Fact Sheet
About a Possible Library/Community Center Facility in Acushnet
BACKGROUND
- Acushnet’s recent Master Plan recommends expanding the former Howard School (current Acushnet Community Center) at its present site on 232 Middle Road to accommodate both library operations and community center activities
- Community Center Board of Directors and Library representatives discuss recommendation, and agree to work together and support a combined Library/Community Center facility
- Board of Selectmen appoints Library/Community Center Feasibility Study Committee July 2009
- At the committee’s recommendation, the Town of Acushnet contracted in early June 2010 with the architectural firm of Johnson Roberts Associates to conduct a formal Feasibility Study
FEASIBILITY STUDY
- The study will explore whether the current Community Center can be renovated, whether an addition is necessary, what a renovation and/or addition would look like, and would provide construction cost estimates
- The building requirements for an improved facility come from a recently completed Library Building Program, and will come from resident input via community forums during the summer
- Feasibility Study will be completed on or before October 1, 2010
FACILITY
- Improved facility would accommodate growing collections, increased public space for programs and activities, and a large meeting room for public and civic functions
- Building would be fully handicap accessible
- Adequate parking would be available
PROCESS
- Architectural firm of Johnson Roberts Associates will develop Feasibility Study, with oversight from Library/Community Center Feasibility Study Committee
- Several public forums will b e held June-September 2010 to obtain public input on project & ensure public awareness of project
- Feasibility Study will be completed on or before October 1, 2010 & will be presented to public
COSTS
- Costs related to the Feasibility Study are being paid for out of Gift Funds under the control of the Library Board of Trustees
- Construction cost estimates will be part of the Feasibility Study
- Should the study determine that a facility is possible on the site, the Library/Community Center Feasibility Study Committee would consider submitting an application for a construction grant, available through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, that could cover 50-60% of the construction costs
- Committee would explore other grant funding possibilities
- Library Friends group and the Community Center would likely assist with fundraising activities
- Some project funding from the town would likely be necessary (reserves, special assessments, or bonding)
- Committee feels strongly that any necessary town funding should be kept as low as possible
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Library – Jayme Viveiros, Director, 508-998-0270, jviveiros@sailsinc.org
- Community Center – Nancy Francis, Board of Directors, 508-995-4847, nfran79595@comcast.net
- Committee – Kristen Leotti, Chair, 508-985-4943, kleotti@gmai.com
June 9, 2010