2006-10-05-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing October 5, 2006 Attending: Joel Adler, Norm Cohen, Marilyn Fenollosa, Wendy Manz, Leo McSweeney, Richard Pagett, Sandy Shaw, Betsey Weiss Not attending: Dick Wolk The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Betsey Weiss, CPC chair. 1. Review Projects for possible Special Fall Town Meeting: a. Historic Study of the Hancock-Clarke House – Request for $25,000 – Susan Bennett, Executive Director, Lexington Historical Society Ms. Bennett described the project: this request is to fund a predevelopment study for the restoration of the Hancock-Clarke House. The Lexington Historical Society (LHS) has received a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) that must be matched with like funds. The goal of the project is to identify existing conditions that need repair. The LHS is already aware that a too-heavy roof and the transfer of the property back and forth across Hancock Street are causing the walls to bow out. The project will generate detailed architectural drawings, describe options for wheelchair access and provide the basis for construction and bid documents for the actual restoration. This building, a National Historic Landmark, is extremely important to the town and has been under the stewardship of the LHS since 1896 when the Society saved the building from demolition. Norm Cohen: if a special town meeting is not held, and the project is deferred to Spring Town Meeting, will the project be in jeopardy? Ms. Bennett – No, if the matching grant is not received by the LHS, they will use funds from their endowment fund. The project is already proceeding, on schedule. Joel Adler: is the MHC grant contingent on receipt of CPA funds? Ms. Bennett – no, it is up to the LHS to provide the matching funds from whatever source they choose. Mr. Adler: who owns the building? Ms. Bennett – the LHS owns the land and buildings. Leo McSweeney: what is the anticipated total project cost? Ms. Bennett – probably more than $500,000, with additional funds needed to construct the wheelchair access. The biggest modifications will be made to the northern, newer part of the building; the historic parts will only be slightly impacted.