Attendees: Joyce Anderson, Sheila Dubman, Nathaniel Gove, Joe Lee and Alex Fiandaca
also Griffin Fitzgerald and Mr. Fitzgerald.
New Business
Liberty Elm on Common
Eagle Scout Griffin Fitzgerald was invited to discuss his plans for his Liberty Elm project.
The elm was recently planted in the lower common following an assessment of possible sites around the common which included Joe Lee, Raymond Dennehy and Griffin. This project helped trigger the formation of the public land review committee. It has since been discovered that the Liberty Elm project actually consists of more than the tree itself. Two benches and two plaques (one commemorating the Elm and the other, the Scout himself).
These additional components are of concern to the Commission for two reasons: 1) the benches and smaller plaque were not included in the original presentation to the selectmen. Permanent additions to town property, in particular to the common, which has retained is pristine look and feel throughout Princeton's history, the Commission feels, should be subject to review. 2) The Commission's plaque and rock which were recently review by the public and accepted by the selectmen will sit very close to the structures associated with the Liberty Elm.
The Commission shared these concerns with Griffin and his father. Griffin shared his idea to install the benches and plaques in close proximity to the tree. Joe cautioned Griffin about root compression from foot traffic and suggested the items be placed farther away creating a broader area under the tree devoted for wood chips. Joe also suggested bracing the tree to keep it straight at this stage. Joe also suggested that a small granite block (12 x 14 similar to a large cobblestone, available at the highway department) be used for the small plaque instead of a pressure treated post, which, at this stage would be larger than the diameter of the tree itself. The Commission explained that we were also placing a plaque in the same vicinity. The Commission offered to find Griffin a rock for his larger plaque in
the course of our ongoing search for our own. Griffin described his idea for the benches which would be chained to concrete footers to avoid theft. Members expressed their concern over the appearance of chains and the message this sends. Alternative bench styles were discussed, such as backless benches made of stone rather than wood. The number of benches (one versus two or none at all) was also questioned in an effort to keep the area from becoming too crowded and 'busy' looking.
Griffin's father indicated that the benches were not necessarily a project requirement.
Members asked Griffin if he could present his plan before proceeding.
Old Business:
Historical Markers for National Register Districts
Russell Corner and Meeting House Hill plaques have arrived and are in the fire station.
Joe and Nathaniel will move them on Friday.
Members will meet Monday at 10 AM at Meetinghouse cemetery to discuss final placement of plaque.
Joe will talk to Rud about the placement of the Russell Corner plaque.
Princeton Center Plaque
Joyce shared price quotes from Leominster Monument, Healy Bros. and a revised quote from Athol Granite for bronze plaques.
Alex showed sample photos of local (aged) bronze plaques.
Members are partial to an unfinished plaque for Princeton Center.
Dedication Ceremonies
Russell Corner Dedication ceremony will be held August 1st in conjunction with the Russell family reunion. Reunion activites will not be open to the public. A pamphlet describing the historic homes will be put together for a self-guided tour.
A two-part dedication ceremony for Meeting House Hill and Princeton Center will be held in October.
Respectfully submitted,
Alex Fiandaca
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