March 18

Richmond library proposal subject of Wednesday public hearing

By Keith Edwards kedwards@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

RICHMOND — A plan to build a new public library with $245,000 that’s already been collected goes to a public hearing Wednesday.

The public hearing is Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Richmond Town Office.

Resident Steve Musica, with the help of a lumber company, had designed and priced-out a roughly 3,000-square-foot, single-story library he believes can be built for less than the $245,000 the town already has set aside for library construction.

The money comes from grants and public donations given specifically to build a new library, according to Town Manager Marian Anderson.

The plan is the latest — and so far cheapest — effort to replace the former Umberhine Public Library building torn down two years ago because it was in disrepair.

Now the library operates out of leased space at 164 Main St. Musica has proposed building a new library at the former library site at 86 Main St.

Anderson said the town mailed out a notice about Wednesday’s public hearing to every resident who attended the 2012 Town Meeting, in addition to posting notices about the hearing on the town’s Facebook page and website.

“The board is interested in hearing from the public, and these are the folks who’ve typically participated,” Anderson said. “The board reached out to them, because it hopes to hear what they have to say. We’re trying to get as much public participation as possible.”

The public hearing will be preceded by a meeting of the selectmen, starting at 5 p.m.

Selectmen are scheduled to discuss, and possibly vote on, which of two competing proposals for ambulance services to select for the town.

North East Mobile Health Services has provided ambulance service to Richmond since 2009. Prior to that, Gardiner Ambulance provided the service to Richmond for many years.

North East and Gardiner Ambulance are both seeking to contract with Richmond to provide the town ambulance services. 

Board members are also scheduled to discuss:

• a notice of violation at the old Pleasant Pond Market, the owners of which are working cooperatively with town officials to clean up the U.S. Route 201 site; and

• approving the Town Meeting warrant in advance of the April 2 meeting.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com

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