WOOLWICH

A new ramp at the historic Nequasset Meeting House will likely be located at the side of the building to facilitate access for people with handicaps, the chairwoman of the Nequasset Church Committee said Thursday.

An informational meeting was held at the Meeting House on Wednesday night. Debbie Locke said that, due to setback requirements, the ramp probably will be built on the side, rather than the front of the building.

“There has to be a second exit on the side anyway,” Locke said.

The state mandates that if the town is to continue to use the Nequasset Meeting House for functions, there must be access for people with handicaps. The town Christmas party is perhaps the largest event held there.

A woman who attended Wednesday night’s meeting in a wheelchair brought the need for a ramp into sharper focus, Locke said.

“The need for a ramp is clear to everyone,” Locke said. “Putting a door on the side of a historic building is going to bug some people, but we need it. The building was built to be a meeting house, and we want it to be available as a meeting house.”

Local residents incorporated the Nequasset Congregational Church in 1759. By 1761 town meetings were held in the church building. In 1773 the property was conveyed to the town. It was returned to the parishioners in 1877, and finally acquired by the town again in 1987.

Locke said the building already has been updated with new wiring, paint, carpentry and heat.

She did not have a estimate of the cost of the new door and ramp, but said obtaining a grant may be possible.

Locke is among six people serving on the committee.

Another public meeting at the Nequasset Meeting House might be held next week, she said.

lgrard@timesrecord.com