Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
October 20, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Attendees: Joyce Anderson, Sheila Dubman, Matt Lindberg, Alex Fiandaca and Mickey Splaine.
Members approved minutes from the September 22, 2011 meeting.
Welcome new member Mickey Splaine!
Meetinghouse Cemetery Inmate Work Session
Sheila, Joe and Alex participated in the two-day inmate work session held September 26 and 27th. A total of 20 stones were addressed. Two of the gravestones exhibited delamination which was not apparent until the stones were washed. These stones were not reset as they require further attention by Ta Mara.
Ta Mara has wrapped the top soil from these and two other gravestones (from her annual contract work) in blue tarps as they await adhesive repairs. Sheila and Alex concluded that the work session went extremely well and would very much like to take advantage of the program again next year.
Historic Lighting in East Princeton
Sheila contacted Jon Fitch to offer the PHC’s assistance in selecting a historically appropriate style of
street light fixture for East Princeton. (Jon had originally offered to look into older styles of lighting as part of the Route 140 Safety Improvement discussions.) Jon provided Sheila an online catalog along with specifications and Sheila narrowed the search to the StreetDreamsTM Madison Pendant Mount Luminaire.
Joyce has contacted the Mass Historic Listserv to obtain additional suggestions. Jon indicated that the cost of the fixtures should be in the range of other styles of ‘roadway’ lighting. Members agreed not to rush the decision but rather take time to choose a few different styles. Mickey suggested touching base with the new PMLD manager (Brian Allen) so that he would be aware of our interest in pursuing Jon’s offer.
Wachusett Mountain National Register Nomination
Joyce provided an overview of the recent meetings regarding the nomination of the Mountain. The most recent meeting was with Sen. Harriet Chandler. Joyce, Sheila and Betsy Hannula (from the Westminster Historical Commission) have since submitted letters to Harriet reiterating support of the nomination with the ski area as a non-contributing property. Joe O’Brien also submitted a letter to Sen. Chandler on behalf of the PHC. Joyce reported that she has spoken with David Crowley and that he has offered to refund the $4,000 that Princeton, Westminster and private donors have contributed to the nomination in the event that it does not proceed.
Four Corners
Sheila and Joyce met with Anne Forbes this afternoon. Anne will begin work on the Four Corner nomination by the end of November. Anne has been paid $1500 so far (prior to July 1st) with $2500 to follow. The inventory created by Anne and Joyce at the time of the Gallo property issue has provided a substantial head start. Anne will also be working on the Wachusett Meadow nomination for which MHC will pay.
Minutes of the Princeton Historical Commission
October 20, 2011
Town Hall Annex, 7 PM
Page 2
Four Corners
Sheila and Joyce met with Anne Forbes this afternoon. Anne will begin work on the Four Corner nomination by the end of November. Anne has been paid $1500 so far (prior to July 1st) with $2500 to follow. The inventory created by Anne and Joyce at the time of the Gallo property issue has provided a substantial head start. Anne will also be working on the Wachusett Meadow nomination for which MHC will pay.
Mechanics Hall
The Underutilized Town Asset Committee will report their findings on Mechanics Hall to the Selectboard on December 19th. The PHC will offer assistance in drafting preservation restrictions for Mechanics Hall. Sheila will look into the preservation restriction established for the library and Bagg Hall and Alex will look into that of Fernside by researching the most recent deed.
Bagg Hall
Joyce expressed concern over cracks in the first floor ceiling of Bagg Hall. Joyce voiced concern over this in the past to John Wilson who indicated the cracks are due to an overload of second floor storage. Joyce suggested the PHC discuss the issue further as a group and draft a letter of concern.
East Princeton Village Overlay District
The Planning Board has mailed a survey to East Princeton residents. Non-residents may also complete the survey and submit online via the town website.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Town Hall Annex, 7PM
Respectfully submitted, Alex Fiandaca
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