Preservation group urges action on Grange Hall repairs as LCHIP deadlines near

The town heard a public request to accelerate repairs at Grange Hall and to prepare an application for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).

A representative of the Preservation Society told the board it needs a clearer plan before painting and repairs can begin and that a contractor who provided an estimate had not inspected all clapboards. The speaker said the building committee would walk the structure and return a list of necessary replacements to the board. “We met with Marty last week, and he had some concerns on who was gonna fix or pay for some of the clapboards,” the Preservation Society representative said.

Board discussion focused on timing. Members and members of the public debated whether to submit a letter of intent (LOI) before finalizing a plan. One board member said the LOI is simply a statement of intent to apply and need not include a complete plan; several others warned that LCHIP is strict about required details. When asked if he could file the LOI, Stefan agreed to submit it by the approaching deadline.

Board members also recommended a structural assessment before a final application. Stefan and other members noted that the architect’s assessment (Petrovic’s plan) addresses architectural recommendations but not necessarily structural integrity, so hiring a structural engineer would likely be necessary. The board also raised the possibility of adding a Phase I environmental review for grant readiness, noting such a report can be inexpensive and would remain valid for several years.

The board and Preservation Society discussed forming a formal Grange Hall building committee, assembling quotes for prioritized repairs (foundation, window and clapboard fixes), and deciding which costs could be included in any grant application. Members agreed to return with a list of tasks and estimates and to support the LOI submission to preserve the town’s eligibility for the current LCHIP cycle.

The board took no final grant‑funding vote at the meeting; it recorded a direction for staff and volunteers to assemble a plan and estimates and for Stefan to file the LOI by the stated deadline.