The Historic "Old Selectmen's Building" In West Barnstable Must Be Preserved!
Today, I am writing about an important and worthwhile endeavor which needs the dedicated support of the Town of Barnstable, Community Preservation Committee along with the support of the entire Town of Barnstable. I am speaking about the restoration project for the historic "Old Selectmen's Building" located on Route 149 in West Barnstable. This vital part of our local heritage is in grave danger of falling victim to the ravages of time and neglect. We simply cannot allow this to happen. It would be irresponsible and an insult to the legacy left to us by those town residents and community leaders who came before us.
It is of the utmost urgency that we all solidly stand behind this historic preservation effort which seeks to preserve, conserve and protect the building, objects, landscape and other artifacts of historical significance contained in and around the aforementioned property in question. The Community Preservation Committee urgently needs to vote in favor of providing the necessary funding to make this necessity a reality. The residents, taxpayers and voters of West Barnstable and the other villages of this Town are watching and waiting to see if those persons charged with the sensitive stewardship of our community truly take their obligations seriously. The decision regarding this matter will show us all the candid answer to that question.
Ron Beaty
West Barnstable
RON BEATY
9:52 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
...anyone interested in sending a letter or email message supporting the "Old Selectemen's Building" Historic Preservation Project should address it to:
Lindsey B. Counsell, Chairperson, Community Preservation Committee
Town of Barnstable, 367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 and/or email it to: CommunityPreservationCommittee@town.barnstable.ma.us
Thank you. ^_^
Jennifer Simckowitz
1:11 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Hi Ron, I believe DPW Director Mark Ells told Barnstable This Morning that there are plans in the works to renovate the property. Is this part of the preservation you are hoping for?
RON BEATY
6:15 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
...@Jen...I do know that there are several different dimensions to the historic preservation project, and that what is being proposed at the present time is only the first phase. In addition, the initial funding for the project is what is being sought from the Community Preservation Committee (I think that the amount is $85,000). There are also concurrent hearings being conducted before the Old King's Highway Historic District Committee as far as verifying the 'appropriateness' of the project. I also believe that the town's Historic Commission is also involved in the matter as well. Town Councilor June Daley is one of the main proponents of the project, and I do know that she attended the most recent OKHDC hearing along with a representative from the DPW.
Jennifer Simckowitz
7:29 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thanks for the details! I think it's a beautiful building.
Councilor June Daley
12:43 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Old Selectmens Building, (OSB), gift account has $60,000 that will be put towards the $85,000 that we are requesting from the (CPC). This funding will address two of the major deficiencies with the existing foundation system. It has been determined that temporarily raising the structure to construct a reinforced concrete foundation is the best course of action. That is what the funding we are seeking will allow the DPW to do this spring. The first phase funding will also include a walkway and handicap parking.
While the first phase is underway, we are already working on funding uses and sources required in order to complete the full preservation of this historic treasure.
RON BEATY
6:08 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
...thank you very much for the clarification and additional details, June. It is appreciated. ^_^
RON BEATY
11:34 am on Tuesday, March 27, 2012
UPDATE! Councilor June Daley has just informed me that the Community Preservation Committee has approved funding for Phase 1 of the Old Selectmen's Building historic preservation project! Congratulations to everyone involved in this effort! ^_^