When determined preservationists present an idea benefiting the community to receptive government leaders, the result is “The Plan.”

Occasionally, we are pleased to say, it works.

Hagerstown City Council Approves MOU

Last week the Mayor and City Council of Hagerstown voted to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with members of the Washington County Historical Trust (WCHT) and the Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance (ACWA). The memorandum sets forth the method by which these two organizations will accurately restore the Saylor House in Kiwanis Park and create a center for nature and history. The WCHT and ACWA will jointly establish their headquarters in the building, hosting educational and recreational programs, and opening the facility to other groups.

(click on any image for enlargement)

The Memorandum of Understanding

According to the MOU, the City will use Program Open Space funds to extend utilities to the house, and build a handicapped-accessible path and ramp to the building. The City will also provide $10,000 for architectural drawings. WCHT and ACWA will restore the house and build the rest room, both of which will be available to the public as determined feasible. WCHT will direct the restoration of the structure, and ACWA’s main focus will be the natural environment, the outdoor areas and landscaping. The groups are committed to host a minimum of eight public events per year, with the anticipation that there will be many more activities in this center each year.

We would like to thank ALL the hundreds of people who have written, called, and in other ways expressed interest in this project, and more importantly, a willingness to help! At this point we are assessing the needs for the Saylor House Project, and creating plans to move forward. There will be many opportunities for volunteer involvement in this exciting project. Here is a short list of the many areas that will need to be addressed:

• Documentation of the building
• Accurate repointing of the structure
• Roofing
• Assessment of rebuilding of windows
• Structural  integrity
• Landscaping and outdoor areas (ACWA)

All we can say is, Thank You!!