Amherst forging ahead on Jones Library project in wake of court decision
An artist’s conception shows a renovated and expanded Jones Library as seen from next to the Amherst History Museum. COURTESY FINEGOLD ALEXANDER ARCHITECTS
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST A building committee will soon be formed to oversee the process of expanding and renovating the Jones Library into a fully accessible community center following a court decision halting an effort by petitioners seeking a townwide referendum on the project.
With a Hampshire Superior Court judge on Friday denying a preliminary injunction sought by residents attempting to bring the $36.3 million project to a townwide vote, library and town officials say they can begin work on enhancing the Amity Street building, built in 1928 and most recently expanded in the early 1990s.
Judge rejects plea to extend Jones Library project petition
Jones Library in Amherst GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 5/1/2021 2:52:33 PM
NORTHAMPTON A Hampshire Superior Court judge has cleared the way for the town to proceed with the $36.3 million Jones Library expansion and renovation project by denying a preliminary injunction sought by a group of residents.
In his decision, issued late Friday afternoon, Judge John A. Agostini denied an emergency motion by residents seeking to use the voter veto provision of the town charter, meaning that the Town Council’s April 5 vote, 10-2 in favor of the project with one abstention, and authorizing $15.75 million in borrowing, remains in place.
Judge hears arguments in Jones Library case
Jones Library in Amherst GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 4/28/2021 9:04:35 PM
NORTHAMPTON A Hampshire Superior Court judge is promising to have a decision this week on whether Amherst residents who didn’t get enough voter signatures to bring the $36.3 million Jones Library project to a townwide referendum are entitled to some form of court-ordered relief.
During an hourlong hearing on a preliminary injunction Wednesday morning, Judge John A. Agostini made it clear he wasn’t sure what action he could take, as the petitioners aren’t contending that the town violated any laws, and in fact are complying with all conditions for a voter veto set forth in the town charter.
Judge weighs petitioners request for town-wide vote on $36M Amherst library project
Updated Apr 28, 2021;
NORTHAMPTON A Hampshire Superior Court judge on Wednesday took under advisement a request for an injunction from an Amherst citizen’s group, which seeks seven more days to obtain signatures to force a town-wide vote on the $36.3 million Jones Library project.
During the hour-long hearing, Judge John Agostini questioned whether the court even possess jurisdiction to intervene; the matter involves municipal ordinances and not state laws.
The plaintiffs do not assert local ordinances (or state laws) were violated, rather, that because of the pandemic, the town should have provided some accommodations owing to the myriad COVID-19 social restrictions, and public health imperatives.