By James Romer
The
Town has received very encouraging information from LCHIP (New Hampshire’s Land
and Community Heritage Investment Program), to which the Selectmen have applied
for a matching grant to help restore Chase’s Tavern. Both the committee, which
reviewed the historical information we submitted and the panel, which reviewed
our project proposal were favorably impressed. On January 18th an LCHIP
“resource specialist” came to town to inspect the Tavern, talk with us, and
take photographs. By early March, before Town Meeting, we will know how much
money will be available from LCHIP.
James
Kahn, our historic preservation consultant, is hard at work drawing up detailed
plans for the proposed restoration/renovation, which will also involve the
construction of both a modest wing to replace the present flimsy ell and a
police department garage. He and Jim Romer have consulted with the Town clerk,
Selectmen’s Secretary, Police Chief, Librarian, Library Trustees, and
Historical Society board to get their input on the design and allocation of
space.
The
design as it now stands is quite affordable but nevertheless gives the Town
offices and library much more space than they have now and also provides a room
for the Historical Society and two meeting rooms. There is a Selectmen’s
meeting room downstairs in what was originally the tap room of the Tavern and a
room for the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, etc. upstairs, across the
hall from the Historical Society.
The
Town Clerk, Selectmen’s Secretary, and Police office would be on the ground
floor of the Tavern proper. The Library would be upstairs in the long “ball
room” or “meeting room” across the back of the building, with access by way of
a staircase and elevator in the newly constructed wing. Parking would be behind
the building (thus not obstructing the view of the Tavern from the Common and Town
Hall) and the main entrance would be at the rear (or at the west end of the
wing, for the Library or for persons in wheelchairs).
Later
in February the plans and drawings will be available for inspection and they
will be displayed at the public meeting, which we hope will be held on Tuesday,
March 5th (7 PM at the Unity
Town Hall).
In
early March the Selectmen will learn how much money will be available from
LCHIP and then on March 16th the voters will decide at Town Meeting whether we
should move ahead with the project. If they do, construction should start soon
after the spring thaw.