New rental rates for Swift House

KENT — At a special meeting on Tuesday, April 13, the Board of Selectmen decided to raise rental rates at the Swift House, 10 Maple St.  The house, one of the oldest in Kent, was constructed more than 200 years ago.

The town acquired the building in 1974. It is currently used primarily by the town’s historical society.

In 2008, the state awarded a $92,000 grant for repairs and renovation of the building, including repainting and exterior restoration.

According to First Selectman Bruce Adams, Marge McAvoy of the Kent Historical Society requested the pricing for the rental of the Swift House to be re-evaluated because of the recent renovations.

The rental fee was previously $25 for the whole day for both nonprofits and for-profits.

The selectmen unanimously voted to increase it to $50 per event for nonprofits and $100 per day to for-profit organizations.

The board also eliminated the $100 annual fee that had allowed groups unlimited use of the house for a year.

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