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Committee begins review of Central Square property-maintenance standards, seeks HDC input
Summary
Members discussed referencing Chapter 180 (vacant/abandoned properties) and HDC rules to strengthen enforcement of signage, facade and site-condition standards in Central Square and asked staff for draft language and HDC input at the next meeting.
Committee members reviewed proposed Central Square property-maintenance standards and debated whether the new standards should import full Historic District Commission language or reference it for abandoned and vacant properties. A committee member recommended using Chapter 180 (the town’s vacant-and-abandoned-properties chapter) as a reference to ensure registration and enforcement tools apply; the committee agreed that signage rules, window and door language, and exterior facade maintenance should be retained.
Members emphasized accessible public documentation of HDC rules, stronger follow-up and enforcement (letters, fines, and building-inspector involvement), and suggested inviting HDC representatives and the building inspector to the next meeting. The committee asked staff to assemble the relevant ordinances and bylaws for a focused review and recommended limited insertion of cross-references rather than wholesale duplication of HDC language.
