Library expansion plan wins award - and is canceled

SHARON — Plans to renovate and expand The Hotchkiss Library received a Community Vision award from the Connecticut Trust For Historic Preservation this month. Shortly afterward, the library announced it would discontinue plans for the expansion.

The award is just one of many that the trust gave out at its annual ceremony on Wednesday, April 7. The awards were given to projects throughout Connecticut that preserve, protect and honor the state’s architectural heritage.

According to Christopher Wigren, a trust spokesman, the library was chosen for its ongoing efforts to preserve and utilize the building.

“Instead of considering a new building location on the edge of town with spacious parking lots, the library has looked at ways to enhance and add to its historic building in the town center,� the award said.

Library board member Kurshed Bhumgara, who was also head of the building committe, said the trust thought highly of the proposed plans, which were mindful of the building’s origins —up to and including the type of stone used in the original construction.

But the plans to expand The Hotchkiss Library building are on hold indefinitely, according to Library Board President Kristin King.

The library building was built more than a century ago and was donated by Maria Bissell Hotchkiss to the town, for use as a library, in 1893.

The project would have addressed several issues concerning the building and would have added an additional 5,300 square feet for a new children’s area, handicapped parking outside of the building, a wheelchair ramp and new doors to the front of the building.

Planning began in 2008 with the selection of J.P. Franzen Associates as architects.

 The library received a grant of $1 million from The Connecticut State Library Board for the library in late December 2008.

In January 2009, the library received permission from the town’s Historic District Commission to go ahead with the project.

However, in June 2009 the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) denied the library a variance that was needed for the library to complete its plans.

According to zoning regulations, in the historic center of town, buildings can cover only 20 percent of their lot.

The plan would have covered about 29 percent of the lot, but the library requested a variance for 31-percent lot coverage to allow for any changes that occurred during construction.

While it was possible for the library to either submit new expansion plans or resubmit their old plans to the ZBA, King said the library board has decided to hold off on the plans.

The project had been dormant since then. There were some rumors that the application would be resubmitted after six months. This week, however, the library announced its plans to hold off on the expansion, and to continue with smaller remodeling and beautification efforts in the existing space.

“The efforts to renovate the library were launched prior to the economic downturn,� King said.

“While the economy is regaining its footing, the only proper thing to do right now is to defer the plan. Which means not going forward with any efforts from a fundraising position or pursuing fulfilling any regulations or town requirements. There is just no money for it.�

King said holding off on the expansion plans would give the library board time to decide which direction they should pursue.

“I think it’s wise to see what happens with the economy,� she said. “Let’s see what’s going to happen with Sharon, including the needs of the town and if new businesses open. We would like to see what kind of impact it would have, especially if it brings new families.�

King also sent a letter to the editor for this week’s Lakeville Journal. In it, she explained that, “For now, we need to focus on the realities of raising significant capital funds during an economic downturn, as well as ensure that our direction fits with the needs of our community. Thus, until our long-range plans are refined and updated to reflect current circumstances, the board will defer its efforts to build an addition.�

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