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Select Board authorizes volunteer painter and creates Grange Hall building committee to pursue repairs and grants
Summary
The Select Board approved a volunteer painting donation for the Golden Rod Grange Hall and voted to form a Grange Hall Building Committee charged with researching repairs, obtaining estimates, seeking funding (including LCHIP), and supporting construction-related activities.
The West Swanzey Select Board on a unanimous voice vote authorized a local contractor who volunteered to paint the Golden Rod Grange Hall to begin work as soon as possible, and then established a town-appointed Grange Hall Building Committee to lead restoration planning and fundraising.
The move came after residents and preservation advocates said the painted building is an "eyesore" and argued the donated work could be used as in-kind match on a LCHIP grant application. Eileen Launch, speaking for preservation supporters, read the committee recommendation and a proposed roster: "Per the recommendation of the select board member, Bill Hotwalker, we request the board's approval to form a town-appointed Grange building committee," she said, and listed recommended members including Alan Gross and Scott Self.
Board members weighed competing priorities: some urged waiting until structural repairs are defined so the painting is not undone by future foundation or window work; others warned the volunteer offer might be lost if the town delays. The board discussed three different foundation proposals — one estimate of about $25,000 for jacking the southwest corner, another larger proposal near $150,000 that avoids jacking, and a third Dubo & King option — and agreed an independent structural review was warranted. Bill said the board had identified an experienced local structural engineer willing to review the building for up to $2,500, which could provide an impartial recommendation on whether jacking or an alternative is needed.
The committee charge approved by the board directs the group to research and prioritize work, explore options, obtain estimates, seek funding and fundraising, and support construction-related activities for the Grange Hall. Board members also discussed coordinating the committee’s fundraising efforts with the preservation society to avoid duplication.
Next steps: staff will follow up to secure the volunteer painter's start date and to request the proposed structural-engineering review; the building committee will be formally posted and begin work on assessment, estimates and grant applications, including preparation for a potential LCHIP submission.
