The Forest Park Heights
Historic District

Forest Park Heights is one of Springfieldıs historic districts. What follows is a brief description of what this means for residents of our neighborhood.

Full details, a map showing the districtıs boundaries, and application materials may be obtained from the Springfield Planning Department (787-6020).

In a historic district not all individual structures may be historically significant, but the relationship between the various buildings creates a whole greater than the sum of the individual parts. By making Forest Park Heights an historic district, the City of Springfield requires that any change to the exterior of a building that is visible from a public street or park must be approved by the Springfield Historical Commission prior to

beginning work. The review mechanism attempts to insure that changes, including new construction and demolition, are consistent with the character of the district.

Exterior features not subject to Historical Commission regulations include light fixtures, gutters, color of paint or roofing, small signs, window fixtures, antennae, driveways, walkways, and ordinary maintenance or repair of an exterior feature not involving a change in design, material, or outward appearance.

Exterior features subject to regulations and review include fencing, screen planting, steps, building additions, siding, trim, windows, doors, porches, chimneys, awnings, and garages.

In the case of commercial structures being remodeled, the Commission has expressed the intention to insure that further development be compatible with the district; the neighborhoodıs recent experience of Friendlyıs beautification² has left some wondering exactly how effective the Commission is.

The owner having in mind some changes to her property should contact a staff person from the Commission (787-6020) to determine if the proposed change is subject to control. Submitted applications for approval lead to a public hearing with notice sent to abutters. The request is automatically granted if no decision is rendered within sixty days. The Commission approves changes that are appropriate to the districtıs character or that are inappropriate but necessary due to economic or other hardship. A Commissionıs ruling may be appealed to Superior Court or Housing Court: the Commission may resort to Court to seek fines or injunctions.