Search Results for: WHC

Public forums to address high number of Wellesley teardowns

September 13, 2016 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Wellesley Historical Commission (WHC) is holding three public forums over the coming weeks to discuss the high number of teardowns in town. The public’s feedback on a proposed historic preservation demolition review bylaw will be sought.

Wellesley is surrounded by communities with such bylaws, and as a result, Wellesley is targeted even more by those tearing down historic homes. About three-quarters of residents surveyed late last year said they are concerned about the number of teardowns in town.

The public forums will be held from 7:30 to 9pm on:
• Thursday, 9/22 at the Warren Building, Room 008, 90 Washington Street

• Monday, 9/26 in the Great Hall at Wellesley Town Hall

• Tuesday, 9/27 at the Warren Building, Room 008, 90 Washington Street

MORE: A fresh teardown of an old Wellesley home

Wellesley Historical Commission looking to fill vacancies

October 6, 2015 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

From the Wellesley Historical Commission:

The Wellesley Historical Commission, a seven-member volunteer board of Town government, is seeking historically-minded residents to fill several recent vacancies. The WHC is also seeking non-voting associate members to participate actively in discussions and assist us in advancing our mission.

The WHC is the primary advocate for the protection of Wellesley’s historic properties, both public and private. Our mission is to ensure that the historic structures and spaces that define the character of Wellesley are not lost for future generations. We frequently collaborate with Town boards and departments, builders, realtors, and residents, providing expert advice on projects involving historic resources to ensure that growth can coincide with preservation. We also advocate for public bylaws and private actions that encourage the preservation, restoration, and innovative reuse of historic properties.

You can learn more about our recent activities — including establishing new Historic Districts, advising Town boards on historic preservation projects, and expanding our signature historic house plaque program — at www.wellesleyhistoricalcommission.org.

Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term. Knowledge of architecture and construction, public relations, historic preservation, or government is particularly welcome, but not required. If interested, please email a brief statement with your interests, qualifications, and contact information to tad@wellesleyhistoricalcommission.org by Thursday, October 22. We look forward to interviewing candidates on the evening of Thursday, October 29.

Tad Heuer, Chairman
Wellesley Historical Commission

Christmas in March at Wellesley Village Church

March 24, 2014 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Rev. Martin Copenhaver, looking out Sunday at the kind of packed house typically seen only on the biggest religious holidays, began the final sermon of his 20-year stretch at Wellesley Village Church by saying he felt compelled to wish parishioners a Merry Christmas.

Later during the Congregational service the organist slipped in a fragment of a Christmas song, much to the parishioners’ delight.

Copenhaver is leaving to become head of Andover Newton Theological School and an interim senior pastor has been named. It’s a time of transition for Congregationalists in town: Wellesley Hills Congregational Church also lists an interim senior minister at this point.