Representative Town Meeting Annual Budget Meeting Materials - Day 4 (linked)

Tom Dembeck, RTM Moderator
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
May 3, 2021
Dear Members of the RTM,
| write to ask for your support in approving the funding request to rehabilitate the
Nevins cottage. The house is a designated historic property located in the center
of Waterford. In its current neglected state | am sure no one can envision it as
an asset to the center of our town, but it could be. It could open seasonally to
enhance tourism in the area. Visitors could stop in for information on the local
parks, beach, Eugene O’Neill Theater as well as Harkness and even Seaside. |
am sure there are volunteers who would be happy to give their time to staff a
welcome center. Perhaps there could even be items for sale that would generate
revenue.
As a town owned property, the cottage should have been maintained far better
than it has been, but it is not too late for this little house. | understand that there
is a fundraising effort underway to help finance the cottage restoration and that
grant funds are also available. If the RTM approves this request, then | am sure
that donors and the state will be willing to contribute as well.
This little house is so perfectly situated: adjacent to the Historical Society and
nearby Jordan Village the restored cottage will only enhance the character of our
town. In its present state it shows a lack of civic pride. Please vote to approve
the funding so that we can all work together to complete this long neglected
project.
Sincerely,
cc: Robert Brule, First Selectman