Historic District Committee

The Historic District Committee helps preserve and protect the character of the Historic District by reviewing exterior changes, demolitions, and signage that require a certificate of appropriateness.

Purpose & Authority

The Historic District Committee seeks to promote the educational, cultural, economic, aesthetic and literary significance through the preservation and protection of buildings, settings and places within the boundaries of the district and through the development and maintenance of appropriate settings and the exterior appearance of such buildings and places, to preserve and maintain the district as a contemporary landmark compatible with the historic, cultural, literary and aesthetic tradition of Bridgewater, as it existed in the early days of the Town. The Committee is an advisory and regulatory committee of the Town.

The Committee determines the appropriateness of exterior architectural features of buildings and structures to be erected within the district; passes upon the demolition or removal of any building or structure or any part thereof; determines the appropriateness of the erection or display of occupational, commercial, or other signs and billboards within the district, wherever a certificate of appropriateness is required. The Committee promulgates rules and regulations governing the issuance of certificates of appropriateness, which the Town Council shall approve.

Composition & Appointments

The Bridgewater Historic District Committee consists of six (6) members. At least one member shall be an architect, a builder with at least five years of demonstrated historic renovation experience, or a professional educator or attorney specializing in historic preservation, who need not be a resident of the district. Preference may be given to those living or working within the District. At least one member shall be a resident of or property owner in the District. Members shall be appointed for three-year terms.