–Lenox Historical Commission
February 11, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Town Hall, Land Use Room
Minutes
Commissioners present: Andrea Winter (Chair), Suzanne Pelton, James Jurney
Visitors: Jim Biancola, Ellie Geller, Sharon Hughes, George Jordan
Meeting was called to order at 4 p.m. Minutes of the January 14 meeting were approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Westinghouse Streetlights – The application for Community Preservation funds will be discussed by CPC tomorrow. The fund raising committee (Andrea, Suzanne, Pam Kueber) has raised $23,000 to date from residents and business owners for the engineering report DPW needs to proceed.
Preservation Plan & Application for Surveys Consultant – Our application for a Mass Historical Commission grant of $18,000 was denied as Lenox is not a “certified town.” Andrea withdrew HC application to CPC for matching funds. We will be seeking other ways to have a complete set of surveys of all Lenox’s historic assets written.
Community Preservation (Funds) Committee – In preparation for Jan 16 meeting, Andrea asked the HC to consider the historic preservation authenticity of several other projects applying for CPA grants:
Curtis – repair of porch. The HC was in agreement that the State should pay for repairs as
the State owns the building.
Pond – restoration of this body of water and bathing venue popular until the 50’s. The
HC agreed it is a worthy historical asset, deserving of CPA funds
Civil War Cannon – The HC agreed again that the cannon is an authentic historical asset and deserving of funds.
Community Center – new windows. The HC agreed that a historic building should retain
its historic windows unless they are beyond repair. Suzanne will forward to information from the Mass Historic Listserv supporting this view.
Church on the Hill restoration of bell tower. This is really additional painting but the HC agreed that such an important historical asset as this early Meeting House/Church is deserving of funds to keep it in good repair.
Student Volunteers – Student volunteer, Natalie Allen, has finished updating Historic District Properties. She will begin photographing properties built through 1923 for surveys to be written.
Senior Volunteer – A senior volunteer with office management experience is being sought to begin organizing the HC’s office at the Academy.
Social Gathering with HDC and Historical Society on Sunday Feb 3 was a success and it was recommended by attendees that the group get together three times a year.
NEW BUSINESS – Jim Biancola updated us on upcoming meetings of interest to the HC.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Suzanne W. Pelton
HC Secretary
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