On the agenda: Bridgewater Community & Economic Development Committee — data center (Oct 8)

Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee
October 8, 2026
9:00 AM
66 Central Square
Conference Room 201A/2nd Floor
and Via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83464113056

MEETING AGENDA
A Quorum of the Town Council May Be In Attendance
A.

Call to Order

B.

Approval of Meeting Minutes
a)

July 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes

b)

July 30, 2026 Meeting Minutes

c)

August 5, 2026 Joint Meeting with Planning Board Meeting Minutes

C.

Public Comment

D.

Items Referred
a)

E.

Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-009: Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Central Square Property
Maintenance Standards

Discussion
a)

Demolition Delay Ordinance Presentation: James Walsh, Resident

b)

Town House Progress Update

F.

Public Comment

G.

Adjournment of Meeting

Page 1 of 19

Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee
July 9, 2026
9:00 AM
66 Central Square
Conference Room 201A
and via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/83311570520
To attend via phone, dial: 1(646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 833 1157 0520

MEETING MEETINGS
A Quorum of the Town Council May Be In Attendance
A.

Call to Order
Councilor Hunt called the meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee to order
at 9:00am. The meeting took place in-person and via Zoom.
Councilors Present: Councilor Perry, Councilor Hunt and Councilor McGrath.
Councilor Linde also in attendance.

B.

Approval of Meeting Minutes
a)

June 17, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Councilor Perry made a motion to approve the June 17, 2026 meeting minutes. This was duly
seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.

b)

June 24, 2026 Meeting Minutes
Councilor McGrath made a motion to approve the June 24, 2026 meeting minutes. This was
duly seconded by Councilor Perry.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.

C.

Public Comment
• Donna Jewell, Keith Place: will discuss the appearance of downtown at end of the meeting.
• James Walsh, Crescent Street: worried about the wood frame structures, like the idea about
blighted but do not know enough.
• Councilor Linde: noted he was here to observe, some properties need help.

D.

New Business

Page 2 of 19

Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee Agenda
Thursday, July 9, 2026

a)

Order O FY26-051: Declares the downtown corridor of Bridgewater a blight area
Councilor McGrath noted that could look into declaring blighted to receive grants. Need to do
an inventory of building, State has to approve, 25% of the property must be blighted. Some
grants will allow part-time building inspector.
Councilor Hunt noted that in 2012 spent 4 months to get CEBD grant, a lot of work.
Councilor Perry noted that it will not affect property values, need to do inventory first. Need to
get this area cleaned up, some properties around college need help – college won’t be considered
blights.
Councilor Perry made a motion to recommend and send back to the Town Council Order OFY26-051. This was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.

b)

Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-009: Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Central Square Property
Maintenance Standards
Councilor Perry noted concern was enforcement; Building Inspector also doing CED. Need the
ability to enforce, timing not the best because how the town is, better if down the road.
Councilor McGrath referenced Article 89, Town can write rules, need to put something in place.
Councilor Perry noted that he would like to get downtown businesses together to let them know
what is going on. Parking, safety travel needs to be put in place.
Councilor McGrath noted that she thinks we should move forward because nothing is getting
done, work with Planning and zoning and work on ordinance.
Councilor Hunt noted that there is less employees, Building Inspector taking on CED and we are
looking at developing more work, worried about adding more.
Councilor McGrath noted that she feels the whole council should be working on, should move
forward. Recommend to Town Council and have everyone work on it.
Councilor Perry asked what the agenda voting would be. Councilor McGrath noted that if
enforced, can send out letters letting them know about violation, should not hold ordinance.
Councilor Hunt allowed public comments.
Councilor Linde noted that building is boarded up and was told by previous Town Manager
cannot do anything about it, need to keep going with this.
Ms. Jewell noted that she is embarrassed of the downtown, property owners frustrated about
other buildings. Need to do code enforcement, need to hire part-time code enforcement.

Page 3 of 19

Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee Agenda
Thursday, July 9, 2026

Councilor Perry noted that need to enforce the Rules if you have Rules, some don’t care about
fixing their buildings, they just care about collecting the rent.
Carlton Hunt noted that amendments are good, should be sent to council to get it going. Historic
buildings can apply for CPC.
Councilor Perry noted that he is not against just concerned about timing and enforcement.
James Walsh asked if lodging license can be withheld by the Town Council if they do not fix the
building.
Councilor McGrath noted that at least it is on the books, we could write a letter. Will speak with
building inspector.
Ms. Jewell noted that should hold here for one more meeting and get the information.
Councilor Perry made a motion to retain Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-009 at CED. This was
duly seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.
E.

