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Leicester board reviews MERP retrofit plan; historic-preservation limits on spray foam flagged
Summary
The board discussed details of a $MERP retrofit for the meeting house, including Architend’s proposed spray-foam foundation work and a $30,000 estimate for windows; members agreed to seek clarification from the architect and historic-preservation reviewers before submitting the application.
Leicester selectboard members reviewed the preliminary scope for a MERP-funded energy retrofit of the meeting house and flagged several historic-preservation concerns that could affect the grant application. Chair (S1) said Regional Planning recommended a 30-day historic-preservation review and cautioned that applying closed-cell spray foam to foundation walls may be unacceptable without a protective release layer; she proposed contacting Architend to ask for alternatives that would satisfy preservation reviewers.
Members discussed specific scope items: blown-in attic insulation to R-60, installation details for baffles to preserve ventilation, and a $30,000 budget line for windows. Committee member (S6) advised that the municipality can use Architend but is not obliged to do so; the firm’s familiarity with the project could speed implementation but the board must confirm technical choices (spray foam vs. alternatives) to avoid a rejected application. The board agreed to ask Architend about a release layer for sprayed foundation insulation and to invite historic-preservation staff to inspect the building or advise before final submission.
