On behalf of the Democratic members of the RTM, I would like to congratulate the Blackstone Library Board of Trustees and staff on their plans to bring their iconic building into the 21st century. These upgrades are a win for all of the citizens of Branford. The Blackstone Library Team has been successfully fundraising to offset some of the costs to the town. To date, they have earned a state grant of $1 million and almost $700,000 in private contributions, including a $100,000 matching grant from the Branford Community Foundation. These fundraising efforts will continue as the project moves forward, further reducing the potential cost to our town.

At the recent special meeting of the RTM, all the Democratic members and four of our Republican colleagues supported the library’s request for $3.4 million from the town to fully fund the renovations. Some colleagues on both sides of the aisle spoke of concerns about funding new projects—most particularly in the current financial climate in which citizens in states like Connecticut are facing uncertainty in their taxes.

However, the Democratic caucus believed that the plan presented was reasonable in scope and meets the needs for a wide range of community members. The valuable upgrades to the library include: increased computer availability, safer access to the building for those with disabilities or with strollers, and relocation of the children’s section from the third floor. Our members were glad to cast our votes in support of the project.

We hope that members of the community who share our belief that the Blackstone Library is a community treasure will consider contributing to the building fund. They can find out more information on the library’s website: www.blackstone.lioninc.org/support.

Chris Sullivan (D), Minority Leader

Branford RTM