Committee advances local historic designation for Broadway, Chapin and Davenport parks

Councilor Lambert’s Business and Economic Development Committee voted to advance a code amendment that would locally designate three city parks—Broadway Park, Chapin Park and Davenport Park—as historic sites.

Colette, the staff presenter, told the committee the city’s recent architectural survey recommended the three parks for local designation because they contain some of the city’s oldest historic features and because they played a central role in neighborhood development. She said the Historic Preservation Commission and the parks and recreation director support the local listings.

Staff said the practical effect of the designation would be to require review when federally funded projects are proposed near the parks to ensure the projects do not adversely affect historic resources. Colette said routine maintenance is exempt from historic permitting and that ordinary repairs would not be delayed or require special permits, but larger projects such as road widening could trigger additional review.

Councilor Fish and other councilors asked whether the designation would constrain property owners near the Tree Streets and State Street study areas; staff said individual private‑property renovations typically would not be affected and that separate designation processes would be required to impose restrictions on individual houses.

Councilor Fish moved to forward the amendment to full council for consideration; Colette seconded. The committee conducted a roll call and the motion passed. The staff presenter said the item will go to a Historic Preservation Commission public hearing (staff will notify abutters) before appearing for first reading at the council.

The committee did not set any further conditions at the meeting; staff said they will workshop details with the Historic Preservation Commission and return with timing for formal public notice.

The committee adjourned the item and moved on to the next agenda topic.