SHUTESBURY — A recent encounter between a resident and workers on the future site of the town library is prompting Shutesbury officials to consider posting the 66 Leverett Road property as an active work zone, and limiting public access.
The discussion about possible restrictions for residents to what is called Lot O-32 was put on Tuesday’s Select Board agenda by Chairwoman Rita Farrell, who said that representatives from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, consultants examining and delineating wetlands, Highway Department workers and library staff have been on site, and that an incident on Nov. 18 that led to a police response could have posed dangers and impeded work.
“It could be a really dangerous situation,” Farrell said.
While construction has not begun on the new $6.4 million library, test pits and other work are underway to determine what sorts of contaminants are on the 22-acre site. The DEP informed the town in February that the site was formerly operated by the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense, and included a radio antenna and an underground storage tank.
Police Chief Kristin Burgess told the board and more than 40 others attending the virtual meeting that the property should be seen as a work zone, similar to what happens on roads where restrictions have to be in place.
Burgess said what happened last week could have been a potentially unsafe situation if she had not sent an officer there. “I want everyone to feel safe throughout this process,” Burgess said. The other Select Board members appeared supportive of the request, though no action will be taken until a written policy is drafted.
Board member Melissa Makepeace-O’Neil said she would endorse putting a work zone sign up.
“It’s a safety issue,” board member Eric Stocker said. “That’s all it is for me.”
While no specific objections were raised by those at the meeting, resident Robert Kibler said he would like a policy stating anyone on site is properly trained and wearing appropriate safety equipment, and resident Mary Lou Conca said that the public has a right to know what’s happening on the site.
Library Director Mary Anne Antonellis said so far the consultants are not finding any gas or chemicals that have traveled to the front of the lot, and information is being regularly updated on the library project website.