Ayer Historical Commission backs Sandy Pond Schoolhouse phase two grant application

AYER -- August 19, 2020, Ayer Historical Commission unanimously endorses $187,340 Sandy Pond Schoolhouse grant request. The commission voted 3-0 at its August 19 meeting to send a letter of support to the Community Preservation Committee for the Sandy Pond Schoolhouse Association's phase two CPC application, which seeks $187,340 from the historic preservation fund to complete accessible entrances, a new washroom, window restoration, electrical work, and exterior repairs. The Ayer Select Board issued its own letter of support the same day, writing that the project is "an investment in the preservation of the town's history" and pledging to back the funds at town meeting. The phase one structural restoration, funded by an earlier CPC grant, is nearly complete and expected to finish roughly $4,000 to $5,000 under budget. The Community Preservation Committee public hearing on the phase two application is scheduled for September 2.