Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
September 22, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Attendees: Sheila Dubman, Matt Lindberg and Alex Fiandaca.
Members approved minutes from the August 19th, 2011 meeting.
Meetinghouse Cemetery Inmate Work Session
Sheila reported that Joe has arranged for the fire department to bring a tank of water to the cemetery for use during the inmate work session. This will eliminate the need for members to transport water to the cemetery for gravestone cleaning. Alex will touch base with Joe regarding the water and any final arrangements for the work session itself which scheduled for Sept 26th and 27th. Both Alex and Joe will help Ta Mara supervise the work crew. Alex has delivered gravel and sand to the cemetery. Sheila will provide a wheelbarrow, gloves and dessert and will organize lunch on both days. Sheila asked John Lebeaux if the town could cover the cost of lunch for the inmates and John agreed.
Alex has been in contact with Lou Trostel, Cemetery Commission Chair, regarding the work crew. Lou has requested that the Historical Commission provide the Cemetery Commission with an update on the Meetinghouse Cemetery restoration efforts. The Cemetery Commission’s October meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 17th and Alex will provide the update.
Wachusett Mountain National Register Nomination
Sheila and Joyce met with Harriet Chandler to further discuss the Wachusett Mountain nomination. Sen. Chandler will contact Michael Maresco, Massachusetts Historical Commission Chair, in an effort to secure the nomination with a ‘non-contributing’ designation for the ski area. Sheila and Joyce also met with Betsy Hanula of the Westminster Historic Commission and together have drafted letters of support which they will send to Mass Historic pending feedback from Sen. Chandler.
Mechanics Hall
The Underutilized Town Asset Committee held its first community input meeting on September 13th to discuss Mechanics Hall. History of the building, past studies and a brief description of the building’s condition were discussed, followed by a brain-storming session to capture potential uses for Mechanics Hall as both a town-owned building and as a commercial property. The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for September 27th.
East Princeton Village Overlay District
Alex attended the Planning Board’s August 24th meeting in which members agreed to actively solicit input from residents before deciding how, if at all, to proceed with an Overlay District. Members will devise specific questions for residents and will establish a plan for gathering input at their next meeting.
Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
September 22, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Page 2
Historic Lighting in East Princeton
Sheila will contact Jon Fitch regarding his offer to install historic light fixtures in East Princeton and to offer the Commission’s assistance in selecting an historically appropriate style.
During a previous Route 140 Safety Improvement Task Force discussion about ‘cleaning up’ the utilities in the East Princeton Village area, Jon offered to consider replacing the existing, mismatched light fixtures with an older style. Jon also indicated that the number of utility wires, support cables and possibly utility poles could be reduced throughout the Village.
Worcester State Hospital Clock Tower
Sheila and Joyce have discussed the Clock Tower and the campaign to save it with Senator Harriet Chandler. Sen. Chandler was thankful for the Historical Commission’s interest but pointed out that the tower is in very poor shape and that the clock itself might be the only salvageable component. Sen. Chandler indicated that saving whatever portion possible of the Clock Tower is currently under review.
Next Meeting: October 20, Town Hall Annex, 7PM
Respectfully submitted, Alex Fiandaca
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