HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-06 Community Preservation Committee Minutes Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of March 6, 2025
Present: Vice Chair Adam Bagni, John Simons, Marsha Finkelstein, Terrance Holland, Rick Green, Tim
Tschirhart, Ron Rudis.
Absent: William Callahan, John Mabon
Staff: Zach Melcher
FY26 Applications—
1836 Meeting House—Stephanie Harrington and Gary Martin, Project Manager, gave a brief summary
of the project. The project was delayed last year so work was not able to be done as they had hoped.
Since the original estimate, there has been an increase of 10% in cost and additional work that is
needed has been discovered. This request is for a supplemental grant. They are asking for$270,000 for
this year. Keith Wenzel spoke about the funding breakdown and why there was a delay. Discussion
took place regarding longevity of the building and steeples. If funding is not granted, what would be the
result? The steeples will be done, but other parts would not. The attic clean-out and roof insulation
may not get done. Have you explored other avenues for funding? Yes, they are always applying for
grants.
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial — Dan Leary, 26 Andover Street, and Joe LeBlanc, Veterans
Services Director, spoke about the memorial to be unveiled at Memorial Park in September of 2026.
They gave a brief overview of the project. Total cost of the project will be $60,000, they are seeking
$36,000 from CPC for granite stones and bronze plaque. They will be fundraising for additional funds.
Mr. Leary gave a description of the monument as shown in the meeting packet. The Veteran's
Department will help with maintaining the monument. J. Simons will check to see if it is eligible for CPC
funding. Dan Leary reviewed the cost breakdown for the $36,000. They have met with abutters of the
property and they are in support of the project.
470 Johnson Street—Andrew Shapiro, Director of Community Development and Rick Gorman, Director
of Youth Services and Chairman of the Fields Committee reviewed the application. They are requesting
on behalf of the Town, $1,015,000 as a placeholder. The $15,000 is ground in looking at having an
endowment established for Essex County Green Belt with would be the organization that would hold
the conservation restriction. The million-dollar figure may fluctuate 10%- %15% depending on the
evaluation of the appraisal that was just completed. Mr. Shapiro explained that the project is to
purchase property at 470 Johnson Street, Calzetta Farm. The current owners are looking to sell, and the
Town is interested in only part of the entire site. Rick Gorman gave a brief history of the Fields
Committee and the need for additional fields. He explained that the property is ideal for fields with
minimum work that would need to be done. There are buildings on the property, which would be part
of the land the Town would acquire. We would go through the proper procedures to examine all
structures. R. Gorman suggested there would possibly be 2 youth soccer fields on this property.
Windrush Farm Signage—Janet Nitmann, CEO of Windrush Farm, gave a brief history of Windrush Farm
and the amazing service they provide to people with special needs. Windrush Farm is seeking $15,000
to support a survey being completed to mark the 600 ft setback around Windrush Farm and put signs
up on the trees saying "No Hunting Zone" so there is no dispute as to the property boundaries. J.
Simons gave a brief history of the previous CPC project surrounding Windrush Farms. It is the
responsibility of the property owner to post signs.
Schofield Mill Preservation Assessment—Stan Limpert, Project Manager, North Andover Historical
Society spoke about a revised application to renovate the Schofield Mill. R. Green questioned what
structural damage there is to the building. They don't know, but more inspections are being done.
McBrie is the structural engineering firm that the Town hired to do the assessment of the building. The
transfer of ownership of the building was contingent upon two things; one that the town would transfer
ownership of the property to the Historical Society at no cost and that the Historical Society had funds
to do the restoration. Since they don't have the money to do the restoration, we don't want to accept
ownership of the property. Hopefully we can do this work next year.
Financial Report— Financial report is in the packet, no further discussion.
MOTION - R. Green made a motion to accept the February 13, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded by
T. Holland. All in favor 7-0.
MOTION - T. Tschirhart made a motion to accept the February 20, 2024 meeting minutes. Seconded
by R. Green. All in favor 7-0.
MOTION —T. Tschirhart made a motion to adjourn, seconded by M. Finkelstein. All in favor,vote 7-0.