KINGWOOD — The Society for the Preservation of McGrew House’s lease on the historic property has been renewed for another year.
Society President Rosemary Bernatowicz told Preston County commissioners Monday evening that the society has had a lease on the property since 1995, though in 1989 it was actually given approval to go into the property and start repairs.
During the intervening years, the appraised value of the antebellum house has tripled, Bernatowicz told Commissioners Dave Price, Craig Jennings and Don Smith.
The county owns the property. The McGrew Society does not pay rent on the lease. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the lease.
Renovations are complete on the property, Bernatowiczsaid, but maintenance continues, and many historic items are in the house. Some of those were the possessions of builder James C. McGrew and his wife, Persis, that have been donated by his family.
For now, “attracting new members is a priority,” Bernatowicz said, noting that four of the seven members of the board of directors are charter members.
Five fundraisers are held annually by the society. The house can also be rented by the public.
County Administrator Kathy Mace said she is working with the society to get the fire alarm system updated. The audible alarm isn’t connected to Preston 911 but can be, with the installation of a telephone line and dialer, she said.
Mace said the society is willing to pay for installation of the phone line and suggested the county pay the monthly fee. The phone line also might be useful for the farmer’s market held there during the summer, she said, because it could be used to access the SNAP reimbursement program.
She will have estimated costs and other information at the commission’s next meeting.
Also at the meeting, commissioners:
- Declared April 8-14 Crime Victims Rights Week in Preston County.
- Approved applying for a $49,593 VOCA grant. If the grant is approved, the county’s match will be $16,532 cash and $6,000 in-kind for supplying space for the program.
- Approved applying for a $17,860 Courthouse Security Grant to replace the 8-year-old X-ray inspection device at the courthouse entrance. If the grant is approved, the county would provide a match of $1,985.
- Approved a letter of support for the Tunnelton Volunteer Fire Department to participate in the Federal Surplus Property Program.
- Approved a letter of support for a State Historic Preservation Grant that Arthurdale Heritage is applying for. Funds are being sought to repair the Center Hall.
