CHESHIRE, Mass. — Town Hall will be considered for naming to the National Register of Historic Places, which will allow the town to apply for historical restoration grants. 

 

The selectmen received a letter from the state on Tuesday inviting them to a Massachusetts Historical Commission meeting at the State Archives in Dorchester on Sept. 14 for application review. The state Historical Commission administers the National Register in Massachusetts.

 

The Colonial revival brick building dates to 1898 and was designed by Archibald Ellsworth.

 

If accepted, Cheshire could apply for state restoration grants to make much-needed repairs to the aging building. 

 

"That is great news," Chairman Paul Astorino said. "That is good because we dearly need some help trying to get this place squared away and in good shape."

 

Selectwoman Carol Francesconi said first on the list is gutter work and the repointing of bricks.

 

Town Administrator Mark Webber said although the Selectmen are invited to a review meeting, the buildings acceptance is probably a done deal.

 

"They hold a ceremony when you are a nominated ... it is looking good. They don't send these out unless you are in," Webber said. "They are not inviting you to watch them review an application. I sense they are inviting you there for the approval."

 

In other business, the Sand Mill Road Bridge repair plan has passed the technical review stage with state Department of Transportation after a series of communications between MassDOT and the hired engineer. 

 

The bridge had to be closed last year because of its unsafe condition and deterioration. The town is using money set aside for paving to make repairs to the bridge. Many residents have complained about the inconvenience and longer travel times because of the closure.

 

The cost is estimated between $150,000 and $250,000.

 

The plan must now be approved by the chief engineer at MassDOT Bridge. Webber said he has no idea how long this process will take.

 

The Selectmen also heard from an Outlook Avenue resident concerned about overgrown grass on the sides of the road.

 

Astorino said the Highway Department will get to it and is in the process of cutting now.

 

"A lot of the back roads are like that," he said. "It has been a bad summer we have been short one highway employee and the machine broke down ... but it will get done."