GLOSSARY

Lincoln Historical Commission: the mission of the Lincoln Historical Commission (LHC) is to preserve and promote the historical and architectural assets and distinctive qualities of the town and its neighborhoods. The LHC administers two bylaws, the Demolition Delay Bylaw and Neighborhood Conservation District Bylaw, and has oversight for structures located in neighborhoods and areas outside of the town's four historic districts. To achieve its mission, the LHC conducts research, prepares and publishes pertinent materials, coordinates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and other bodies organized for similar purposes, and explores opportunities to develop preservation solutions. The LHC maintains a program for inventorying significant structures and neighborhoods to raise town awareness and facilitate deliberations about demolition requests.

Lincoln Historic District: Lincoln voted to adopt its Historic District By-law in accordance with the Massachusetts Historic Districts Act (M.G.L. Chapter 40C) on March 28, 1981.  Through the By-law, the Historic District is “intended to preserve and protect as a permanent legacy the significant historical areas and distinctive architectural characteristics of the Town of Lincoln in their settings.”

Lincoln Historic District Commission:The mission of the Lincoln Historic District Commission (HDC) is to preserve and protect buildings and places significant to the history of the town, through the maintenance and improvement of the distinctive architectural characteristics and settings for such buildings and places, and through the encouragement of sensitive and innovative design compatible with the town's historical development. The HDC administers the town's Historic District Bylaw, including reviewing requests to make exterior alterations to structures visible from a public way, and demolitions within the town's four historic districts.

Massachusetts Historical Commission’s Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: was funded by the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act and the Codman Trust.  Descriptions of almost 164 buildings have been completed to date and have been filed with the State.

Modern Architecture:
•  The design is site specific, with an emphasis on optimum views, integration of interior and exterior spaces, and the inclusion of natural daylight
•  The building is of modest and human scale, and attentive to proportions
•  Use of modern, readily available, manufactured components and systems in construction to realize economic benefits of mass production
•  Materials and components carefully selected and composed to achieve an economy of means
•  The plan is not confined by customs of traditional space definition, and spaces can flow into one another
•  There is a direct and honest expression of the building’s structure and the characteristics of the materials used
•  Absence of historical architectural references (representation) in design compositions and components. Most Modern residences are more “abstract” than “representational
•  The plan is based on functional program requirements and specific occupant needs

Planning Board: The Planning Board regulates land development according to the provisions of the Massachusetts General Law, the Town of Lincoln Zoning Bylaw, and the Rules and Regulations governing the subdivision of land and laying out of ways. The Planning Board is responsible for land planning, the subdivision of land and recommendations for changes to the

Zoning Bylaw and the Zoning Map: The Board reviews both commercial and residential site plans as well as changes involving a scenic road. The Board grants special permits for certain land uses including wireless communication facilities, and permits for certain signs and fences. The Board is also required to review and make recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding accessory apartments and uses in the business district.