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Mont Vernon seeks $250,000 federal preservation funds; fundraising and veterans banners underway
Summary
Chair Becci Schwarz told the commission she submitted a $250,000 Congressionally Directed Spending request from the Historic Preservation Fund; commissioners also discussed fundraising materials, a resident survey, and veterans banner rollout ahead of Memorial Day.
Mont Vernon’s Heritage Commission reported March 12 that Chair Becci Schwarz submitted a request to Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office for Congressionally Directed Spending from the Historic Preservation Fund in the amount of $250,000 to support Phase II and Phase III components of the Town Hall project.
Schwarz told the commission that such Historic Preservation Fund awards require a 1:1 local match and are not guaranteed; she said funds recommended through this process would likely not be available until 2028. Schwarz also noted that the Congressionally Directed Spending request would not cover renovations and that future phases could pursue additional grants, including LCHIP, once Phase 1 construction is completed.
On fundraising, subcommittee members Mike Cardoza and Amanda Young reviewed strategies including producing a brochure, creating a website and assembling visuals to present the project vision to potential donors. Christie West urged development of visual materials to communicate the plan; Jay Goodell volunteered to help produce visuals. Commissioners discussed targeting businesses in neighboring towns Amherst, Milford and Lyndeborough and suggested retirees taking Required Minimum Distributions as one donor pool possibility. Young emphasized that fundraising events should include a clear presentation about project scope and priorities; the group agreed a resident questionnaire should be considered and that it would likely be issued by the Planning Board.
The commission also reported progress on veterans banners: Schwarz said 10 applications have been received so far and Workman distributed applications at the Town election. Banners ordered by March 31 can be in place for Memorial Day and will be installed on Main Street initially; Workman will inspect poles and assign banners. The commission agreed to expand banner locations as demand grows.
Anna Szok said she received the first draft of Mae Williams’ historic-resources report and is editing it; the report will be reviewed by the National Park Service and is due in the fall. The meeting’s action-item list also includes fundraising, electrical and fire-suppression planning and structural bidding and selection.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the February 12, 2026 minutes and later adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
