As a member of the Greenfield Historical Commission, I would like to clarify certain aspects of our meeting on Aug. 29.

The city of Greenfield enacted a demolition delay ordinance in 2007. The Historical Commission is the enforcement body of that ordinance. It states that if a property or structure is “listed on, or is within an area listed on, the National Register of Historic Places” then it is considered a historic building. If the Historical Commission, at a public hearing that must be held within 45 days of being notified that a demolition permit has been applied for, determines that demolition of said historic building would be “detrimental to the historical or architectural heritage or resources of the Town,” such building shall be considered a “Preferably Preserved Significant Building” and “no demolition permit may be issued until at least six months after the date of designation.”

The ordinance uses the word “shall,” which gives us no room to “mull” over whether the demolition delay is invoked on the Zion Church property now owned by the YMCA. We will be obligated by law to require the delay.

Margo Jones

Greenfield Historical Commission