Rockport to hear updates about library construction and fundraising efforts
ROCKPORT — On Jan. 8, the Rockport Select Board will convene at 5:30 p.m. in the Geoffrey C. Parker Community Meeting Room, Rockport Opera House, to hear two reports concerning the $3.5 million new library project: 1) construction update, and 2) Library Foundation update.
On Nov. 6, Rockport voters approved a $1.5 million bond to help fund the construction of a new, $3.5 million library building at the town’s Limerock Street site. A fundraising group, organized as the Rockport Library Foundation, is presently soliciting $2 million or more in private donations to help build the new 7,000-square-foot structure on the corner of Russell Ave., and Limerock, Union and Central streets. Construction of parking spaces for the facility is expected to take place along the Limerock Street side of Memorial Park.
The library moved to its current, temporary location at 485 Commercial Street in December 2015 following reports that the original 1 Limerock Street building, constructed in 1949, was structurally flawed and did not comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The Commercial Street building is leased by the town at a cost of approximately $35,000 per year. Although mold was also cited as a contributing factor to abandoning the old location and moving to the Commercial Street rental facility, no studies were conducted to confirm the presence of pervasive mold.
In early December, the town began demolition of the former library building in Rockport Village so that engineers and architects could determine whether granite ledge comprised the base of the site. After a few days of digging, excavators did confirm that ledge lays beneath the dirt.
The former library had been constructed on a cement slab.
Related stories
Rockport approves new library bond, bridge loan for construction phase
Rockport to consider library construction logistics, Budget Committee make-up
Rockport selects owner's representative for library construction project
Rockport adjusts plans after receiving costlier library construction estimates
Rockport Library design review draws standing-room only crowd
Rockport residents encouraged to weigh on in library designs
Rockport gets acquainted with new library plans
Rockport survey respondents want scaled-down new library design; remain split on location
Rockport chooses Portland firm for library survey
Rockport leader pushes for consistent public process as library project continues
Rockport group's offer to buy neighboring property for library project put on hold
Rockport chooses home site on which to build new library, foregoes RES
Rockport considers citizen proposal to buy property behind library for construction project
Rockport decides against demolishing its library, for the time being
Rockport outlines next steps: Tear down existing library? Reconsider RES site? Survey citizens?
Rockport Select Board, Library Committee to talk about next steps
Advice to Rockport leaders: Go slow, offer distinct library proposals to citizens
Rockport to hear new library progress report, see proposed designs
Rockport ready to contract with Portland architect
Rockport Select Board to consider library architect choice
Rockport committee to narrow field of library architects Wednesday
Rockport considers site survey, borings at Memorial Park for new library site
• Rockport appoints committee to plan library construction project
• Rockport signs intent to lease Route 1 office for library location
• Rockport talks tonight behind closed doors about Route 1 building lease
• Rockport Select Board to consider leasing Route 1 space for temporary library space
• Rockport Select Board hopes to move library before winter sets in
• Studies are in: Rockport Library building in poor condition, more space needed
• Initial Rockport Library findings: Citizens want improved service, better parking
• Rockport library consultant wants to hear from citizens, presents initial findings April 29
• Rockport selectmen vote no to placing another library question on June ballot
• Rockport addresses proposed June Town Meeting article to keep library in situ
• What is Rockport Library, and what might it become?
• Rockport residents vote against a new library, placing it at former RES site
• Rockport leaders approve two library referendums; next stop, voting booth
• Rockport Public Library hearing: Aug. 5 terms of engagement
• Rockport leaders consider controversial library vote, water quality, real estate acquisition
• Rockport subcommittee recommends RES land as library site
• Debate over future of Rockport Public Library: Expand on-site or build on former school land
Event Date
Address
United States
