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Historical society asks for letter of support and demolition approval; board signs on
Summary
The Rockingham County Historical Society (MARC) asked commissioners for approval to demolish the county-owned Law and Order Building if state grant funding is secured and for a letter of support for a $1.6 million state grant to repair the 1907 courthouse and related work. The board approved the request and clarified it would not obligate county matching funds.
Dave (David) French, president of the Rockingham County Historical Society Museum and Archives (MARC), requested that the board approve demolition of the county-owned Law and Order Building adjacent to the 1907 courthouse if state grant funding is secured, and asked for a letter of support to include with a state grant request to legislators.
French said the society seeks $1.6 million to replace the courthouse roof, install new gutters and downspouts, demolish the Law and Order Building and perform exterior repairs and select paving. He told commissioners the Law and Order Building has structural and safety deficiencies and that renovation would be economically impractical.
Commissioners said any demolition of county property would have to comply with applicable laws, codes and county procurement procedures, and they sought assurance the request would not require county matching funds. French said the society was not asking the county to provide matching funds and that he would work with building inspectors and the fire marshal and follow county requirements.
Commissioner Kalam moved to approve the request and provide a letter of support; Commissioner Hall seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The board instructed staff and the society to coordinate required permits and any applicable compliance reviews.
