Hawthorne Farmhouse: Opening Up to the Public Process, Buttoning Up Against the Elements and Unwanted Visitors

As recently noted, the Historical Commission imposed a demolition delay on the circa 1790-1830 house on the Hawthorne farm (235 East Pleasant St.), which the Town of Amherst acquired for purposes of recreation and affordable housing.  Now that this review process is complete, the Town is about to undertake the long-awaited public input process, to determine specific preferences and possibilities for the use of the property.

The first step will be an opportunity for the public to tour the land and buildings with Town staff, at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, 6 November.  Traffic on East Pleasant St. is heavy and parking limited, so participants are instructed to assemble in the nearby Wildwood School parking lot.

Because it will take quite some time to develop a detailed plan for the property, the Town's first concern is to secure the structure against vandalism or other inappropriate activity.

A broken window represents the problem.

broken pane on the ground floor, to right of entrance porch

 Plywood sheets leaning against the barn represent the solution.

plywood sheets at the ready near the circa 1890 barn

I myself have a scheduling conflict and will be unable to take part in the walk-through, but I've already seen the property on a Historical Commission site visit preparatory to the demolition delay hearing.  I would, however, be very interested to learn of the reactions of any residents who do take part.

The next major step in the input process will be a public forum at Town Hall: Thursday, December 9, Town Hall, First Floor Meeting Room, 7:00 p.m.