Project plans preserve building, support programs, advance climate goals

The Jones Library, Town of Amherst, and the MA Historical Commission (MHC) have reached an agreement about the historic preservation components of the Jones Library Renovation and Expansion Project. Signed by MHC Director Brona Simon on March 20, the executed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) stipulations include commitments to:

• Retain more than 80% of the original mahogany woodwork within the building;
• Offer removed woodwork to an architectural salvage company for reuse elsewhere;
• Replace the existing slate roof with natural rather than synthetic slate;
• Salvage existing slate tiles for visible use inside the building where they will be protected from the elements;
• Forego plans to cut a book drop in the stone façade near the main entry;
• Protect the Strong House building, collections, and property; and
• Document the existing Library through photographs and a virtual tour.

Many of the design elements detailed in the MOA were approved previously by the Amherst Historical Commission (AHC) during public hearings held in September – October 2023 and August 2024, including replacement windows, restoration of the outside of the historic building, and landscaping plans. The MOA states that any further changes would be subject to public review through the AHC.

In addition to MHC and the Library, 14 local organizations participated in the Town’s Section 106 historic preservation consultation process. Representatives of these organizations have been invited to sign the MOA to demonstrate their concurrence, though lack of signatures from consulting parties will not affect the validity of the MOA.

The signed MOA concludes the Section 106 consultation process, necessitated by the Project’s receipt of $2.1 million in federal funding. These federal grants remain secure, despite changes in federal agency operations.

With the Section 106 process complete, the Town has released its Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to finalize the HUD funding secured by Rep. McGovern in the FY23 federal budget.

Public comments received by April 28 will be considered by the Town before filing the request for funds with HUD. A public comment form, along with the MOA and Environmental Assessment documents, can be found on the Town’s website.

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‍Follow this link to read the Library's full update from Sunday, March 30, 2025.