Town Meeting votes no on restoring historic British Landing chimney

After some debate, Town Meeting on Tuesday voted against using $100,000 in Community Preservation Act money to restore the chimney at British Landing Condominiums.

"We're facing a difficult decision. ... The structure has begun to deteriorate at a rapid pace," said Carol Anderson, a resident of British Landing. "We are faced with the prospect of having to demolish" the chimney.

Residents of British Landing Condominiums would have provided $40,000 toward the project.

The Finance Committee voted not to support the article, acknowledging the historic value of the property, but opining that the "financial climate of the town should direct their vote."

Voters thought that $100,000 could be used elsewhere.

"Heck of a deal," said resident Ed Pacewicz. "I have a problem with my chimney and I go to the [Community Preservation Committee] to fix it?"

Pacewicz added that he did not feel the project warranted the $100,000 requested.

British Landing residents and the Community Preservation Committee argued that the money would help preserve the property's rich history.

British Landing got its name from an incident during the War of 1812. In the year 1814, 200 British troops came ashore, and terrorized the town before leaving with several hostages.

The property also has roots in Wareham's economic history, having once housed the Wareham Manufacturing Company, then the Franconia Iron Works, and others.

During World War II, the building was used by the A.D. Makepeace Company to dry out excess berries for shipment to troops overseas.

Community Preservation Act funding is generated by a 3% property tax surcharge, with the first $100,000 of a property's assessed value exempt from the levy. Matching state funds come from a tax on property transfers. It may be used for recreation, affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects.

Voters did approve the use of $50,000 of Community Preservation funding to rehabilitate 24 affordable apartments in Cranberry Manor, located in West Wareham. Owner South Shore Housing will also receive state funding that was contingent upon the approval of the Community Perservation money.

Also approved was a request for $30,000 in Community Preservation funds for an assessment of the town's playgrounds and three areas of open space, which will help the town determine how to restore the playgrounds and what to do with the areas.