Proposed elevator at Marblehead Town House gains support

MARBLEHEAD – The Historical Commission may support the installation of an elevator at the Old Town House but not without some further information.Article 35 in the warrant for the May 7 Town Meeting asks voters to approve an elevator to make the 1727 downtown building handicapped accessible, at a cost of $675,168.So far the proposal has earned the support of the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society Board, which met Tuesday evening and voted to host a presentation by project consultant Don Mills at its annual meeting.The commission plans to discuss the project again at its April meeting.The structure was used for town meetings and voting until 2010, when a state inspector said the town?s measures to admit handicapped voters to the basement were inadequate.A plan to install an elevator in the building failed in 2011, but there is local support for another try. Selectman Judy Jacobi told the Finance Committee Monday the town is seeking grant money to help finance the indoor elevator, which will allow the selectmen to rent the building for weddings and other events. The work can be financed with a one-year debt exclusion override.Selectmen support the project.Only four of the seven commission members were present Tuesday, when acting Chairman William Conly said Jacobi requested their support as well.?I don?t think there?s any question,” Conly said. “I think we unanimously support the idea of restoring the building and installing an elevator.” He noted that the commission would not support the project financially.When he called for a vote, however, only three members voted in favor, not a majority. Commission member Douglas O?Leary abstained. He said he wanted to know if the elevator would change the appearance of the building, inside or out, including the interior wood paneling.Collections Manager Wayne Butler pointed out that the building has been altered from time to time in its history.Jacobi said Wednesday that the elevator will be inside the building and other than a roof vent no changes will be made to the building interior or exterior. “We decided we would not compromise the integrity of the building,” she said, noting that she and other supporters plan to re-educate the public about the project between now and Town Meeting.