Old Business - None

F.

Additional Items for Discussion
a)

Town House - Re-Use:
1. Booth & Associates Assessment of Town House Historic Elements
2. Massachusetts Development Programs: Systems Replacement Grant + CPA Match
3. Question: What is next? Moving contents. Where and when.
Councilor Hunt noted that Booth & Associates was hired for an assessment with CPA funding.
Carlton Hunt spoke about the two grants received for electrical and mechanical and a discussion
on the many documents in the Town House was held.
Councilor Linde asked if the Town could get containers and put in bays at the old fire station
and Councilor Hunt noted that many are in waterproof filing cabinets, mostly building
documents.
Councilor Perry noted that neither building is good to work in, need to make digital copies.
Need to discuss with the Town Manager.
Councilor McGrath suggested starting a committee to work together.
Councilor Hunt noted that she would like to speak with Town Manager and BSU.

Page 4 of 19

Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee Agenda
Thursday, July 9, 2026

b)

Summer Street Park
1. PARC Grant Finalized June 30th
2. Water provision to be provided by the well at Flora T. Little Park
Councilor Hunt noted that Summer Street Park was completed by June 30th. Flora T. Little Park
will be donating water to park from their well for the trees and plants.
Councilor Perry noted that another grant is needed for the building.

G.

Adjournment of Meeting
Councilor Perry made a motion to adjourn which was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:19am.

Page 5 of 19

Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee
July 30, 2026
9:00 AM
66 Central Square
Conference Room 201A/2nd Floor
and via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84494919295
To attend via phone, dial: 1(646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 844 9491 9295

MEETING MINUTES
A.

Call to Order
Councilor Hunt called the meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee to order
at 9:00am. The meeting took place via In-person and Zoom.
Councilors Present: Councilor Perry, Councilor Hunt and Councilor McGrath.
Tree Warden Brian McMahon was also in attendance.

B.

Public Comment - None

C.

Items Referred
a)

Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-009: Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Central Square Property
Maintenance Standards

Councilor McGrath noted that Chapter 180 speaks about vacant and abandoned building – can
add to the ordinance. Would take historical district wording.
Councilor Hunt noted that most members of the HDC have been members for 20 years.
Councilor Perry noted that the rules of the HDC need to be updated, still shows Selectmen.
Councilor Perry made a motion to retain Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-009 at CED. This was duly
seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.

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Page

D.

Old Business - None

E.

Additional Items for Discussion
a)

Town Common Update
- Tree Warden - Brian McMahon
Mr. McMahon noted that new trees are needed around the Common and then down Broad Street, need
pruning. Would like to get money to get an Aborist, many trees missing. Ash trees are an issue in town,
can take out lines.
Councilor McGrath noted that the new Chase location should be planting trees.
Mr. McMahon further noted that many trees around down are dangerous, making a list.
Councilor Perry noted that South Street near Winter Street has a concerned tree.
Councilor Hunt noted that she spoke with a resident that is concerned about a dead tree that is over a bus
stop.
Councilor McGrath asked what ash trees are replaced with and Mr. McMahon replied that it depends on
the site, trees need different plantings.
Councilor Perry asked if dangerous trees could be taken down and Mr. McMahon noted the Town would
need to use professional contractors.
Councilor McGrath noted that the Town Manager is working on crosswalks and then can figure out trees.
Councilor Hunt mentioned that there are some trees around the Common that were donated by families.
Councilor Perry noted that the Lions Club would like to plant a Christman tree in honor of a Lions
members that did so much in town.
b)

Demolition Delay Updates

Councilor Perry asked if we were concerned about something lacking.
c)

Town House Progress Update

Councilor Hunt noted that the Town House is being put under the Assistant Town Manager. Visisted
and trying to figure out where to start. Do not need an archivist. Need to figure out 2 to 3 rooms of
documents, still being used by the building department. Called Fred Clark to see if there is someplace
we could use for temporary storages.
d)

Summer Street Project Update

F.

Public Comment - None

G.

Adjournment of Meeting
Councilor Perry made a motion to adjourn, which was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A voice vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry – Yea; Hunt – Yea; McGrath – Yea.
Motion passed 3-0.

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Town of Bridgewater
Community and Economic Development Committee
August 5, 2026
6:30 PM

Community and Economic Development Joint Meeting with the
Planning Board
The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
To attend via video, click on the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87325231275
To attend via phone, dial: 1(646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 873 2523 1275

MEETING MINUTES
A.

