Committee to study historic district's pros/cons
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

A seven-member committee will be formed to study the establishment a local historical district.

Selectmen at their Jan. 22 meeting voted to form the committee after hearing a report from Historical Commission member Besty Hannula and Town Planner Alicia Altieri on the Westminster Reconnaissance Report, which was done as part of the Heritage Landscape program.

The report identifies Westminster's heritage landscape and recommends community actions to plan for their preservation. The two major areas identified are Academy Hill and Westminster Village - the town center.

"It is worth it to create the local historic district," Hannula said.

The area - 92 acres with 72 structures - is already on the National Registry of Historic Districts. Hunnula said that is an honor and not a regulatory distinction.

Hannula said it is important to get to work as soon as possible because there is still money available until June to help with this project. The money is part of a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Freedom's Way Heritage Association.

The committee will look at historically significant buildings, structures, features, sites or surroundings included in s proposed historic district and will hold public hearings before creating a final report. The report will need to include a map of the proposed district or districts and a draft of the proposed bylaw.

Before a bylaw to govern the rules of the historic district is implemented, it must receive support at a town meeting.

"The only thing I would be concerned about is that rules aren't too rigid for people,' said Selectman Lorraine Emerson.

Altieri said that is why there are so many groups and steps to involved in the process.

Anyone interested in participating should send a letter of interest to the Westminster Board of Selectmen care of Karen Murphy, Town Coordinator, 3 Bacon St., Westminster, MA 01473 no later than Wednesday, Feb. 14.

In other business:

+ Selectmen formally accepted the retirement of Town Accountant Stephen Roomian, who will leave the town at the end of June.

+ Selectmen also heard the audit report on the FY06 budget. They were told the stabilization and the free cash numbers were providing for a "very healthy" financial picture. Selectmen voted to have Roomian and Treasurer/Collector Melody Gallant look into the details of forming a trust fund to pay for the state-mandated health coverage to retirees.

+ Selectmen voted to allow the fire department to preserve the old pull alarm on the front of the town hall as an artifact.