WINDHAM — They call themselves "Friends of Preservation."
And these history-minded men and women want to preserve old homes in town.
To that end, this fledgling group wonders if the town could institute a tax break for those who purchase and preserve historic homes.
The incentive would work similarly to the state's current-use program — a strategy that promotes preservation of open space by taxing the property as a woodlot or farm as opposed to its real estate value.
Instead of just preserving land, the Friends' idea would save homes, said Carolyn Webber, who suggested the idea.
The group's first task will be to see if the state has passed enabling legislation that would allow the local initiative.
If such a statute exists, the group would then bring its idea to local selectmen and the town Planning Board.
Meanwhile, the 17 local history buffs, preservationists and conservationists unanimously agreed upon their moniker — Friends of Preservation. The meeting was hosted by the Windham Historical Society at Town Hall.
Patricia Skinner of the Windham Historical Committee, which oversees the Searles School/Chapel, warned that historic homes in town could be lost to development.
"We've lost a few and could lose a few more," she said.
In particular, Historical Society President Jean Manthorne and Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission member Carol Pynn worried about the loss of two historic Range Road homes up for sale near the Johnson Farm.
Conservation Commission member Wayne Morris called the earlier loss of Lakeview Farm heartbreaking.
Also last night, the Friends voiced support for a Conservation Commission proposal expected next year. The proposal would raise bond dollars for preserving the town's remaining farms.
In addition, former Selectman Margaret Crisler volunteered to ask the owner of a historic home at the corner of Route 111 and Hardwood Road what he plans to do with the residence.
Extensive tree cutting on the property has thrust the home into the public's view, leading some to wonder if it is earmarked for development.
Last night's gathering was a follow-up to the group's inaugural meeting in November, a time to introduce themselves and talk about their projects.
The group expects to meet again in the coming months.
