A structural engineer will start a review of the Sands Ring Homestead this week and will prepare a report on what needs to be done and what it’s likely to cost.
At the May 6 Town Board work session, Supervisor Randy Clark suggested that the Town Board would take responsibility for funding the repairs, and would form a committee of residents who are anxious to help. “A number of organizations want to hold fund raisers,” Mr. Clark said, “and so far we’ve done nothing. The building has deteriorated since last fall.”
Earlier in the year, the Town Board had hoped that the Historical Society and the Friends of Sands Ring could work together on fund raising. But at last month’s meeting it was apparent that the plan was not taking shape.
Once the engineering report is done, the Town Board expects to hold a special meeting and establish a priority list. “People need to know what they’re donating to,” Councilman Peter Russell observed.
Councilwoman Helen Bunt agreed that it’s easier to raise money when people know where it’s going. She mentioned that, among other costs, the building will need an exterminator.
At the Garden Club Plant Sale, youngsters dressed in period costumes, sold campaign buttons to raise money for repairs.
The Town has some of the money it needs for the project. The Town received $12,000 from the Friends and two grants from the County. The board also set aside $10,000 in each of its last two budgets.