Adams Will Again Seek Funding For Memorial Building
ADAMS, Mass. — Adams will again try to secure funds to install a new HVAC system in the Memorial Building through this year's Community Development Block Grant program.
The Selectmen voted Wednesday to approve this year's CDBG grant program application of $769,272 for the continuation of the housing rehab program and the installation of the new energy efficient heating and cooling system in the former middle school.
Community Development Director Donna Cesan said $298,000 out of the total grant amount will be used to replace the antiquated system that is inefficient and, because of building code, only allows partial use the building.
"It will not only allow full occupancy but also yield operational savings to the town," Cesan said. "Currently, we have a retrofit system in place and we anticipate savings beyond what the retrofit system is costing us now."
Cesan noted that last year the town applied for the HVAC system but did not receive the funds because the project was not bid ready. Also, the designated amount of the system was double what the town is currently looking to secure. She said this number has greatly decreased after discussions with Berkshire Gas, which offered to pay 50 percent of the installation.
"We are very encouraged by he utility company working with us in such a magnanimous way to address some of the cost," she said. "We think that makes for a strong project."
She expects to get a letter of commitment from Berkshire Gas to include in the application with in the next couple weeks. Ceson said if the town receives the money, the project could be put out to bid this fall and be complete in 60 to 90 days
Selectman John Duval said a new HVAC system would allow the town full access to the gymnasium and other facilities in the building. He said a community center would get a lot of use and would attract younger families to the area.
"The gym, it was built in the 1950s and one of the biggest gyms in Western Mass at the time because of the pride in the basketball program we had in this community," Duval said. "If you want to talk about community identity that would be a great thing for the town of Adams. Also the kids could have programs up there ... it would just be a great community center for our community."
Cesan agreed, saying residents have made known that they feel there is a need for more indoor recreational areas.
Chairman Richard Blanchard said if the town tries to sell the building or lease it, the new HVAC will make it more attractive.
"Right now someone looks at the building and the first thing they know is that they have to spend a half a million dollars on the heating system. Who is going to want to do that?" he said. "They are just going to walk away so applying for this grant either way it goes I think it will help us."
Town meeting member Jeffrey Lefebvre said although he felt applying for the grant was a good idea, he was leery of investing more money into the building and owning it with so many other infrastructure needs in the town.
"We don't have to turn around and own everything in town; we just can't afford the building anymore," Lefebvre said. "I don't want to turn around and get so invested in it that if we walk away we are basically screwed and if we walk in we are basically screwed."
Cesan added that $32,425 of the total amount will be used for program delivery.
Cesan said $342,000 of the total grant amount will be used to continue the housing rehabilitation program in the target area, which is the town entrances on Route 8. She hopes at least 12 properties will be rehabilitated.
"We try to do between 10 and 15 units annually," she said. "Given the amount on the waiting list, I would like it to be 15 or 20 but because we are limited in the amount of money we can request I think 12 would be acceptable."
Out of the total amount, $72,272 will be used for program delivery and $769,272 to pay for general administration costs.
She said those interested in the program can contact the Community Development office.
• The Selectmen acknowledged resident Daniel Paciorek for his donation of the giant Christmas Village display in Town Hall during the holidays. Paciorek donated the village that includes more than 150 structures and 1,000 figures and accessories to the town in 2011 in memory of Hoosac Valley student Dana Labbee, who died in a 2010 car crash. The collection is valued at more than $11,000
Selectman Joseph Nowak thanked Paciorek.
"He has been a great person for our community and does a lot," Nowak said. "He is a modest person and there are a lot of things he does that no one knows about. I want to think you for being and upright citizen."
• The Selectmen also approved the installation of a skating rink on Russell Field.
• Town Hall will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 26.
Tags: Adams Memorial Middle School, CDBG, HVAC,
