Trustees to seek engineering study next year for library parking lot; possible coordination with town projects

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — Trustees discussed the library parking lot Sept. 15 and agreed to pursue an engineering study in the coming year rather than rush a full resurfacing now. Library staff and Trustee Janet reported a productive meeting with town planning/DPW representative Jason and agreed that seeking engineering funds for study is the most actionable next step. Jason said engineering requests are more likely to be funded by the Capital Improvement Planning Committee and that the study could identify options such as repaving, limited drainage work, or relocating septic system components ahead of any future building addition. Trustees asked staff to continue background work, collect quotes and return in fall 2026 with a formal engineering request. Staff said the parking lot currently has localized wear but is not at the end of its life and that a phased approach — engineering first, followed by design and then construction — could allow the project to be bundled with other town repaving work to reduce costs.