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Town of Bennington 1998 Annual Report

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) members serve the Planning Commission and Select Board in an advisory capacity, and in so doing, help to coordinate activities that are important to Bennington's preservation goals. As a participant in Vermont's Certified Local Government (CLG) Program, the Historic Preservation Commission has the ability to promote the value of historic resources in local community development efforts. Through a partnership at the local, state, and federal level, this program allows the Commission to provide grants and technical assistance to the Town for a range of activities that encourage preservation of our historic and archaeological resources. The Commission works with Bennington's Community Development Director, Helen Whyte, who serves as its Secretary.

Of special value to the Historic Preservation Commission during 1998, was the opportunity to review and offer assistance on several projects. At the request of the Planning Commission, the Histori(~ Preservation Commission provided suggestions for updating historic preservation policies contained in the Town Plan. The Historic Preservation Commission also had the opportunity to provide input on proposed projects involving historic properties in Bennington. These included:

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places for the Carrigan Lane Historic District, and reviewed the preliminary nomination for the Cora B. Whitney site. The acceptance of a property to the National Register indicates its importance to Bennington's history.

An important goal of the Historic Preservation Commission is to offer educational opportunities that encourage a broader understanding and appreciation of historic resources by the general public. Toward this end, a code workshop "Solving Code and Accessibility Problems in Historic Buildings", was offered in February. This effort was made possible with the cooperation of the Bennington Community Development Department, the Building and Zoning Department, the Better Bennington Corporation, the Vermont Department of Labor and Industry and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.

The Commission continued its successful partnership with the Better Bennington Corporation (BBC) with the completion of two projects initiated during the previous year: (1) The distribution of a handbook based on the successful "South Street Forum" workshop. This handbook will provide a format for others to use in looking at ways to protect historic resources while promoting economic development. (2) Beautiful and informative history panels were designed and produced for our downtown Kiosk. One is permanently displayed and four are rotating panels to be displayed only at certain times. The Historic Preservation Commission and Better Bennington Corporation are very proud of this creative way to share our community's history with townspeople and visitors. Our sincerest appreciation to Heidi Humphrey and company for a job well done!

Bennington's rich archaeological resources continue to place southern Vermont in the spotlight. The US Pottery excavations at the Bennington Elementary School site took place during the spring and summer with Historic Preservation Commission member, Victor Rolando, acting as dig supervisor. Prehistoric excavations at the Cloverleaf site produced features and artifacts which identify it as a "single time era site" used by inhabitants about 4000 years ago. The Silk Road site, investigated earlier, shows evidence of habitation over a longer period, beginning some 7000 years ago. The community as a whole has taken a keen interest in our "digs" and with many visiting the excavations.

As Vermont focuses on the importance of saving its historic downtowns, finding innovative and creative uses for older buildings takes on new meaning. We salute community organizations such as the Vermont Arts Exchange who have done just that in their proposed art uses for two historic firehouses. Bennington has recently been approved as a Designated Downtown, thereby making us eligible for reinvestment incentives under the Vermont Downtown Development Act. Maintaining our historic integrity is a crucial component to developing a healthy, vibrant downtown. We look forward to working with the Town, the Planning Commission, and other community members to find ways to preserve what is important about our past.

Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Yorke, Chair

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