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Council directs manager to release mortgage on Perry House materials; volunteers mobilize to save Meeting House
Summary
The council voted to release the town’s mortgage/security interest so the Londonderry Historical Society can dispose of or reuse salvaged Perry House materials. Volunteers formed a 'Friends of the Meeting House' group and urged the town to list the property as historic and pursue grants and fundraising; the town will pursue short‑term stabilization work.
The Londonderry Town Council on June 1 approved a motion directing the town manager to take the steps necessary to release the town’s mortgage and security interest in salvaged materials from the Perry House, materials that are currently held by the Londonderry Historical Society at 140 Pillsbury Road.
Town staff summarized four options for the council, including (1) releasing the security interest so the historical society may dispose of the materials, (2) enforcing the deed and returning materials to town custody, (3) release with restrictions, and (4) taking no action. The historical society’s president, Linda Green, told the council that the wood stored in trailers has been deteriorating for more than 20 years and that the society cannot afford the estimated cost—well over $1 million—to reassemble the house. The society asked the council to adopt option one to allow the organization to sell or transfer material to a party willing to reassemble or reuse it.
Councilor Sean moved to direct the town manager to execute Option One; Councilor Deb seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote. The town manager said he would take necessary ministerial steps following the vote.
Public response: Several residents and volunteers said they will organize formally as a "Friends of the Meeting House" group, pursue state historic listing, crowdfunding and grant options, and work with preservation organizations. Volunteers requested the council allow the group time to develop a concrete plan and asked the town to approve low‑cost, visible stabilization and site improvements (flags, signage, minor landscaping) to improve public perception while longer‑term options are developed. Town staff agreed to pursue low‑cost roof flashing and moisture mitigation work to limit further deterioration and encouraged the volunteers to present a timeline and fundraising plan to the council.
What’s next: The manager will execute paperwork to release the mortgage/security interest as directed. Volunteer groups will return with a timeline and proposals; staff will pursue limited stabilization work and explore grant avenues once the group develops a funding/implementation plan.
