How do you think the town should use the old library? The Hildreth House and its surrounding property? The Town Hall and the ambulance building? You’ll have the chance to explain your ideas at a charrette—a collaborative meeting or “brain-storming” session—on Saturday, Jan. 30, in the old library from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Moreover, as an added enticement, participants will discuss their findings over a lunch prepared by Chef Paul Correnty.
Speaking for the Municipal Buildings Task Force at Tuesday’s all-boards meeting, architect Ron Ostberg invited everyone interested in the use of these buildings to attend the charrette. He noted that the properties are now a major financial liability for the town, because of deferred maintenance, high operational costs, and need for upgrades to meet current codes. However, because of their prominence, central locations, and historical character, each is also “a resource with considerable potential” if well utilized, he said.
Ostberg called the charrette “a wonderful risk” and expressed his hopes that surprising new ideas may emerge. “There are a whole lot of good ideas out there,” he said, “and rather than go to Town Meeting with something that gives people the opportunity to exercise only their critical capabilities, we should actually explore their creative capabilities.”
Discussions about the buildings will begin in small groups, each including representatives of various town organizations, such as the Council on Aging or the Historical Commission. As groups develop their scenarios for reuse of the buildings, they will consider activities for which the buildings are suitable, a phasing schedule for adapting the buildings, and funding approaches to achieve the new use.
Ostberg noted that using the old library for town offices has been widely discussed. He and task-force member Doug Coots, also an architect, took a preliminary look at that possibility and concluded that the building could accommodate the offices “with reasonable efficiency.” However, the building would require substantial modifications, including an expanded footprint, new mechanical systems and elevator, improved accessibility and safety systems, and restoration and upgrades to the building exterior. Ostberg and Coots declined to put a price tag on the required changes, but Ostberg noted that the changes would be necessary no matter how the building is eventually used.
In addition to Ostberg and Coots, the seven-member task force includes two members of the Board of Selectmen (Lucy Wallace and Peter Warren), Town Administrator Tim Bragan, Town Clerk Janet Vellante, and resident representative Pat Jennings.
