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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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