Nominations Available For Harwich Preservation Awards

 HARWICH – Nominations are now being accepted for the Harwich Preservation Award, which will recognize people for their commitment to preserving historic structures in the town.
Town Meeting voters approved the creation of the award last May.
 “People put a lot of energy into preservation, but there was no way to recognize them,” said Historic District and Historical Commission member Paul Doane. “Hopefully this recognition will encourage other property owners to pursue historic preservation.”
 Doane said property owners come into the HDHC hearings requesting to tear down historic structures because it costs less to demolish them and build a new structure than to make the effort to preserve the town’s history.
 The Exchange Building, which graced Harwich Center from 1855 to 1964, is a primary example, said Doane. Town meeting voted to demolish the structure, even though the building was structurally sound, he said. Front-end loaders climbed the stairs to get to higher levels of the structure during demolition, he said.
 “It cost more to tear it down than it would have to maintain it,” said Doane.
 Doane brought the Harwich Preservation Award concept to his commission a year ago and received an endorsement to file an article creating the award.
 Historic structures are a defining feature of the town’s character, and it is important that such structures be preserved, he said. The award is a means of emphasizing the importance of the buildings to the town and inspiring owners to choose preservation.
 There was one wrinkle in bringing the article to town meeting last May, Doane said: there was no funding mechanism in the article. He said an article has been filed for this May’s annual town meeting seeking $5,000 to cover the cost of award plaques and any staff expenses.
 Doane said the town of Chatham has an award program that works well, though it is structured a bit differently. In Chatham, the property owner pays for the award.
 Doane said bronze plaques used by the historic commission to identify historic structures  in town used to cost $375, but the price has risen to about $800. Aluminium alloy plaques are being looked at instead at a price of $200 to $300.
 Doane said residential structures, businesses, landmarks and portions of historic structures would be eligible for nominations. A tear-down that copies a historic structure, such as the previous proposal to replicate the West Harwich Baptist Church, would not qualify.
 Nominations should include the owner’s name and property location, a project narrative detailing the historical significance of the structure, project goals and a description of the work involved in the preservation effort.
 The nomination asks for a list of major contributors, including names and addresses of architects, contractors, crafts people, consultants, and other professionals who helped in the project. The information provides the opportunity to recognize professionals who provide services on behalf of preservation, Doane said.
The nomination calls for color photos, preferably showing the structure before, during and after the project. Historical photos are also appreciated, he said. The photos will be chosen to accompany an award poster that will be placed in a prominent location to draw attention to the initiative. The photos will not be returned, he added. 
Doane said projects eligible for nomination for the preservation award can date back a decade. The commission will make decisions on who gets the awards and will give out a couple a year. Doane and commission member Brendan Lowney put together “a no-frill program” and will be available to talk with people interested in filing nominations. Anyone, including the property owner, can file a nomination. There is no fee. 
The nomination package is available on the historic district and historical commission’s website. Applications will be accepted until March 31, and the awards will be announced at the annual town meeting, Doane said.