It is with deep sadness, frustration and overall bewilderment that I write.
Recently the Sammamish City Council decided not to fund the moving of the Reard/Freed home to the Sammamish Commons.
A considerable sum of money has been invested in the planning of the move by the City of Sammamish and the budget has the money necessary for the move, money which was allocated several years ago.
Three council members, Michele Petitti, Don Gerend and Jack Barry, voted to move the home and go forward with grant opportunities to restore the home for community use.
Four council members voted no. They are incapable of having the vision to save our past.
Most importantly, the issue that the Sammamish Heritage Society had done nothing to raise money for the move/restoration was raised.
At no time did the Sammamish Heritage Society commit to independently raising such funds.
The Heritage Society has always recognized the importance of fundraising, obtaining grants and pledges for the project, and we agreed to assist in every manner possible.
We can do little fundraising or grant writing when a building doesn’t have a home; we are not eligible for grants, nor can we seek funds for a project that really doesn’t exist.
Our plan was to assist with fundraising, grant writing and pledge seeking after it was moved, therefore establishing the Reard/Freed’s place in the community.
The city council did commit to building a foundation, moving and roofing the home. They have now reneged on that commitment.
What’s next? Is the city able to still commit the funds that are in the budget for the Reard/Freed? Can we do something without it being moved? Can the city of Sammamish work within the interlocal agreement with King County 4Culture to obtain a landmark designation for the Reard/Freed Farm House?
What can community members do to assist the Sammamish Heritage Society? All of these are open questions.
If you care about heritage, invest in it. We could use funds just to continue the work we do collecting history and telling the stories.
If we could gain landmark status for the home, it would give us opportunity to apply for grant money and we would not have to rely completely on donations from citizens.
Are you able to put some sweat equity into the project? Do you know other organizations and/or people willing to help? If so, reach out to the Sammamish Heritage Society and the City of Sammamish and offer your assistance.
We are very disappointed in the council’s decision, but Heritage members would like for the Reard/Freed not fall to the wrecking ball.
We will continue to persevere and look for ways to keep a historical home in our community with a valid community use.
We are grateful for the support of some council members and city staff, for their endless hours of work to assist with this project. Without them, we couldn’t have come this far.
Helen Baxter
co-president, Sammamish Heritage Society
