Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Somersworth council approves supplemental appropriation to secure historic chapel grant match
Summary
The Somersworth City Council adopted Ordinance 23-25 and Resolution 53-25 to provide a city match for a New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program grant to repair the Ferber Memorial Chapel, using the cable fund as the supplemental funding source.
The Somersworth City Council on May 19 approved a supplemental appropriation to provide the required city match for a New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) historic rehabilitation grant to repair the Ferber Memorial Chapel.
The appropriation, passed as Ordinance 23-25 and accompanied by Resolution 53-25, supplies the grant match from the city’s cable fund. Proponents said the chapel needs structural repairs, including rebuilding the north wall and extensive repointing, and that the match is a condition of keeping the grant award.
The nut graf: The council and public supporters emphasized the chapel’s historic status — listed at the state and national level — and warned that failing to provide the match could endanger the grant and delay critical repairs that supporters say are time-sensitive.
Neil Larson, chair of the cemetery trustees, and Allison Visser, also a cemetery trustee, spoke during the public hearing in support of the appropriation. Larson said the north wall needs to be rebuilt and pointed to a preservation assessment done by Ground Root Preservation identifying moisture damage and other structural problems. “If it does not pass, then we risk losing the grant entirely,” Larson said during public comment.
Council discussion addressed the funding source. Councilor Kenneth S. Vincent moved adoption of Ordinance 23-25; Crystal Paradis Catanzaro seconded. Councilor Gibson registered concern over using the cable fund, saying the fund’s original intent was for electronic and communications enhancements, though he acknowledged legal advice had found the use acceptable. Councilors who supported the appropriation said the cable fund does not affect the tax rate for this purpose and that delaying repairs risks greater expense or loss of the grant.
A roll-call vote adopted the ordinance. The council also approved Resolution 53-25 to authorize the city manager to enter into the related LCHIP grant agreement.
The council packet and public comments noted prior investments in the chapel (including a slate roof replacement) and ongoing community use for concerts and events; speakers said prompt repairs are needed to prevent further deterioration.
The city will proceed with the grant match funding and related agreements; no implementation date for the work was specified at the meeting.
