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Belleville Meeting House seeks $170,000 to repair failing plaster ceiling
Summary
Belleville Meeting House asked the committee for $170,000 toward a ceiling replacement after plaster fell in 2023; presenters described two proposals (one ~ $406,000, another lower-cost local option), $140,000 already raised and a $35,000 state matching grant.
Leaders of the Belleville Meeting House asked Newburyports Community Preservation Committee for $170,000 to repair and replace a failing plaster ceiling that forced the venue to suspend large events.
Jim Samuelson, speaking for the applicant, described plaster pieces that fell in 2023 and presented two options: a multi-contractor restoration approach priced around $406,000 and a more recent local contractor proposal that would perform the work end-to-end for under $400,000. He said the congregation has raised about $140,000 through private donations and matched a $35,000 Massachusetts Cultural Council grant with the same amount, and that awarding the requested $170,000 would bring the project to roughly 75% of the funds needed.
Samuelson told the committee the repair would preserve acoustics and appearance while meeting building-code and environmental requirements, and he said asbestos testing had eliminated asbestos as a concern. Committee members asked the applicant to provide an itemized breakdown that separates structural (eligible) work from cosmetic elements so the committee can assess eligible costs under program rules.
No vote was taken; the committee asked for a more detailed, line-item proposal prior to deliberation on March 19.
