LETTER: Ashland Historical Commission Needs To Deny Demolition Request For Mill Complex

[broadstreet zone=”59946″]

ASHLAND – I am asking that the Ashland Historical Commission vote to deny the recently submitted demolition permit for 10-60 Main Street. 

Obviously you are aware that the “denial” of the demolition comes in the form of deeming the mill complex historically significant, then following the process for a hearing, etc.

The Town by-laws charge the Historical Commision to “… protect and preserve significant buildings in the Town of Ashland…”  This mill complex is a magnificent structure in the middle of our downtown.  It will never be replaceable with proposed restoration and new apartment buildings. 

The Commission must do its job to protect Ashland’s History. 

This mill complex is registered with the Mass. Historical Commission so please be in touch with them about all possibilities to save these structures.

I honestly find this e-mail super difficult to write. I get that sometimes a property owner in our capitalistic system is reaching for maximum profits. The demoralizing part is that our own Town government has been assisting in the process. I imagine that part makes your job in this situation a little more difficult. Nonetheless, the Commission’s charge is very clear so it will be easy to find the complex historically significant. If you need assistance in this task, please ask, there is plenty of information available.

Any thoughts about the final outcome of the property development and prior town involvement do not negate the Commission’s responsibility. 

Thank you.

Kate Jurczyk

Ashland