EASTHAM COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting: December 14, 2006, to review four (4) applications
Attendance: Members: Glenn Collins, Cheryl Gayle, Elizabeth Simmons, Kathryn Sette, Sue Horton, Henry Curtis, Peter McDonald, and David J. Skiba;
Lou Roy, Chris Thompson, Jennifer Bryant, Wendy Frazier, Laura
Freeman, and Sandy and Joseph Bayne
1. The first presentation was relative to the request for funds for the Seabury-Sparrow House by Lou Roy with her builder Chris Thompson. The building is in dire need of much work including chimney repair, windows, window replacement, resecuring of the beams to the foundation, and re-siding to prevent further leakage. Highway vibration was noted also as a concern for the structure. Chris mentioned that the work would be done to make the building historically compatible and that a four (4) foot foundation would be necessary. It was noted that outside walls and floors have much rotting although the roof on the premises is new. It was noted that the house dates back to the early 1800s. Discussion with owner included financial contribution from the owner in the amount of $3,000.00 and
recapture of Community Preservation funds to be secured by a mortgage in the event of a resale. House tours and deed restrictions were mentioned. It is believed that the house is on the National Historic Register.
2. Eastham Schoolhouse playground was presented by Jennifer Bryant and Wendy Frazier. Susan Helman, as principal of the Elementary School, has authorized the pursuit, and it was noted that the Parents Group as the petitioner is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The petitioners agreed to provide a letter from Sheila Vanderhoef, as the Town Administrator, authorizing the use of the funds for Town property. ADA issues have been addressed as part of the proposal. If funded, the project would be for open space/recreational purposes, and funding would flow from the Town to the installer.
3. Open Space Committee for bridge project at Wiley Park was presented by Laura Freeman to provide safe passage through an environmentally sensitive area. Canoes and kayaks will be able to pass under the proposed bridge, which will be five (5) feet wide to accommodate ADA compliance and allow for free flow of herring. The size of the bridge was questioned and the width of the access ways to the bridge was discussed.
4. Eastham pond study project was presented by Sandy Bayne in conjunction with the Water Resources Advisory Committee. Sandy presented information pertaining to the study of nine (9) ponds and the ratings within the Town relative to dissolved oxygen, eutrophication, phosphorous, nitrogen, and chlorophyll. The equipment pursued through CPA money shall be owned by the Town and shall include monitoring equipment and an inflatable boat. The CPC members indicated that fliers at the five (5) proposed signs at Great Pond, Herring Pond, Jemima Pond, and Schoolhouse Pond would not be desired as a potential source of litter. The project is seen as one preserving open space - specifically the monitoring of the ponds to protect their health. It also was noted that perhaps studies of volatile
organic compounds might be included in future studies.
The minutes of November 13, 2006, were approved with H. Curtis abstaining.
The members further discussed spending money on privately owned historic homes including the issues of precedent and means of recapture of funds via mortgage security. The members suggested that any houses to be considered be voted by the Historic Commission as worth saving and perhaps on the National Historic Register. An inquiry also was made as to how many other owners of historic properties in Town would come forward with requests in the future.
David moved and Henry seconded that the current slate of officers, being Glenn as Chairman, Cheryl as Co-Chairman, and David as Secretary, be renewed for another six (6) months or until next elected. All members voted in favor.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
David J. Skiba
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