Abbot Public Library to open after renovation as MAAB grants five‑month variance for ramp

The Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees voted to proceed with reopening its renovated Pleasant Street location in July after the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board granted a temporary variance for an entrance ramp that the Town Disabilities Commission found noncompliant.

In the Director’s Report, Kimberly Grad said the MAAB approved a five‑month variance effective July 1, 2024, through Dec. 1, 2024, which allows the library to open while architects finish a compliant design. Grad said JRA is developing a plan that meets grade and railing requirements; that design will be reviewed by the Building Renovation Committee and then put out for bid.

The board’s discussion made clear that the drawings approved for permit had retained the existing entrance walkway, and the Disabilities Commission had not inspected the Pleasant Street entrance during the renovation review. The trustees did not approve a funding source at the meeting; Grad said costs and the funding mix for remediation and any landscaping changes are still to be determined and will be reviewed at a future meeting.

Chair Gary Amberik and trustees approved routine agenda items and invoices on the same agenda that reviewed the variance and renovation status. The invoices reviewed included a contractor invoice listed as LD Russo for $177,775 (May) and a CHA invoice for $12,000 (June); the board noted there may be additional invoices before a final LD Russo payment when the punch list is completed.

Next steps outlined by the board: JRA to complete design drawings for the front approach, the Building Renovation Committee to review those drawings, the project to be bid once designs are finalized, and the trustees to return to the question of funding sources for construction and any landscaping costs.