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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-25 .Clcommunity II Preservation 51 Committee 16 Broad St Nantucket, MA 02554 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 25,2002 A meeting of the Community Preservation Committee, CPC, was held on Wednesday, September 25,2002 at 2:30 PM in the Performance Center at the United Methodist Church, 2 Centre Street, Nantucket, MA. Present were: Barry Rector, Chair, Pat Butler, Vice Chair, Ken Beaugrand , Rich Brannigan, Polly Miller, Neville Richen, Frank Spriggs, and Alice McWade, Administrative Assistant. Vrrginia Andrews and Nonnan Chaleki were absent. The meeting was called to order at 2:35 PM, and a quorum was established. The agenda was approved. PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment is expected to be ongoing throughout the meeting. No comments were raised at this time. RECEIVED TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE NANTUCKET, MA 02554 INTERVIEWS The Museum of Afro-American History - $10,000.00 AUG 0 4 2003 , The Museum of Afro-American History was represented by Beverly MotlMe-: Welch, Executive Director of the Museum of Afro-American History in Boston and Nantucket, Bette Spriggs, site manager of the African Meeting House in Nantucket, and Marcia Evans, Assistant Superintenda~lIn for tQ~ NAntnrlret Public Schools. Ms. Morgan-Welch summarized the Museum of Afro- American History's presence on Nantucket. In July 1975, the African Meeting House on Nantucket was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Museum of Afro-American History purchased the historic site in 1989 and coordinated its pristine restoratio~ which is complete except for the installation of a chandelier. The site was opened to the public in 1999. Restoration of the structure was the first step taken by the Museum in its attempt to preserve the History of African Americans on Nantucket. When inquiry was made about the historical attributes of the Higginbottom house, (the building adjacent to the African Meeting House on Nantucket) Ms. Morgan-Welch stated that the house itself dates back to 1845. The historical significance of this site and the numerous objects it houses still needs to be substantiated. The information available about Nantucket's involvement in the rich and deep history of African American people during the whaling era, its involvement in the Underground Railroad, the Civil War and slavery is scarce and has many gaps. Researching and documenting answers to these questions and many others is necessary to fully understand the historical significance of the African Meeting House on Nantucket and to the Nantucket Community. Answers to these questions and many others would enhance the community's understanding of the African American Culture and that culture's importance to Nantucket during the 1800' s. 1 In attendance representing Two Centre Street Restoration Project, Inc., (the Project), were Emily Avery, President, Philip A. Roussel, Treasurer, and Co-Chair Long Range Planning Commission, Richard Cary, Board Member, Jane Pericoula, Associate Director, Actor's Theatre of Nantucket, and Mark Avery, architectural designer and preservationist. Patricia Butler disclosed she is a member of the Board of Directors of Two Centre Street Restoration Project, Inc., not deriving any financial benefit. A copy of the substance ofthe original application, (11 pages), and a copy of a three page addendum, submitted this date, is attached hereto and incorporated herein. The amendment reduces the requested amount by $6,500. Mrs. Avery stated that this is a four part application; 1. Ensure the physical security of the structure from fire. The Methodist Church is the only downtown wooden structure that survived within the bounds of the Great Fire of 1846. 2. Restore the architectural details and aesthetic elements of the structure. Now that the structural and exterior elements of the building have been restored the Project seeks to return the exterior architectural details and aesthetic elements to the high standards of the original (1823) and Greek revival transfonnative (1845) conditions. 3. Increase accessibility of the building to the elderly and disabled. The Project believes strongly in its obligation to contribute to not only the building's restoration but also in its continued vitality as a building in use. The Project feels strongly that the restoration effort must include making the structure accessible to the elderly and disabled to allow them to participate in all the wonderful activities that take place there. 4. Responsibly plan for the future restoration of the interior. The next major phase of the Project will be the restoration and preservation of the historic main sanctuary and narthex (first floor interior lobby) of the church. To responsibly fulfill the vision of restoring the full interior of the structure to its historic, original majesty, the Project must engage consultants in the field of nineteenth century preservation and restoration who will work intimately with internal pl~ers and engineers to layout a full, historically correct restoration plan of the main sanctuary and narthex. Since the requests for funding to the CPC total four times the amount available prioritizing of the four parts was requested. Those representatives present agreed that the highest priority for FY 2004 would probably be #4, Responsibly plan for the future restoration of the interior with # 2, Restore the architectural details and aesthetic elements of the structure being closely linked to # 4 in priority. Next in order would be # 1: Ensure the physical security of the structure from fire and #3: Increase accessibility of the building to the elderly and disabled. Prioritization of the four components by the representatives present was qualified as being their personal opinions and could not be viewed as a consensus of the Project Board. Mrs. Avery was asked whether the Project had $80,000, or 100.10 of the $800,000 noted as having been raised, (page 7 of the application, under Other Funding Sources available to fund portions of the Project's request