Library director seeks $85,000 in CPA funds for East Springfield outdoor community space

Molly, the East Springfield Branch librarian, asked the Springfield Community Preservation Committee on April 27 to fund an outdoor community space on the library’s side lot at 21 Osborne Terrace.

Molly said the site is currently unattractive and underused and described plans for decorative plantings, benches, programmable electrical hookups, upgraded lighting, security cameras, a small paved programming area and free year‑round Wi‑Fi. “We are requesting $85,000 from CPA,” she said, adding the project would supplement other grants and library funds.

The proposal emphasizes neighborhood programming and year‑round public access. Presenters said the Parks Department (represented by Laura Walsh) reviewed the design concepts and would help with the final landscape design. Committee members pressed for a simple site schematic showing fencing, planting locations and how far the new space would extend toward Osborne Terrace; the committee asked that the schematic be submitted to Karen Lee by May 21 so members have time to review before deliberations begin in June.

Committee members also asked whether the library building would need modification to support the outdoor area; Molly said access would be from Osborne Terrace and no building alterations would be required. The discussion included how to ensure the space remains public and protected as passive recreational space in perpetuity; members suggested contract language or agreements with the Library Commission and Park Commission.

The committee closed by inviting supplemental materials — a rough plan, updated budget and any matching‑fund confirmations — to be submitted by May 21 so members can consider them in their June deliberations.