Ask Perplexity AI: Frequently Asked Questions About the Jones Expansion Needing Answers from Town Officials

This column from Ira Bryck is part of a new series entitled “Ask Perplexity AI”. The columns will pose a question to Perplexity AI along with a collection of data and will explore the analysis that AI returns. Bryck understands that Artificial Intelligence is not Actual Intelligence, but it’s better than Real Stupid; and like life, it’s garbage in, garbage out. Read previous “Ask Perplexity AI” columns here.

I asked perplexity.ai to compile a bullet list of up to 40 frequently asked questions,  based on articles and public comments from Amherst Indy, Amherst Current, and related sources, that have been repeatedly raised by residents and stakeholders, that request information, answers to questions, or disclosure of details related to the Jones Library project; specifically those that the Town Manager, Town Council, or town attorney could address. I invite them to provide official answers that could be published in the Amherst Indy, as well as Amherst Current and Daily Hampshire Gazette, as well as on an easily accessible page on the Town of Amherst’s website.

• What is the current, complete, and accurate accounting of all funds raised, spent, collected, and committed for the Jones Library project, including grants, donations, and town appropriations?
• What is the anticipated total cost of the project, including all construction, design, relocation, and contingency expenses?
• What is the status of all state and federal grants, and what funds have been lost or are at risk due to noncompliance with historic preservation laws or due to cuts in federal spending?
• What is the cost of the planned temporary relocation of library services (e.g., lease at 101 University Drive), and what alternatives are being considered?
• What is the plan if outstanding re-bids also exceed budget estimates?
• What are the projected annual operating costs for the expanded library, and how will these be funded?
• How will cost overruns, if any, be covered? Will additional town funds be required?
• What is the current status of private fundraising efforts, and how much remains to be raised?
• What is the plan for the Central Fire Station site, and has the alternative proposal to annex it to the library been fully explored and evaluated?
• Why have alternative renovation/expansion plans that preserve more of the historic structure not been seriously considered or disclosed?
• What is the anticipated impact of the project on the library’s Special Collections and historic rooms?27
• Has the feasibility of restoring the second floor over the old auditorium for Special Collections been formally evaluated?
• Has geothermal or other sustainable energy technology been considered for heating/cooling, and what are the cost/benefit analyses?
• What is the plan to address the leaky Atrium roof and drainage issues, and what engineering studies have been conducted?
• What will happen to the mature trees and landscaping surrounding the library during and after construction?
• How will the project affect access to library services during construction, especially for vulnerable populations?
• What is the plan for the Literacy Project and other community programs currently using the library?
• How will the project address the needs of Amherst’s indigenous and formerly enslaved Black populations in terms of historical resources and representation?
• What is the plan for the Civil War memorial tablets and other historic artifacts currently housed in the library?
• What is the anticipated environmental impact of demolition and new construction versus renovation?
• What is the process for public input and transparency moving forward, and how will concerns be addressed?
• How will the town ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws/regulations throughout the project?
• What are the long-term maintenance and capital replacement plans for the expanded library?
• How will the project affect other town capital needs, such as schools and public safety, in terms of funding priorities?
• What is the projected timeline for each phase of the project, and what are the key milestones?
• What penalties or costs would the town incur if the project is halted or substantially modified at this stage?
• What is the process for approving and overseeing change orders during construction?
• How will the town monitor and report on project progress, spending, and compliance?
• What is the current status of the project’s compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act ?
• What is the rationale for the current design’s size, scale, and massing, and has this been justified in light of community and historic concerns?
• What are the lessons learned from similar library projects in other communities, and how are these being applied?
• How will the town ensure that the expanded library is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to future community needs?
• What opportunities exist for additional public or private partnerships to support the project?