Historical Commission Special Meeting Jan 11, 2011
Present
Member: Sharon Connors, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones, Jane Loos,
Donna Lubell, Geraldine Millham,
Alternate: none
Absent
Member: Jim Collins
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Norma Judson, Sean Leach, Christine Vezetinski
SC opened the meeting at 1pm in the Second Floor, south meeting room at Town Hall. Mrs. Judy Turner represented the owner, Rebecca Turner. Betty Slade also attended.
1. Mrs. Judy Turner informed the meeting that she grew up on the property and that her daughter, Rebecca Turner, is now the owner. Mrs. Turner very much regretted the prospect of losing the barn, however, she understood that Ms. Turners is not in a position to be able to afford to repair it at this time. Because the barn is on a property that is rented, Ms. Turner is concerned about potential liability should the tenants enter the failing building. Therefore she is requesting a permit to demolish it. Mrs. Turner believes that Ms. Turner has received an estimate from Lenny Potter to do the demolition, but Mrs. Turner is not aware of the estimated cost.
2. SC informed that the Building Inspector thinks that the building represents a hazard, and if it is not to be repaired, it should be demolished. SC also explained that the owner had indicated that she intends to build a new barn at a later date that would look very much like the original.
3. The meeting discussed options, including ways to make the barn safe and stabilize it, until the owner is in a position to repair it. The meeting noted that demolition of the barn would not solve entirely the safety issues, because there is a granite foundation (in good order) which may also present hazards, and it would be a real loss to remove the cut granite from the site. The meeting suggested that the relevant calculations when considering the costs should be a comparison of: (a) costs of demolition and follow-up safety fencing, plus the cost of building a new barn in the future; versus (b) the cost of safety fencing, stabilization, and repair in the future.
4. Wendy H. Goldberg moved and Donna Lubell seconded a motion that WHC should try to find ways to help the owner learn what other options may be available. The vote in favor was unanimous. GM undertook to contact Ms. Turner to discuss ways WHC could help, including arranging for an expert on old buildings to inspect the barn and advise what needs to be done to stabilize it, at roughly what cost, and what might be a viable restoration process.
5. SC informed that WHC could take up this matter again at its February 7, 2011 Meeting. In order to expedite the processes should another solution not be found, SC also advised the owner to file a formal application for demolition -- which could always be withdrawn later, if not needed.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 pm. The next regular WHC meeting will be February 7, 2011 at 7pm.
draft prepared by JL, approved February 7, 2011
Member: Sharon Connors, Wendy Goldberg, Janet Jones, Jane Loos,
Donna Lubell, Geraldine Millham,
Alternate: none
Absent
Member: Jim Collins
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Norma Judson, Sean Leach, Christine Vezetinski
SC opened the meeting at 1pm in the Second Floor, south meeting room at Town Hall. Mrs. Judy Turner represented the owner, Rebecca Turner. Betty Slade also attended.
1. Mrs. Judy Turner informed the meeting that she grew up on the property and that her daughter, Rebecca Turner, is now the owner. Mrs. Turner very much regretted the prospect of losing the barn, however, she understood that Ms. Turners is not in a position to be able to afford to repair it at this time. Because the barn is on a property that is rented, Ms. Turner is concerned about potential liability should the tenants enter the failing building. Therefore she is requesting a permit to demolish it. Mrs. Turner believes that Ms. Turner has received an estimate from Lenny Potter to do the demolition, but Mrs. Turner is not aware of the estimated cost.
2. SC informed that the Building Inspector thinks that the building represents a hazard, and if it is not to be repaired, it should be demolished. SC also explained that the owner had indicated that she intends to build a new barn at a later date that would look very much like the original.
3. The meeting discussed options, including ways to make the barn safe and stabilize it, until the owner is in a position to repair it. The meeting noted that demolition of the barn would not solve entirely the safety issues, because there is a granite foundation (in good order) which may also present hazards, and it would be a real loss to remove the cut granite from the site. The meeting suggested that the relevant calculations when considering the costs should be a comparison of: (a) costs of demolition and follow-up safety fencing, plus the cost of building a new barn in the future; versus (b) the cost of safety fencing, stabilization, and repair in the future.
4. Wendy H. Goldberg moved and Donna Lubell seconded a motion that WHC should try to find ways to help the owner learn what other options may be available. The vote in favor was unanimous. GM undertook to contact Ms. Turner to discuss ways WHC could help, including arranging for an expert on old buildings to inspect the barn and advise what needs to be done to stabilize it, at roughly what cost, and what might be a viable restoration process.
5. SC informed that WHC could take up this matter again at its February 7, 2011 Meeting. In order to expedite the processes should another solution not be found, SC also advised the owner to file a formal application for demolition -- which could always be withdrawn later, if not needed.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:10 pm. The next regular WHC meeting will be February 7, 2011 at 7pm.
draft prepared by JL, approved February 7, 2011
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