Commission flags Historic District Commission response to Black Heritage Trail signs as potentially triggering

Commissioners reported widespread public support for the temporary Patriot’s Day Black Heritage Trail displays but said members of the Historic District Commission raised objections to proposed permanent signs that advisory members found 'triggering.'

Joe (Black Heritage Trail lead) described Patriot’s Day presentations and community feedback that was “really, really positive.” He said the town’s advisory team — more than 70% of whose members are from Concord’s Black community — provided input on imagery and placement. When sample signs were shown to the Historic District Commission, some HDC members expressed concerns about size and images: commissioners quoted HDC comments such as "it's huge" and "we haven't allowed things this big," feedback several advisory members said felt dismissive and painful.

DEI commissioners discussed steps to address the HDC’s reaction. Joe said he has attempted to set a one-on-one conversation with the HDC chair to build relationship and context. Commissioners discussed drafting a short communication to the HDC and the select board to explain the community feedback and to ask for a more culturally informed review process before the HDC’s anticipated June agenda (paperwork for HDC agendas typically needs to be submitted one month in advance).

The commission also discussed inviting an HDC representative to present to the full DEI commission to allow Q&A and to increase mutual understanding. Members emphasized urgency tied to funding and approvals: Trail-related grant funding requires movement through HDC and then select board review, with HDC consideration likely in mid-June.

Next steps recorded were: Andrea and Joe will pursue one-on-one outreach to the HDC chair; the commission may draft a response noting the community's advisory feedback; and the item will be placed on the commission’s next meeting agenda.