Southington Library Project Funds Too Small For Construction Plans

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local officials have some decisions to make regarding the $16.9 million Southington Public Library construction project, which now appears to be in limbo.

Recently, the town learned the money approved in a November 2021 referendum would not cover the cost of a 30,000-square-foot facility, with estimates now saying the money approved could only pay for a 24,000-square-foot library at the 255 Main St. site.

The main reason is the problems afflicting many construction projects these days, supply chain issues and inflation concerns, which are increasing most construction projects.

Southington was approved to receive a $1 million Connecticut State Library Grant to help offset the costs, but Southington Town Manager Mark J. Sciota told the Southington Town Council Sept. 12 he had withdrawn the town's application for the money.

Why?

Sciota was authorized to do so by the council via a 6-3 vote at a special meeting Aug. 30, when it was unveiled there were concerns possible changes to the project could prompt the state to deny the funding.

Those changes, which haven't even been decided, are linked to the fact the cost has increased beyond the approved funds.

According to Aug. 30 meeting minutes, if the state denied the funding because the project changed, then the town couldn't apply for the $1 million on a revised project for five years.

But if the town withdrew its application for the library grant, the town could re-apply for the $1 million with an updated project, meeting minutes indicated.

As a result, the town manager withdrew Southington's grant request and local leaders have some work to do if the library project is to get back on track.

On Sept. 28, the Southington Library Building Committee has a special meeting scheduled for that Wednesday at the library at 6 p.m.

Community members appear divided about what to do next.

Some are calling for the town to stay within the approved funds and, simply, build whatever $16.9 million will offer during these economic times.

Others, according to public hearing testimony in recent weeks, say building a scaled-back library isn't worth the $16.9 million if the project is obsolete in a few years anyway.

Library supporters say Southington needs a new, state-of-the-art library that meets all fire codes, includes expanded facilities, is better compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act mandates and feature modern amenities.

For more information on the Southington Library Project, click on this link.

For the minutes of the Aug. 30 Southington Town Council special meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Aug. 30 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For the minutes of the Sept. 12 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Sept. 12 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.