AWARD First Churches Historic Restoration Proj
Community Preservation Committee
Recommendation for Funding
Date:
March 19, 2008
Applicant:
First Churches Historic Restoration Project
Amount of funding requested:
$250,000
Time-frame of request: 2008
Amount of funding recommended by CPC: _____$250,000________
Time-frame of funding recommended: __2008___________
Summary reasons for recommendation
:
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The First Churches Meeting House has been a central feature of the community since
1655; it serves a broad public purpose beyond that of the church.
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The present building, constructed in 1878, stands as an outstanding historic edifice in the
very center of Northampton.
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The building supports the goals of the Northampton Sustainability Plan in contributing to
the uniqueness of the city.
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The building is now in urgent need of restoration and preservation.
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The project uses CPA funds efficiently as a small part (12.5%) of a much larger
fundraising effort, and directs CPA funds solely to the reconstruction of the roof.
Conditions/contingencies attached to recommendation:
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Filing of a preservation restriction on the sanctuary of the Meeting House
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The committee will be notified when the project is complete and the preservation
restriction is in place; if not complete within one year of City Council approval, a
progress report will be made at the end of the first year.
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Procedures for monitoring and reporting shall be worked out among the Committee,
Mayor and the grantee.
Additional comments from committee
:
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Initial allocation to come from portion of CPA funds set aside for Historic Preservation.