The fate of the Anderson Barn should be known tonight.
Lunenburg Town Council will make a decision on Lunenburg Heritage Homes application to demolish the barn.
Engineers reports showing the structure is unsalvageable have been presented to council.
Gerry Rolfsen, speaking for LHH describes what will happen to the barn if left in its current condition.
“The barn would remain empty. It would continue to deteriorate and the southern edge of the street would ultimately claim the barn and push it over.”
According to the engineer’s reports, a below grade retaining wall holding up part of Pelham street is pushing against the foundation of the barn.
“Because of the modern loads that are placed on the street – they’re not horses and buggies anymore – these forces from the traffic on the street are slowly pushing this retaining wall into the barn and it’s pushing the barn.”
LHH plans to remove the barn to rebuild the retaining wall to current standards.
LHH is facing opposition to the demolition from several groups based on the barn’s position in historic old town.
Meanwhile,
The Lunenburg Heritage Society opposes the demolition of the Anderson barn.
In a letter to council, society chair Ashlee Feener says the demolition of the Anderson Barn would be “a contravention of all that Lunenburg stands for as a heritage community.”
Their full position will be presented at council tonight.
