Around Amherst: Bids again sought for Jones Library project

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STAFF PHOTOWEB ONLY STAFF PHOTO

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Staff Writer

Published: 10-03-2024 5:11 PM

AMHERST — A general contractor to undertake the expansion and renovation of the Jones Library building is again being sought by the town, with a bid advertisement recently posted for an estimated construction cost of $36 million.

The legal ad comes after the only bid received last spring was for $42.7 million, prompting town officials to reject that bid because it was nearly $7 million over budget. Since that time, various efforts have been made to cut the cost of the project, which would remove the 1990s-era addition and enlarge the library from 48,000 square feet to 63,000 square feet.

The total estimated cost remains at $46.1 million, when factoring in expenses such as furnishings and architectural fees, and will be covered through a combination of community fundraising, more than $15 million from Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grants and $15.8 million from the town.

Town and library officials have continued to support the project, which will lead to a modern building with dedicated teen space and room for the town’s Civil War tablets, correct numerous problems with heating, cooling and ventilation systems, and meet the town’s climate goals,

Even with bids being accepted until Oct. 31 at 2 p.m., a petition continues to circulate calling on the town to stop the project, with nearly one-third of those signing saying they previously supported it.

Town Manager Paul Bockelman said this week that the petition has not been delivered to Town Hall or presented to the Town Council.

Save Our Library members contend that the petition shows a drop in support for the project due to the “value engineering” that has reduced costs through such measures as replacing cross-laminated timber with steel.

“We have been encouraged, though not surprised, by the number of people who originally supported the project but oppose it in its current incarnation,” Arlie Gould of Save our Library said in a statement.

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Another resident who has collected signatures, Mickey Rathbun, observed,“the positive response to the petition suggests that there are many more supporters of the petition’s demands out there.”

The petition was referenced at a recent Town Council meeting, when Maria Kopicki of South Amherst addressed councilors during public comment.

“You need to look at this project, look at its fiscal viability, and take action,” Kopicki said. “You need to stop this.”

Fire Department open house

An annual open house will be held at the Central Fire Station, 98 North Pleasant St., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as part of National Fire Prevention Week.

The National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the week’s public observance since 1922, and three years later President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance.

Activities during the four-hour, family-friendly event will include fire safety demonstrations, vehicle extrication, display of new equipment and a visit by Sparky the fire dog.

Amherst firefighter/paramedics provide all emergency services to the town, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College and Hampshire College; primary medical care to Shutesbury, Pelham and Leverett; and mutual aid throughout the Pioneer Valley.

Old North Pleasant improvements

A project to refurbish North Pleasant Street on the west side of Kendrick Park, often dubbed Old North Pleasant, is nearing completion.

The resurfaced and rebuilt road, which is now one-way north from McClellan Street, will have improved bicycle lanes, crosswalks and streetlights, sidewalks on both sides, more parking with diagonal rather than parallel spaces, and accessible parking with a path into the playground and park.

The work also sets up the utilities for a future public bathroom that will be installed near the playground.

Art on the Lawn

An arts and craft show, Art on the Lawn, takes place Saturday at the Amherst Historical Society & Museum, 67 Amity St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event honors the legacy of the Historical Society’s founder, Mabel Loomis Todd, an artist who specialized in painting, with a focus on nature scenes.

“We decided to host Art on the Lawn this fall as a way to engage with the community and support our local artists,” said Amy Crawley, programming committee coordinator. “The artisans joining us this year represent a wide variety of media including painters, book artists, fiber artists, paper artists, potters and jewelry makers.”

During the event, which could be affected by inclement weather, the museum will be open for viewing of “Cambodians in Amherst: The History of the Khmer Community.” That remains on display until Nov. 2.

Birds of prey

Tom Ricardi, who runs the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway, will talk about his labor of love of healing injured birds during a presentation at the Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Monday at 1:30 p.m.

Ricardi, 82, will be bringing birds being rehabilitated to the garden area. Weather permitting, people can see the birds from seats on the porch or from inside the house.

The event is free and open to the public.

Meetings

MONDAY: Town Council, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Jones Library Personnel, Planning and Policy Committee, 9 a.m.; Jones Library Budget and Investment Committee, 3 p.m.; and Public Shade Tree Committee, 5:30 p.m.