Minutes
June 2, 2008
Business
1. Reviewed and accepted the minutes of April 28.
2. Bills:
Preservation Massachusetts membership $50
3. General Cigar Property Land Acquisition by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:
The project consists of the proposed acquisition of approximately 2554 acres (what was stated in MHC letter) of land adjacent to South Longyard Rd. in Southwick (and 200 acres in Suffield) using United States Fish & Wildlife Service Restoration Funding and a State Wildlife Grant to preserve as a habitat for endangered wildlife. The grassy area is a breeding ground for declining populations of grasshopper sparrows, upland sandpipers, eastern meadowlarks and other grassland birds. MHC stated that the acquisition of the property would assist in protecting and preserving any significant historic or archeological sites that are present. It will also protect the agricultural setting and resources.
4. Tobacco Warehouse:
The land that the Gillette Cigar Factory stands on has been sold and a CVS drugstore will be built on the corner of College Highway and Vining Hill Road. The cigar factory building is on the Southwick and MA Historic Resources Inventories and the Commission has worked diligently over the years to see that it would be preserved as a legacy to the tobacco industry in Southwick. The Commission has contacted the project manager for the CVS project and left word that the Commission wants to salvage the factory building. The Preserve Mass Barns organization was also contacted for assistance. Also, a barn restorer and a local contactor were contacted about the possibility of moving the barn. There is a possibility of a move to Suffield as someone there is interested in a historic barn. The Commission will continue to pursue
efforts to save the Factory/Warehouse.
The Gillett Cigar Factory/Warehouse was constructed in 1872 and served as a cigar shop or sorting warehouse for locally grown tobacco. C.J. Gillett was the single most important cigar maker in town, and his product was sold under the name brands as Easter Train, Old Iron King, Old States Prison, Queen Ann, Sporting Friends, and Gillett’s Standard Cigars. Until the 1950s, one could read “C.J, Gillett- Manufacturer of Cigars, Southwick, Mass.” on the front façade.
5. Old Library Restoration/Renovation:
The Commission has not heard from Christian Carey as to cost estimate. Barbara will give him a call. The Commission decided to ask to be placed on the Selectmen’s agenda on June 23 to present the concept plans and the cost estimate and to decide the next step. June 30 was given as an alternate date if the 23 is not available. Barbara also reported that she reported the progress being made on the library renovation to the CPC and alerted them to the fact that an application for funding would be forthcoming.
6. Laflin/Phelps Homestead:
The Chair reported that there were no new developments since the last meeting.
7. Historic Resources Inventory:
Barbara reported that she spoke with Dick Grennells about the GIS disk that Steve needs in order to do the historic resources overlay. She will also contact Steve as to a meeting to look over phase 3 work.
8. Williamsburg Estates:
The Planning Board has continued the hearing to June 10 at 7:45. Barbara will attend to represent the Historical Commission.
9. Preservation Massachusetts Circuit Rider Program:
The Preservation Massachusetts Circuit Riders are Michele Barker and Anne Dodge. They will bring to the areas of the state that are currently underserved resources and aid regarding community based preservation activities.
10. Other Business:
The June 19 meeting was rescheduled to June 23 as there would not be a quorum on the 19th. Barbara will reschedule the room and post the new meeting date.
Mail
1. From the National Trust for Historic Preservation the “Forum Journal” for spring 2008
2. Planning Board Min 4/15, 4/22, 4/26, 4/29, 5/6 Agenda 5/3, 5/27
3. Conservation Commission Min 12/17/07, 2/3, 3/17, 4/7 Agenda 5/2
4. From the Accounting Office the accounting instructions for FY09
5. Lack Management Committee Min 4/24
6. From Past Perfect the April/May 2008 Newsletter
7. E-Mail from Preservation Massachusetts announcing their Circuit Rider Program
8. Copy of letter sent by Mass Historical Commission to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife regarding the acquisition of General Cigar Property Land in Southwick
Barbara MacEwan
Chair, Historical Comission
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