Oxford Rejects Library Offer From Developer: Report

Oxford officials rejected a developer’s proposal that could have saved them $1 million in new library construction costs, but officials said it includes some strings attached, the Republican-American reports.

Tom Haynes, president of Haynes Development in Seymour, offered a written proposal to build their new public library for $2.5 million, according to the Rep-Am.

A total of $1 million would have been saved and the project would have been a part of a bigger proposal from Haynes in which the center of town would be developed for multiple uses.

On Nov. 3 when residents go to vote, they will be asked to weigh in on a referendum whether or not to allow the town to spend no more than $3.5 million on a new library. Oxford’s current library is located in the basement of their Town Hall, which is considered to be too small for the community.

George R. Temple, Oxford First Selectman, said via the Republican-American that the deal proposed by Haynes would come with provisions and Oxford would not be guaranteed a chance to have ownership of the property.

Officials are planning their own standalone library across the street from Great Oak School on Great Oak Road and features include:

Features of the new Oxford Library will include:

• Separate children’s area • Area for young adults • Spacious adult areas

• Quiet study areas • Group study areas • Community program room

• Space for more computers • Local history space • Space for expansion and growth

• Space for outdoor activities

The new library would be bonded for $3.5 million, to be paid over 20 years. That comes to less than 20 cents a day for the average Oxford taxpayer, officials have said. If approved on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, the library would be completed in 2017.

The full Republican-American story can be read here.