Cheshire Considering Changing Name of Former Elementary School
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen is considering changing the name of the former Cheshire Elementary School building, or rather changing it back, to the Cheshire Community House.
The board discussed the proposal at its meeting on Monday. When the building was originally dedicated in 1923, it was referred to as the "Cheshire School and Community House."
"A proposal was brought forward to me based on a plaque that was found in the old school," said Board Chair Michelle Francesconi. "The original section of the elementary school, it was also named the Cheshire Community House and that plaque reflects such."
Francesconi said the change would be fitting for the 100-year anniversary of the building's dedication, which is next year. She said it is important, however, to have community support for the name change.
"It seemed fitting in the proposal that community house," she said. "I did look up 'community house' in the Merriam Webster dictionary and it said, 'a center consisting often of a single building for a community's social, cultural, recreational, and civic activities.'"
The board will look for feedback on the proposed change, with plans to hold a dedication to the space for the 100-year anniversary.
In other business, the town has been awarded $633,000 from MassWorks for roadwork to be done on Route 116. These funds are in addition to yearly state Chapter-90 funding, which is meant for municipal road repairs.
"That's $633,000 we can spend up there," said Town Administrator Jennifer Morse. "We can play with Chapter-90 funds and see what we can do."
Morse said the amount is more than is needed, which could allow the town to use extra funds for Stafford Hill Road and other places.
The Board approved a facility use request for the Cheshire Senior Center for a baby shower.
Board members discussed specifics of the use form for the space and use of the kitchen facilities. Board Member Raymond Kileen suggested the group look into making the form less vague.
Tags: rename,
