WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough Public Library has planned a series of public forums so residents can learn more about the proposed renovation/expansion.
Residents will decide on the project at the Fall Town Meeting on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Westborough High School.
The forums will be held:
- Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m., Library
- Tuesday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m., Westborough Senior Center
- Friday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m., The Willows
- Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m., Library
Topics will include the history of the library; the $9.4 million grant from the state; work that has been done; and the proposed timeline.
Registration is not required.
About the project
The plans, which are still in the early stages, would call for a teardown of the 1980 addition and a complete makeover of the original 1908 building.
The original building would have its windows, heating/cooling systems and roof replaced. The new three-floor addition would include a children’s patio, restrooms on every floor, a larger teen area, more storage and more room for the Local History Center.
Article 18 of the Fall Town Meeting warrant asks for a total of $36,698,556. A state grant of $9,403,090 – which is provisional on approval of the project from residents at fall Town Meeting) – would bring the costs down to $27,295,466.
Article 19 is a zoning regulation for the library; it would establish a zero-foot setback on all sides except the rear, which would have a 10-foot setback. There would also be a maximum height of 50 feet.
Both articles would require a two-thirds vote.
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