The most-endangered list often serves as a catalyst for extension preservation opportunities, according to the statewide organization. Watch video
The steeple of the First Church of Monson lies in ruins on the lawn of the church the day after three devastating tornadoes hit Western and Central Massachusetts.SPRINGFIELD – A statewide historic preservation organization, currently compiling its annual list of “most endangered” historic properties, has decided to focus its attention this year solely on the communities affected by the June 1 tornadoes that swept through Hampden and Worcester counties.
Preservation Massachusetts, a nonprofit group, announced last week that it is accepting nominations for its 2011 “Most Endangered Historic Resources” program. However, it is limiting the selections to the tornado-damaged communities including Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Westfield, Brimfield, Monson, Wilbraham, Southbridge and Sturbridge.
Benjamin Murphy, president of the Springfield Preservation Trust, praised the effort.
“The Preservation Trust is always pleased when the spotlight is on preservation in Western Massachusetts and specifically in Springfield,” Murphy said. “It gets people to realize there is a danger to losing these historic properties and adds the possibility of having support from the public on reuse and preservation of these sites.”
The tornado caused significant damage to historically significant properties in the Maple Street and Six Corners area, he said. The trust will consider making some recommendations for the list, he said.
The annual listing of the most-endangered historic resources is cited by the statewide organization “as one of the our most important preservation advocacy and education tools .¤.¤. and often serves as a catalyst for extensive preservation opportunities,” Preservation Massachusetts stated.
Prior local properties placed on the “most endangered” list have included Old First Church at Court Square, a fire-damaged historic duplex at 25-27 Elliott St., and the Allis Mansion at the Mercy Medical Center complex on Carew Street.
Nominations can be made by individuals, groups or organizations that are concerned about a particular property, structure or landscape, Preservation Massachusetts stated.
The deadline for nominations is Aug. 5. Additional information and nomination forms are available on the group’s website at www.preservationmass.org.
In related news, Preservation Massachusetts has announced plans to conduct an “Ask the Expert” day on Aug. 11, at Springfield College, related to providing guidance for repairs and rehabilitation of historic properties and landscapes damaged by the tornadoes. The event will be in Judd Gymnasium from 3 to 7 p.m.
Preservation Massachusetts, in the aftermath of the tornadoes, issued a call for volunteers to assist the affected communities with historic preservation efforts. Nearly 100 responses were received including professionals willing to help with the “Ask the Expert” day.
The event will feature professionals with expertise in a variety of areas including architecture and construction, officials said.
In other news, state Sen. Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham, has filed a bill that, she said, would enhance the penalty for fraud and larceny in connection with a declared disaster or state of emergency.
Candaras said it was important to ensure that people already victimized by the tornadoes “are not victimized again by anyone who would seek to take advantaged of these unprecedented circumstances.”
If passed, it would provide a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for anyone who steals from or defrauds a victim of a declared disaster or state of emergency.