A proposed ordinance in East Greenwich would aim to restore historic homes in town by preserving their basic structure, and it could let the town step in to make repairs if a homeowner refuses to keep up a historic property. Town Manager Andrew Nota spoke with NBC 10 about what the proposal would mean for residents, and select homeowners may be forced to spend money on restoration if it passes.
Nota's comments, reported by WJAR, describe a measure meant to prevent historic buildings from being demolished or left to deteriorate rather than force owners into detailed renovations. The station's report ties the proposal to East Greenwich's 350th anniversary.
How the Town Already Regulates Historic Properties
East Greenwich already has rules on the books governing what happens to historic structures. Under the town's existing historic-district overlay, construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of historic properties and stone walls is regulated specifically to preserve districts, outlying properties and stone walls that reflect the town's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history, according to the Town of East Greenwich Code. Any such work within a historic district or on a designated outlying property requires a certificate of approval issued by the East Greenwich Historic District Commission.
Separately, the town's property-maintenance code, known as Chapter 184, lays out what happens when a property falls into disrepair more broadly. Adopted by the Town Council on November 14, 1996 under Ordinance No. 640, that chapter states its purpose is to prevent blighted and substandard housing conditions and keep dwellings safe, sanitary and fit for habitation, per the same municipal code.
Existing Property-Maintenance Rules
Chapter 184 addresses property maintenance when a property falls into disrepair.
A Regional Pattern of Preservation Rules
East Greenwich isn't alone in grappling with how to handle neglected historic buildings. Communities are increasingly adopting preservation-ordinance provisions that define demolition by neglect and require property maintenance, according to Preserve Rhode Island. Such ordinances can affirmatively require owners to maintain historic properties to a defined standard, while pairing enforcement with tax incentives, low-cost or no-cost loans, and grants for owners who meet locally established hardship criteria.
East Greenwich's existing historic-district overlay regulates work on historic properties and stone walls to preserve features that reflect the town's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history.
