During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the potential demolition of a historic house located on Taylor Street, owned by local farmer Dan Costanzo. The property, which features a Christmas tree farm and has been in Costanzo's family for generations, is over 100 years old, triggering a 90-day demolition delay to allow for further evaluation.
Costanzo has expressed his intention to tear down the existing structure to make way for new construction, having already hired an architect for the project. Committee members discussed the importance of visiting the site to assess the house's condition and historical significance. They noted that any site visit would be strictly for fact-finding purposes, prohibiting deliberation or discussion about the property during the visit.
The committee also revisited a program initiated several years ago aimed at salvaging artifacts from demolished historic homes. Although the program has seen limited success, members expressed interest in reviving it, particularly in light of the upcoming demolition. They recalled previous instances where salvaged items were repurposed in other local homes.
In addition to the demolition discussions, the meeting touched on the installation of a new sign marking the entrance to the Pembroke historic district. The sign will be placed on a bridge, with plans in motion to ensure it meets safety regulations, including breakaway features to prevent accidents.
As the committee prepares for the site visit and further discussions regarding the historic house, the future of the property remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing tension between development and preservation in the community.