Beverly public officials debate rising price tag of library upgrades – NECN

Most people agree that the historical library in Beverly, Massachusetts requires a new heating and cooling system. Whatever they cannot do is cost, which is now introduced in $ 18 million.

“It really seems to me high,” said the resident Lisle Hacker. “I wonder if they can get other quotes or guesses.”

City Councilor Todd Rotondo says that the initial proposal, which asks the current HVAC system to replace with one, is geotomal, the cost is just $ 3.75 million, which he thought he had much higher.

“Suddenly, it likes, ‘What happened?” Rotondo said. “How did this project happen so much? The entire scope of the project was not given unfortunately. ,

This issue came in a city council meeting this week.

“It almost feels as if it was a little – I don’t want to say – it was not with malicious intentions, but it was really almost dishonest,” Rotondo said. “We originally did not present a complete picture of the project.”


Public Services Commissioner Mike Collins committed a crime for Rotondo’s comments.

“I am curious, were you insisting that we were lying to you?” Asked Colins. “I heard this method.”

“I don’t think I said, what I said is closed – okay, I think, in fact, yes, I would then say,” Rotondo replied.

Colins admit that the project cost has increased since the initial presentation. He says that this partially the required code in the building is due to upgradation and unexpected deficiencies, and to be environmentally friendly.

“It will be a project that works not for ‘, not for such old buildings, but for other communities,” Colins said.

Critics say so much money can be spent elsewhere, but supporters say that the city and the environment require a work and cleaner HVAC system.

“We need to make these expensive changes to be better stewers for this land,” said Erin Altman, a resident. “While this is a lot of money, we have no choice for our children.”

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