[MassHistPres] our town hall

[WestmillPres at aol.com]

To all: I have for years refrained from replying to these discussions, but 
the discourse of Our Town Hall has put me over the brink. Specifically, the 
comments of Mr. Win Wilbur, who sends in his expertise on behalf of his son who is 
a builder who specializes in renovation, or if the need calls, restoration. I 
will spare everyone the disparity of these three terms. Mr. Wilbur suggests 
that if one was to employ a knowlegeable base of painters and woodworkers it 
would increase the cost and tax burden on such a project. He misses the point. 
People who are trained and familiar with the restoration and maintenance of 
historic structures know how to deal with the issues that arise- similar to how a 
plumber knows how to fix a burst pipe, or an electician a frayed wire. A 
builder is likely to be unfamiliar with the needs of an historic building. Mr. 
Wilburs story of his friend on Cape Elizabeth that requires yearly maintenance 
simply because the building is old might suggest that the friend is not hiring 
the proper personnel. I have been in the preservation business for fifteen 
years, and would be happy to give Mr. Wilbur a tour of exterior woodwork that is 
going on to 8-10 year painting cycles, if the initial investment in terms of 
restoration is met. There is no replacement for the material used in 
construction of historic buildings. This sentiment has been collaborated by many in this 
discussion, the story by the window woman as an example. Those that argue to 
the contrary are ignorant of the facts. My facts are derived from years of 
personal experience and no goal of self promotion.
    Finally, one further comment on this issue. The heart and soul of the CPA 
act was to aid in the PRESERVATION of historic structures in addition to the 
acquisition of open space and affordable housing. The use of these funds to 
degrade the historic structure by replacing windows that have stood the test of 
time far beyond what any replacement material could hope for, not to mention 
the ludicrsy of Aztec trim boards is incomprehensable. The materials that exist 
will outperform those suggested as a replacement, and the suggestion that 
traditional materials require more maintenance is a matter of work standards and 
experience. The architect hired for this project should be banned from any CPA 
funded project with comments like you cannot tell the difference from 15 
feet. The success of the CPA is dependent on the ability of the appointed 
commissions to stick to there guns and do what is right. Good luck, and I hope you 
call in the right people to complete your project for the best value to your 
taxpayers under the true intent of the CPA. Mason Cook, Halifax Massacusetts



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