LONGMEADOW – Without listing the name of 734 Longmeadow St., it’s likely that most town residents are aware of what stands in its place: the iconic Brewer-Young mansion. Built in 1885, the mansion is a historic landmark in Longmeadow, signifying garden parties, glamorous galas and fundraisers during its glory days. Today, the mansion stands in an uncertain state, and its owners hope to re-zone the mansion for commercial-professional use, with town approval, following the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Jan. 25.

On Sept. 7 The Longmeadow Historic Preservation Partners comprised of Andrew Lam, Chris Orszulak and Henry Clement purchased the property in the hopes of restoring the Brewer-Young mansion to its original glory. To learn more about the plans that the three developers propose, go to https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/longmeadow/group-of-residents-hopes-to-restore-brewer-young-m/.

The Longmeadow Historic Preservation Partners came before the Longmeadow Select Board on Nov. 20 to request to offer a presentation of their plans and or to petition for a special town meeting to take place in January where town residents can voice their comments and concerns and vote as to whether or not the Brewer-Young mansion be re-zoned for commercial-professional use.

At the following Select Board meeting on Dec. 4, several residents came forward to the Board, expressing their concern and disinterest in the Brewer-Young mansion’s re-zoning. Residents mentioned increased traffic, an increase in commercialization, as well as economic harm being among the reasons for why they didn’t see re-zoning as a beneficial option for the town as a whole. To read more resident comments from the Dec. 4 meeting, go to https://www.thereminder.com/localnews/longmeadow/longmeadow-citizens-oppose-brewer-young-mansion-re/.

In a letter from Jesse W. Belcher-Timme of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. addressed to Town Manager Stephen Crane, Belcher-Timme noted that as a result of conversation regarding 734 Longmeadow St. and the potential re-zone, the group has made a series of findings.

“As we have discussed, a zoning change from one specific parcel can be an indication of impermissible “spot zoning.” That being said, the fact that a zone change benefits or harms a single property or property owner is not, on its own, spot zoning. Rather, courts in Massachusetts have looked to a variety of other factors in determining whether such a zone change is permissible. Where there are legitimate general zoning objectives accomplished by the change, the fact that there is incidental benefit or harm to a single parcel or land owner will not invalidate the zoning changes.”

The letter continued, “Based on our discussions and my understanding of the proposal and the related facts, the proposed zone change would make it easier to preserve the Young Mansion, a historic building in Town, make the parcel more attractive for future use, and would constitute an initial step towards broader zone changes or creation of an overlay district in the area in conformity with the Master Plan. In light of these valid considerations and motives in support of the proposed zone change, it is my opinion that the zone change would ultimately be upheld if it were subsequently challenged in court.”

In addition, Belcher-Timme stated that with that said, there’s no guarantee that a challenge of the proposed change would be unsuccessful, however he believes that based on the “totality of the circumstances surrounding the proposal” it would be permitted under Massachusetts law. Belcher-Timme closed the letter, stating that if more facts come to light regarding the proposal of the Brewer-Young mansion, the opinion could certainly change.

On Nov. 18 and Dec. 2, The Longmeadow Historic Preservation Partners hosted two open houses that pulled roughly 700 residents to attendance, according to Lam.

“Our sense was overwhelming community support for our plan to save the mansion. When people see it first hand, they appreciate its beauty and irreplaceable historical and architectural detail. They recognize that it is far too large to be a single-family residence, and it’s easy for them to understand the significant cost and effort that will be required to restore and modernize it,” Lam said.

The Planning Board will host a public hearing on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in room A15 at the Longmeadow School Department offices at 533 Bliss St. prior to the Jan. 25 Special Town Meeting so Longmeadow residents are able to learn more about The Longmeadow Historic Preservation Partners plans for the Brewer-Young mansion as well as add their own comments and concerns for the potential zoning change.

The Special Town Meeting will take place on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School gymnasium. All residents are invited to attend both the Special Town Meeting and the Planning Board public hearing.