Consistent with the vote of 2010 Town Meeting, the selectmen appointed a Municipal Building Committee on June 22 and charged it with “developing recommendations for space optimization, reuse and renovations of Town Hall, the old fire station, the old library and the Hildreth House for municipal government offices, community center, senior center and/or such other uses as may be appropriate, including lease or sale.” Committee members are Ron Ostberg, chairman, Lucy Wallace, vice chairman, Doug Coots, Willie Wickman, and Pete Jackson. Peter Warren and Marie Sobalvarro are selectmen representatives to the committee. Three positions on the committee remain to be filled. We are looking for people with skills in real estate development, fundraising and space utilization.
The committee meets two Thursday mornings per month. Members have assumed the following responsibilities and have assembled groups to assist them in addressing the related issues: Lucy Wallace—Council on Aging and Hildreth House; Willie Wickman—community center and the old library; Pete Jackson—town government and the Town Hall; Doug Coots—design and cost estimating; Marie Sobalvarro—Financing. Currently these groups are researching similar functions and facilities in nearby towns. As ideas develop this fall, the MBC anticipates holding two or three open Saturday workshops to solicit citizen input.
As described in the report of the Municipal Building Task Force (precursor to this committee) presented to Town Meeting, the Community Center group is making preparations to “test the proposition that Harvard can support a self-sustaining community center” in the old library. The group has researched operations of similar centers, conducted a preliminary and informal survey of likely providers of classes/events, and considered the utility of rooms in the old library. Their findings and an organizational structure for a six-month “pilot” will be presented to the selectmen on Aug. 17.
This will be followed by an open working session on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the old library. All those interested are invited to contribute ideas, provide input on the structure proposed, and hear the many ways to volunteer and contribute. We look forward to seeing residents there. For more information contact Willie Wickman.
Ron Ostberg
on behalf of the Municipal Building Committee
