FINAL
Present for the Historical Commission and attending the meeting were: Jane Slater, Chair, Steve McGhee, Barbara Armstrong, Lenny Jason and Chuck Hodgkinson. Also attending were Andy Goldman, Dave Norton, Janet Weidner, Joan Malkin, John Eisner, Peter Cooke and Jennifer Christy. Not attending were Steve Flanders, Jim Malkin and John Flender.
The meeting came to order at 5:00 PM.
Discussion: Public Safety Building Site Selection Committee: Mr. Goldman reviewed the process for identifying the recommended location for a new Public Safety Building on South Road just east of the Community Center lot. He added the Committee is meeting with all town boards to solicit input. The Commission asked if the location’s close proximity to the school and Community Center would be wise considering the area’s concentration of children. In discussion it was noted the location of the new Tisbury public safety building is across the street from the Tisbury School and there do not seem to be any issues. Mr. Jason thought this location would add to the serious traffic congestion and parking issues – especially in the summer months. He thought the Community
Center should be re-located to Peaked Hill where there is space for a larger parking area, an existing baseball field and space for a swimming pool if so desired. If this was possible then the new Public Safety Building could be located at the Community Center site. After much discussion Mr. Goldman thanked the Commission for its time and thoughts.
Discussion: Planning Board Menemsha Master Plan update: Ms. Weidner explained the Planning Board is updating the Menemsha section of the Town’s Master Plan and is meeting with all boards to seek input. The Commission reviewed the current Master Plan for Menemsha and thought that was on target and has helped keep Menemsha as an active fishing village. The Commission mentioned Menemsha has always been under the jurisdiction of the Park & Recreation Committee and Board of Selectmen and this system seems to work. The Commission added Menemsha is congested for only 8 weeks a year. They further thought small changes would be the best way to proceed such as more offsite parking and more stringent enforcement of the current parking regulations to help
with the traffic congestion. The Planning Board members thanked the Commission for its input.
Discuss mid-20th century houses in Chilmark. Ms. Slater mentioned there are several mid-20th Century houses designed by a few well-known, period architects in Chilmark. She added they are rather unique and may have some historical significance to the Town. Chuck H. distributed a list with photos of six such houses. After discussion it was agreed to send a recommendation to the Planning Board that these houses be added to the Town’s Historic Resources section of the Master Plan. Formal inclusion requires a Town Meeting vote.
Middle Road Stone Wall Update: Chuck H. mention Jimmy Morgan should be able to install the commemorative rock and plaque in a month or so.
Menemsha Fishermen’s Preservation Trust Booth Update: Chuck H. mentioned he, Ms. Slater and Mr. McGhee staffed the tent for this event on August 4. A loop of historic Menemsha photos was also shown on a large-screen television. Fifty three souvenir pins were sold which raised $265. There are approximately 140 remaining which will be sold at upcoming town events.
Administration: The May 17, 2016 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as presented by consensus.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 18 @ 4:00 PM.
With no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS.
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