Library committee asks for updated cost estimate and design review of stalled renovation project

Newburgh Central Library committee members on Sept. 3 asked staff to seek an updated cost estimate and a status response from CS Arch for a multi‑phase capital renovation that began before the COVID pandemic and has largely stalled.

The discussion focused on whether the library should continue with the existing CS Arch design, reopen the design process to other firms, and broaden community and staff involvement in a redesigned plan that addresses changed needs and inflation since the project’s original estimate.

The request matters because the project is tied to a state construction grant and contains elements — notably HVAC upgrades — that must be completed and reported to the state by June 2027. Committee members said the original pre‑COVID cost estimate of about $4.5 million needs revision and that potential state funding and administrative capacity at the state level could affect the project’s feasible scope.

Library Director Ben Gocker outlined the project history and asked the committee to consider pausing to reassess. “This project really kinda started, in earnest, I would say, 02/2017,” Gocker said, noting work was paused when COVID hit and that the project’s scope has since expanded to meet the requirements of a DLD construction grant. He said the work completed so far — including a hub and a local history room — represents just part of a larger five‑phase plan.

Gocker told the committee he has had difficulty getting CS Arch’s full attention and that the firm “has their hands full with a lot of other projects.” He asked the committee to direct staff to confirm whether CS Arch can complete a new cost estimate and remain on the project, and to authorize reopening design proposals if CS Arch cannot.

A committee member summarized the practical case for pausing and reassessing: changing post‑COVID construction costs, new library services (including a social‑service position located at the library), and shifts in staffing and space needs that the 2017 design did not anticipate. “If we have changing needs … we need to make sure that the design fits what the expectation is,” the committee member said.

Gocker and others noted several specific points for the next steps: obtain a current cost estimate, confirm CS Arch’s capacity and timeline, determine funding available from the library’s capital fund and from state construction programs, and, if necessary, run a new design solicitation. Gocker said that if CS Arch cannot take the work, the committee should “reopen for another design proposal and figure out how we’re gonna fund for that.”

Committee members also raised implementation questions tied to external approvals and funding: Gocker said the library expects to complete the work required under the DLD construction grant and the related reporting by June 2027; he also cautioned that the $4.5 million figure is a pre‑COVID estimate and that materials and labor cost escalations will change the full cost. He added that some state construction funding could be affected by broader administrative or funding changes at agencies that administer construction grants.

Discussion vs. decision: the committee did not vote on a contractor or on spending. Members instead directed staff to contact CS Arch to determine whether the firm can produce an updated cost estimate and to report back; if CS Arch cannot, the committee asked staff to prepare steps to solicit new design proposals and to outline funding options. No formal motion or vote on the capital project itself was recorded in the committee meeting minutes.

Background: Gocker said the project initially produced a hub and a local history room; the broader five‑phase capital plan predated pandemic closures and has not advanced to completion. Committee members said changing programmatic needs — including more family‑engagement space and a social‑services presence — and post‑pandemic escalation of construction costs justify a fresh look before proceeding with further phases.

Next steps: staff were asked to (1) contact CS Arch for capacity and an updated cost estimate, (2) present an updated budget and timeline to the committee, and (3) provide options for reopening design solicitations if necessary. The committee indicated it intends to prioritize producing a capital plan that reflects staff and community input before proceeding with large‑scale construction.