Historical Commission @ Mar 10, 2026 5:00 PM EDT

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The following meeting has been updated:

Town(s): Orange, MA;
Board: Historical Commission
Time: Tuesday March 10 @ 5:00 PM EDT
Location: Wheeler Memorial Library Community Room

Agenda:
Orange Historical Commission – Meeting Agenda

March 10, 2026 – 5:00 PM (Wheeler Memorial Library, Community Room)

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes

Minutes of February 12, 2026.

3. Open time for the public

4. Determination of Eligibility from the Massachusetts Historical Commission

a. Review steps to obtain a Determination of Eligibility (“DOE”) for the National Register from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (“MHC”):

◦ Update MHC inventory form (completed);
◦ Orange Historical Commission (“OHC”) votes to recommend that MHC make a DOE for listing in the National Register;
◦ OHC drafts a letter of recommendation;
◦ Prepare formal DOE request - Enclose the updated MHC inventory form, location map, recent photographs (interior and exterior), additional architectural and historic details, and the Historical Commission’s recommendation letter;
◦ Submit DOE request to the MHC

b. Vote: To recommend that the Massachusetts Historical Commission issue a Determination of Eligibility (DOE) for the Wheeler Mansion.

5. Historic Property Tax Special Assessment Bylaw

a. Discussion of potential bylaw to adopt G.L. c.59 § 5J (historic property tax special assessment for owner-occupied residential properties listed in the State Register of Historic Places).

b. Review of suggested warrant article language:

To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5J, which authorizes a city or town, by adoption of an ordinance or by-law, to establish a special assessment policy for the substantial rehabilitation of owner-occupied residential properties listed in the State Register of Historic Places, either individually or as contributing elements within an historic district, so that for eligible properties the increase in assessed value resulting from such rehabilitation shall be phased in one-fifth increments over a period of five years to the full assessed value of the property, provided that such rehabilitation meets the standards of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, or take any other action relative thereto.
c. Vote: To recommend that the OHC submit the potential bylaw to the town administrator for placing on the select board agenda.
6. Library Update – Harry


7. New Business


8. Adjourn


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