Board authorizes five-year lease for Rebecca Furnace site and moves ahead on Greenfield museum design work

The board approved two heritage-related items: a low-cost lease to allow the Historical Properties Commission to study the Rebecca Furnace site and a contract amendment with AECOM to finish architectural design work for a planned museum at Greenfield.

County staff described the Rebecca Furnace parcel (approximately eight acres) and requested a five-year lease at $1 per year so the Historical Properties Commission could conduct site evaluation and limited archaeological work. Staff said public access would be limited at first until parking and safety measures (including a privacy fence) are in place; guided tours would be scheduled once site improvements are completed. The board moved to authorize county staff to execute the lease; the motion carried unanimously.

Separately, staff presented a request to complete architectural documents for the planned Greenfield museum, moving design from about 35% to 100% completion so the county would be positioned for fundraising and grant applications. The staff presentation noted $6 million in enabling legislation and an estimated project cost range (presenters referenced a gross estimate of about $11 million and suggested $8.5f$9 million would provide an enclosed building). The board authorized an AECOM contract amendment to finish the architectural work and related funding actions.

Whatomes next: staff will return with final contract documents and continue to pursue funding and design decisions; the Rebecca Furnace site will be used for limited work and guided public access after site improvements.