By JEFF EPSTEIN
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CHESTER Vt. – It seems Chester will be able to save its old firehouse after all. The board is considering applying for a state grant that would help it pay for the costs of restoring an old firehouse that contains valuable vintage firefighting equipment.
Until recently, it was unclear who held title to the property, but board chair Arunas “Arne” Jonynas said during Wednesday’s regular meeting that it had been determined that the town itself owned the old firehouse.
The selectboard also consulted by phone with state architectural historian Devin Colman, and asked whether he had any concerns. “Nothing jumped out at me,” he said. Colman appeared enthusiastic about helping the town apply for the state historical grant. He also made clear to the board that, contrary to the concerns of some Chester citizens, a designation of the firehouse for the National Registry of Historical Places would not restrict the town from renovating or changing the building. The only time any restrictions come into play, he said, was if federal or state historical preservation grants are involved, as Chester is considering. But it is the grant, he said, and not the NRHP designation that causes any concern. Even then, he said, the renovation could go forward, and the firefighting equipment inside adds to the building’s value.
There might also be a concern, he said, if the firehouse were physically moved a substantial distance away from its historical place. But a shorter distance, such as the board is reportedly considering to keep it safe from a local river, would not be an issue.
Board members were very happy with the conversation, which apparently clears the way to apply for a state grant. “It’s a very special building,” said board member Heather Chase.
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