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Select Board hears urgent concerns about deteriorating Church on the Hill; weighs stabilization, sale or volunteer-led options
Summary
Board members and residents described structural deterioration at the historic Church on the Hill and debated options including stabilization, fundraising, selling to a nonprofit, or allowing it to decay; staff will convene the church committee for a site evaluation and photo documentation.
Select Board members and residents raised urgent concerns March 11 about the structural condition of the historic Church on the Hill and the need for a community decision about stabilization, sale or other stewardship options.
Town staff and volunteers described extensive maintenance needs: failing window frames, plaster falling from ceilings, rotted framing in the steeple and evidence the building requires both exterior and interior structural repairs. One board member estimated that a full stabilization and restoration could cost several hundred thousand dollars; staff cautioned the figure could be substantial and said it is not yet quantified. Judy, a resident and volunteer involved with the building, said the steeple has deteriorated and called for a volunteer and fundraising effort to preserve the church: “We can't just keep kicking the can down the road on this,” she said.
The board discussed options: (1) raise and appropriate funds or borrow to stabilize and restore the building; (2) look for a nonprofit or new owner to take on restoration; or (3) do nothing and allow the building to deteriorate further. Several participants stressed the town hold community conversations and gather estimates for prioritized stabilization measures rather than commit to a large, unspecified appropriation immediately.
As an immediate next step, the manager said he would convene the town’s Church-on-the-Hill committee to walk the property, take photographs and produce a clear summary of conditions and cost estimates for prioritized stabilization work. The manager suggested the committee should present options — including a volunteer-led fundraising plan — so the board and community can decide whether to commit municipal funds, seek external grants, or pursue another course.
Board members urged quick action to secure artifacts and historic items inside the building to prevent loss if conditions worsen. The Select Board did not commit funds at the March 11 meeting; it authorized staff to assemble a committee visit, pictures and a status report for subsequent meetings.
