Jones Library Renovation Project Sparks Intense Debate

Renovations of the town of Amherst’s historic Jones Library have proven to be far from simple after a summer of fiscal shortfalls, construction delays, and public outrage.

The $46.1 million expansion and renovation project was set to begin in July, and library staff made plans to lease a temporary location for activities. However, the project was delayed when the contractor’s April bid went severely over budget.

Residents and officials disagree on whether or not the project should continue. Those against the renovations advocate for preserving the historic value of the library, while those in favor argue the expansion’s overall public benefit is worth much more.

Much of the disagreement surrounds recent attempts to drive down costs in preparation for a rebid in the fall. The Jones Library Committee enlisted the help of Finegold Alexander Architects of Boston to bring down the project’s cost through an approach they called “value engineering.”

Once announced to the public, the changes prompted public disdain from some Amherst residents — with many calling for the immediate termination of the project.

“The current expansion plans go too far in sacrificing the irreplaceable features of the building in order to expand its footprint,” said town resident Hetty Startup in an opinion piece published in the Amherst Indy in June. Many made pleas to preserve the historic woodwork in the building’s interior and protested the proposed conversion to cheaper wood in order to cut costs.

Amherst resident Roman Handlen felt the opposite way. “I worry that we are forgetting the library is not a museum or an artifact, but a community space,” he wrote in a comment published by the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

In another public comment, resident Jeff Lee asked that the library committee delay its demolition until it complies with historic preservation standards.

Lee added that Amherst College has had undeniable influence in pushing the project forward, describing Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science Austin Sarat, who also serves as president of the Jones Library Board of Trustees, as a “strategist” behind the project. “They may have been guided by Amherst College’s pattern of tearing down still useful buildings in the name of progress and erecting modern replacements at a cost of millions,” Lee said.

The library committee made multiple compromises over the summer to address public concerns, including a decision to preserve all the historic wood and scrap changes to roofing and windows.

However, those opposed to the project still aren’t backing down. Many call for a “Plan B” that involves various repairs to the library rather than the full expansion project. In a letter to Amherst officials published by the Amherst Indy in July, Amherst resident and college alum Ken Rosenthal ’60 wrote that repairs would be significantly cheaper as well as preserve the historical integrity of the building. “A reasonable, affordable repair and renovation project could prepare the Jones to serve Amherst residents well for the next 50 years,” he wrote.

Since the project accepted federal and state grants to cover costs, what’s known as a Section 106 review is required to evaluate the renovation’s effects on the historic property. The library committee has just begun this lengthy process. If the federal government requires changes to the project to align with historic standards, proponents argue costs could increase. A new bid would need to be $6.5 million lower than the one proposed in May.

The re-bidding process for the renovation project began this September and the price of the bids will be revealed this fall. Residents raised concerns about accepting a bid prior to the completion of public environmental and historical reviews. They argue this would risk more delays and forced changes in design that could influence construction costs.

In the library committee’s most recent meeting on Tuesday, committee members said that any necessary changes during the construction phase would not cost more.

Funding is yet another issue — the project was deemed ineligible for state historic tax credits and the project’s remaining costs are an estimated $7 million. The Amherst Finance Committee’s hope is that further fundraising and grants can cover the remaining cost.

Those against the project are concerned that the financial burden will fall on Amherst taxpayers.

Other residents in favor of the renovations claim the opposite. Matt Blumenfield, a strong advocate for the renovations, blames opponents of the project for the delays and subsequent rising costs in the face of historic and environmental reviews. “As a taxpayer, I am furious that these unelected and unelectable opponents have forced all of us to collectively pay tens of millions of dollars more in taxes,” he wrote in a letter published by The Amherst Current.

The library committee expects the completion of both public reviews by Nov. 23, and if the rebid process goes well, construction can finally begin.