RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – The Marble City wants your input on a proposed new location for the library and city hall.
The plan to combine the Rutland Free Library and city hall services into one location on Merchants Row was proposed last summer. The repairs needed to fix the library alone could call for a $10 million fix.
So, instead of a pricey public bond to finance both projects, the city is considering creating a new civic center downtown, with services from both historic buildings.
Mayor Mike Doenges says getting the public involved early in the process is key to understanding the city’s next steps.
“The library has looked at moving before, and there was some challenges because that public feedback did come but it came kind of late in the process we want to do this early in the process so we are still in very early stages right now very very early and that’s why we’re trying o involve the public,” said Mayor Doenges.
The idea is to combine city hall and the library inside the ASA Bloomer building on Merchants Row, which currently houses state offices.