to the CPC. The answer was NO. The project still has some unpaid commitments that would consume all monies on hand. NANTUCKET PRESERVATION TRUST - $17,150.00 3 . ,- It is believed that this project accomplishes the goals and objectives of the CPA by providing homeowners with a definitive manual of infonnation about the features, materials and processes involved in understanding and maintaining an historic structure. Since the requests for funding to the CPC total four times the amount available prioritizing of the four parts was requested. Ms. Butler stated that, in her opinion, creating the National Building Museum's Early American Architectural School Program for elementary school students and printing the manual "How to Care for Your Old Nantucket House" would be the programs with the highest priority. A discussion ensued about similar requests from the Nantucket Preservation Trust last year that did not receive the support of the Board of Selectmen and Town Counsel and whether similar issues are still present in this application. Ms. Butler referred to Dorrie Pizzella's presentation at the CPC meeting on August 20, 2002, which supported a more liberal interpretation of the CPA and its implementation. It was noted that the interpretation was still vague and diffuse. It seems advisable to obtain a definitive statement from Dorrie Pizzella that could justify this use of CPC funds for a Warrant Article. Ms. Butler was asked whether the publications would be given away or sold. It is believed that the walking tour brochure would be given away. The publication; How to Care for Your Old Nantucket House might be sold with the funds being placed in a fund to be used for future preservation publications or the reprinting of existing publications. Since the CPA is only guaranteed for five years it is important for projects to have sustainability as part of their vision. Ms. Butler indicated that once the National Building Museum's Early American Architectural School Program was developed it could be sustained by the Nantucket Public Schools. The publications sustainability will be ensured by the Historic Preservation Publications Fund. Attention was directed to the memo, dated October 7, 2002, to Barry Rector, Chainnan CPC, outlining the concept of a Historic Preservation Publications Fund, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein. MARIA MITCHELL ASSOCIATION - $69,400.00 The Maria Mitchell Association was represented by Jascin Finger, Curator of the Mitchell House. Ms. Finger gave a brief overview of the History of the Mitchell House that is documented in the application. A copy of the substance of the application and an overview of the history of the Mitchell House, nine pages, are attached hereto and incorporated herein. Clarification regarding the absence of running water in the Mitchell House was sought. Ms. Finger stated that a cottage was added in 1900 adjacent to the Mitchell House, and the cottage had running water and other plumbing amenities. The Mitchell House, built by Hezekiah Swain in 1790, does not have running water. Ms. Finger was asked if funding was endorsed by the CPC and approved at Town Meeting was the Maria Mitchell Association prepared to have a deed restriction placed on the building to protect the CPA interest. She stated that the Association was so prepared and was presently in the process of having one drafted. The requests for funding to the CPC are for approximately four times the amount available. Ms. Finger was asked if the CPC only approved a portion of the funds requested if the project would continue. Ms. Finger indicated that it would with the following the priorities. The UV filters needed to be installed to protect the 1825 Kitchen from further damage. The next step would be to have a mason come in and start the process of cleaning the decorative grain painting on the wood and plaster surfaces in the 1825 Kitchen. This would begin on the wall that is worst. Hopefully people who view the house 5 . , might take interest in the restorative efforts underway and perhaps offer to assist with additional donations that would allow for restoration of more of the decorative grain painting. Ms. Finger was asked if the constraints of funding being within the FY 2004 would hinder the restorative efforts. She was happy to respond that this work requires warm weather. The anticipated work period would be between May and October, coinciding nicely with the Town's fiscal year. . OLD BUSINESS Committee Members were encouraged to visit the sites that are the subject of the applications on their own. The proposed meeting dates and times were satisfactory for the majority of the members. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion duly made and seconded it was VOTED to adjourn the meeting for the day. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2002. The meeting adjourned at 5: 15 pm. Respectfully submitted by, (ftrrnUJ~L Alice McWade Administrative Assistant 6 Patricia Butler, Executive Director of Nantucket Preservation Trust, disclosed her association with the Nantucket Preservation Trust and stated she would be abstaining from any action on this application as a CPC Member. Also present on behalf ofNPT were Sandy Kendall a Board Member ofNPT, Mark Avery, architectural designer and historic preservationist who has served 12 years as a member of the HDC, and Mark Voigt, Administrator HDC. The Nantucket Preservation Trust's application has four components. The first project proposed is the creation of a program modeled after one Martha's Vineyard has prepared for elementary school children. In support of the creation of a National Building Museum's Early American Architectural School Program for Nantucket students, Ms. Butler stated that Nantucket children live in an historic lab, Nantucket itself. Many children know very little about the rich heritage of the buildings that surround them. This program's focus is to educate elementary school students about our community's architectural resources. When inquiry was made regarding how the project accomplishes the goals and objectives of the CPA Ms. Butler stated that this education