I attended almost every Hancock Historic District Commission meeting since September, watching as the HHDC thoughtfully reviewed the extensive, complicated and ever-changing application from the Hancock Inn submitted by 33 Main Street LLC.

Commissioners consistently offered appropriate compromises to allow inn renovations to proceed while holding firm when proposals were not in the best interests of the district. HHDC commissioners are dedicated volunteers assuring that the Historic District zoning ordinance is followed in principle, spirit and process. Commission members are townspeople who understand historical preservation and the Historic District. They allow property owners to make necessary changes and are committed to guiding that process. They do it well.

The inn representatives are from other states and cannot know appropriate interpretation of Hancock ordinances, nor regional and town-specific histories and development. Our commissioners, however, do know. Throughout the process, representatives of the inn owner(s) used misinformation, misstatements of previous discussions and last-minute surprise plan changes. They pushed an agenda to benefit the inn owner while disregarding the input and guidance from commissioners.

Overturning the Historic District Commission’s decisions would have rewarded 33 Main Street representatives, undermined the commission, the serious thoughtful work of commissioners entrusted to preserve our district and the fabric of the town. It would send the message that local zoning ordinances need not be followed. Fortunately, the Zoning Board of Appeals did not overturn the HHDC decisions. Through a deliberative, respectful and clear process, the ZBA concurred with the HHDC and upheld the decisions. We owe them and the HHDC our gratitude.

Going forward, I hope that representatives of 33 Main Street LLC will demonstrate more respect for HHDC commissioners, the process and the decisions made by the HHDC.

Deborah Ann Sampson

Hancock

]]>