Historic Harwich

A Strange Silence

 No Word Yet on the Lease

            I really shouldn't be surprised at the strange silence going on at Town Hall. After the difficult preparations for town meeting, I can see how a rest period would be in order. However, the Board of Selectmen wrapped things up rather early this past Monday night with two important projects in the mill that I am interested in. There is no word yet on the impending lease of the old rec. building (O.R.B.) to the Harwich Junior Theatre. I understand that there is tweaking going on. On Monday night, the BOS had an opportunity to air concerns regarding the lease and what the tweaking  is about. On the other hand, negotiations of this kind may need privacy. Yet, there was no executive session called to find out where the town stands on the matter. At any rate, the public has a right to know that this important step is moving along and whether or not it is falling into the category of "planned delays".

 No Word Yet on the RFP for Affordable Housing

            I can't tell if  the issuing of the RFP for affordable housing on the O.R.B. site is contingent upon the signing of the lease or if the two are interconnected or if it isn't ready or if that, too, is in the "planned delay" box. Where is it?

 What's the Plan?

            There is a lot to do. I wish we could have a plan to look at with milestones and all that good stuff. Which comes first? Which events trigger others? For example, money has been awarded from CPA funds for the removal of the vinyl siding on the O.R.B. This is critical for the building to be eligible for the Registry of Historic Buildings. Money is there for window repair and foundation repair. What is the order in which these repairs will take place? I am quite discouraged about the amount of money recently awarded for the siding: $50,000. It's a pittance, I believe, to quiet the advocates for the building, for the Historic District, and for the revitalization of Harwich Center.

I have said before that I admire the remarkable work at the South Meeting House, but it is difficult to accept the vast difference in the amount of funding ($260,000 vs. $50,000) when the impact of funding is so different in importance. No, I haven't forgotten the previous levels of funding.

What I'm struggling with is the fact that we have a tenant ready to take over the building, a nationally-known tenant, a tenant with a history in Harwich dating back over fifty years. The Harwich Junior Theatre was founded in 1952 in Harwich. As a landlord, the town stinks. There is no other word for it. It's like a slum lord refusing or delaying repairs on a project and expecting people to rent a place in as-is condition. I don't get it. I have said it a hundred times, if I have said it once: "How can we expect someone to lease the building in its current condition?" Is it acceptable for the building to have toilets in a dark dungeon of a cellar with a port-o-potty outside? Sorry, I don't know the French word for it. And why do we have to accept the notion that a building of this import doesn't have to be fully up to code to let it out in good condition. I am not surprised at the foot dragging going on. There is no plan, no timetable. What is going to happen this year, never mind next year? And if I hear "tear it down" one more time I'll have a conniption.

 It Does Take Money, but ........

Yes, it does take money, but the worst of it is that there is no commitment, no fire in the bellies of the BOS to get things done. It comes from the top. There is no fire in the belly of the Historic District Commission and others to SHOUT FROM THE ROOFTOPS. Without the fire, there is no realization of the dream. So far it's still smoke and mirrors.

 KISS (Keep it Simple S. . . . .)

            I'll try one more time to say in simple terms what my flailing about is all about. I urge the BOS and Historic District Commission (combined committees) to adopt the following: (sign and deliver):

            Whereas the goal is to enliven Historic Harwich Center for the good of the creative economy with positive consequences for the whole town:, and

            Whereas the goal is to unify the historic buildings and parks in the Historic District so that they represent, as a whole, the history of the town and the place of the town in the history of the country, thus making the area an attraction for tourists, and

            Whereas, the goal is to restore the O.R.B to its rightful place in the  Historic District and have it added to the federal and state Registry of Historic Buildings, and

            Whereas, the goal is to make the O.R.B. fit for occupancy by a tenant with cultural intentions,

            Be it here resolved that  <insert name> accepts the above goals and will exercise all of its powers to accomplish them.

 Actually, I would like to see a modification of this signed and delivered (with conviction) by every citizen of the town, every representative, and every organization. It is a simple package., nothing complex by any means. Maybe I'm not as verbal as I should be, or as persuasive as I should be, but anyone who can express it better, I welcome your suggestions.  E-mail me at jprophet4@verizon.net . All messages held in strict confidence.

 A Few Announcements:

 I-Bake-Da-Pie Club: The Harwich Historical Society will hold its Annual Pie Sale on August 23, 2009 to  generate funds for its ongoing programs. Each year, a fine group of bakers bake 100 pies for sale and the response is overwhelming.

This year, Gerry Loftus and I are looking for a group of gentlemen bakers to bake an additional 100 apple pies, thus doubling the funds for the  Society. All bakers will receive recognition as members of the official I-Bake-Da-Pie Club and will receive a ticket for a raffle. Winners will receive an 8 X10 caricature drawn by a local artist. This year, the event will honor Harwich resident, Muriel Wadsworth, a Betty Crocker model from 1955-1965. For more information, contact me, John Prophet at 508-430-7850 or e-mail at jprophet4@verizon.net.