The most pressing topic was the allocation of $225,000 in ARPA funds for scoping work and preliminary design for the Lunenburg Municipal Building Design Committee. The speaker emphasized that these funds should be directed toward actual projects rather than preliminary phases, arguing that both town hall and the Ritter building are in critical need of repairs. Past cost estimates for these projects, dating back to 2018, have not been updated, resulting in outdated financial planning.

The conversation highlighted a pressing need for exterior work on the town hall and Ritter building, including roof repairs, gutters, and window replacements. One window in the main conference room of the town hall was noted to be deteriorating and in need of immediate attention. The speaker stressed the urgency of these repairs, pointing out that the ARPA funds must be allocated through signed contracts by December 31 to avoid losing the funding.

There was a call to prioritize these exterior repairs over less urgent projects, such as a handicap ramp, which could be delayed. The speaker also expressed the willingness to gather input from other commission members to present a united front to Carter before engaging with the select board.

The discussion then turned to the Lunenburg Municipal Building Design Committee, which had struggled to meet quorum, leading to delays in their agenda. The committee is tasked with reporting to the town at the November 2023 meeting and is considering a hybrid model to build an addition to the Ritter complex and modify its interior for the school committee’s relocation. Further dialogue and site visits were planned to ensure all members could review the required work effectively.

The meeting also addressed the renovation of Tom Hall to serve as a meeting room, with TC Passos intended as a temporary space during the remodeling. There was a consensus to hire an architect to provide scoping and conceptual floor plans, elevations, and cost estimates for the renovation. However, skepticism was expressed by some members, with concerns about the feasibility and timing of securing necessary funding. Public opposition was noted, particularly regarding the TC Passos project, which some attendees deemed unworthy of investment due to the building’s condition.

Financial concerns dominated the conversation, with estimates for the addition and interior renovations for Town Hall reaching up to $15 million. The need for precise cost estimates as part of the scoping effort was emphasized, and the ambitious timeline for selecting an architect and completing plans was questioned, especially given the year-end deadline for certain funds.

Discussions also explored the potential sale and future use of the Brooks House on Massachusetts Avenue. The commission directed the select board to convey a non-exclusive perpetual easement for the existing driveway and parking lot associated with the town library, allowing access to the property under terms set by the select board. Up to eight additional parking spaces nearest the property were requested to accommodate future business customers.

The commission expressed a desire to place the Brooks House for sale by October 2025, with updated language for the proposals. Strategic planning for presenting these proposals to the select board was deemed critical to gaining support and avoiding rejection. The potential for the property to be used for mixed purposes, such as a business on the ground floor with residential space above, was discussed.

Concerns were raised about the structural issues of the Brooks House. The commission proposed submitting the item to place the Brooks House for sale on the town warrant, recognizing that even if rejected, it would open the door for more thorough future discussions.

The status of a demolition delay for a property on Mass Avenue was another topic of concern. The lack of submitted paperwork from developers was extending the demolition delay, and collaboration with the planning board was suggested. The commission debated the potential merging of APDC bylaws with those of the historical commission to create a more comprehensive approach to historic preservation.