Minutes July 21, 2008
Guests: Scott Ricker, Greg Scibelli, Michael McMahon
Business
1. Old Library Renovation/Restoration: First, Karen and Barbara reported on the meeting held with the Selectmen on June 30 at which time the conceptual plans were shown. Historic architect Christian Carey was also in attendance at the selectmen meeting where he explained the plans for the basement area and the main floor. The rationales of the move of the bathroom to the rear room so that it could be in compliance with handicap accessibility and the placement of the ramp at the rear were discussed in detail. The Selectmen favorably received the plans.
After the report, the Commission entertained questions or comments from the guests in attendance and a discussion ensued as to the projected use of the building, handicap compliance, and the preservation of a Southwick landmark. All agreed that it was a worthwhile project. The commission members decided that the next step would be to apply for CPC funds for the renovation restoration. Karen made the motion to apply and Todd seconded; unanimous vote. The Commission will ask for $200,000 which is the projected cost ascertained by Mr. Carey. This should be off set by an insurance settlement with the automobile owner that drove into the Granville Rd. side of the library damaging the foundation and adjoining area. The application will be prepared for the September CPC meeting as the Commission would not have time to submit an
application for the June meeting which is to take place on the 26th and the August CPC meeting has been cancelled.
2. Bills: National Trust membership $115 Barbara, reimbursement for Barn Conference registration and travel $82.52
3. Reviewed and accepted the minutes of June 23.
4. Historic Sites Inventory: There will be a meeting with Steve Bedford on July 18 at which time he will give an update of what has been accomplished. At this meeting a time frame will be established for completion of Phase III and Phase IV in order to meet the August 29 deadline.
5. Town Hall Auditorium Stage Renovation: Karen reported on the meeting with the Cultural Council on July 11. The plans are to take the right hand wall out and put in an automatic lift. Two curtains will be installed - on at the front of the stage and one to cover the back wall (the back wall will only cover 80% as the upper part of the wall will be painted black). Stage lighting that will be needed will be installed. The Cultural Council has applied for state funds for the cost of the lift and its installation.
The Commission decided that the Cultural Council should be invited to a Historical Commission meeting as the Commission oversees historic sites of which the Town hall Auditorium is one.
6. Cigar Factory/Warehouse: Barbara spoke with the real estate firm handling the CVS project. They stated that all barns will be removed. She contacted Paul Cigal who will be dealing directly with the real estate firm. He has two clients looking for barns - one in Connecticut and one in Ohio. The Commission expressed regret that the warehouse which is so much a part of Southwick history will not remain in Southwick, if in actuality it is saved from demolition. The Commission has exhausted all local appeals.
7. Town Hall Foyer Display: Todd will develop a display of Southwick's scenic views. His focus will be on the northern area of Southwick.
8. Any Other Business: There was an e-mail from Dover, VT requesting information about Southwick's bicentennial coin that was made available in 1970. Barbara said that she had responded to the request which was for amount minted and the sale price. She responded that because of the amount of time that has elapsed, that information is not readily available - it is packed in the archives.
Mail
1. From the Department of conservation and recreation the 6th issue of "Terra Firma" - Commonwealth: The Past and Future of Town Commons
2. Planning Board Min 5/27, 6/10, 6/24, 7/1 Agenda 7/1, 7/15
3. Conservation Commission Agenda 7/7, 7/21
4. Community Preservation Committee Agenda 7/24
5. Planning Board - Notices of cancellation of July 15 and 22 meetings - next meeting July 29
6. E-Mail 7/11 from Peter Stott regarding the Inventory of Historic Sites project
7. From the Northeast Document Conservation Center a notice of the Fall 2008 Preservation workshops
8. From the American Association for State and Local History the newsletter "Dispatch" for July 2008
9. Lake Management Committee Min 6/12, 6/26
10. From the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions the "Alliance Review" for May/June 2008
11. Open Space Planning Committee Agenda 7/9
12. From the National Trust for Historic Preservation the "Forum News" for July/ August 2008
13. Notification of work to be done at 479-485 College Highway ( Southwick Inn/Walt's Garage) - a request for and amendment to the Order of Conditions
14. Notification of work to be done at 90 Point grove Rd. - a request to construct a single family home and associated site improvements
15. Notification of work to be done to the Rail Right of way from the Point Grove Rd. north to the Westfield boundary. Applicant is the Town of Southwick and the request is to remove, fill, dredge alter land within 100 feet of an area subject to protection under the Massachusetts Wetlands protection Act
Barbara MacEwan
Chair, Historical Commission
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