I write to express my thanks to the Mayor and Members of the City Council for including an existing-structure compatibility clause in the proposed ADU ordinance. This foresighted measure makes it possible for any ADUs to be designed in harmony with the existing neighborhood and retain the historic character of Northfield neighborhoods. This measure also fulfills the promise of the current Comprehensive Plan: the Community Identity section lists Preserving Historic Sites and Structures as a Plan objective.

Ensuring that ADUs are compatible with the existing neighborhood ensures that historically-significant structures and neighborhood retain their historic integrity in the future. Our history rests in our neighborhoods as well, and we should be mindful of the past even as our neighborhoods change to meet our needs now and in the future.

Jason Menard, Ph.D
Chair, Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission