Madison Scranton Library Expansion In Danger of Losing $1M Grant

MADISON, CT – The $15 million expansion project for the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library has hit a major roadblock as library officials were recently told that the state is not happy with aspects of the plan and may withhold a $1 million grant because of it.

At the most recent meeting of the committee overseeing the project, library officials said the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is balking because state officials feel the library’s facade should remain and plan to delay the approval until this issue is addressed.

The state was also very concerned about the street scape being preserved as best as possible.

Library officials said the committee if it chooses to utilize the entire Hull building, that from SHPO would happen quickly, but the cost factor to keep the building is a serious concern as it would be costly.

During the initial design (with the prior architect), SHPO was not concerned with saving the façade, library officials said, but after provided with the new design under thenew architect, the façade now seems to be a priority.

The committee collectively agreed that a sit down with SHPO is needed as soon as possible to discuss the pushback that is involved with keeping theHull building.

Financially the committee is looking at a hardship of potentially $1M to keep the Hull building which committee members said is not feasible. In addition, not getting approval from SHPO could set the project back at least six months, the committee said.

Board of Selectmen member Scott Murphy, who is the board’s liaison to the library committee, reported the bad news to the selectmen at their most recent meeting.

Murphy referred to the state’s stance as a “flip-flop” and a “change of tune” from its previous position.

This news come on the heels of Library Director Beth Crowley recently announcing she will resign her position on Sept. 14th. Crowley will be taking over as director of the Cheshire Public Library.

Photo by Jack Kramer