Letter: Homeowner’s attack on WHC members is inappropriate

Posted 5/3/18

The Town of Westport, like most towns in our state, has a Demolition Bylaw. This bylaw was established according to the provisions of the state building code, enacted for the purpose of preserving …

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Letter: Homeowner’s attack on WHC members is inappropriate

Posted

The Town of Westport, like most towns in our state, has a Demolition Bylaw. This bylaw was established according to the provisions of the state building code, enacted for the purpose of preserving and protecting historically significant buildings within the town.

On March 12, 2018, the Westport Historical Commission (WHC) met to consider a  demolition application from Benjamin Squire for an 18th-century house located off of Cornell Road.

At this time, he gave the reason for demolition — the house did not meet his young family’s needs. He was concerned for his family’s health and the high cost of renovations. He proposed to demolish the old house, and build a new one on the site.

The WHC is mandated to decide whether an historic building is, or is not, “Preferably Preserved.”

The commission members made a site visit; a report was written describing the house. 

If the Commission determines that a structure should be preserved, it has the authority to impose a “hold” on the demolition up to 365 days from the date of the application. This process is meant to encourage owners to seek out other ways to preserve the building.

In Westport, over the last five years, this law has been very useful in the saving of four historic buildings that had been sentenced to destruction.

The commission offered many suggestions as to how the house could be preserved. I personally offered my opinions , as I have been an architectural designer, specializing in historic restoration for over 30 years.

None of our ideas seemed acceptable to Benjamin, as he stated, “the house has outlived its natural life.”

The commission determined that the house was historically significant to the Town of Westport, and preferably preserved. The vote to delay demolition for 12 months was unanimous.

The WHC contacted the Shorelines, as we often do, to inform the public. The March 22 article was written by the Shorelines, after viewing the video of the meeting, with no input from the WHC.

Mr.Squire’s rambling diatribe attacking the commission members and myself, seems unwarranted and inappropriate.

He and his architectural firm (who had previously contacted me) were well-aware of the bylaw and its ramifications. If Benjamin, perchance, can have some patience — he has to wait only 10 short months to lawfully destroy a house that has been sitting on a hill along the Westport River for 248 years. 

William Kendall

Westport

Mr. Kendall is chairman of the Westport Historical Commission.

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