Select Board workshop raises concern about preservation of town-owned historic church

The Town Manager raised the condition of the town-owned historic church on High Street, noting that windows, plaster and exterior paint require work and that the building lacks water, bathrooms and regular use. The manager said the town currently uses the building primarily for storage and occasional events and that the property carries symbolic and historical value to the community.

Nut graf: The manager proposed modest maintenance funding ($5,000 in the draft) for near-term protections such as paint and plaster repairs and discussed the need for a longer-term plan to address extensive restoration costs. He suggested exploring the creation of a nonprofit or community-led fundraising effort that could take a lead role in restoring and maintaining the property given the high cost to the municipality.

Discussion touched on lack of parking, the building’s limited utilities, and whether a community nonprofit could assume stewardship. The manager said a damaged decorative window needs specialized repair and that urgent interior and exterior water-intrusion fixes (temporary boarding/plastic) were made to keep the building weather-tight after recent damage.

Ending: The manager asked residents and community groups to consider involvement and said the Select Board will keep the church on the agenda as a future capital or reserve-item discussion.