03/05/07
New committee to develop plan
for implementing Spurwink Church preservation
A new committee has been formed to develop a plan for preserving the historic
Spurwink Church.
The new Spurwink Meeting House Preservation Committee was established by
the Town Council at their meeting March 5.
The committee, to consist of nine members, will develop a plan to implement
the recommendations contained in the
Spurwink Church
Study Committee report, submitted to the Town Council last July by the
Spurwink Church Study Committee.
The report outlined priorities for renovating and preserving one of Cape
Elizabeth's most historic buildings. The report recommends that the town
retain ownership of the building, and invest in stabilizing the foundation
of the 19th-century structure.
"It needs some foundation work, it needs some chimney work, it needs some
structural work at an estimated cost of about $300,000, including related
soft costs," McGovern said at the council's meeting.
McGovern is recommending the funds come from part of proposed $2.25 million
bond issue, something the council has not yet approved. Formation of the
committee does not commit the council to appropriating the dollars, McGovern
said, but it is important to have a committee in place to secure the services
of architects and engineers qualified for historic restoration. The committee
will interview professional consultants and recommend to McGovern individuals
or firms to provide needed services.
"The real issue with construction is the church needs to be closed a good
part of the year when construction occurs," McGovern said. Timely appointment
of a committee will ensure that weddings, the primary use of the church,
are not scheduled in advance and then need to be canceled because of
construction.
McGovern said the town would be looking toward construction during the next
calendar year.
Committee members will include two Town Councilors, and will also likely
include members of the original study committee.
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