04/13/2026
This is a reprint from the Gloucester Historical Commission.
“On April 14th, Gloucester has a rare opportunity to help preserve and protect our oldest housing structures – and you can help.
Our city has some of the oldest houses in the country, and yet, Building Department data indicates they are being torn down one per year - with no consequences, no review process,
and no public notification.
A proposed ordinance to establish a review process before demolishing our oldest housing structures will come before the City Council and we need your support in two ways:
1. Email our city councilors today at: [email protected]
2. Attend the April 14th City Council meeting at City Hall’s Kyrouz Auditorium at 6:30 PM and voice support at the podium or through Zoom.
In each instance, the simple but effective suggested script is:
- State your name and address
- State that you are in favor of a delay in demolishing Gloucester’s oldest buildings.
Zoom link for April 14 https://gloucester-ma-gov.zoom.us/i/85179452320
On behalf of the Historical Commission, we hope we can count on your support.
- Susan Morreale, Chair
- Ralph, Pisaturo, Vice Chair
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Additional Information:
The proposed ordinance was written with contributions from Tony Gross, City Council President, Gloucester’s general counsel, Jeff Worthley, and the Historical Commission.
It includes a recommendation by the Historical Commission to City Council, with input from the public. The Council ultimately decides if there will be a 12-month pause before demolition,
giving the owner time to consider alternatives.
The ordinance only pertains to demolition of whole housing structures built 1899 or earlier, which number 1,100 in Gloucester. It does not include sheds, garages, partial tear downs, or repairs, such as a new roof or new windows.
Except for 82 structures in the Historic District and 10 with Preservation Restrictions in their deeds, there are no protections for Gloucester’s historic buildings and no restrictions to tearing
them down.
In the last 10 years, none of the new houses that replaced historic houses became multi-family or affordable. They simply wiped away our historical, architectural, and cultural heritage.
If you are a proponent of historic preservation, I urge you to attend the April 14th City Council meeting, in person or by Zoom, and voice your support.
For questions or comments, please email the Commission at [email protected].”
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