Is the selectmen’s offer to sell the old library (old liability?) to the Harvard Cultural Collaborative (HCC) fiscal prudence or stewardship avoidance?
The fate of the HCC’s ambitious and commendable proposal, and that of the building itself, is currently at an impasse.
The HCC has expressed a willingness to explore a shared and phased accessibility plan but, lacking the selectmen’s support, are, not surprisingly, hesitant to proceed. The selectmen seem reluctant to genuinely support a lease without the HCC’s agreement to incur all costs of ADA compliance and renovation: a tall order for a nascent nonprofit.
Is the objective of the selectmen to get rid of “too many damn buildings?” Who’d a thunk it? Dollar Day in Harvard!
So what’s next (other than a sale to the HCC): a sale or lease to some unknown entity (the law offices of Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe, or Harvard Beef and Ale); occupancy by the School Committee with Bromfield House on the market for $1.99; a contest to create a new town seal; mothballing the building?
Or, ideally, a realistic consideration of collaborative means to create a vibrant cultural center in the iconic structure?
Stay tuned.
Steve Darby
Ayer Road
