CPC Public Hearing
Truro Community Preservation Committee
Minutes of Meeting of January 14, 2016
Truro Committee Center
Members Present: Co-Chair Deborah McCutcheon, Co-Chair Mary Rose; Maureen Cronin, Richard Larkin, Robert Lowe, Bonnie Sollog, Lisa Maria Tobia
Co-Chair Deborah McCutcheon opened the public hearing at 6:00 p.m.
Mary Rose moved to approve the minutes of December 21, 2015. Maureen Cronin seconded, and the motion carried 7-0
Susan Howe, Chair of the Commission on Disabilities, and John Hopkins of Augustus Construction presented the revised Town Green proposal for Improved Accessibility. The new request is for $26,463. They explained the configuration of the berm that would create handicap access to the Green and the permeable material to be used. The audience and CPC members asked a number of questions, which they answered.
Cherie Mittenthal Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill explained the Edgewood Farm Historic Building Preservation Project for which they are requesting $300,000. The Manuel Corey House, a cottage and the barn are the three historic buildings that are in need of historic rehabilitation and need to be brought up to code. Ms. Mittenthal said they have planned fund raising events at the new location. Co-chair Deborah McCutcheon discussed the time line of the project with Cherie Mittenthal. She discussed some of the programs offered by Castle Hill. From the audience, John Hopkins and other speakers offered their support and enthusiasm for the Edgewood Farm project.
Director Jim Summers and Susan Howe, President of the Truro Historical Society presented the Preservation and Restoration of Highland House Museum proposal with a request of $168,106. Jim Summers gave the background of the Highland House Museum and reported on the three phases planned for the project. The first phase is for securing the outside of the building. The second phase will provide full accessibility for the building with an elevator and year-round. A climate controlled space for the artifacts and paintings and additional storage area are included in the final phase. Because the museum is on National Seashore property, George Price, Superintendent of the Cape Cod National Seashore, was present to discuss the 20-year lease agreement with the National Park Service. He said the National Park Service is favorably impressed with the project. He anticipated getting the lease settled in a matter of months.
Friends of the Truro Meeting House Ann Keenan and Jonna Sundberg presented the Restoration of the Revere Foundry Bell proposal for $48,598. Ann Keenan said that Verdun Bell, Inc. had given them an estimate, which she explained. Another firm said the bell would have to be sent to London for repair. Jonna Sundberg added information on the condition of the old bell. She also announced the new co-ministers of the Congregational Meeting House.
Carl Brotman, Chair of the Truro Housing Authority, explained the request for $40,000 towards a Truro Affordable Housing Technical Assistant. The application is for a consultant, rather than a salaried position, he said.
Kathleen Henry, President of the Highland Affordable Housing, presented their request for $8,659 for Rent Relief. Highland Affordable Housing’s immediate need is to keep the costs for the units within budget. Their long term goal is to pay down mortgage and sell the property. They wish to be in business of acquiring property rather than managing it, she said. Deed restrictions are in place to keep the properties Affordable. They are planning fund raising efforts to help with the mortgage.
Adjournment
Maureen Cronin moved to adjourn. Mary Rose seconded, and the motion carried 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Mary Rogers, CPC Administrative Consultant