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Southborough Historical Commission to publish guidance after insurers questioned homeowners over National Register listing
Summary
Commissioners discussed recent instances where homeowners received insurer notices tied to National Register listing or house-sign participation and agreed to refine a boilerplate letter and website language clarifying that the town’s house-sign program and National Register listing do not impose preservation requirements; a redacted insurer notice will be requested for review.
At its March 5 meeting the Town of Southborough Historical Commission discussed multiple reports that homeowners received insurer notices suggesting higher rates or restrictions because properties are inside the Southborough Center National Register Historic District or display a town historic-house sign.
The chair described one case where a neighbor received a message suggesting insurers might "jack their rates up or dump them altogether" because of a National Register designation. The chair emphasized that National Register listing is an honorific designation and does not by itself impose restrictions on owners; the commission noted that only local historic districts (which Southborough does not currently have) can exercise local controls over exterior appearance.
Commissioners asked the chair to refine a draft letter the chair had prepared for affected homeowners, to include a clear statement on the commission website distinguishing the National Register, local historic districts, and the town's demolition-delay bylaw. Kelly O’Brien requested that the chair attempt to obtain a redacted copy of the insurer's notice so commissioners could craft the strongest possible rebuttal; the chair agreed to request it and to bring a revised boilerplate and proposed website text to the next meeting.
Commissioners also discussed providing a short explanatory handout for homeowners and realtors describing what the house-sign program and National Register listing mean (and do not mean) for property owners. Several members noted that other nearby towns have local historic-district regulations and that insured assessments can vary by company; they said local messaging should make the distinction clear to prospective buyers and insurance professionals.
Next steps: the chair will attempt to obtain a redacted copy of the insurer notice, refine the draft letter and draft website text that includes an explicit mention of Southborough's demolition-delay bylaw, and present those materials for Commission review at a future meeting.
