Certain exterior changes to Central Street buildings would be subject to new regulations if Annual Town Meeting approves Article 29 when it convenes on April 29.
The article — which requires 2/3rds approval from town meeting to pass — would create a Central Street Historic District. If approved, it would be the town’s second historic district — assuming a resident’s petition to repeal the Ballardvale Historic District fails at town meeting.
According to a description on Andover Historic Preservation’s Website, “Historic District Commissions do not prevent changes from occurring, nor do they prevent new construction. Their purpose is to ensure that changes and additions are harmonious, and to prevent changes that might detract from the aesthetic and historic values of the district.”
A study committee was formed last August and, after several opportunities to collect public input, presented a report that lead to the proposal to create the new district Downtown. Supporters argue the district will help preserve the character of Central Street.
The new rules would only apply to exterior changes visible from a public way. It would cover chimneys, brickwork, additions, accessory structures, roofing and trim but, unlike the Ballardvale Historic District, it would not apply to fences. Interior changes, landscaping, and alterations that continue the status quo would not be reviewed.
“What people really don’t want is to buy a historic home, to invest in it, to make it your home, and to have something happen across the street or down the road that changes the entire feel of the neighborhood that you’ve invested in,” Town Clerk Austin Simko said when he presented the article to the select board last month. “One resident made a joke — he said that he doesn’t want this commission telling him what to do, but he’s really happy they could tell his neighbor what not to do.”
The select board unanimously recommended town meeting pass Article 29. The Massachusetts Historical Commission has also recommended Andover approve the district.
This month, Andover News is previewing key warrant articles in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, which begins April 29 and continues nightly until all of the articles have been deliberated.
Key Dates For Town Meeting
April 15: Deadline to publish and post warrant.
April 19: Deadline to register to vote for town meeting.
April 19: Finance Committee Report due.
April 29, 30, and May 1, 7 pm: 2025 Annual Town Meeting
It’s not the first time Andover has tried to create a Central Street Historic District. In 1977 a similar study committee recommended adopting the rules, but it failed to get the necessary 2/3rds majority at town meeting.