Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews Asbury Church reuse options, directs staff to pursue restoration planning
Summary
Following a community engagement report, council heard options for reuse of the historic Asbury Church — including an interpretive exhibit, small gathering space and limited assembly functions — and directed staff to move forward with restoration planning that preserves the building’s configuration and key features.
Councilors reviewed a community engagement report and committee recommendations for reuse and restoration of the Asbury Church and directed staff to proceed with development of restoration plans that keep the building largely in its current configuration while accommodating interpretive displays and limited gatherings.
Rhonda North, town clerk and member of the Asbury Church project committee, told the council the committee received community input emphasizing preservation of the church’s history, a desire for educational programming and concerns about parking and noise. She summarized three possible reuse options recommended by Commonwealth Preservation Group (CPG): an interpretive site, a small gathering/flex space and a small assembly space for events such as weddings or lectures. North said the committee recommended keeping the pews in the center of the first floor where possible, removing later-added pulpit wings to increase usable floor area, and not opening the second floor to public use to avoid ADA accessibility requirements.
Town Attorney Martin Crim cautioned the council about restrictions that could run afoul of First Amendment or equal-access concerns if the town attempted to ban uses such as weddings; he said the town can adopt "time, place and manner" restrictions that are legally defensible but cannot bar lawful assembly solely on content. Crim advised that the council could regulate occupancy limits, hours and safety-related conditions.
Town Manager Danny Davis confirmed that council had previously decided the town would retain responsibility for operating and programming the site if it is preserved. Davis said staffing, facility setup, cleaning and maintenance will drive the practical workload for whoever manages bookings.
Rhonda North also reported that an RFP for an oral-histories video component drew 30 proposals and that the committee shortlisted six firms; the top-ranked firm has been asked to revise its price to account for up to 15 interviews. She said the project team will bring a contract to council for approval shortly.
Councilors discussed balancing historic interpretation with practical operational limits — for example limiting occupancy to address parking constraints and avoiding a full commercial kitchen that would encourage large receptions. Several council members expressed support for combining an interpretive site with a small assembly or gathering use and for moving forward with architectural and restoration planning so the town can seek grants, including a potential National Trust planning grant of up to $75,000.
Council gave staff direction to proceed on restoration plans that preserve the building’s primary configuration, include interpretive display space, keep the second floor closed to public use, and explore grant opportunities and cost estimates for necessary structural and accessibility work. No formal vote was required for that direction.
