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Spencer conditionally approves $2,000 historic-preservation grant for family home
Summary
The board approved a $2,000 historic-preservation incentive grant for repairs to a front porch at 409 South Spencer Avenue, conditioning the award on a transfer to the occupant within six months because the program requires owner-occupancy and the property is currently owned by an LLC.
The Spencer Board of Aldermen voted 4–1 on Oct. 8 to conditionally award a $2,000 historic-preservation incentive grant to Tom and Caroline Green for repair and reconstruction of the front porch at the family property at 409 South Spencer Avenue.
Planner Mr. Harris told the board the town’s program awards up to $2,000 for exterior repairs to homes older than 50 years but is restricted to owner‑occupied properties. In this case the Greens own the house through an LLC and their son currently lives in the house. Harris said the project involves the replacement of an original wood tongue‑and‑groove porch floor and that the estimated total project cost is about $6,200.
Caroline Braden, who spoke for the applicants, gave the board a brief family history tied to the house and confirmed the family intends to transfer the property to their son. “We are in the process of maybe transferring the house to your son,” she said, adding the family would “certainly try” to meet whatever timeline the board sets.
Several board members and the town attorney raised concerns about applying an owner‑occupancy rule to an LLC-registered property and asked staff whether the award could be structured so the grant is conditioned on a transfer or implemented through the town’s award/reimbursement process. One board member proposed a 90‑day transfer requirement; staff and another member recommended more flexibility. The board ultimately approved the grant on the condition that the transfer be completed within six months unless the board extends that timeframe.
The Historic Preservation Commission did not make a recommendation on the application because of the eligibility question. Staff noted the program funds are budgeted and that approving the grant would use existing program funds; grantee reimbursement and receipts will be required at project completion.
Next steps: staff will prepare the award letter and purchase order language to reflect the conditional transfer requirement and manage reimbursement once receipts are submitted.
