Photo by Paula Muller
Holly Mercer, Library Director, and Kevin Bergeron, architect for William Rawn Associates of Boston, explain a model of Lynnfield to attendees before the Town Meeting.
BY LEAH DEARBORN
LYNNFIELD — Bookworms had cause to celebrate after Monday night’s Town Meeting, when initial plans for a new library was approved by an overwhelming majority.
Of the 32 items from the town warrant, one of the biggest ticket items was the proposed construction of a new library proposed for the edge of the Reedy Meadow Golf Course.
While the state may pick up as much as 60 percent of the cost, taxpayers would be responsible for the rest. It is unclear how much the new facility would cost.
Holly Mercer, the recently named director, said a new library would better serve the community.
“Ever since we put together a long-range plan, this has been driving us forward,” said Nancy Ryan, the retiring library director. “We’re very optimistic.”
The library had to close its basement for more than a month in 2014 due to mold, clean-up and testing. Other issues include accessibility, roof leaks and limited parking.
Clifford Gayley, a principal at William Rawn Associates Architects Inc. of Boston, worked with the Library Committee to devise a site plan. He assured residents that care would be taken not to infringe on the golf course. He added that there will be an opportunity for the public to offer their opinions on the design as the project moves forward.
Richard Peinert questioned whether any money would go towards an electronic book collection.
Mercer said e-books are a budget priority.
“I welcome any of you to come into the library and offer feedback on our collections,” she added.
Monday’s vote was to approve the preliminary site plan for a new library and to seek state funds to defray costs. The vote to approve taxpayer money would be held at a later date. For now, officials are focused on meeting the construction grant application deadline which is in January.
The fate of Centre Farm was another key issue raised last night. After some debate, Town Meeting voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell or lease the property.
Located at 567 Main St., Centre Farm was built by Rev. Joseph Mottey in 1785 and rebuilt in 1810.
The town purchased the property in 2014 to prevent its demolition. There has already been conflict over whether the historic property should be sold, especially at a price lower than the $1.4 million taxpayers paid to save it.