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Select Board approves $38,002.50 TIF to help restore the Bernard Langley "Indian" sculpture
Summary
The board approved a downtown TIF recommendation to advance $38,002.50 (partial advance with remainder contingent on fundraising) to a nonprofit leading restoration and maintenance of the Bernard Langley "Indian" sculpture; proponents stressed maintenance and public-safety planning.
The Select Board approved the downtown TIF advisory committee's recommendation to provide $38,002.50 to Watching Point to support repairs and a maintenance plan for the Bernard Langley "Indian" sculpture.
Joe (speaker 2), who said he has formed a nonprofit to steward the sculpture, told the board the piece is the "largest wooden sculpture in the world" and argued it attracts visitors. He described past failures in maintenance and an earlier town contribution of $10,000; he said private donations and pledged in-kind contributions are part of the funding plan. "This is super passionate for me," Joe said, explaining his personal investment and structural repairs planned to make the sculpture safe and stable.
The advisory committee recommended releasing $25,000 as an initial reimbursement with the remainder advanced once the applicant documents raised match funds; the board approved the recommendation on a recorded vote recorded in the transcript as 4–0. Board members emphasized the need for clear maintenance schedules, insurance and an engineering approach to avoid future deterioration and public-safety risks.
