Rep: $350K to plan Town Hall fixes
Salem News
By Mike Stucka
Staff Writer
TOPSFIELD — State Rep. Ted Speliotis yesterday said $350,000 in state bond requests had cleared the Legislature, money that could be used to plan a Town Hall renovation and shave time, cost and political opposition from the project.
Town Administrator Virginia Wilder said the money could be used to plan the renovation so the town can bring accurate cost figures to a future Town Meeting.
Early estimates have suggested the renovation could cost about $3.5 million. Planning money would normally be approved in a separate Town Meeting before construction money is voted on.
"It's an exciting thing, because it helps to make determinations and it helps to finance the project," Wilder said.
Speliotis said he and Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry had ushered the money through the Legislature after some leaders tried to cut the funds.
Speliotis said he originally sought $650,000, which was cut to $250,000 before a compromise established the $350,000 figure.
Speliotis said the state money would have to be approved by the governor twice, so there's no guarantee that the bonds would ever be issued.
On the other hand, this puts the project on the state's radar and makes it possible for the state to issue bonds.
Town Hall is cramped, not handicapped accessible and has wiring, moisture and heating problems.
Speliotis said Topsfield has been struggling to improve the building but has made little progress.
"Throughout the 12 years I've represented Topsfield, there have been ongoing discussions," he said.
Selectmen themselves haven't formally committed to the renovation, which would gut the building.
Selectmen Chairman Boyd Jackson joked last month, "I'm going to be in a box before this is through."
Several efforts to fund an elevator earlier this decade failed.
