Local Historic District

The Committee completed its final study report and and the vote to establish the Ames Historic District in the North Easton Village (see district map) took place at Town Meeting on May 17, 2010. Article 24 was approved by the town voters; click here to see the Article as voted. The successful adoption of this bylaw will allow for the preservation of the very important and historic structures that comprise the district.

Letters of Support

Click here for the Ames Historic District Final Study Report recommending the Town establish the Ames Historic District

Click here for the bylaw

Click here to see a map of the proposed district.

Local Historic Districts, which are enabled under M.G.L. C. 40C., provide towns with a valuable tool for protecting the character and historic significance of important historic districts and structures within the town.

In December, 2010 the Board of Selectmen voted to appoint a second Study Committee to explore expanding the Ames Historic District. This Study Committee will be comprised of a sub-committee of the Historical Commission in its role as the Local Historic District Commission. After completing their investigation which will include public outreach, the Committee will compile a Study Report for presentation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.

For answers to frequently asked questions about Local Historic Districts, click here.

“Throughout Massachusetts, cities and towns face the needless destruction of their treasured historic resources. Village centers, neighborhoods and downtowns are often not very well protected and through demolitions and insensitive alterations can easily disappear. However, many cities and towns in Massachusetts have taken steps to better protect their historic resources. The strongest form of protection is a local historic district created through a local bylaw or ordinance.”

- Establishing Local Historic Districts, Massachusetts Historical Commission

Historic districts do not prevent all changes or even demolitions from occurring. They do help to make changes and additions harmonious, and prevent architectural Elements that might detract from the aesthetic and historic values of the district.