Call to Order
Councilor Hunt called the Community and Economic Development Committee to order at the Joint
Meeting with the Planning Board on August 5, 2026 at 6:30pm. The meeting took place via Zoom.
Councilors Present: Councilor Perry, Councilor Hunt and Councilor McGrath.

B.

Hearings
a)

Ordinance D-FY26-016: Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment - High Intensity Data
Centers
Councilor Hunt opened the public hearing. Planning Board Chair Pat Driscoll read the legal
notice into the record.
Councilor McGrath noted that the Ordinance was proposed by Councilor Murphy to put
safekeeping in place in case high density data centers decided to come to Bridgewater. Also
noting that she would like to add more to it.
Councilor Hunt read the ordinance regulations into the record and asked if this would include
State property.
Councilor McGrath noted that Lowell put one right in a neighborhood.
Councilor Perry noted that this ordinance is saying not allowing them in Bridgewater.
Councilor McGrath asked what a data center would be categorized as and Mr. Driscoll replied
that it looks like listed in industrial wholesale and transportation.

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Page

Councilor McGrath further noted that the State is going to push for these, need to control and
define before they do.
Mr. Driscoll asked if anyone wished to speak:
• Janet Hanson, Pleasant Street: reasoning for 25k square feet, can it be smaller. In favor
of having something in place.
• Donna Jewell, Keith place: eliminate entirely no matter the size. Noted Mansfield tied
the size to mega watt usage and square footage.
• Carlton Hunt, Austin Street: 25k is property size, suggest lot size be defined.
b)
Proposed Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-018: Zoning Ordinance to Amend Words Pertaining to
'Town Council’
Mr. Driscoll noted this ordinance is not aligned with the Charter.
Councilor McGrath noted that she is making it consistent as Town Council not listed.
Mr. Driscoll noted that Town Council is not adopted in the use table. Councilor Perry further noted
that it is a scribners error.
Councilor Perry made a motion to close the public hearing. This was duly seconded by Councilor
McGrath.
A roll call vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry -Yea; McGrath – Yea; Hunt – Yea.
Motion passed: 3-0.
Councilor Perry made a motion to recommend Ordinance D-FY26-016 and Zoning Ordinance DFY26-018. This was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A roll call vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry -Yea; McGrath – Yea; Hunt – Yea.
Motion passed: 3-0.
C.

Adjournment of Meeting
Councilor Perry made a motion to adjourn which was duly seconded by Councilor McGrath.
A roll call vote was taken with the results as follows: Perry -Yea; McGrath – Yea; Hunt – Yea.
Motion passed: 3-0.

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2
Page

Bridgewater Town Council

Introduced By:
Date Introduced:
First Reading:
Second Reading:
Amendments Adopted:
Third Reading:
Date Adopted:
Date Effective:

Mary McGrath, Councilor
12/16/2025
12/16/2025
6/16/2026
6/16/2026

Zoning Ordinance D-FY26-009: Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Central Square Property
Maintenance Standards
BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of the Town of Bridgewater that the Zoning Ordinance, effective
March 4, 2025, as amended, is hereby further amended as follows:
SECTION 1. NEW SECTION ADDED
The Zoning Ordinance is amended by inserting a new Section 6.5 under general regulations, “Central Square
Property Maintenance Standards (CSPMS)”, as follows, and renumbering subsequent sections as needed.
§ 6.5 CENTRAL SQUARE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS (CSPMS)
A. Purpose
The purpose of this Section is to:
1. Maintain Central Square as a clean, safe, and visually appealing downtown;
2. Preserve the historic and architectural character of buildings in Central Square; and
3. Support economic activity and protect property values.
This Section is adopted pursuant to G.L. c. 40A and Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts
Constitution.
B. Applicability
1. Applies to all principal and accessory buildings and structures within:
a. The Central Business District (CB); and
b. The portion of the CB District located within the established historic district around Central Square.

