Voters defeated Article 34, which sought to amend the town's demolition delay bylaw to give the Historical Commission the authority to review exterior renovations of historic homes. The proposal aimed to ensure that additions and changes to older properties remained consistent with their original character.

C. Castro of the Historical Commission argued the change was necessary to protect the town’s heritage. We'd like to see the plan so we can make sure that it fits in with the original home, she said. However, the Advisory Board and Building Commissioner A. Stewart raised concerns about the administrative burden. Stewart noted that the language, as written, could require all building permits for exterior work to be forwarded to the commission, regardless of the home's age or historical significance.

Advisory Board member P. Simmonelli stated that the board opposed the article, calling it a potential delay for routine home improvements. A proposed amendment to limit the scope to historically significant buildings was also met with skepticism, as Town Counsel B. Galvin noted it would force the Building Department to make historical determinations. The article failed to secure a majority vote.

Motion: To amend the demolition delay bylaw as set forth in Article 34.

Vote: Failed