Editor,

People work hard to own a home for themselves and succeeding heirs, by committing capital and agreeing to pay a mortgage. They should not have other burdens placed on them by government other than those in existence at the time of purchase. After all, when they purchase there is an automatic lease put into effect in the form of taxes.

If you look at the original historic ordinance in Standish, it was passed by referendum not the Standish Town Council or some committee. As I recall the referendum did not pass by a large margin but the combination of for and against was a reasonable number. The Council is now passing an arduous new ordinance that can be canceled just as easily as the prior ordinance, in one year by another council.

This new ordinance differs from the original that now only the property owner can ask for their property to be placed on the historic rolls. On the face of it, this is a good thing but the big issue was there were districts imposed by ordinance prohibiting owners’ rights yet this new ordinance has the wording of districts throughout it. Are there more restrictions coming?

A new commission will establish a list of potential historic landmarks and sites that might be eligible for benefits like grants and tax abatements. The odd thing about this is the town – at enormous expense – has recently had a town-wide revaluation to ensure everyone paid their share of taxes and now are we going to reverse this idea? Do we really need a group evaluating peoples’ property and more government interference?

To have property declared historic, they must sign a irrevocable document by an amendment to their deed, indicating the property must remain and operate under the strict historic rules forever, regardless of the sale or a succession of the property. After reading this new ordinance several times I cannot find this exact statement, but have spoken to committee members and this seems to be the intent.

It’s hard to image anyone asking to have their property declared historic. If they do, I hope they would get a legal opinion to be sure they understand the major obligation they are taking on. What looks good today may not look so good when told how and when to maintain their property or the conditions they thought they agreed to is altered. From all appearances, changes do not seem very difficult to make in this ordinance and unless you have a legal document limiting changes, you could be forever burdened.

I think a good solution to the historical problem would be for those interested in historical sites to form a club, raise money and buy them, and do as they please within the confines of existing ordinances. If someone wants property documented on a historic register there must be other places than by a town ordinance.

I am not 100 percent sure of what I have read or heard in explanation of this ordinance is correct. One thing is sure: If you have a property that could be considered historic and it is your interest to do so, be careful and get professional advice. The best thing about this ordinance is that it has released property owners from the earlier one. Mr. Balentine is correct in suggesting the town should do something to compensate them.

William Orr

Standish