For well over 35 years, I have been an enthusiastic champion and active supporter of historic restoration and preservation. I have volunteered my time as well as my wallet to not only the preservation of architecturally significant properties, but to preserving and protecting our cherished environment, land, open spaces, waterways, and forests.
For many of those who understand the value of historic architectural preservation, last week’s narrow victory at the Special Town Meeting (STM) by a group of anti-preservationists and misinformed conservatives was disheartening. But we will prevail.
This additional $1.1 million appropriation for the repair and restoration of our sorely neglected Town Hall is necessary. The Town Hall Building Committee headed by Pete Jackson has done an exemplary job over the past four to five years, evaluating the Town Hall’s interior and exterior condition. They have worked diligently with town boards and commissions as well as architects and contractors to devise a plan and design that respects the building’s past history and understands her woefully sorry present state. The task force has also spent many hours and days gathering input from citizens. Their well-planned and exciting restoration project will propel our beloved and architecturally significant grand olde dame of a Town Hall into many future years of serving her community.
The $1.1 million appropriation is to be paid for with a 20-year bond. Many well-informed town officials have estimated that depending on the interest rate, which remains reasonably low, the bond may add between $50 to $100 to an average household’s annual tax bill. Assuming an additional tax of, say, $75 per year, this amounts to $6.25 per month or 0.89 cents per week or the staggering sum of 12.8 cents a day.
I urge every good citizen of Harvard to carefully evaluate your position on this very important issue. There is a wonderful example of historic 19th-century architecture proudly situated at the top of our quintessential New England Common that awaits your commitment to restore her to her proud and former glory.
With much appreciation to all who have labored so hard to make this restoration a reality, I respectfully thank you from the top to bottom of my historic preservationist heart!
Jared A. Wollaston
Elm Street
