Glengarry home subject of demolition debate

Residents and stakeholders are at odds about whether a historic home at 7 Glengarry Road should be torn down to make way for a new building.

Proponents argue the house should be demolished because it is a health and safety risk, while opponents say that tearing down the home, which has been unoccupied for years, could negatively impact the surrounding area.

Studies by a building inspector, industrial hygienist and environmental engineer all revealed a significant amount of black mold contamination, according to Elaine Vreeland, the towns conservation administrator.

At Mondays Board of Selectmen meeting, Glengarry Road resident David Estridge spoke on behalf of neighbors who want the home condemned and demolished.

"The last thing we or our neighbors want is to tear town any building of historical significance," Estridge said. "But its gone from an abandoned eyesore to a frightening health and safety hazard."

Prospective buyers Marc Archer and Lara Henshaw Archer determined the level of contamination was too great to remediate, Vreeland said. They filed a notice of intent back in May to tear it down and build a new home in keeping with the character of the current building.

The Conservation Commission, which was required to sign off on the project due to its proximity to Wedge Pond, hosted a public hearing on the issue and visited the site before issuing an order of conditions on June 11 allowing the demolition.

But a group of more than 10 individuals has filed an appeal to the states Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protesting that decision. They argue the demolition would negatively impact the resource area around the home, including Wedge Pond, Vreeland said.

Complicating the matter is the fact the home is part of a historic district, meaning both the DEP and the Massachusetts Historical Commission must weigh in before a demolition can move forward, Vreeland said.

"Its one of our more complex issues," she said.

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Glengarry home subject of demolition debate