for an archaeological sensitivity survey map that will follow completion of the inventory; she said some sites lie on private land and access will be handled accordingly.
Committee members and the two guest presenters identified next steps: finish the historic inventory, finalize the OSRP after DCR review, continue landowner outreach, and consider easier web access to open‑space information. Zolonis said the OSRP review with DCR could be completed in about a month but that timing depends on the state review process.
The update combined Historic Commission and Open Space Committee items from the master‑plan implementation chart and closed with committee discussion about priorities for the next quarter.
