At the Heritage Commission meeting on March 22, Mr. Richard Flier brought forth a presentation to the commission about the historic property that resides at 2 Litchfield Road. According to Flier, the property has become a “mixed area” of sorts. The area itself is located on a very busy intersection with workers that come from Nashua to the Manchester airport. Flier mentioned how over his career, he has restored over a million square feet of historical buildings.
Flier told the board that after the property got its designation as a historic property, it has continued to deteriorate to the point where it is not in good shape today and the barn is in even worse shape. The back of the building, there was a pool that no longer is in use and a fence that is crooked. There was also a roof that got put on the building last year that does not meet historical standards or looks. The most alarming problem the building has had is the water, specifically in the basement. When there was a storm a few months ago, it knocked out the electricity in the building and flooded the basement. There was no automatic generator available and the sump pump system was not functional. Another problem with the building is the amount of mold and mildew that has gone up through the foundation.
Flier also said that there will be a huge cost to restore the building up to “historical standards” and have the building last over the next generation. The barn was also a major concern for Flier and his team, because it is in worse shape than the main building, with rot all the way around it. There needs to be significant work done to both the roof and the floor of the barn. The economics to restore the property up to historical standards are roughly $700,000-$800,000. Flier is looking to save some aspects of the building like the stairwells, the area where the fireplaces used to be, and some of the floors. Although there is no use for the barn, Flier suggested possibly turning that area into a nursing home or another type of care center. Currently, Nutfield Publishing occupies the building, but Flier felt that the publishing company would not be staying for various reasons he could not disclose.
For safety reasons, the property requires total restoration both inside and out with the electrical and heating systems both needing repair as well. Flier also noted that the pool on the property needs to be taken out ASAP, because it is a safety hazard.
By going to the Heritage Commission, Flier hoped to get the “OK” from them before the project goes to the Planning Board. There was no decision made by the Heritage Commission and further talks amongst the commission would need to take place.
When the current occupant, and former owner of the property was reached for comment after the Heritage Commission meeting, Chris Paul said, “I was shocked at some of the things Richard was saying about the property. He’s trying to portray, for the sake of his project, that the property has been neglected. I take exception to the implication that the property has been neglected since I know how much work and money I have personally put into the building.”
He went on to say, “Beside the fact that the entire building has been painted several times, a new roof was put on two years ago, I replace old rotted sills on three sides of the house and have performed countless repairs throughout the years I had owned it.”
Flier had also mentioned during the meeting that the current occupants would be moving. To that, Paul responded, “That was the first time I heard that. My wife and I, Deb Paul, Publisher of the Londonderry Times, had an arrangement with Richard that we would reside here until other arrangements were made.” This was part of a more global agreement we made with Mr. Flier requiring him to perform on other matters, which he has yet to complete.
Two days after seeing the meeting air, Paul said, “We received an eviction notice from Flier’s lawyer telling us to vacate the property by mid-May.”
Paul then continued, “Mr. Flier’s group has been to two boards in town, and has painted a much bleaker picture of the property than actually exists. The boards and committees he has approached regarding his project should take that into consideration when making their decisions.”