Archive for the 'Town Matters' Category

In an historic area like Cape Cod, the need for signs will often clash with the need to preserve the historic integrity of the area.  Our forefathers used signs to provide information, direction and identification.  Today, signs often try to do too much and say too much.

This historic act requires signs to be modest in size.  The maximum allowable size is 12 square feet – meaning a sign would be approximately 3 feet by 4 feet.  Signs are also required to be uncluttered and free of special logos and distracting art work that does not communicate a clear message.

Also, the historic district prefers that the signs have no lighting.  Although there are cases where lighting is approved, the preference is to have no lights.

Signs used to be carved from wood and have no colors.  Today’s signs should reflect the historic look of simplicity with one or two fonts and colors.

 Above all, signs need to fit the neighborhood and setting in which they are found.

Peter

The current energy crisis is making everyone crazed about finding ways to save on energy.  The Historic Act encourages the use of Solar Panels and Skylights and Wind Generators provided that there is no change in the appearance of the structure.  The only way to do that is to put the solar panels on the back of the house where no one can see them.  IF the sun cannot be captured by the back of the roof, there are new architectural roof shingles that have solar panels interspersed throughout the roof so they aren’t really visible. Skylights make the wrong appearance and also belong on the back.

Our forefathers were frugal and very eager to conserve energy.  However, they never allowed function to diminish form.  Saving on energy and protecting the beauty of Cape architecture are valuable goals that help everyone.

Peter

Basketball hoops and their accompanying flood lights don’t fit in with quaint historic settings it seems.  Last Wednesday night, the Historic Committee concluded that fact after carefully reviewing a proposal that was very “enlightening”.  The expectation of kids gathering for an evening pick-up game under flood lights creates a distortion of the quiet, peaceful historic neighborhoods.  In addition, the 10’ high posts with glass backboards are not compatible with the cedar shingles and white trim of many historic homes which surround these playground type sets.

 It would not be fair to say that the Historic Committee does not want to see kids play basketball or have any other form of good clean fun.  More to the point, the Historic Committee needs to preserve certain settings as residential and prefers other settings such as schools and parks for sports and recreation.

 Meshing the needs of recreation with history is achievable with good communication and cooperation.

Peter

Historical or hysterical?  That is the question.  For the past 10 years, I’ve been Chairman of the local historical committee in the Town of Dennis.   People stop me everywhere I go to ask whether or not the historic committee has the authority to tell people what they can or cannot do with their property.  The fact is the committee is governed by the Massachusetts Acts of 1973 as amended and therefore is a governed by the laws of the State.  So the committee has the authority to decide what architectural features are appropriate for a particular home and which are not.

What I like about the Historic Act, as it is known, is that it applies equally to everyone.  Neighbors can take comfort in the fact that the Historic Committee won’t allow your next door neighbor to add windows, dormers or other additions that ruin the way your neighborhood looks.  Also, keeping the look and feel of the Cape is exactly why everyone wants to live and vacation here. The historic committee is the “design review board” that keeps everyone honest. 

Peter