To the editor:
I am very concerned about the ongoing demolition of Berkshire County’s historic homes and buildings and think that this situation merits the serious attention of the county’s local historical commissions and societies. These bodies need to develop recommendations to their town governments about how our county’s historic buildings can be protected.
In the past year, two important buildings have been torn down in my hometown of Richmond. A few weeks ago, the Deinlein house (ca. 1830) on Lenox Road was reduced to rubble. The house is listed on the state-mandated inventory of historic Richmond resources. About a year ago, the former Malnati barn contiguous to 216 March Hare Road was demolished. This barn was one of only three remaining from that era, a stark contrast to the dozen plus that stood just 40 years ago. These buildings, having withstood storms and fire for over two centuries, were integral to Richmond’s landscape and are now gone forever.
Preserving our county’s historic buildings is vital to maintaining the Berkshires’ distinctive New England charm and enhancing its quality of life. While space limits prevent me from listing every historic property lost, the trend is clear—and alarming.
Some may argue that private property rights make these demolitions inevitable, but that is simply not true. Stockbridge offers a successful example of preservation through a demolition delay ordinance. Passed in 2011, this law has already saved 11 historic buildings from demolition. The ordinance requires that owners of historic properties first offer them for sale at market value for one year before a demolition permit is considered. If the property does not sell, only then can demolition proceed. This bylaw, approved by the Massachusetts attorney general, has proven effective. Full details can be found in Article XXII of the Stockbridge Town By-Laws.
I urge the county historical commissions and societies to carefully study Stockbridge’s ordinance and work with their local governments to implement a similar law in their own towns. Adopting this approach will help safeguard our county’s rich heritage and ensure that future generations can appreciate Berkshire County’s unique historic character.
Ted Andrews
Richmond
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