By Julie Scharnberg

At the recent community forum held to gather input for the next Town Plan, many residents noted how proud they were of Norfolk’s architectural heritage, particularly the town center and the green. It appears that historic preservation has always been important here. The fact that so many historic buildings still exist in this town is a testament to the previous owners of those places and to those who continue to care for them. It was not so long ago that cities raced to demolish architectural gems to make way for urban renewal projects. Even now great buildings meet the wrecking ball or simply decay past the point of rescue rather than be used for a new purpose.

In order to ensure that at least a small portion of our town would not meet that dismal fate, Norfolk passed legislation in 1963 establishing the Norfolk Historic District, one of the earliest historic districts in the state. Norfolk’s District is essentially comprised of anything that can be seen from the town green, and includes all the buildings, sidewalks, signs, monuments, landscaping, etc. The District is administered by five members appointed to the Norfolk Historic District Commission, currently: John Hester (Chairman), Julie Scharnberg, Bruce Anderson, Carl Gabelmann, Linda Perkins and Michael Sinclair.

If it can be seen from the village green, it’s in the Norfolk Historic District.

By establishing an historic district, Norfolk wisely opted for one of the best ways to protect the historic character of its buildings, streetscape, and town center neighborhood from inappropriate alterations, incompatible new construction, and even outright demolition. While the Commission may be likened to the dreaded “condo cops,” local historic districts are not intended to freeze an area in time, rather they are supposed to guide change and preserve community character as an area grows and evolves over time.

Any exterior change to a property in the District that can be seen from the public right of way must first be approved by the Commission. Building permits cannot be issued until the homeowner has a Certificate of Appropriateness, the document approving any proposed work, from the Commission. The Commission works closely with homeowners in the District to ensure that the best possible choices are made to keep as much of the historic fabric as is feasible, and when alterations are necessary, that the underlying historic character of the building is not lost in the process. The general goal is to maintain a sense of cohesion, encourage more innovative use of materials both old and new, and always to enhance the greater public appeal of the District. The Commission often consults with the Norfolk Historic Society to gather old photos and other information that would help determine the most appropriate change to any building in the District.

The Commission members are currently at work formulating recommendations for the new Town Plan. Maintaining the present District and allowing for the possibility of new districts will be the key to singling out special places within our town and ensuring that their unique attributes will remain for future generations. As our population grows and development pressure increases, we will actually have less influence on how our community evolves unless there is some sort of local design review in place that oversees development. The Commission will work to ensure that the new Town Plan prevents the gradual erosion of special places in our town and that the current District does not end up as a stand-alone pocket of authenticity. Hopefully, the planning and zoning process going forward will include historic preservation, adaptation and emulation as important considerations when contemplating changes to areas of town containing historic buildings, and any new construction or renovation activity will be respectful of the existing character of the community and its architecture.

Our historic buildings give us tangible links with our past. Some can tell us something of Norfolk’s earlier times and some will only hint at the stories of past residents. They provide a richness and depth to everyday life that, if not renovated beyond recognition, will always be the memorable places of our town.

Photo by Julie Scharnberg.