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CPC discusses deed restrictions, MHC sign-off and engineering study for 1821 Building preservation
Summary
Committee members and staff discussed draft conditions to tie CPC funding for the 1821 Building to deed restrictions; they noted the draft may require Massachusetts Historical Commission approval, Town Counsel review, a decision on term length, and a structural engineering study before restoration.
Alex Galloway and CPC member Peter James presented draft conditions for obligating the historic-preservation funding tied to the 1821 Building.
Galloway said that because CPC funds will be used to preserve the property, deed restrictions or conditions must ensure the property continues to benefit Town residents as required by the Community Preservation Act. He and Peter James noted the draft may need approval from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and that Town Counsel should review legal aspects of the restrictions.
The committee discussed that the term of the restrictions — including whether to impose permanent restrictions — needs to be determined and that permanent restrictions can be complex. Members and staff agreed an engineering study covering the steeple and the floor must be done before restoration work begins because the building’s stability depends on sound condition across all sections.
The committee deferred final action and will continue the discussion at its next meeting.
