pages: HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2021-05-06.pdf, 5
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HistoricalAdvisoryBoard | 2021-05-06 | 5 | Chair Saxby opened the public comment. Board Member Jones reminded everyone that they were not here to discuss the use of the building. Chair Saxby concurred and he added that the topic tonight was the potential delisting and or demolition of this site. He said that people could combine their time to give a speaker extra time. Staff Member Tai said that he had been contacted prior to the meeting by Carmen Reid and Janet Gibson regarding a presentation they wished to give. Carmen Reid had been researching the original architect of the site, and she had reason to believe that it was Gardner Daily. She had also reached out to the National Archives and as soon as they open she hoped to gain access to those files. She had also found some 1946 drawings by Joseph Esherick, the architect of Sea Ranch, who had designed an addition at the training school. She had also submitted an application to designate the site on the National Register, and she pointed out that GSA had incorrect information about which buildings had been demolished. She urged the board to give this item more time, at least until they heard back from the National Register so that the site could be fully evaluated by the state and national historians. She said the Merchant Marines deserved this and discussed the petition going around to save the buildings that was fully supported by the National Veterans Association. She believed that destroying the buildings without doing a full evaluation would be a disaster. Chair Saxby asked when the application with the National Register had been submitted and what the expected turnaround time was. Ms. Reid said she had submitted the application on the Friday before this meeting and the full evaluation process was between 6-12 months. John Healy believed there was a way for historians to feel that history was being preserved and for Mr. Biggs to get what he needed to make his project happen. He also thought the memo presented by Page & Turnbull didn't cut it and he disputed that there really hadn't been an Adaptive Reuse study. He felt that there was a lot of misinformation on both sides. He addressed the importance of this site and that it was the only one like it in the country. He felt that the City had also given out a lot of misinformation and believed there needed to be another forum so everyone could have their say. Jay Garfinkle said that even though the buildings had been modified that shouldn't take away the fact that the area had historic significance. He believed the push to do this project was because of financial significance which should carry no weight in the decision Approved HAB Meeting Minutes May 6, 2021 5 | HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2021-05-06.pdf |