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Date: 10/3/2023
MONSON — The town of Monson may rethink its decision to demolish the House of Art.
In a recent statement, Town Administrator Jennifer L. Wolowicz acknowledged the community’s strong sentiments against the demolition, recognizing the House of Art as “a symbol of our shared history” and a key community gathering place.
The initial decision for demolition was financially driven, aiming to provide an improved entryway for the fire station.
The Select Board had recently approved a Fire Department proposal to evict the Monson Arts Council (MAC) from its longtime residence, the House of Art, to make way for temporary Fire Department accommodation during renovations. The Select Board reinforced its stance during the Sept. 26 regular session.
Plans indicate the building will be razed for a wider access route to the fire station. The Arts Council has until Jan. 1, 2024, to vacate the premises but was willing to extend the date.
However, Wolowicz said she, Fire Chief Brian Harris, the selectmen, and other town officials “share a similar sentiment that a different solution is needed to balance the community’s interests and fire station renovation project.” The reconsideration follows a series of community engagements, including a review of discussions, recorded meetings, emails, news articles, and social media posts.
Conversations with many Monson residents and business owners also influenced the current stance.
The Monson Arts Council will be invited to an Oct. 10 Select Board meeting to discuss the building’s future.
Furthermore, the town administrator has taken steps to support the House of Art financially. Over $3,900 has been secured as seed money to kickstart a fundraising campaign for the building.
Harris noted safety concerns with larger vehicles entering and exiting the fire station as the main reason for the proposed demolition.
During the Sept. 26 meeting, Select Board Chair Patrica Oney said demolishing the house was justified and saved the town of Monson $200,000. Maintaining the property was not a good conservative fiscal strategy, she added.
The town would work with MAC to find a new space in the spirit of compromise.
In a blog post before the Sept. 26 session, MAC claimed the Select Board offered no prior consultation or proper notification. The group has occupied the 202 Main St. location for decades.
“The discussion at the meeting gave only the briefest mention of the MAC and its current occupation of the building,” the posting noted. “We were dismissed with the comment that ‘nothing much happens in the building’ and a vague reference to rehousing the MAC in another location.”
MAC noted that the group plays a pivotal role in the community, including hosting an annual Thanksgiving craft fair for the past 40 years, a spring art show, a children’s art camp, and a plein air workshop underway.
“The loss of the House of Art would cripple the work of this all-volunteer organization and impoverish the cultural life of the town,” the art council stated.
MAC members Reed Coles, Peter Barnett, and David Duprey appeared before the Select Board.
Coles, the Arts Council’s vice president, said he has maintained the Monson House of Arts for 30 years and “turned it into a first-rate gallery” and storage museum for art and items from Memorial Hall.
During the Sept. 26 meeting, Coles urged reconsideration, highlighting Monson’s arts legacy: “Through the years, the Munson Arts Council has provided regional leadership in arts.”
Coles expressed concerns over the slated Jan. 1, 2024, eviction, placing an “impossible burden” to rearrange the scheduled calendar of events. “The House of Art serves as a unique resource,” he added, “With the demolition of the House of Art, this reputation is at risk.”
Coles expressed hope for collaboration between the two parties, acknowledging respect for Harris and the Fire Department. He supported upgrades to the fire station but wants to work with the town on a “win-win situation” that benefits all sides.
“The House of Art is also listed on the Massachusetts Historic Buildings list,” Coles said. He had a letter from the Monson Historical Commission read into the record. He noted broad community support, with 98% backing an unofficial petition.
Selectman John R. Morrell said there was a need for more communication among the parties. “I know that this board wants to look for a solution that’s good for everybody,” he said. He asked how much time the Arts Council needed to vacate the building.
Morrell opposed spending over $250,000 to house firefighters in temporary structures during renovations. Harris estimated the renovations would take a year to complete.
Coles explained the building would need extensive modifications for the Fire Department to move in.
“If we were to move back, we would need to rearrange it to its present condition, a state-of-the-art gallery and art storage,” he said. “The building works hand-in-glove with Memorial Hall."
Arts Council member Chase Burnett questioned if using the building to house firefighters during construction would save the town money. The building would need at least a kitchen and showers.
Harris said the department would move in existing furniture, and no discussions about showering or kitchen facilities were held. “We have to make sure there’s a working bathroom in the facility,” he said, and internet.
The fire chief said the cost of portable housing was $205,000. Coles countered the town voted to spend the $200,000, money as a taxpayer he would rather see unspent. Oney said a related town item was demolishing the building.
Coles felt misled when the $200,000 and demolitions line items were voted on.
Harris said the “existing condition” was the driveway, first noted in a 1978 assessment and recently in 2022. The building was considered an access point, and the narrow driveway was deemed “unsafe” for emergency vehicles.
After taking measurements, Coles said the driveway was wide and long enough for vehicles. He witnessed an ambulance navigate the roadway with no problems.
Harris said state codes call for 25 feet of unobstructed access for fire trucks. He added that the Fire Department responds to upward of 1,400 emergencies yearly. “The access road is not wide enough to accommodate emergency apparatuses and responding personnel,” he said.
Cars parked in the restricted access leave less room for the apparatuses to maneuver. Harris said pleas to the public to refrain from parking along the restricted areas are often ignored. Razing the House of Art would improve sight and vehicle visibility.
Harris also stated that people often need help finding the Fire Department, less than 200 feet from the House of Art.
Selectman Peter A. Warren favored “staying the course,” though it sounded “cold.” He recommended moving forward with the renovation project and eventual demolition. Morell said the town must make a “super solid effort” to find MAC a new home.
Oney followed that her personal feelings differed from her position as a Select Board member. While she would like the house to remain intact, she cited the town votes, firefighter safety, and $250,000 for upgrades at 202 Main St. in pursuing the demolition.
Oney pledged to offer MAC enough time and assistance in finding a new location. She praised the Arts Council’s passion for the House of Art. “We want to help you. We want you to stay,” she said. “Whatever we can do to help you, we’re here for you.