REFER TO COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REQUIRE MAJORITY OF THOSE PRESENT AND VOTING
Page 10 of 19

2. These standards are in addition to all other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, the State Building
Code, and any Historic District Commission requirements. Where standards conflict, the more
restrictive shall apply.
C. General Maintenance Standard
All exterior building elements visible from any public street, sidewalk, or public parking area shall be
maintained in good repair, safe condition, and a clean, orderly appearance. Failure to do so is a zoning
violation.
D. Exterior Building and Façade Maintenance
Property owners shall:
1. Façades & Surfaces
o Keep exterior walls, trim, and decorative features free from:
▪ Peeling or flaking paint;
▪ Significant cracking, rot, rust, or deterioration;
▪ Missing or broken elements exposing the structure to weather.
o Repair or replace damaged materials with similar-appearing materials.
2. Windows & Doors
o Maintain windows and doors in working, weather-tight condition.
o Broken or missing glass shall be repaired or replaced within a reasonable time.
o Long-term boarded windows or doors are prohibited except where required by safety orders.
3. Signage, Awnings & Lighting
o Maintain signs, awnings, and exterior lighting in good condition, securely attached, and free of
tears, excessive fading, broken components, or burned-out illumination.
o All signs must comply with Section 6.2 – Signs of the Zoning Ordinance.
4. Site Conditions & Rear Areas
o Keep alleys, rear entrances, and service areas visible from public ways reasonably free of trash,
debris, and abandoned materials.
o Fences, railings, and site walls visible from public ways shall be structurally sound and
reasonably maintained.
E. Historic Character
1. To the extent feasible, repairs and maintenance shall be compatible with the building’s historic
character and architectural style.
2. Nothing in this Section limits the jurisdiction or requirements of the Historic District Commission.
F. Administration and Enforcement
1. The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer shall enforce this Section pursuant to Section
10.2 – Enforcement and Penalties of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. The Enforcement Officer may issue written notice of violation and require corrective action within a
reasonable time.
3. Failure to comply may result in fines and other remedies authorized by G.L. c. 40A, §7 and the Zoning
Ordinance.
REFER TO COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REQUIRE MAJORITY OF THOSE PRESENT AND VOTING
Page 11 of 19

4. Aggrieved parties may appeal enforcement actions to the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with
Section 10.3 and G.L. c. 40A.
Committee Referrals and Dispositions:
Referral(s)

Disposition(s)

• Town Council

• 12/15/25: Referred to Downtown
Revitalization Committee

• Downtown Revitalization Committee

• 2/5/26: Voted to continue to next meeting.
• 3/5/26: voted to continue to next meeting.
• 4/2/26: voted to continue to next
meeting. Downtown Revitalization
Committee has been dissolved. Needs to be
referred to CEDC.

• Town Council

• 6/16/26: Amendment made to change
sponsor to Councilor McGrath and voted to
refer to Community and Economic
Development Committee.

• Community and Economic Development
Committee

• 7/9/26: voted to continue
• 7/30/26: voted to continue

Attachments:

None

REFER TO COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REQUIRE MAJORITY OF THOSE PRESENT AND VOTING
Page 12 of 19

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
DEMOLITION DELAY ORDINANCE
Bridgewater Administrative Code Chapter 120, Article IV
Submitted to the Bridgewater Town Council - July 2026

Summary of Proposed Changes
This proposal includes changes to the Demolition Delay Ordinance (Chapter 120, Article IV) of
the Town of Bridgewater Administrative Code. The intent of the Demolition Delay Ordinance is
to preserve the character and history of the Town of Bridgewater by incentivizing restoration and
reuse of historic structures. Unfortunately, Bridgewater’s ordinance has been entirely
unsuccessful—not a single historic building has been saved by the ordinance since it was
enacted in 2017.
The demolition delay, common across Massachusetts cities and towns, works by delaying
demolition of historic structures to create a preservation incentive for developers. The delay
period creates a valuable time in which developers can explore solutions that are more cost
effective than waiting for demolition, e.g. listing the property on the National Register of
Historic Places to secure 20-40% in historic rehabilitation tax credits, or moving the structure to
another property in town.
Bridgewater’s ordinance has failed largely due to its sixty-day delay period, which is far
shorter than the typical one to two years found in other municipalities. As the 2022
Comprehensive Master Plan noted, this delay period is too short to adequately incentivize
preservation and reuse. This proposal increases that delay period to 18 months, bringing
Bridgewater to par with peer communities.
This proposal includes additional changes to the demolition delay review procedure to increase
the success of the ordinance’s intent, such as involving the expertise of the Historical District
Commission, considering the Commonwealth’s Inventory of Historic Assets, and tailoring the
definition of “significant” to Bridgewater’s unique history and building stock.
An overview of changes can be found below, followed by a full redline update of the ordinance
text.

