Putnam new Municipal Complex

 

Elaine said she was going to report on the status of the new Municipal Complex at 207 School Street. By the end of this week 100% of the brickwork will be complete. She explained that new ball fields were being constructed adjacent to the Middle and Elementary schools to replace the ones on the new Municipal Building Site. The parcel where the new building is located, consists of 7 acres, 2 of which has been persevered as open area or not to be developed per the DEEP. The main entrance and the only exit to the complex is on School Street opposite of Walnut Street and where the former Aspinok Historical Society Building stood. At present the site will have 160 parking spaces and additional spaces in the future. There is also an additional entrance on Providence Street. The Main Building consists of 2-stories with a 1-story addition to the rear, which will house the Library. The ground level will house the Library, 3 community rooms, a kitchen for Meals on wheels, the Town Clerk, WPCA, Assessor and Revenue Departments. Meals on Wheels will serve meals 5 days a week and is expected to make 40 to 50 meals per day. The new Library will be over 60% larger than the current Library and some of the furniture will be reused with some modifications. The second floor will be occupied by the Mayor’s Office, Town Administrators. Office, Recreation Department, Building Department, and Zoning. In addition, there will be a 4th Community room along with rooms for the Historical Society and the Town Hall Copy Room. They anticipate that the 4th Community room will be used for the monthly Board and Commission meetings as well as for other public meetings. The expected move in date is August 19, 2021. The overall cost of the project was estimated at $19.9 million. Costs, to date, are at $19.4 million and therefore under budget. Rotarian Karen Osbrey, who is also the Building Chairperson, added that there will be a Gallery and expects this new building to be used for many events.