1 Grafton Common Delayed a Month

The current phase of renovations at 1 , which was originally scheduled to be completed at the end of last week, will be delayed about a month.

The delay was caused because more granite was needed than was originally anticipated to construct the handicapped ramp, said Paul Scarlett, president of the Board of Directors for , which is renovating the building.

The ramp must be completed before other portions of the project, including the sidewalk and stairs, can be done, he said.

The granite is expected to be delivered Monday, Aug. 22 and the front exterior of the building should be done by mid-September, Scarlett said.

He anticipates the first portion of the project, including the roof, interior bathroom and rear ramp, will be done by late September.

Delays in the work have caused frustrations in town, selectman John Carlson said at the most recent meeting.

“People drive by there, I see them shaking their heads,’’ Carlson said. “It appears because of the length of time that there is no attentiveness to this.’’

Carlson said he understands that unforeseen developments can slow down work on old buildings. He also said he was speaking only for himself and not for his wife, who owns a business there.

But he said the delay “casts a bad shadow on the town’’ and that work must move forward. “All I can say is: Giddyup.’’