Saint Anne's Preservation Society requests $100,000 to finish exterior masonry work

Representatives of the Saint Anne's Preservation Society asked the Community Preservation Committee on Jan. 8 for $100,000 in CPA funds to finish exterior repointing and masonry repair on the historic church and shrine.

Bob Gava, vice president of the preservation society, and Jeff Montigny, the group's president, described a project estimated at roughly $345,000 to repoint exterior Vermont maple stone, renew mortar joints and rebuild several buttresses where moisture infiltration has caused deterioration. Gava told the committee the society has active fundraising and expects about $100,000 from a bequest in probate plus other planned efforts; the requested CPA funds would fill a remaining gap.

Committee members noted the society supplied a five‑year maintenance plan, which staff said many applicants do not submit. Gava said routine income from cottage industry activities — donations, candle and gift-shop sales and fundraising events — currently covers utilities and ordinary maintenance, while capital needs are addressed by targeted fundraising and bequests.

Committee members asked about the contract timeline and price sensitivity to winter work. The society said quotations are estimates and that work will be phased and only undertaken after funds are in hand. The society described using short-term, low-risk investments for any raised funds while awaiting work.

Members also asked about long-term governance and the diocese's role after the society's 2029 lease expiration; society leaders said they are negotiating with diocesan leadership and are seeking to expand volunteer ranks and younger participants to sustain operations. The committee did not vote at the hearing and will deliberate in a later session.