Madison Council Approves Renovations on Hartley Dodge Memorial Building, James Library

The Madison Council approved funding for restoration of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building in a 5-1 vote at the March 23 council meeting.

The funding for the rehabilitation of the building will be appropriated from the Open Space Trust Fund, according to a report from TAPinto.net. The single vote against the restoration was cast by Councilman Robert Catalanello, the report said. Catalanello claimed the project was expensive and funding for each wing of the building needed to be identified.

Madison Historical Society treasurer David Luber claimed by partnering with the Borough and the county, the east wing of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building would serve as a fitting museum and provide an ideal place for the society’s permanent collection, the report said.

In addition to funding for the restoration of the Hartly Dodge Memorial Building, the Madison Council approved funding for the James Library at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. According to TAPinto.net, the Open Space Trust Fund will provide $110,000 for “very critical” improvements due to damage to the building.

Spokesman Thomas Judd said $30,000 in museum funds were earmarked, but were not from capital expenditures, the report said. The museum is performing a feasibility study regarding a capital campaign.

For more information regarding funding appropriated for the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building and the James Library at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, visit TAPinto.net.