Public Participation

The MHC encourages maximum public participation in the review process under 950 CMR 71.00. The MHC and the state body should seek assistance from local historical commissions, local historic district commissions, interested parties, the public, units of state and local government, and public and private organizations in determining effect and developing alternatives to eliminate, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effect. The MHC should make readily available, to the extent allowed by law, documents, materials, and other information and data concerning the project and its effects to State Register properties. The MHC should make the public aware of informational meetings and the availability of other information related to the review of individual projects, such as a Determination of Adverse Effect, an Acceptance of Adverse Effect, a Memorandum of Agreement, a Joint Memorandum of Prudent and Feasible Alternatives, and a state body's response refusing to adopt the MHC's findings. Informing the public may include: (a) mailing notice to those who have requested information on an individual project; (b) placing notice in local newspapers or newsletters; (c) posting notices on- and off-site; (d) soliciting relevant information from the public; (e) holding or sponsoring public meetings; (f) publishing notice of decisions regarding review of individual projects in the Massachusetts Register; and (g) publishing notice of decisions or other actions under 950 CMR 71.00 in the Environmental Monitor published by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.