Recent outrage at HDC is unjustified
Acton’s history, combined with the quality of its historic buildings, demands that we support a preservationist ethos.
Between a recent court ruling regarding a parcel off Lowell Road and controversy over the size and placement of Black Heritage Trail Markers, the Historic Districts Commission has come under sustained fire lately. That’s unfortunate, because this town would be a shadow of itself without the work performed by the HDC over many decades.
The sheer magnitude of Acton’s history, combined with the quality of its historic buildings, demands that we support a preservationist ethos. It is a one-way ratchet — once it is gone, it is gone forever.
Walking around Monument Square on a balmy weekend day makes clear that tourists and residents alike are drawn to Acton because of how it has been preserved. It’s fine to dispute individual judgment calls by the HDC, but the current level of outrage is totally unjustified.
Paul Nitze
Musketaquid Road
