Boston Landmark Commissions Move Closer to Full Staffing After Marathon Confirmation Hearing

BOSTON — March 25, 2024 — Boston's City Council Planning Committee advanced more than two dozen mayoral appointments to historic district and landmarks commissions in a single marathon hearing. Chair Sharon Durkan presided alongside Councillors Edward M. Flynn and Liz Breadon as nominees to the South End Landmark District, Fort Point Channel Landmark District, Back Bay Architectural, Back Bay West Bay State Road, Bay Village Historic, Highland Park Architectural Conservation, and Boston Landmarks commissions testified in person and virtually. The hearing's sharpest moment came from Lynn Smilich, a 13-year Boston Landmarks Commission member, who alleged "an unprecedented disregard by the administration for our legislative mandates," citing the last-minute removal of the Buckminster Hotel from a designation vote and restrictions placed on the commission's review of the White Stadium project in Franklin Park. Reverend Mariam White-Hammond disclosed that term dates on more than a dozen dockets were incorrect and that two nominees — Senem Kumahia and Ann Kilgus — lacked formal filings entirely. Boston Water and Sewer Commission Chairman Michael Woodall, appearing from London, was also up for reappointment to a term expiring January 3rd, 2028.