Milford library trustees seek lower‑level ADA restrooms; assembly amends article to specify two fixtures

The Wadley Memorial Library trustees proposed a $250,000 bond to add lower‑level restrooms that trustees and the budget advisory committee said would improve accessibility and allow broader public use of the renovated meeting room.

Why it matters: The lower level has seen increased public use after renovations to the New Hampshire room. Currently, restrooms are only on the main floor; adding facilities downstairs would improve accessibility, offer better service for meetings and enable after‑hours use of the meeting space.

Presentation: Library trustees described the plan in detail, saying the full project cost is $250,000 with $25,000 expected from the library’s maintenance and upkeep capital reserve. The trustees emphasized accessibility, noting that “these new restrooms will be fully ADA compliant” and that the current restrooms were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Amendment debated and adopted: During public comment a resident raised a question about the number of fixtures; trustee presenters confirmed the plan includes two new restrooms on the lower level. The assembly voted to amend the article text to replace the word “new” with “two” in two places for clarity. The moderator then instructed the clerk to place Article 3 on the ballot as amended.

Budget advisory committee: The BAC supported the article 9–0 and recommended the appropriation, noting the addition would enhance library use and allow the town to rent the meeting room without staffing main floor hours.

Outcome: Amended language will appear on the ballot. Trustees and staff said the work is intended to improve safety and accessibility for patrons and add functionality to the new lower‑level meeting space.

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- Lynn Coakley, treasurer, library board of trustees: “These new restrooms will be fully ADA compliant.”