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The Committee meeting was opened at 6:30PM. Present were: Phil Mighdoll, Tom Daly, David Krashes, Henry Beth, Larry DeBlois.
The public had been invited to participate in the meeting to discuss ideas on how to utilize or dispose of Mechanics’ Hall.
Phil started the meeting by reviewing the charge for the committee by the selectmen. He also quoted the theme, “If not now, when?”.
Dave gave an historical overview. The structure began life in 1852 as a schoolhouse with 2 classrooms on the first floor and a meeting hall on the second. It has been used by various groups and the public. It is not clear when the rear addition was constructed. There is a more complete history of Mechanics Hall in “Princeton, A History of its Villages”. This book was written by members of the Historical Commission and a copy is available at the Princeton Library.
Larry reviewed past studies, particularly the one conducted by the PMLD in 1997 that estimated repair and renovation to be $350,000. Satisfactory perc tests have been conducted more recently but no septic system has been designed so capacity/use is unknown. The property had been appraised at $100,000 but would likely not hold up in this market and in the current condition of MH.
Henry made general comments about the current condition of the structure. While the main building sits on a stone foundation, the addition apparently rests on the ground. There are also no functioning systems within the building and water comes from a well on adjacent property owned by Dick Stuart (Town Line Garage). Henry reminded the group that the Town website has copies of the available information regarding Mechanics Hall.
Tom then opened the meeting to the public and solicited their ideas for use and comment.
Alex Fiandaca (Historical Commission) indicated the Sterling Town Hall had been just painted and changed the appearance dramatically. Dave suggested we request the Selectmen to provide funds to stabilize the structure even if not possible to fully renovate. Larry indicated the town of Marlboro had utilized tech school students to renovate a former fire house.
Following is a brief summation of comments from committee members and the public.
PUBLIC USES
Museum, Consignment Shop, Library Book Sales, Historical Society, Teen/Pre-Teen Center,
Career Center/Mentor Program for young adults, Town Departments/Annex, Art/Craft Center,
Rent as a Function Hall, Community Service/Learning Projects
COMMERCIAL USES
Professional Offices, Restaurant/Coffee House, Dinner Theatre, Craft Retail Center, Housing, Casino, B&B, Antique Shops, Retail
FUND RAISING
Public Campaign, State Grants, Federal Grants, sale of Town owned land, Use of Monty Tech students to do renovation work, Town residents donation of technical skill/labor.
OBSTACLES
MONEY, Parking, Site Considerations, 21E study, Septic, Well, Conservation, Lack of building systems, Code, Ownership, Prevailing wage issue.
Attached is an outline of Larry’s presentation.
Phil thanked everyone for their participation and the meeting was adjourned at 8:15PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Daly, Secretary
Sept 14, 2011
Attachment (1)
Underutilized Real Estate Study Committee
Mechanics Hall Open Meeting
September 13, 2011
Prior Studies Summary:
- October 1997 Princeton Municipal Light Dept. Study
- Commissioned Maguire Group Inc. to determine feasibility of restoring/renovating Mechanics Hall for Dept office use
- Reviewed existing structure
- Proposed work required to bring to code/desired use
- Recommendations; not feasible based on;
- Size – Too small for PMLD needs
- Land Area limitations
- Estimated repair cost of $350,000
- 2002 Mechanics Hall Study Committee
- Place on National Register of Historic Places (2004); as part of the East Princeton Historic District
- Deed Researched (part of potential use study)
- Property surveyed; Deep Hole test completed/perked (part of potential use study)
- Property appraisal completed - $100,000
- January 2005 Questionnaire mailed to Princeton residents
- 124 responses
- 97 responses (78%) supported restoration/preserving historic nature/use by Town
- 87 responses (70%) supported the building be retained by the Town
- Survey results contained both statistical data and commentary
- Commentary focused on the building as part of the Town’s Master Plan, preserving historic value, commercial use, potential income producing property and cost of maintaining as part of a fiscal planning process.
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