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Historic‑preservation visitors find grant pathways for old town hall and church
Summary
A historic‑preservation team inspected the old town hall and the church and told the board grant funding is available; they provided technical guidance on preserving historic features while improving functionality.
Representatives from a historic‑preservation group visited Westport Island’s old town hall and church and advised the select board that grant opportunities exist to support repairs and preservation. Board members described touring the attic and structural elements and said the visitors identified features that make the buildings eligible for preservation funding.
Preservation staff recommended reversible interventions where possible (for example, removable gutters) and suggested insulating over the roof during re‑roofing rather than capturing attic moisture by insulating above the main room. The visitors offered technical resources, explained that recent staffing changes in Augusta had slowed grant administration but confirmed money remains available, and said they would send guidance and checklists to help the town prepare grant applications.
Board members discussed the balance between preserving historic fabric and making buildings usable for town purposes. They noted that reusing the buildings increases the case for grant support and that the preservation team’s report and follow‑up materials will guide next steps.
