Newbury panel designates 25 High Road ‘preferably preserved,’ imposing nine-month demolition delay

On June 25 the Newbury Historical Commission voted to designate 25 High Road as "preferably preserved," invoking the town bylaw and putting any demolition permit on hold for nine months while efforts to preserve, rehabilitate or find alternatives proceed.

The motion was made by a commission member who said, "I move that we designate 25 High Road as preferably preserved," and was seconded. During discussion commissioners reviewed bylaw criteria (including section 1.8 and related provisions) and the commission chair summarized next steps for the delay and public engagement.

The vote followed extended discussion of the bylaw language and what activities the nine months should allow. The chair explained the practical effect: "the building has been deemed preferably preserved, and the demolition permit needs to be held for, 9 months," giving preservation advocates time to identify purchasers, prepare rehabilitation plans or propose alternative uses. Commissioners noted the town is the current owner of the building and therefore the selectmen will play a central role in deciding the property’s future.

Commissioners referenced the town bylaw’s eligibility and monitoring provisions and said the commission will document the town’s and owner’s efforts to locate a purchaser or otherwise preserve the structure during the initial six months of the delay. One member read the commission’s evaluation criteria aloud at the meeting, starting with "Number 1, historical association," as part of the record explaining why the designation was appropriate.

Members instructed staff to prepare a draft letter to the building commissioner and the board of selectmen for review at the commission’s next meeting; the chair said she would send an email to the building commissioner and that a letter would be presented for approval at the following meeting. The commission also confirmed the research, timeline and supporting documents for 25 High Road are posted on the town website in the commission’s section.

Commissioners urged residents who want to save or repurpose the building to organize quickly, consult with architects and funders if needed, and contact their selectmen to request a town-led plan or a town meeting if enough citizens support that route. During the hearing the chair noted about 30 people attended the public hearing on the property.

The commission described its role during the delay as a monitoring and advisory body: ensuring the building is secured and maintained, tracking efforts by the owner and proponents to develop preservation plans, and advising the building commissioner in writing as appropriate. The commission emphasized that rehabilitation and remediation (for issues such as asbestos or lead paint) could carry substantial cost and time, and that simply replicating or reconstructing the building was not explicitly provided for in current bylaw language.

The commission recorded the vote in public session and indicated it was unanimous; a draft letter to the building commissioner and selectmen will be prepared and reviewed at the commission’s next regular meeting (members discussed the regular meeting being scheduled within 14 days and referenced July 9 as the next Thursday meeting).