Site needs work to stave off more deterioration
DELMAR – To stabilize or not to stabilize, that is the question. The Heath Farm advisory committee is deciding whether to recommend as an interim measure stabilizing the site’s structures, including the barn and silo, while the Town considers how to move forward with the 308 acre property.
The Town hired Thaler, Reilly, Wilson Architecture, a firm specializing in historic building preservation and restoration, to present the committee on March 20 with a full structural assessment of the Heath Farm’s structures. Town Economic Development & Planning Director Rob Leslie said interim measures are needed for a three year period to reduce further deterioration. He said the Town “is looking through the lens that funds are limited and what’s needed without spending a lot to avoid further deterioration, maintain the roof, and handle abatement of hazardous materials.”
Leslie said the architects were tasked with presenting a short term plan “to buy us time to seek grants to put in formal improvements.” Town Open Spaces Coordinator Lauren Axford added stabilization provides “time to implement the vision we are working on.”
Architect Sophia Lane reported that the main structure’s exterior is in “pretty good condition.” However, she noted water and bug damage on the building’s lower portions and that some parts of the roof are in danger of “major collapse.” The structure’s interior received a less optimistic review. Lane said the inside presents “larger issues”, including rusting through panels, water wicking, major roof damage, destroyed material and significant damage to decking.
As a result of these deficiencies, Lane recommended a host of stabilizing repairs, including removing debris and mold, treating interior mold, sistering selected floor joists “so no one falls through the floor”, adding exhaust fans and pulling away the asphalt from the exterior walls. She also said the building entrance needs to be fixed in place because it is “flapping in the breeze.”
Committee member David Yagoda asked whether a partial stabilization to save costs would be better. Architect Steve Reilly said stabilizing the building for now until it deteriorates might undermine getting the structure on the National Register of Historic Places. “They have to feel confident the building has staying power,” he said. Leslie explained that historical landmark status provides opportunities for obtaining grants and tax credits that might be used by future private entities who lease or operate out of the space.
The cost of stabilization is yet unknown. Leslie said the Town will use Highway Department personnel to perform stabilization work. Work the department cannot handle would be put out for bid. Leslie cautioned that the Highway’s Department’s personnel are not available until after spring clean up and road repairing season ends. “Their window is November-March,” he said.
