Stoneham Historic Preservation Plan
During 2024, the Stoneham Historical Commission led the development of a town-wide historic preservation plan in partnership with community stakeholders.
The final plan is a comprehensive document that outlines strategies and guidelines for safeguarding and maintaining historically significant buildings, landmarks, sites, or areas, aiming to protect Stoneham’s cultural and historical heritage for future generations. This was the Town of Stoneham’s first community-wide preservation project since 1977 when the newly formed Stoneham Historical Commission conducted a large-scale survey of historic properties.
Go to:
Phase One: Background
Completion: March 15, 2024
In Phase I, there was a review of Stoneham's historic preservation efforts, an analysis of National Register-listed properties, and the creation of maps. Additionally, interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to gather insights and input.
Phase Two: Outreach
Completion: June 21, 2024
During Phase II, the project involved community engagement activities like online surveys, workshops, interactive mapping, and office hours. This input was used to create an analysis of key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to historic preservation issues and priorities.
Phase Three: Recommendations
Completion: August 23, 2024
By the end of Phase III, there was a draft plan that emphasized recommendations for community inventory updates, public awareness strategies, and potential regulatory adjustments. The draft underwent partner review before public sharing.
Phase Four: Final Plan
Completion: September 27, 2024
The final plan includes an illustrated Executive Summary, a summary engagement report, and a five-year preservation Action Plan with responsibilities and a schedule. It also offers background on Stoneham's historic context and Massachusetts' preservation framework while emphasizing actionable recommendations for the Town to pursue.
Presentations
July 17, 2024 Stoneham Historical Commission Meeting
Presentation Slides
May 22, 2024 Community Meeting
Presentation Slides
StonehamTV Meeting Recording
December 7, 2023 Stoneham Historical Commission Meeting
Presentation Slides
Funding
This Preservation Plan has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, Chairman. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, or the Massachusetts Historical Commission.