The Office of Historic Preservation in Boston has announced a new temporary appointment for the South End Landmark District Commission. Sarah Lawton, previously serving as a Preservation Assistant, steps up as the Interim Preservation Planner in the wake of Rachel Ericksen, the current Preservation Planner, taking a leave of absence. According to the city's official announcement, Lawton has been with the Office since 2023, during which she has been a point of contact for the community, addressing inquiries and guiding the landmarking and design review processes.
Residents may recognize Lawton from her work at the monthly public hearings of various architectural and landmark commissions. In her new capacity, she will not only continue assisting these hearings but also take on additional responsibilities. This includes collaborating with Preservation Planner Jackie Vanegas on the review of design applications that the South End Landmark District Commission receives and managing the commission's public hearings. Lawton's educational background, featured as a Boston Public School graduate with a BA in History from Suffolk University and ongoing studies for a Master's in City Planning at Boston University, supports her expanding role.
Lawton, a Dyorchester native, has both a professional and academic foundation in the realm of historic preservation. Her history degree, emphasizing Public History, and her minor in Black Studies, align well with the Commission's mission to preserve the architectural heritage of Boston's South End, a neighborhood known for its diverse history and cultural significance.
