Otis Library committee hears design walkthrough, plans public forums ahead of May budget vote

The Otis Library Building Committee received a design update Dec. 3 and set public-engagement and funding steps ahead of a May town vote on the project budget. Yugon and Whit of TSKP walked the committee through updated renderings and a site visit appraisal, while Adam from Downes summarized state review and next steps.

The design presentation focused on siting details along West Center Road: Yugon said he mapped the building’s front plane relative to the roadway and an adjacent neighbor to help the committee assess visual impact and setbacks. Whit and Yugon then showed updated renderings that reflect those site observations.

Adam described a recent meeting with Heather at the MBLC and with Brandi; he said the MBLC will continue to cover its portion of the project’s funding but that the town must vote on the total project budget at a future town meeting. “The town will have to vote on the total project budget; MBLC will still be covering their portion,” Adam reported to the committee.

Committee member Stephanie Skinner said she is meeting with a group to pursue multiple private grants to supplement funding, indicating parallel fundraising efforts alongside the MBLC contribution and the required town vote.

To prepare the public and reduce surprises ahead of the May vote, the committee agreed to hold public forums in late January. Katelyn Chaffee, the committee secretary, noted the next committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting opened at 5:36 p.m. and adjourned at 6:30 p.m. No formal motions or votes were recorded at this meeting.