No supply chain issues for Greenfield Library’s construction

GREENFIELD – Library construction continues to move forward with supply chain issues not expected to impede progress, according to the latest email update from P-Three, the project management team.

According to the update, as of December, the removal of the fire station is complete, with the process for relocating utilities to continue through January.

“The footings and walls along the Post Office side have been poured,” the email states. “The crews will follow the perimeter of the structure around the rear and work their way back to front on the existing library side.”

Supply chain issues that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic have not affected the project timeline, according to P-Three.

“I’m just amazed that these guys created a timetable that’s causing us to make decisions and order supplies much earlier in the process because of concerns with supply chain issues,” said Ed Berlin, co-chair of the Library Building Committee. “They’re just trying to stay a couple of steps ahead of the process.”

The update also notes that street work in front of the library is done for the season, with patchwork expected to take place in the spring.

In 2019 — seven years after the vision for a new library was first discussed — Greenfield voters approved building a new Greenfield Public Library with a 61% positive vote. The $19.5 million appropriation accounts for construction costs as well the cost of the architect, project manager, furniture and fixtures, Berlin said.

In addition to a $9.4 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the Greenfield Public Library Foundation has said it will contribute about $2 million, reducing the city’s cost to about $8.1 million.

In the fall, Jeanne Canteen, foundation president, announced that $1.875 million in cash and pledges had been raised toward the $2 million goal. Following a postcard campaign, she said Tuesday the foundation plans to make an announcement in the new year with an update on the foundation’s fundraising efforts.

Berlin said he expects some time in January to have steel onsite that will start going up in February, a year away from the project’s anticipated completion.

“I’m really delighted,” he said. “I’ve attended a number of construction meetings and watched how the team operates with each other and it’s pretty amazing.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne