7 Newton Properties Up For Local Landmark Designation Review

NEWTON, MA — There are 22 buildings around the city that have been designated landmarks since Newton started the practice some 27 years ago, many of which were designated last year. In January, a city councilor nominated six more others in addition to one presented by a homeowner at the December Historical Commission hearing for review, according to Newton's Historical Commission staff Katy Holmes.

The six more West Newton properties that Ward 3 Councilor Julia Malakie nominated are set to be reviewed at the next Historical Commission hearing this week, Holmes told Patch.

That's raised the eyebrows of some Newton residents who are wondering aloud whether the gas station and the bank on the latest list should be considered a landmark.

Since 1993, the City Council, Historical Commission, the mayor, the city’s director of planning, and the city’s commissioner of inspectional services have been authorized by ordinance to designate local landmarks in order to “protect buildings, structures, landscapes, and places, which are architecturally and/or historically significant resources within the City,” according to the city’s ordinance. Generally, a property that would rise to the level of local landmark should be eligible for listing in the National Register, according to the city.

Two properties were nominated for landmarking last summer by city councilors and were in part responsible for half of the city council calling for a suspension of landmark designations earlier this month, while the city looked into whether to change the process. Those two properties were later removed from request, according to Holmes.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).