The preservation restriction agreement with the Amherst Women’s Club was introduced, highlighting its similarity to the restriction applied to The Jones Library, albeit without the need for approval from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. This agreement, intended to be a local restriction, will be recorded against the property’s deed. The Women’s Club had completed its project and was eager for the final payment, which was contingent upon the execution of this restriction agreement. It was emphasized that funding would be withheld until the agreement was recorded.

Members raised queries about the enforcement aspects of the preservation restriction, confirming that the agreement includes provisions for penalties if changes are made without proper notification or do not meet the standards outlined in the restriction. The commission could enforce penalties through a process that may involve sending a letter, holding a hearing, and requiring a response within a specified timeframe. A suggestion was made to integrate a flagging system in the new permitting software to catch any permit applications related to properties under preservation restriction.

Following extensive discussion, a motion was proposed, and a roll call vote was conducted, ultimately passing unanimously with six votes in favor.

The commission then shifted its focus to Wildwood Cemetery, with ongoing documentation and potential future actions being discussed. The commission considered establishing a subcommittee or inviting members to volunteer to take photographs and engage further with the site. The need for increased documentation of the cemetery was emphasized, and volunteer hours were suggested to photograph monuments and other significant elements for future reference. It was anticipated that the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) would request some of this documentation. There was mention of contacting Ben Haley at the MHC, with plans to establish further communication regarding the submission of the cemetery form.

The meeting also addressed the completion of a roof project involving the Women’s Club, with inquiries regarding the necessary documentation for final payment. An architectural description was suggested, similar to previous projects. Discussions then transitioned to the topic of Community Preservation Act (CPA) proposals due in September. The timeline for proposals had shifted, with deadlines now earlier in the year compared to previous cycles. Potential new projects were discussed, including a proposal to study East Amherst for a local historic district. CPA funding was identified as a vital resource for inventorying approximately 50 to 70 properties, with plans to hire a consultant for this work.

There was discussion about the importance of including mid-century modern buildings in the historical narrative of the town. A list was being developed for potential proposals, and the commission recognized the need for a more thorough and professional approach to documenting significant architectural sites. The idea of producing a report on modernist housing was presented, referencing an extensive study that had been conducted previously. The group acknowledged the necessity of defining deliverables and establishing a budget for the proposed project.

The meeting also featured a discussion centered around enhancing the inventory of 20th-century buildings. The historical significance of these buildings was considered. Concerns were raised about whether these buildings were threatened, with changes in building techniques posing risks to some structures. The potential use of CPA funds to support the historic preservation aspect of the project was deliberated.

The commission engaged in discussions about the potential for creating a more detailed inventory form, which would be beneficial in evaluating 20th-century houses as they arise. The importance of surveys in identifying potential National Register nominations was highlighted, and the commission confirmed their agreement to collaborate on drafting the necessary documentation. Updates were provided on downtown design standards, with public meetings scheduled for mid-September to allow community input on future development.