CPC Minutes
Truro Community Preservation Committee
Truro Town Hall
January 30, 2020
Present: Co-Chair Deborah McCutcheon, Co-Chair Mary Rose; Peter Herridge, Susan Howe, Richard Larkin, Jane Petterson, Bonnie Sollog
Regrets: Maureen Cronin
Co-Chair Deborah McCutcheon called the meeting to order opened the public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2021 Community Preservation grants at 6:00 p.m.
Purchase of 42 Corn Hill Road
Fred Gaechter, President of the Truro Conservation Trust (TCT) presented their request for $145,000 for the purchase of 42 Corn Hill Road. The proposal is for 1.2 acres on land surrounded by open space. Included for historic preservation on the property is the Bunker cottage, which is to be leased for $1 a year by the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. Mr. Gaechter said the Trust has raised the rest of the money for the transaction. The Conservation Trust intends to put benches along the path to the bay. There is parking available near the curve on Corn Hill Rd. and at the Town parking lot. Total sale price is $520,000. The Trust has raised $50,000 already. The sale date is expected in May. The purchase is contingent on a new septic system. The Town Assessor has indicated that repurposing money would cover the $145,000. A conservation restriction will be placed on the property. Karen Tosh, as a member of TCT and the Board of Directors of Castle Hill, discussed the commitment of Castle Hill to keeping the historic building. Cherie Mittenthal expressed her support to this collaboration between Castle Hill and TCT.
Highland Affordable Housing
Highland Affordable Housing has withdrawn their request for two mortgage pay-offs for $84,000.
Cape Housing Institute
Ann Robinson, Director of Community Development Partnership, said that CDP was seeking a Truro contribution of $15,000 for two years of the Lower Cape Housing Institute. She explained the basic and advance trainings and the peer group sessions offered by CDP. She said that she expects the Institute to be an ongoing program since boards change. She said there are no other local level training sessions available. Kevin Grunwald said he has found the Institute valuable. He has been one of the many Truro participants. He and Peter Herridge both expressed support for the program. Ann Greenbaum said she has found the training she has attended helpful, but she asked that scheduling could be redone so that it does not conflict with Planning Board meetings. CDP has not yet explored online training or webinars.
Contribution to Truro Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Kevin Grunwald, Chair of the Truro Housing Authority (TAH), explained the request for $150,000 to have funds available for opportunities that could arise during the year without waiting for the next Town Meeting to act. He discussed setting up a municipal housing trust fund. The Select Board are the current trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust. Last year the THA provided funds to the CDP Housing Institute. In the past they have used the trust fund to buy property. He said the Trust now has around $350,000. He said the Town has made appropriations of Free Cash in the past, but now the only funding source is CPA. He did not know if the Highland Affordable Housing request that has been withdrawn from CPA consideration would come before the THA. Deborah McCutcheon asked about limits that the Housing Authority might have. Mr. Grunwald referred back to the 2001 Town Meeting Article that created the Truro Affordable Housing Trust. Dennis O’Brien asked about missed opportunities. Mr. Grunwald said there were not that many opportunities that THA has missed. Mr. O’Brien said he was concerned about transparency. Mr. Grunwald said he believed that THA has been transparent. Mary Rose said there were buy-down opportunities that had been missed. Kevin Grunwald discussed their contribution to the CDP Housing Institute. He said that THA pays administrative costs for a housing consultant out of the Trust funds.
Historical Commission Update of Historic Housing Inventory
Fred Todd, treasurer of the Truro Historical Commission, explained the request of $47,550 to update of the Truro Historic Inventory. He displayed one of the four volumes of the inventory created with CPA funds ten years ago. He said the inventory is available at the library and online. It’s useful for homeowners, the Building Department and buyers of historic properties. A consultant would do the updates over a three-year period. The properties that have now become eligible, including mid-century modern homes, would now be included. The consultant does a windshield survey, researches deeds and prepares the Form B Inventory sheets, which go to the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
Rehabilitation of Building T-5
Kevin Rice, Artistic Director of Payomet Performing Arts Center, Lauren McKean, Cape Cod National Seashore Planner, and Michael Fee, Board of Director member for Payomet Performing Arts Center, explained their request of $144,471 toward the historic restoration of Building T-5. Use of the building would allow Payomet to do more summer events and offer off-season programs. Kevin Rice gave historic background of the old Air Force Base. Building T-5 was the NCO club at the base. He said it would open a bridge to Highland Center. Payomet is working on a philanthropic partnership with the National Seashore. Lauren McKean said Payomet has been meeting with the National Seashore on a robust, new agreement with the regional office. They have support of the local office for a lease of the building. Attorney Michael Fee said they operate under an annual use agreement with the Seashore. Payomet has submitted a letter of intent with an eye to rehabilitate more buildings in the future. He said there are rules about fundraising for rehabilitation of federally owned property. Lauren McKean said there are five-year agreements that can be put into place. Kevin Rice did not have a figure for funds that Payomet has raised so far, but he is confident that they will be able to reach their goal with a CPA contribution. He reviewed the Payomet programs that help raise money. Mr. Rice said they advertise Cape-wide and on Facebook.
Building T-5 is approximately 3,000 square feet. There is demolition involved. Payomet’s focus will be the NCO hall. Six years ago, the Massachusetts Cultural Council provided money for an architectural study, which is now scaled back to the hall. Payomet has an architect in mind for the project. Richard Larkin suggested reaching out to MIT for possible funding for rehabilitation at the old base. Payomet is working on a capital campaign. Michael Fee discussed the first phase costs for architectural plans as a start. Lauren McKean said National Seashore Superintendent Brian Carlstrom is supportive of Payomet’s plans.
Highland House Museum
Lauren Kaufmann, Director of the Truro Historical Society, presented the request for $292,817 to complete Phase 5, the final step of the historic restoration of the Highland House Museum. She gave background on the original hotel, the history of the museum, and the upgrades so far. They have received financial support from Truro Treasurers and the Truro Cultural Council. This year’s request would restore the roof of the museum. Helen McNeal-Ashton said the improvements have increased activity and provided safety for the art and artifacts donated to the museum. David Spang and Susan Howe explained the bathroom restorations. Mr. Spang explained that the wooden roof requirement makes it cost more. The building is listed on the National Historic Register.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Friday, February 14, 2020 to make decisions on the FY21 grants.
The meeting and public hearing closed at 7:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Rogers
Public Records material of 1/30/2020
All FY21 applications are on file in the CPC permanent records.
The Community Preservation Committee approved these minutes at the meeting held 2/14/2020.