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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-20 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee Minutes of February 20, 2025 Present: William Callahan, John Simons, Marsha Finkelstein, Adam Bagni, Rick Green, Tim Tschirhart, Ron Rudis, John Mabon Absent: Terrance Holland Staff: Zach Melcher William Callahan read guidelines for a remote meeting and called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. FY26 Applications— Ridgewood Cemetery—John Smolak, member of the Board of Ridgewood Cemetery reviewed the application and gave a brief history of the cemetery. There are two projects being proposed. One at Ridgewood Cemetery and one at the Old Burial Ground. Ridgewood site is looking at conservation and restoration of the Atkins Gate. It is the stone structure/gate at the entrance from Marbleridge Road. He gave a brief history of the gate and previous funds received from CPC. The application would be for $250,000 to replicate what is there currently. The second application is for the Second Burial Ground. He gave a brief history of the cemetery. Much of the property is overgrown. This project is to restore some of the tombs to what they looked like originally. There are a dozen tombs in total. The restoration requires structural work. Joe Pelich can explain the cost in more detail. J. Mabon asked if this project can be phased. It's not impossible, but generally cost more. T. Tschirhart asked if Ridgewood Association has a good inventory of the property. Yes. The application is for $1.2 million. They are looking to pursue other funding sources as well. Stevens Estate-Carriage House Stabilization Project— Laurie Burzlaff, Assistant Town Manager, explained that the goal is to make the structure watertight so the mold and animals will stop getting in and it can be preserved for future use. They are currently stabilizing the floor area; the roof was done two years ago and this is the next phase of repairs. This includes masonry work. The architect's cost estimate is included with the application. It provides low-end and high-end. Alternates will be included in the bid documents because they don't know if they will have enough funds to do everything. They will address the most critical areas to be fixed, and list prioritized alternates. The future uses it to be determined. W. Callahan suggested that Laurie submit the application with the full cost of the project so they understand what the full scope is. Affordable Housing Trust— Richard Vaillancourt, Chairman of the Housing Authority spoke about an application for Fountain Drive. The Housing Authority is looking to expand Fountain Drive with six additional units. They are looking for funding to support that expansion. This application is to fund the design work. There is a great need for affordable housing. W. Callahan suggested funding the full 10% of CPC funds which would be $300,000. The Housing Authority is also looking at other programs they could offer to residents, like home loan repair programs, down payment assistance program and others that this funding could be used to facilitate. Mr. Vaillancourt will adjust the application requesting the full amount. Funding of the complete Fountain Drive project was discussed. Cochichewick Lodge— Roof Repair—Tom Baird provided a general history of the Lodge and overview of the application. This funding request is to put a new roof on the building. He shared all the uses different committees and the public uses the lodge for. They have received several quotes and have applied for the median cost. R. Green asked about the Youth Services running programs at this building. Absolutely. J. Simons asked about the general health of the building. It has new heating system, plumbing is good, currently working on new floor in bathroom, basement is dry and recently rebuilt the chimney. The structure is sound. Mr. Baird explained the historical significance of the building. J. Simons asked if for some reason they no longer own the building in the next year or so, will the CPC get the funds back? The Lodge isn't going out of business. A stipulation can be made in the agreement. Schofield Mill Preservation —Stan Limpert, Project Manager, North Andover Historical Society gave a brief overview of the building and its history. This project is to provide safety, longevity and return on investment. The building was condemned due to safety problems. A major part of this restoration project is to fix the safety problems and eliminate the safety hazard. It would replace the beams in the basement portion of the main building, the structure itself is in pretty good shape. Mr. Limpert spoke about the history of preserving the building in the past. J. Simons questioned the project getting done for $300,000. The project is simply to repair what is there. J. Simons suggested speaking to the building inspector regarding what repairs would be needed for an occupancy permit. Mr. Limpert gave an overview of how the building would be available for public use. Mr. Limpert explained the great historical significance of the building. R. Rudis suggested having the contractor get together with Steve Foster and the Building Inspector to answer some of the concerns. At the next meeting on March 6t" the remaining applications will be presented. On March 201", the committee will debate and vote. MOTION — R. Green made a motion to adjourn, seconded by T.Tschirhart. All in favor,vote 8-0.