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Wicked Local
  • Letter: 'Support Article 10 for design funds'

  • Nancy Rohlfs, Cross Road, Boxford, sent the following letter to the editor of the Tri-Town Transcript this week.


     

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  • To the Editor,
    During February’s special town meeting, I presented an alternative plan for a combined community services building in a central location in town. While it seems that this plan was well received by those in attendance, and by many who called or wrote to offer support, there was little significant movement by town leadership in that direction. 
    Instead, we are being asked to reconsider the same library plan article for a larger building detached from the Cummings House that failed at our special town meeting a few months ago. 
    I believe that many in town are concerned by a $7 million price tag that doesn’t include the renovation and repurposing of the Cummings House, which anchors the current library.  The total cost for both buildings could reach over $8 million, and there is concern in Boxford about the uncertain future and maintenance of yet another historic town building. The town has many financial obligations and, after conferring with other residents who share my concern, we felt it was necessary to propose a Citizen’s Initiative Petition for the May 14th Town Meeting for a smaller 12,000 SF building at Elm Street in the hopes of lowering the total cost of the building and incorporating the Cummings House in the plan. 
    What began a few years ago as concern on my part as a neighbor about the size and impact of the proposed library project on the Elm St. site has gradually evolved into an interest in helping Boxford pursue a path that reflects responsible planning and spending. During this time, through my own research and that of a handful of fellow residents who value best practices and new thinking, I have learned that a different library solution would not only be better for Boxford, it is well within reach.
    A smaller building that includes the historic Cummings House for library administration could be built on one story.  Single-story buildings are often less expensive to build than two-story buildings.  Staffing is easier and mechanicals may be placed on the roof to avoid using inside space. 
    The median library size in Massachusetts is 12,000 square feet.  It is a size that will fit on the 3.3 acre Elm Street lot; it works well in the neighborhood and more than doubles current library space.
    I recently visited a handful of Massachusetts libraries to learn more about size and services, population and circulation, including one such 12,000 square foot new library in the town of Boxborough.  It is a fine library and has space for adults and children, computer stations, quiet rooms, and a nice meeting room. It represents both new technology and tradition. More importantly, it reflects everything our own town needs in a library: space for community events, story time, craft time, quiet time and a place to relax and read a book.
    Page 2 of 2 - Please consider joining me to support Article 10 for design funds for a 12,000 SF library that includes using the Cummings House for library services. Let’s build a library for the people of Boxford.
    Nancy Rohlfs, Cross Road, Boxford
     
     
          
     
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