The Historical Commission unanimously authorized interim Chair R. Richard Conard on Oct. 7 to present a railroad engine house excavation and interpretation concept to the Community Preservation Committee. The vote allowed an initial funding discussion; it did not authorize excavation or construction spending.
Members considered an approximately $125,000 excavation estimate prepared two years earlier. That figure excluded soil contamination work and reconstruction of the masonry. Discussion centered on how much to spend uncovering the foundations versus creating an interpretive site visitors could see.
Cali Corp. of Natick was the sole bidder for cemetery restoration work. Qualifications and references were still being reviewed, and the price had not been opened. About $175,000 remained available for the project.
Conard reported that four fabricated rail-trail interpretive signs remained delayed by state Department of Conservation and Recreation review and easement issues, while 10 other signs could proceed. The Department of Public Works offered up to $5,000 for the design and installation of an interpretive sign at Sherman’s Bridge.
