Volume 18, Number 22
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Friday, May 28, 2021
Plans for new library move forward By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
While town leaders were hesitant about a major library building project last year, there’s now more support for sending the $17 million funding request to town voters. Library officials hope to build a new library at the 255 Main St. property, then tear down the existing building.
On Monday, the Town Council unanimously voted to send the project to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Finance for review. Due to the price tag, the new library would need approval by voters at a referendum in November. Victoria Triano, a Republican and council chairwoman, said they’re trying to build a library that will meet the town’s needs for decades.
Last year, library officials pitched a new 25,500 square-foot library at the cost of $13.9 million. This year they’re proposing a 30,000 square foot building for $16.9 milliion. The existing library building is 21,000 square feet. “This is really more in tune with what they want and what they feel they need,” Triano said.
Library needs for growing town Library leaders have said the existing building, which dates from the 1970s, doesn’t have enough space, and isn’t handicapped accessible. Children and teen areas in particular are constricted and there’s often not enough quiet study spots.
Memorial Day events planned
Southington Care Center marks collab with town At a special event held on May 10, three top Southington officials were among those who celebrated National Skilled Nursing Care Week and the care Southington Care Center provided this last year during COVID-19. Despite the chilly temperatures, eight residents, staff and administrators were among those who gathered for the outdoor ceremony held at Southington Care Center to say thank you to Town Manager Mark Sciota, Deputy Chief William Palmieri of the Southington Police Department, and Fire Chief James Paul Jr. The three men, who collectively have
See Library, A9
Proclamation & Nursing Home Week Celebration at the Southington Care Center. From left, Fire Chief James Paul Jr.; Town Manager Mark Sciota; Town Council Chairwoman and pastor Victoria Triano; Sharon Robinson, regional director of Skilled Nursing Facilities Operations, Hartford HealthCare; Lisa Connolly, vice president, Hartford HealthCare Community Network; and Deputy Chief of Police William Palmieri. Rusty Kimball, Hartford HealthCare
more than six decades of service to the town, said although they have seen many changes throughout the years, the past 15 months were partic-
ularly challenging for everyone. However, during the pandemic, it was
The American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 will hold smaller ceremonies around town this Memorial Day, and neighboring towns also offer opportunities for people to come out and honor veterans who lost their lives in service to the country. The local legion has organized ceremonies at Recreation, Panthorn and Memorial parks, starting at 7:30 a.m. Each ceremony will have a rifle volley and the playing of Taps. At 11 a.m., Post 72 members will reconvene for the main ceremony
See Care Center, A4
See Events, A2
Primary & Specialty Care
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