Kent pursues grant for Swift House

KENT — The Board of Selectmen accepted a resolution for a grant application to Connecticut’s State Historic Preservation to initiate the process of placing the Swift House on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The grant, which is for $15,000, would fund the payroll for a contracted architectural historian to survey the property and produce a “historic designation report.” This report would then support the town’s application to enroll the Swift House, which is owned by the town, with the NRHP. The resolution also includes the BOS’s consent to apply for admission to the NRHP as the town’s elected officials.

The selectmen discussed potential uses for the property, including future workforce housing. BOS administrative assistant Joyce Kearns pointed out that redevelopment of any kind will be difficult due to the many restrictions that will be placed upon the structure due to its candidacy as a historic site.

New EDC in talks

The BOS discussed forming a new Economic Development Committee, following the example of other Northwest towns such as Washington, Cornwall, and Salisbury.

First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer cited an injection of energy and activity into the region as a driving factor for developing the new committee.

In the ten years he’s been a full-time resident, “[the town] has changed,” he said, positing that a specified committee on economic development could help streamline the positive effects of that change. With the prospect of affordable housing options in town, Lindenmayer said now is the perfect time to stimulate the town’s economy.

“We play an interesting role in the state,” said Lindenmayer, citing the town’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities, quality of life, and picturesque downtown. Selectwoman Lynn Worthington added that the town’s many art galleries and creative opportunities are an additional draw.