[MassHistPres] What are the responsibilities of being a PRA holder?

[Johnstone, Michelle]

Here in Worcester we (at this time) hold two preservation restrictions, and will hold more as our CPA program expands and preservation restrictions get created for buildings that utilize CPA funds for historic preservation projects. For us, this means annual inspections and review of written requests for changes. For us, it’s not a huge lift buildings with a responsible steward as its owner, as the level of review is similar to that done for buildings in local historic districts (of which there are hundreds in Worcester), albeit for interior work as well. It can get a bit more challenging with private homes or commercial buildings with owners that aren’t preservation minded. Some familiarity with the SOI standards would be needed to effectively carry out administration of a PR, so that’s something to keep in mind as well.

Best,

Michelle H. Johnstone
Senior Preservation Planner
Executive Office of Economic Development | Planning & Regulatory Services Division
City of Worcester | 455 Main Street, Rm 404, Worcester, MA 01608
P: 508-799-1400 x31410
C: 774-622-0695
E: johnstonem at worcesterma.gov<mailto:johnstonem at worcesterma.gov>
www.worcesterma.gov<http://www.worcesterma.gov/>

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Cecio, William via MassHistPres
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2025 2:54 PM
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Subject: [MassHistPres] What are the responsibilities of being a PRA holder?

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Hey everyone,

I'm hoping some of you might be able to shed some light on what the responsibilities are for being a holder of a Preservation Restriction Agreement (PRA). Are the responsibilities dependent on what gets written into the PRA? Are there standard responsibilities and if so, how much work does that entail?

Some context: A historic temple in the City of Chelsea came before the Historical Commission a while back to see if we would be willing to become the holder of a PRA as they were applying for CPA funds to draft it. It seems this might open up more funding opportunities for them. We supported the idea but declined to become the holder as we were hesitant about our capacity to effectively carry out the monitoring and enforcement of the PRA. The property owners ultimately received CPA funding and are in the process of finishing up the PRA. They have reached back out to the Commission with the same question. It seems they view the Historical Commission as the only entity that could be the holder of the PRA and haven't had any luck with other organizations. While we support the temple and the idea of creating a PRA, we are very hesitant about taking something on that we just won't be able to effectively carry out.

Appreciate any insight or help folks can provide. Thank you!!

Best,
Will Cecio
City of Chelsea

--
William Cecio | Planner and Land Use Administrator | he/him
Department of Permitting and Land Use Planning
Chelsea City Hall
500 Broadway, Room 106 | Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-466-4186
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