City's demolition decision sparks outrage over historic home loss

During a recent government meeting, Melinda Reconse raised significant concerns regarding the demolition of the historic Countess de Montjoy House, built in 1888, located at 11 Bridge Street. Reconse highlighted that the property, which had previously been considered for conversion into a bed and breakfast, was abruptly deemed a safety risk without undergoing a second opinion from the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) or an independent structural analysis.

She criticized the city for allowing the demolition to proceed, especially given that the house had been purchased in 2016 for $210,000, a price that she argued should have made restoration feasible. Reconse accused the current owner of employing \"demolition by neglect,\" allowing the property to deteriorate intentionally to increase its market value for redevelopment. She noted that the house was recently listed for $950,000, with a narrative suggesting it was waiting for a buyer to restore it, raising questions about the feasibility of such a restoration at that price point.

The demolition, which occurred shortly after the property was sold under the condition that the city permit it, has sparked fears among residents that this could set a precedent for developers to exploit similar situations. Reconse warned that without proper oversight, the city risks losing its historical architecture, which she believes is integral to the community's identity. She urged city officials to reconsider their approach to preservation and to be vigilant against practices that could lead to further loss of historical sites.