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Select Board approves 75% preservation easement for historic Matthews barn under RSA 79‑D
Summary
After a public hearing, the Select Board approved a discretionary preservation easement for Kathleen and Alan Matthews’ historic barn at 98 McCrillis Road and granted the maximum 75% assessment discount under RSA 79‑D; the assessor said the barn’s assessed structure value is $38,763.
The Nottingham Select Board approved a discretionary preservation easement for a historic barn owned by Kathleen and Alan Matthews, granting a 75% assessment discount under RSA 79‑D.
The applicants described decades of restoration and upkeep of the timber‑frame barn and offered historic photos and documentation during a public hearing. The board explained that RSA 79‑D allows a 25%–75% assessment discount when a structure contributes a public benefit such as historic significance, scenic enjoyment from a public road or contribution to a historic district. Town staff reviewed the qualifying criteria and the public benefit standard.
Assessor’s numbers: The assessor reported the barn’s structure value at $38,763 and estimated the land footprint added about $3,000, for a rough total of $47,000 in assessed value tied to the barn. At 25–75% discount levels, the assessors estimated the tax savings to range roughly from $120 to $360 per year for the property owners.
Board action: Select Board member Charlotte moved to approve the discretionary preservation easement application of Kathleen and Alan Matthews under RSA 79‑D, citing that the structure met all three qualifying criteria. The board voted in favor by voice vote and directed staff to draft the recorded easement document and coordinate recording at the registry of deeds.
What’s next: Staff will prepare the easement paperwork for recording and notify the applicants when the recorded document is ready. The board noted the reduced tax impact is modest but recognized the cultural and scenic value to the town.
Quote: Applicant Kathleen Matthews described long‑running restoration efforts and said the barn “adds to the community,” while staff reminded listeners that RSA79‑D can provide an assessment incentive tied to maintenance of historic integrity.
