Design Review Board Meeting

Present: Brenda Madkour, John Watanabe, Ray Ferrarin; Tim Waker, Bob Bushee, Alan Benoit, John Watanabe, Gerry Deyo, John Griffin; Bill Drunsic, Craig Hunter; NDS Exec Dir Carol Kern, their architect Mark Wesner, Neil Reilly; Devin Colman, VT Div of Hist Pres; also Planning Director/Zoning Administrator Lee Krohn

Northshire Day School, 5484 Main Street: a site visit was held at 9:00 A.M. to observe the historic barn first hand, and to hear first hand from architect Mark Wesner as to the structure and condition of the barn. Built in the late 1800's, the barn appears to be in good structural condition, although it suffers from some problems caused by moisture, leaks, and powder post beetles. No maintenance has been performed since NDS moved to this site, although the cupola was removed and roofing replaced in that central part of the structure. Milking stanchions and other remnants of the barn’s agricultural past remain in the basement.

In order to help keep all parties informed, and to gain the best information possible, members of Design Review, Development Review, and the Planning Commission were present; also invited and attending was a representative from the Vermont Division of Historic Preservation (since they will be involved in any subsequent Act 250 amendment). It was suggested that the Division’s Advisory Council may not be supportive of losing the barn, and that NDS may want to take action to stabilize the structure and prevent further deterioration until resolution or an alternate plan is reached.

With no other business, the site visit concluded at 9:55 A.M.

Respectfully submitted by Lee Krohn.