Page 13 of 19

Changes at a Glance
Change &
Location(s)

What It Does

Rationale

Lengthen demolition
delay period (§ 3)

Extend Bridgewater’s
demolition delay period from
60 days to 18 months

Bridgewater’s 2022 Comprehensive
Master Plan recommended extension
to a minimum of one year.
Many towns (e.g. Barnstable,
Chatham, Harwich, Hopkinton,
Wellfleet) specify 18 months.

Adjust “significant”
historical period (§ 2,
3)

The current ordinance requires
all buildings built in or prior to
1920 to be reviewed. This
changes that year to 1950.

Many towns use a rolling year,
requiring review for any building
built over 50 or 75 years ago.
Updating Bridgewater’s year from
1920 to 1950 will include many of
the significant Colonial Revival and
Craftsman homes near Central
Square without overwhelming the
review procedure with post-war
homes of lesser historical
significance.

Expand definition of
"significant” to
include local figures
(§ 2)

Enable protection of buildings
with significant ties to historic
local figures, e.g. Paul Revere
III, Flora T. Little.

Bridgewater’s current ordinance
defines significance primarily by the
architecture of the building or its
association with prominent
architects. It does not follow state
and federal procedures of
recognizing association with historic
individuals and events.

Expand definition of
“significant” to
include buildings
significant to the
Commonwealth (§ 2)

Add the Massachusetts
Historical Commission’s
Inventory of Historic Assets to
the significance eligibility
criteria, in addition to the
existing National Register of
Historic Places.

Bridgewater’s historic buildings are
widely recognized at the state level,
while only a few are recognized at
the national level.

Include the Historic
District Commission
in the evaluation of

Include the Historic District
Commission with the

The existing ordinance only includes
the Historical Commission in the
review procedure. Since the Historic

Page 14 of 19

historic significance
(throughout)

Historical Commission in the
review procedure.
This change also includes
miscellaneous grammatical
updates, e.g. “the Commission
does” to “the Commissions
do,” as well as an extended
notification timeline (30 days
instead of 14) to accommodate
the coordination between the
two commissions.

Correct typos
(throughout)

Correct “expect” to except in §
2.

District Commission comprises
experts in architecture, town
planning, and landscape design,
including both commissions will
enable a comprehensive review of
architectural and historical
significance.

Ensure clarity.

Page 15 of 19

Redlined Proposal
Blue text: additions to the existing text
Red strikethrough text: deletions from the existing text
Article IV. Demolition Delay
Section 1. Intent and Purpose
This ordinance is enacted to preserve and protect significant buildings within the Town of
Bridgewater and to limit the detrimental effect of demolition on the character of the Town of
Bridgewater. By preserving and protecting significant structures, streetscapes and
neighborhoods, this ordinance promotes the public welfare by making the Town of Bridgewater a
more attractive and desirable place to visit, live and work. Through implementation of this
ordinance, owners of preferably preserved structures are encouraged to seek out alternative
options that will preserve, rehabilitate or restore such structures and residents of the Town of
Bridgewater are alerted to impending demolitions of significant structures. The issuance of
demolition permits is regulated through this ordinance.
During the period of demolition delay, the Historical Commission and the Historic District
Commission shall assist the owner of a preferably preserved building in identifying opportunities
to move, restore, reuse or otherwise protect and preserve a building so deemed.
Section 2. Definitions
“Applicant” means any person or entity who files an application for a demolition permit. If the
applicant is not the owner of the property where the building is situated, the owner must endorse
filing the application.
“Application” means the forms, fees and process for permission to demolish a structure.
“Building” means any three dimensional enclosure by any building materials of any space, for
any use or occupancy, temporary or permanent, and shall include foundations in the ground, also
all parts of any kind of structure above ground, expect except fences and field or garden walls or
embankment retaining walls.
“Building Official” means the person occupying the Office of Building Official, or any designee
authorized to issue demolition permits.
“Commissions” means the Town of Bridgewater Historical Commission and Historic District
Commission.
“Demolition” means the act of pulling down, destroying, removing, dismantling or razing a
structure in full or in part.

