Historical Commission To Seek $25K In Funding

 HARWICH – The historic district and historical commission has voted to file an article for the upcoming annual town meeting seeking money with which the commission could hire an engineering consultant to assess the structural integrity of a historic structure that is proposed to be demolished. 

The commission recently issued a demolition delay on the historic West Harwich Baptist Church. Members called into question the quality of structural engineering reports presented on behalf of applicant Davenport Realty Trust. Historic District and Historical Commission Chair Mary Maslowski said that the commission does not have a budget and so could not conduct an independent structural survey of the church. The applicant would have to fund an independent survey, she said.

 Commission member Paul Doane said he had a conversation with Dewitt Davenport over the Davenport Company providing an independent structural survey. Such a commitment would generate good will in the community, Doane said he told Davenport; the Davenport Company owns about 100 housing units in Harwich.

 Doane said Davenport would not commit to an independent study, nor would he allow access to the church for one to be conducted.

 The funding is necessary to assist the commission not just in retaining a structural engineer for the church proposal, but to identify historic homes that should be placed on the state registry, Doane said.

“I think the only time we’d find the need [for a survey] is in a case like the West Harwich Baptist Church, and it would be good to have someone on retainer when we need it,” he said. 

Maslowski added that the town once had an engineer on staff but no longer does.

 Doane said as the commission looks to expand historic districts in town, it will take time and effort to do the research, and funds would also be necessary for that purpose.

 Commission member Robert Doane wanted to know if other Cape towns have funding for consultants. 

Paul Doane said they do. He said Moderator Michael Ford, who serves as town counsel in Orleans, said there are people who serve in this capacity.

Paul Doane put forth a draft article for discussion that would request $25,000 for historic preservation, including structure preservation and other purposes, to be spent under the direction of the commission. Commission members discussed the draft article language and ultimately agreed the fund would be used for “administrative purposes.”

Maslowski said she did not think the $25,000 request was unreasonable. She said she has informed the town administration about the request. 

The commission voted 5-0 to file an article seeking $25,000 for administrative purposes.