Hubbardston trustees map phased lower-level renovation, cite ADA report conflict and seek contractor estimates

Hubbardston Public Library trustees discussed next steps for a planned renovation of the library’s lower level, focusing on how to use about $40,000 in community preservation funds and whether to hire a general contractor to oversee the work.

Trustees said they prefer issuing an RFP to choose a general contractor to manage demolition and subcontract specialty trades and recommended getting an engineering/site visit and a high‑level cost estimate before finalizing an RFP. A consultant the town previously used, identified in discussion as the McCarty company, was proposed for an initial walk‑through to identify structural, asbestos and other engineering issues to include in the procurement.

The trustees described the renovation as a phased project. Phase 1 would use current funds for the south side of the lower level (including the area for the director’s office), with future fundraising or grant awards used to complete the north side. Trustees said…