Page 16 of 19

“Demolition permit” means the permit issued by the Building Official for the demolition of a
structure, excluding any permit issued solely for the demolition of the interior of a structure.
“Preferably preserved” means a significant structure that the Commissions determines, following
a public hearing, is in the public interest to preserve rather than demolish. A preferably preserved
structure is subject to the sixty day demolition delay period of this ordinance.
“Significant” structure means any structure within the Town of Bridgewater constructed in the
year 192050, or prior, that is determined by the Historical Commissions to be significant based
on any of the following criteria:
•

•

•

The structure is listed in, or is within an area listed in, the National Register of Historic
Places or the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s Inventory of Historic Assets of the
Commonwealth (MACRIS); or
The structure is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or the Massachusetts
Historical Commission’s Inventory of Historic Assets of the Commonwealth (MACRIS);
or
The structure is historically or architecturally important (in terms of period, architectural
style, method of construction, association with a local historical figure or association with
a universally recognized architect or builder) either by itself or in the context of a group
of structures.

Section 3. Procedure
A. For any structure constructed in the year 192050, or prior, no demolition permit shall be
issued without complying with the provisions of this ordinance.
B. An applicant proposing to demolish a structure subject to this ordinance shall file with the
Building Official an application containing the following information:
a. Official Town of Bridgewater demolition permit application.
b. The address of the structure slated for demolition.
c. The property owner's name, address, email address and telephone number.
d. A description of the structure, including year constructed.
e. The specific reasons for requesting a demolition permit.
f. A description of the proposed reuse, reconstruction or replacement of the
structure.
g. Images of the structure.
C. Initial Determination -- The Building Official shall within seven calendar days of receipt
of an application forward a copy of the application to the Commissions. The
Commissions shall within fourteen thirty calendar days after receipt of the application
hold a meeting and make a written determination of whether the structure is significant.
D. Determination of Not Significant -- Upon determination by the Commissions that the
structure is not significant, the Commissions shall immediately notify the Building

Page 17 of 19

Official and applicant in writing. The Building Official shall then issue the demolition
permit.
E. Determination of Significance -- Upon determination by the Commissions that the
structure is significant, the Commissions shall immediately notify the Building Official
and the applicant in writing. No demolition permit may be issued unless the Building
Official determines the building an imminent threat to public safety as set forth herein or
otherwise outlined in the building code or general laws. If the Commissions does not
notify the Building Official within fourteen thirty calendar days of receipt of the
application, the Building Official shall proceed to issue the demolition permit.
F. Should the Commissions find that the structure is significant, it they shall hold a public
hearing within twenty-one calendar days of the written notification to the Building
Official. If agreed to in writing by the applicant, the determination of the Commissions
may be continued beyond the twenty-one calendar days. At the public hearing the
Commissions shall decide whether the structure should be preferably preserved.
G. If the Commissions determines that the building is not suitable to be preferably
preserved, the Commissions shall immediately notify the Building Official and applicant
in writing. The Building Official shall then issue the demolition permit.
H. If the Commissions determines that the structure is to be preferably preserved, the
Commissions within fourteen calendar days shall notify the Building Official and
applicant in writing. No demolition permit shall be issued for a period, not to exceed,
sixty days of eighteen months from the date of the determination unless otherwise agreed
to by the Commission. If the Commissions does not so notify the Building Official in
writing within fourteen calendar days of the public hearing, the Building Official shall
issue the demolition permit provided all other requirements of the demolition permit are
fulfilled.
I. Upon a determination by the Commissions that any structure subject of an application is a
preferably preserved structure, no building permit for new construction or alterations on
the premises shall be issued for a period of sixty days eighteen months from the date of
the determination unless otherwise agreed to by the Commission.
J. No permit for demolition of a structure determined to be a preferably preserved structure
shall be granted until all plans for future use and development of the site have been filed
with the Building Official and have found to comply with all laws pertaining to the
issuance of a building permit or if for a parking lot, an approved site plan for that site. All
approvals necessary for the issuance of such building permit or certificate of occupancy
including without limitation any necessary zoning variances or special permits, must be
granted and all appeals from the granting of such approvals must be concluded, prior to
the issuance of a demolition permit under this section.
K. The Building Official shall issue a demolition permit or a building permit for a preferably
preserved structure within sixty days if the Commissions notifyies the Building Official

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in writing that the Commissions finds that the intent and purpose of this ordinance is
served even with the issuance of the demolition permit or the building permit.
L. Following the sixty day eighteen-month delay, the Building Official shall issue the
demolition permit.
Section 4. Administration
The Commissions may adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to administer the terms
of this ordinance.
The Town Council is authorized to adopt a schedule of reasonable fees to cover the costs
associated with the administration of this ordinance.
The Commissions may delegate authority to make initial determinations of significance to one or
more members of the Commissions or to a staff member of the Town of Bridgewater.

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