Commission to pursue study of Crown Hill; Third historic district is sought.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Nick Kotsopoulos

WORCESTER - The Historical Commission last night initiated the process to create a third local historic district, calling for the establishment of a study committee to look into a request for a historic district in the Crown Hill area.

At the same time, the commission tabled indefinitely a petition to expand the Massachusetts Avenue Local Historic District.

Because the city does not have the resources available to pursue both petitions simultaneously, the Historical Commission had to decide which petition it wants to see addressed first.

The commission chose to go with the petition for Crown Hill because members felt it was further along in terms of readiness.

"It's unfortunate that we have two competing districts, but in terms of procedure it appears that Crown Hill is way ahead," said Commissioner James Crowley. "Given the time the (Crown Hill) people have put into this, they should be rewarded with our support."

The Crown Hill Neighborhood Association has petitioned for the creation of local historic district that would encompass about 100 properties, in an area that is roughly bounded by Pleasant Street to the north, Irving Street to the east, Chandler Street to the south and Piedmont Street to the west.

Thomas Johnson, speaking on behalf of the petitioners, said establishing a historic district there would assist in historical preservation, and help stabilize and build a better neighborhood.

He said the architecture in Crown Hill varies and includes many homes that were built in the early 19th century. Unfortunately, he said, homes have been lost over the years through demolition, fire, neglect and vandalism. He added that absentee landlords have also compounded the problem, as well as foreclosures.

"Community interest remains very high for (the historic district)," Mr. Johnson told the commission. "We are very up on it and encouraged by the support we have received."

Joel J. Fontane Jr., the city's director of planning and regulatory services, said the city will seek $10,200 in state funding from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to help pay for an architectural historian or similar consultant that has to be hired to conduct a comprehensive survey of...