Princeton board reviews $1.13 million community building plan as library and town clash over shared bathrooms

The Princeton Town Board on Feb. 3 reviewed a plan to build a new community building that includes a 2,000-square-foot library and a total project cost of $1,134,355, and heard extended debate over whether the library and community sides should share restroom facilities.

The plan as discussed would use Heritage Constructionas the low contractor quote and includes the library side finished with ceramic tile flooring, a push-button ADA entry, a rear glass door, an office and security upgrades. Town Administrator Michael King told the board the library must provide the bulk of its pledged funds to the town by Monday, Feb. 10, for a contract to be signed to meet vendor bid timelines and guard against market volatility.

The question of shared restrooms became the meeting—s central point of contention. Hope Dockery, representing the Princeton Library, said the library has raised substantial donor funds and would receive a pledged $110,000 that would bring the library—s available cash to $429,761.26. Dockery said the library asked for the larger shared plan because it could host lectures and fundraising events, and because an…