Library
Library Update
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The library punch list grows shorter. That list of not-quite-finished items that typifies all significant building projects has happily lost some of its items; work continues on others.
Government/Town
Town Hall Planning Proceeds
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At the Permanent Building Commission meeting on September 5, Angela Cahill, from QA&M Architects, reported that planning had neared the end of schematic design. The Gilbane representatives reported the present stage of cost estimating, which suggested a cost marginally within the $4.9 million available in the Town’s planning.
Schools/Sports
School District Opens the Year
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A new Suffield school superintendent and 25 new teachers and central staffers were introduced at this year’s Welcome Back Convocation on August 27, the day before classes started.
Library
Library Settles Into Its Old Home
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The fresh new feel of the library, along with the expansive public space, continues to impress, and patrons are learning the new facilities and the new locations of old resources. New chairs and tables have been arriving, and small details, like two broken joints in the ramp handrails, are being corrected.
People/Business
New Owner for Suffield by the River
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As owner and, until now, executive director of the well-regarded facility at 7 Canal Road, Celia Moffie is selling the place to LCB Senior Living, LLC. As this issue of the Observer goes to press, the sale is scheduled to close on August 31.
Government/Town
New Fire Trucks
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It was March 2017 when the Town voted to approve $2.8 M in bonding for the purchase of three new fire trucks, replacing others that had become too old to keep safely in service. Rescue 1 was delivered this year in May.
Government/Town
Town Hall Concepts Studied
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In the Observer’s last report, the contract for the Town Hall Renovation project had been sent to Gilbane, the chosen “Construction Manager at Risk,” but had not yet been signed. The signed contract arrived in mid August, QA&M Architecture had already signed, and initial work had begun, principally in architectural layout and planning for basic systems: mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP).
Government/Town
Highway Garage Planning Continues
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The plan for moving the town highway garage to South Street and allow apartments on its old Ffyler Place location has hit something of a speed bump, but continues to surge forward. It’s been a complicated administrative process, involving many Town boards and commissions, all of which have shown strong, though not entirely unanimous support.
Library
Library Opens with a Party
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Finally! On June 29, as First Selectman Melissa Mack had announced earlier in June, Kent Memorial Library opened the doors of its renovated and remediated home on Main Street.
Schools/Sports
Irish Athletes Visit
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For a week in early August, Suffield was the focus of a substantial party of international tourists. Fr. Mark Jette of Sacred Heart and St. Joseph advised the Observer that he had arranged for a team of young athletes from the town of Wicklow, in County Wicklow, Ireland, to come and visit.