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Historic Hudson Avenue barn documented as preservation group pursues movers and funding
Summary
The commission heard that HIPP completed measured photography for a Hudson Avenue barn slated for demolition; measured drawings are underway and HIPP is exploring potential buyers, movers and supplementary funds to relocate the structure, while documentation will be provided to the town historian's office.
Chairman Christopher Grant reported that preservation partners documented a historic barn on Hudson Avenue ahead of a scheduled demolition and that efforts are underway to find a buyer who would move and rehabilitate the structure. The photographer engaged by HIPP completed site photography and the measured-drawing work is in progress, Grant said; the drawings should be finished next month and will be transferred to the town historian's office for the permanent record.
The update matters because HIPP (the local preservation group) is attempting to provide mitigation for the loss of a designated resource. Grant told commissioners that HIPP has identified local parties interested in moving the barn and has gathered cost proposals for moving and building a new foundation; some potential movers also indicated a willingness to cover much of the cost, reducing the fundraising burden on HIPP. “It still be a little bit of pulling a rabbit out of the hat to save it,” Grant said, summarizing the challenge of securing funding and logistics for a move.
Commissioners discussed access, owner cooperation and fundraising. Grant said there had been a misunderstanding between HIPP and the property owner about site access, and that HIPP continues to pursue good-faith discussions with the owner and prospective buyers. The group has prepared estimates for moving and for constructing a new foundation at a future site, but no contract or final price was reported at the meeting. The commission emphasized that, at minimum, the measured documentation will remain as a public record even if a move cannot be achieved.
The commission did not take formal action at the meeting on the barn; members asked to be kept informed and the chair said staff and HIPP would continue efforts to identify funds or a qualified mover. The measured drawings are expected next month and the commission will receive the photographic and measured documentation for the town-historian files once complete.
