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Vietnam Memorial fundraising nears goal; board hears construction, easement and noise plans
Summary
Project organizers told the Board of Selectmen they have raised about $95,000 toward a $125,000 goal for the Vietnam Memorial; they seek a temporary construction easement from a church and plan on-site sculpture lettering that may generate short-term compressor noise.
Jerry Guthrie and project volunteers updated the Board of Selectmen April 14 on the Vietnam Memorial project. Guthrie reported the fund drive has raised approximately $95,000 toward a $125,000 target and that the committee has applied for a $20,000 grant and expects additional $10,000 gifts.
Guthrie said the project requires temporary access across church property to move stone and equipment into the site. He described a verbal agreement with church representatives but said a formal easement or contract specifying liability and repair obligations must be completed before construction begins. The selectmen directed the town lawyer and chief to finalize necessary temporary access documents; staff confirmed the contract would be limited to temporary construction access with obligations to repair any damage.
Sculptor and stoneworker remarks addressed on-site finishing. Adam Medlin (presenter) said sandblasting lettering will use a towable compressor running about 80 decibels and will likely be staged behind the Historical Society building where the building mass will block some sound. He estimated lettering work would take about a week of intermittent compressor use and said contractors will provide certificates of insurance for on-site operations and any crane lifts.
Project leaders said they hope to begin visible construction in August with a target to complete the memorial and hold a dedication ceremony on Nov. 11, the project’s 50th commemoration date. The board asked that the committee notify nearby businesses and residents in advance of on-site work and said the town would work with the committee to address temporary parking and access needs during construction.
Why it matters: The memorial is a long-standing community effort with a target completion date tied to the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The project requires temporary easements, on-site work that will create short-term noise and fundraising to close the remaining funding gap.
What's next: Project committee to secure a written temporary access agreement with the church, provide proof of insurance for contractors and notify neighbors/businesses before sandblasting and crane operations. Selectmen requested routine updates until project completion.
