BOS backs grant to help save Tilden House

The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday pledged support to the various town historical groups that are applying for a $100,000 Massachusetts Preservation grant to aid in repairs to the historic David Tilden House located on the grounds of Pequitside Farm on Pleasant Street.

The house was first built in the first quarter of the 18th century (circa 1725) with ongoing remodeling through the late 19th century. It is in serious need of repair and was recently deemed unsafe by Building Commissioner Ed Walsh because of various structural deficiencies

Selectmen heard support from the Canton Historical Commission, Canton Historical Society, and the Community Preservation Committee (CCPC), along with letters of support from state Senator Walter Timilty Jr., state Rep. Bill Galvin, and historical preservationists in Stoughton and Dorchester.

The project had previously received a Community Preservation Act grant of more than $400,000 that was awarded at annual town meeting in 2015. If approved, the $100,000 state grant would be added to the budget for repair work on the house, estimated by project spokesperson George Comeau to cost between $200,000 and somewhere south of $1 million. The Tilden House is one of only a handful of First Period houses still remaining in all of Norfolk County and Comeau is optimistic that they could obtain future grants to support the project.

Besides recognizing the historical significance of the house, Comeau said the end game is to use it as a teaching tool for Canton students and also as a small event center. CCPC Chairman Lisa Lopez also spoke on behalf of the project, calling the Tilden House an integral part of the town’ history and a focal point of historical preservation funding by the CPCC in recent years.

The lone town committee that gave a negative recommendation was the Building Renovations Committee. Comeau said the BRC was concerned with the age of the building and the extent of needed repairs.

Officials from Fresenius Kabi present a $5,000 donation check to the Canton Senior Center.

In other news:

* Selectmen made some decisions concerning some of the town meeting warrant articles, including casting a unanimous vote of support for a proposed ban on retail marijuana sales. The board also moved to support an article amending the development agreement for the Paul Revere Heritage Site that would allow changes to be made by a four-fifths vote of the BOS. Under the current terms of the agreement, all amendments must be approved by a town meeting vote.

* The Council on Aging received a $5,000 donation from Fresenius Kabi USA, a global healthcare company with a new location on Dan Road. Since coming to Canton, the company has filled 40 new jobs and has another 30 to fill by the end of the year. In making the donation, Fresenius Kabi said it is committed to supporting scientific, clinical, and educational institutions and programs intended to improve human health and well-being and is grateful for the “great work the Council on Aging does in Canton.” The COA also received another $483 in various individual and family donations.

* Selectmen encouraged residents to apply to serve on the Finance Committee, which currently has three open positions with a fourth slated to open on April 3 when FinCom member Nicola Gallagher moves to the School Committee.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Mar 23 2018. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.