Marblehead historic panel backs Old Town House elevator

MARBLEHEAD – Historical Commission Chairman Chris Johnston said Tuesday his board is on the record in support of the installation of an elevator at the Old Town House, a National Historic Site.Selectman Judy Jacobi, who staunchly supports making the 1727 government structure handicapped accessible, discussed the proposal with the commission Tuesday.Article 35 in the warrant for the May 7 Town Meeting asks the town to approve the $675,168 renovation and installation, which will have to be financed with a debt exclusion override. The same proposal failed in an override election last year.Jacobi said the project could be financed in one year, which would add $64.10 to the tax bill for a median home for one year, or as a five-year bond issue, which would add $14.28 to the median home tax bill each year for five years.?Last year this only passed in Precinct 1,” she said. “Word got around that this was being done so that Precinct 1 could vote there.”?We want all Marbleheaders to use this building, as well as visitors,” she said.If the building is handicapped accessible it can be rented for weddings and other events, and the town can hold public meetings there, she said.Jacobi recalled seeing a debate between two candidates for state representative at the Old Town House shortly after she and her husband moved to town in 1978.?We were taken with its history,” she said.