Burnett House news: Boarding windows, Friends’ event, and timeline worries (Updated)

Above: A plan to board up the historic stone house was brought on by vandalism, and is hopefully a temporary measure. (Photo by Alan Bezanson)

Some quick updates on the 84 Main Street preservation efforts.

To avoid misinformation, Friends of the Burnett-Garfield House asked me to share this news passed on to them by the owner. From their Facebook page:

Due to ongoing break-ins and the resulting vandalism, the owner of the Burnett-Garfield House, Jon Delli Priscoli, is going to board up the windows in an effort to prevent further damage. He realizes the boarded up windows will be unsightly and regrets having to take this step. He wanted people to be aware of the reasons for taking this action.

The group is holding another free event to generate more interest in the property and its historic significance. “Jazz for Joseph” takes place Wednesday, March 23rd from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Community House:

“JAZZ FOR JOSEPH,” an evening of Jazz, Wine, Cheese and Conversation. Come and learn about the Historic Burnett-Garfield House and the remarkable contributions by the Burnett Family to our town and beyond! We are pleased to welcome Lois Vaughan, Newport Jazz Pianist, who is dedicating the evening to her Great-Grandfather, Joseph Burnett!

Meanwhile, the efforts to preserve the property are ongoing with articles hopefully headed for Town Meeting, which opens April 11. But selectmen expressed concern about the tight timeline to get things done.

The subject came up at this week’s Board of Selectmen meeting. As of yet, CPC hasn’t identified an intended source of funds for purchasing a Preservation Restriction on  84 Main Street. An appraisal on the value of the restriction is still pending.

Town Counsel said he expects a verbal figure to come in March 14th. That’s just one week before the deadline for sending the Town Warrant to print. But both the Community Preservation Commission and the BOS will want to take a look at a detailed write-up of the appraisal before the article moves forward.

 Updated (3/3/16 11:20 pm): I accidentally referred to the Friends jazz event as a fundraiser in the headline. I’ve been asked also to share that it is sponsored by the Vin Bin.

 

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Publius
8 years ago

Could the Town buy it ? It could be used as community space, albeit very expensive space.

Townie
8 years ago
Reply to  Publius

The town recently assessed some town properties and has 2 of them listed for town meeting looking for approval for sale. The LAST thing this town needs is another property with very limited use with huge repair/maintenance bills. This house deserves a loving owner to bring it back to it’s glory, as a private residence.

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