When will the construction start and when will the work be completed ?

• Exterior restoration of the main building will begin this summer. Like the Valley Road School project, construction will be phased as additional funds become available.

 How is the station going to be used?

• NLSSMAC is still gathering information as part of its mandated charge to oversee the reuse and restoration of the Life Saving Station. The goal is to design a recreation-oriented multi-use complex that is financially self–sufficient. There has been discussion of using the first floor boat room for rental to Nahanters for functions and public events. Other first floor ideas include a room for life-saving station (Coast Guard) memorabilia and rental space for local artisans. Second floor uses could include commercial or residential rentals. We expect the garage to be used for recreation. The garage could house a first floor-recreation center for summer use and continue as storage area for the Nahant Sailing program-fall thru spring. Bathroom and shower facilities are also expected to be installed by spring, 2005. And there has been discussion of using the complex as a beach club open to Nahant residents, offering weekend barbecues, etc.

How much is the restoration going to cost ?

• To date, $135,000 was spent replacing the asphalt roof with historically accurate red cedar shingles. And thanks to the Adhoc NLSS Fundraising Committee, an additional $200,000 will continue exterior restoration this July. We expect an additional $500,000 will be required to complete construction. Much of the interior restoration will be done by local contractors who have volunteered their skills. In addition, with the passage of the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which supports historic preservation and other causes, we will request that Town Meeting approve some portion of remaining costs. The Adhoc Fundraising Committee will also continue its efforts.

 Why not a red roof and what color is the building going to be ?

• When constructed in 1900, the Station featured wood shingle siding and roofing, which was allowed to weather naturally. The trim was painted a light color, and there were dark shutters and doors. In 1920 when the U.S. Lifesaving Service was merged with the U.S. Coast Guard, the tradition began of painting the exterior of their many lifesaving stations white with green doors and a red roof. Long-time Nahanters may recollect Chief Maurice Poulin who recounted a story about his tenure at the Station in the early 1960’s, when the crew members spent spare time painting the roof red! Later, red asphalt shingles were installed, continuing the red roof tradition. When the authentic red cedar shingle roof was installed two years, many Nahanters mourned the loss of the “redder” red roof. With the coming restoration work this summer, watch for some more changes to our beloved Station as it is returned to the appearance of earlier days.

Will alcohol be served ?

• A license to serve alcohol would require approval by the Board of Selectman.

Will out of towners be able to use the building ?

• Yes. Out of towners would be able to visit a museum room, honoring the U.S. Lifesaving Service and U .S. Coast Guard while Nahanters would have preference for rental of any function room as well as a discount in rental fees. The beach facility would be open to Nahanters and their guests.

 Will there be a beach facility or club for Nahanters ?

• We would like to provide an affordable beach facility for Nahanters and their guests, charging a modest membership fee that would cover the cost of maintenance and, perhaps, employ Nahant youth during the summer months.

Who can respond to the Request for Proposals (RFP), a document which encourages participation in a project? When will the RFP for the lease of the building be advertised ?

• Any private non profit (pnp) organization which meets the criteria outlined in the RFP can submit a proposal. NLSSMAC has tentatively scheduled a public meeting September 2004 to gather community input. Our recommendations to the Board of Selectman will be submitted soon after the meeting. Thus, an RFP could be advertised fall, 2004.

 Who is going to run the operation when it is finished? How are they going to be chosen ?

• A Nahant based private non profit (pnp) will have preference over non-Nahant based pnp to operate and maintain the facility. The selection process will be advertised according to all local and state procurement regulations.

 Will any work be paid with Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds ?

• It is our desire that the Nahant Life Saving Station will use CPA funding to supplement the private and public funding raised to date. We hope to showcase Nahant’s signature building for its architectural, historical significance and enjoy its rebirth as a local maritime recreational facility.

How will the building be protected from bad weather now that the siding has beenremoved ?

• Actually, the siding was a leading culprit that led to the deterioration of the building as moisture penetrated between the wood shingles and vinyl siding. When restored and insulated, the building, like any home, will require routine maintenance.

Will Nahanters have any input on what happens to the building ?

• Yes. Attend our monthly public meetings at Town Hall every second Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Or contact any one of the members with your ideas. We would like to hear from you. Most importantly, please attend the public meeting in September. Look for future editions of The Harbor Review or browse the Nahant website for date and time.

How can I help ?

• Join the Ad-hoc Fundraising Committee. Write a check to NLSS Fund and send to Nahant Town Hall. Purchase a raffle, attend a fundraiser or simply contact a NLSS fundraising committee member or NLSSMAC member listed below.

Nahant Life Saving Station Management Advisory Committee:

Esther Johnson, Chair
Paula Devereaux, Vice Chair
Bumper Gooding
Mary Magner
Deborah Murphy
Roger Peterson
Roz Puleo

Adhoc NLSS Fundraising Committee:

Rich Adamo, Pauline Anderson, Cathy Bartholomew, Sue and Bob Branga, Mark Cullinan, Dan Fiore, Bumper Gooding, Donna Lee Hanlon, Esther Johnson, Janet Kelly, Linda Lehman, Mary Magner, Kathy Marini, Barbara McDonald, Jeff Musman, Roger Peterson, Roz and Andy Puleo, Bob Risch, Kathy Ryan, Calantha Sears, Peg Silva, Lynne Spencer, Robert Wilson, Johnson School Student Council, Nahant Quilter’s Club