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Historic Preservation Commission
Regular Meeting
- 6 p.m.
- 3rd Wednesday of every month
- City Council Chambers
305 Gay Street
Members
- Tim Crosby -Chair
Term Expires: August 31, 2026 - Janice Olshesky -Vice Chair
Term Expires: August 31, 2027 - Scott Hawk - Alternate
Term Expires: August 31,2028
- Jeanette Pawlek
Term Expires: August 31, 2027 - Bronte Lake
Term Expires: August 31, 2028 - Joel Leifer
Term Expires: August 31, 2028
Purpose
By statue, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) has as its basic purpose the preservation of sites, structures, and districts of historical, cultural, archaeological, architectural significance together with their appurtenances and environmental settings. It is charged with implementing Cambridge's Historic Overlay Zoning (adopted as Ordinance 814 and amended to the Zoning Code in 2003 per Article IX, Part VI, Section 185-196).
The Commission's mandate is to safeguard Cambridge's heritage and its broadly visible waterfront within the Historic District.
To accomplish this task the HPC is required to review and issue Certificates of Appropriateness (COA's) for all exterior alterations to property in the historic district, including alterations that cannot be seen from the street or water based on Guidelines adopted by the City. This includes restoration, rehabilitation, new construction, renovations, and major landscaping as well as replacing building components, such as roofs, doors, windows, porches, railings, and curb cuts. The Commission does not review paint color.
Appointees
The Historic Preservation Commission consists of five members and one alternate appointed by the City Council. A majority of the members shall be City residents. Appointees must possess professional or academic qualifications or, have a demonstrated special interest in historic preservation through training, education, employment, experience or membership in a related organization.
Additional Information
National Register of Historic Places-Nomination Report: Cambridge Historic District Wards I and III, Dorchester County, D-699
Staff Support
The Department of Public Works provides staff support to the Commission and can assist property owners within the District for the application of COA's. In addition, staff administers and enforces Historic Overlay zoning, issues building permits and responds to property code violations.
Application Process
For information on the application process, deadlines for submission or meeting schedules or to report a violation, call the Cambridge Planning Office at 410-228-1955.
HPC Meeting Schedule
| Scheduled Meeting Date | Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2026 | December 22, 2026 |
| February 18, 2026 | January 19, 2026 |
| March 18, 2026 | February 16, 2026 |
| April 15, 2026 | March 16, 2026 |
| May 20, 2026 | April 20, 2026 |
| June 17, 2026 | May 18, 2026 |
| July 15, 2026 | June 15, 2026 |
| August 19, 2026 | July 20, 2026 |
| September 16, 2026 | August 17, 2026 |
| October 21, 2026 | September 21, 2026 |
| November 18, 2026 | October 19, 2026 |
| December 16, 2026 | November 16, 2026 |
| January 20, 2027 | December 21, 2026 |