Neighbors trying to save old Newton mansion from being torn down

NEWTON, Mass. — For 346 days, a Newton house sat on the market, but suddenly is the center of attention.

In January 2016, the homeowner asked the Newton Historical Commission for permission to demolish the house at 128 Chestnut Street.

"It was constructed initially in 1855 which makes it an antebellum resource in an otherwise late 19th century district... so it is one of the earliest houses in West Newton," said Katy Hax Holmes, chief preservation planner.

The commission placed an 18-month demolition delay on the property.

"It's saying that let's give everyone time to find another solution to demolition; but it is only a delay. It is not a permanent stay on demolition," said Hax Holmes.

That 18-month period ran out last July and with it ran out a layer of protection for the 14-room house.

"There is then a two-year window after that in which the owner can choose what he or she wishes without having to come back before the commission," said Hax Holmes.

That would include demolishing the house.

What concerns some neighbors is that the owner is finally closing in on a deal with a buyer who could potentially do the same. Some are now calling for the commission to make the house a permanent landmark later this month, permanently protecting it from the wrecking ball.

But the realtor charged with selling the house told Boston 25 News that would reduce the value of the house by as much as 25 percent.

He says it's a matter of property rights and suggests some are pushing the envelope when it comes to defining historical.

The historical commission doesn't just say no to knocking down old houses. Recently, a homeowner in a 1960s era neighborhood wanted to replace his vintage split-level with a new house. The original is still standing.

More than nine months after the owner of 128 Chestnut Street could have knocked down his house, he hasn't. That's given Hax Holmes reason to hope this historical argument can be settled peacefully.

Cox Media Group