is vital to maintain continuing knowledge of and respect for the past and may also provide preservation-minded future community leaders. The Nantucket Preservation Trust believes all Nantucket's children deserve the opportunity to learn the basics about architecture and the outstanding architectural heritage that surrounds them. The proposed educational project is a small but important step to encourage funp-e generations to keep the island's tradition of preserving its venerable buildings, in addition it will support the concept of building with Nantucket in mind. The second project would allow homeowners, carpenters, builders and others who would like to learn how Nantucket houses were built the opportunity to view a Nantucket house that was undergoing a historically appropriate restoration. The correct way to restore and update a building without sacrificing architectural or historical integrity would be the focus of the workshop. The costs associated with this project would be the costs of printing and advertising publicity materials for the program. In response to how it accomplishes the goals and objectives of the CPA it was stated that it gives builders an opportunity to see first-hand why a historically appropriate restoration would work just as well as a "gut rehabilitation" when modernizing historic houses. There are many recent examples of buildings whose interiors were destroyed in an attempt to modernize them. It will also teach the correct way to do such a restoration. The third project would be the printing of a Main Street Walking Tour brochure. This brochure will allow all who are interested in Nantucket's architectural heritage an opportunity to better understa.tld the historical and cultural background that created the detail and variety of historical houses on Main Street. This information is presently limited, for the most part, to those individuals who are able to take the guided walking tours. It is estimated that the printing of the brochure will cost approximately $5,000. It Will meet the CPA goals and objectives by educating Nantucket residents and visitors about Nantucket's rich architectural heritage. The brochure will stress the variety of building styles and detail used on Nantucket showing how these historic houses reflect the community's economic and cultural values. The fourth project would be the editing and printing of an existing, 30-page Nantucket Preservation Institute Nantucket paper that was prepared in 1983. It is entitled How to Care for Your Old Nantucket House, written by Tom Berentes and Richard T. Ernst, Jr. Ms. Butler stated that almost all Historic Communities have a publication similar to this as a guide for Historic Homeowners. It is estimated that the printing costs will be about $2,200. 4 The requests for funding to the CPC are for approximately four times the amount available. Inquiry was made as to whether receipt of ~ of the requested amount would allow the project to continue Mrs. Morgan-Welch answered in the affirmative. When asked about local support Ms. Morgan-Welch stated that contributions for this project have been pledged or received from the Nantucket Bank, the Pacific National Bank. of Nantucket, and the Nantucket Public Schools. The total cost of the project is $130,000. This request is for $10,000, a small part ofthe total. In answer to a question regarding how the project accomplishes the CPA goals it was stated that: This project will both broaden the understanding of a wide range of Nantucket residents about the history of African Americans on Nantucket and in turn will increase the usage of the African Meeting House, thus preserving it as a powerful educational and cultural resource. A copy of the substance of this application, (7 pages), is attached hereto and incorporated herein. SOUTH CHURCH PRESERVATION FUND -$41,630 The South Church Preservation Fund was represented by Libby Oldham, Treasurer. A copy of the substance of this application, (4 pages), is attached hereto and incorporated herein. Ms. Oldham stated that there were three segments outlined in the application: A) [Bell Frame] To commission fabrication of a new beU frame using galvanized ("bridge" quality) steel, primed and painted to resist atmospheric degradation. B) [Wind~s] To restore fenestration as closely as possible to original 1842 - 46 condition. . C) [Foundation and Drainage] To correct inadequate drainage systems; repair and seal foundation to prevent moisture infiltration. . The requests for funding to the CPC are for approximately four times the amount available. Ms. Oldham was asked to prioritize the three segments of the project. In answer Ms. Oldham said that the first priority would be the restoration and repair of the windows on the south f~e of the building. The second priority would be repairing the north-side foundation; repair and improve drainage systems on both north and south sides of the building. The replacement of the corroded frame holding the great Portuguese bell would be the last priority. It was noted that the application set the timeline for the restoration and repair of the windows between October 2002 and May 2003. Allocation of CPA funds for projects approved at the Annual.Town Meeting in April, 2003 would be from FY 2004, AFfER July 1, 2003. Ms. Oldham stated that the October 2002 - May 2003 timeframe for restoration of the windows was chosen for two reasons. One was to minimize further damage which could result from the present dilapidated condition of the windows. The other is because the summer months are in the height of the tourist season. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding CPC funding and the fiscal restrictions in place. It is feasible that the CPC could approve a project for funding which may not be approved at Town Meeting in April. An entity that commences work before ArM, based on endorsement from the CPC for their project, would be liable for any debts it incurred. All recommendations by the CPC for funding need to be approved at the ATM. If such approval is not obtained no funds are disbursed. TWO CENTRE STREET RESTORATION PROJECT, lNC. (Revised amount $342,559.00) 2