AMHERST — A new roof for the auditorium at the Amherst Regional Middle School, as part of a $9.83 million project to rehabilitate the rest of the building’s roof, is likely to only move forward if the town of Amherst is willing to foot the $1.6 million cost.
While no action was taken at the Regional School Committee Jan. 13, members, during a lengthy discussion, appeared unlikely to support the request. School officials need to know by the end of March if the auditorium roof should be included in the project that will be completed over the summer.
The smaller towns have their annual Town Meetings in the spring, too late to bring the spending request to them.
Amherst representative Sarah Marshall said doing the entire roof would be easier if Amherst is willing to gift that extra spending. Leverett representative Tim Shores said he would be willing to have the committee make that request to Amherst officials.
Shutesbury representative Anna Heard said the committee could ask each town for the money. “I’m willing to ask, I will not guarantee a yes,” Heard said.
The project was approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and made eligible for a nearly 62% reimbursement, though the roof over the auditorium isn’t considered old enough to do at the same time.
Executive Director of Finance & Operations Shannon Bernacchia wrote in a memo to the committee, “The district would ultimately need to know with approved or denied votes by March 2026 if the towns would like to fund the auditorium roof with free cash.”
Based on the estimated cost of the added work, Amherst would have to pay $1.25 million, with Pelham paying $90,560, Leverett $144,000 and Shutesbury $111,200.
Vendors and performers sought
Vendors, performers, sponsors and volunteers are being sought for the Amherst Global Village Festival scheduled for April 11 at the high school.
Applications are due by March 6 for those interested in participating in the event that celebrates cultural diversity and promotes inclusivity within the community.
The event will include live performances showcasing traditional music and dance, international food vendors offering cuisine from various cultures and local vendors representing diverse crafts and products.
Philip Avila, assistant director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the town, said the hope is for a growing event.
“Last year, more than 1,000 community members came together to share in cross-cultural learning and celebration,” Avila said. “This year, we’re planning an even bigger and better festival and look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy the rich diversity and festivities together.”
Applications are at amherstma.gov/global-village-festival.
Building project updates
Both the new elementary school building project and the expanded and renovated Jones Library are continuing.
“Construction is progressing well, at a very rapid clip,” Kseniya Slavksy, owner’s project manager with Anser Advisory, told the Elementary School Building Committee at a recent meeting.
Tim Cooper, a lead architect with DiNisco Design, said classrooms are being painted on the second floor of the three-story building going up next to Fort River School. “They are progressing nicely through the building,” Cooper said.
At the Jones Library, Trey Logie, owner’s project manager with Colliers International, said entranceway footings are in place.
“All of the foundational walls have been poured,” Logie said, and the bearing plates for the foundational steel are installed, along with the completion of the elevator shaft.
The next big milestone is structural steel, with that for the addition arriving on site Jan. 26. “That is the main portion of the main addition,” Logie said. The steel to attach the new addition to the 1928 building is one or two weeks behind schedule.
On the roof of the historic building, a plywood substrate and ice and water membrane are being put down prior to slate installation.
“This is a time-consuming process,” Logie said, estimating another two to three months of work.”This isn’t asphalt shingles, this isn’t a flat roof.”
Hadley resident honored
Upon his retirement, longtime Hadley resident Edward Koehler was recently recognized for his exemplary service and dedication to the town by the Hadley Select Board.
The board issued a proclamation honoring him for 38 years of work, including as a foreman for the Highway Division at the Department of Public Works, handling building maintenance as “Ed the Gardener Extraordinaire” and then becoming a beloved member of the Council on Aging staff.
Rep. Domb office hours
State Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, will have office hours twice next week.
On Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., Domb will be at the Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road, and then on Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. she will be at the Amherst Town Hall, First Floor Meeting Room.