Historical Society seeks help to preserve building
By Nora Cardec Journal Correspondent

Florence Bryan and other members of the Ashby Historical Society asked the Board of Selectmen at their Dec. 13 meeting to commit to helping them restore and preserve their headquarters.

Bryan asked the selectmen to support a 50-50 grant request to repair the Main Street building, which was constructed in 1909.

“The exterior is in total disrepair. The windows and doors are sagging, the building needs a paint job and a new roof, but we don’t have the funds to fix it,” said Bryan.

Because the building is in the historical district on town property, the Society believes that trying to get preservation grant from the state is the way to go. The only catch is that the Society must demonstrate the ability to match the requested funds.

The cost of the project has yet to be determined because Society members have only looked into the application process and not construction costs.

But, Bryan said, they think that it will cost about $20,000-$25,000 based on the costs of smaller building repair projects over the years.

“If we can find the money, we will support it,” said Selectmen Chairman Peter McMurray. “You have our support.”

The money is not needed until the request is approved by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which will make its decision sometime in spring 2007.

The application deadline for the preservation project money is the end of February, said Bryan.

In other business:

• Town officials have been grappling with a house foreclosure where, although the house is technically owned by the town, the occupant is still living at the property. The occupant/former owner — is in arrears of property tax for approximately $40,000, dating back six years.

“When someone gets behind, we shouldn’t wait six years to do something about it,” said Selectman Gerald Houle.

Selectmen discussed a variety of possible solutions.

Houle said, although it is positive to show compassion, it is also important to remind the occupant that everyone has to pay taxes.

After much debate, selectmen agreed sign a contract with the occupant for him to pay the outstanding taxes with interest in full during the next 60 days. During that time, he can remain in the house but the town will retain the right to evict him. Town officials will get insurance coverage on the property as soon as proof of ownership is received.

• The town has received a Department of Environmental Protection grant for $725.64. Town officials will purchase an Outreach Tool kit and a Water Conservation Tool kit, to provide consumer educational materials and to continue operating the town recycle center.