Ask Perplexity AI: Frequently Asked Questions About the Jones Expansion Needing Answers from Town Officials
Photo: istock
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?
Looks like AI had no opinions to offer.
re the last comment – the AI offered no opinions because it wasn’t asked for one. If it had been, I’m sure it would have. It was asked to compile a bullet list, which it did. A waste of water, if you ask me. I’d be much more interested (and likely amused) if it had been asked for solutions.
Here is perplexity’s suggestions, as suggested above. Sorry for wasting another 3.38 ounces of water – I do take short showers, if that helps. Also, I’m sure many of these are all off the table, as the wrecking ball will soon arrive.
The Jones Library expansion and renovation project in Amherst, MA, has faced significant debate regarding costs, historic preservation, and community needs. Below are alternative solutions and creative strategies to address concerns, based on recurring questions and proposals from public discourse:
Alternative Solutions to the $46M Demolition/Expansion
Lower-Cost Renovation-Only Plan
Adopt the 2020 proposal to repair the existing structure for $14.4 million, addressing code compliance, safety, and accessibility without expansion. This avoids demolition and preserves historic features like the 1928 building and 1993 addition.
Phased Modernization
Prioritize urgent repairs (e.g., leaky atrium roof, HVAC replacement) first, then incrementally upgrade spaces over time. This reduces upfront costs and allows flexibility.
Historic Preservation-Focused Redesign
Revise plans to comply with the Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation, retaining historic millwork, slate roofs, and original layouts while updating systems. This could resolve Section 106 compliance issues.
Repurpose Existing Spaces
Convert underused areas (e.g., second-floor auditorium) into dedicated spaces for Special Collections, teens, or ESL programs instead of demolishing the 1993 addition.
Collaborate with Nearby Institutions
Partner with Amherst College or UMass to share resources (e.g., storage, programming spaces) to reduce the need for expansion.
Creative Solutions to Increase Success if the Project Proceeds
Funding and Transparency
Publish a real-time financial dashboard detailing funds raised, spent, and outstanding commitments. Clarify risks related to federal grants (e.g., NEH, HUD) and contingency plans for shortfalls.
Explore municipal bonds or public-private partnerships to cover gaps, leveraging Amherst College’s $1M pledge as a model.
Community Engagement
Host monthly public forums with the Town Manager and Trustees to address concerns about timelines, tree removal, and accessibility during construction.
Create a community oversight committee to monitor compliance with historic preservation and sustainability goals.
Sustainability Innovations
Integrate geothermal heating/cooling or solar panels to exceed net-zero targets. Use low-carbon materials like cross-laminated timber for the addition.
Operational Efficiency
Develop an endowment fund to cover future operating costs, supported by grants and private donations.
Partner with local organizations (e.g., The Literacy Project) to share programming spaces and reduce long-term overhead.
Risk Mitigation
Implement fixed-price contracts with contractors to avoid cost overruns.
Establish a change-order review panel with public representatives to approve modifications.
Historic Artifact Preservation
Relocate the Civil War Tablets and Special Collections to a climate-controlled temporary facility during construction, with public access maintained.
Critical Unanswered Questions
Financial Accountability: Total project cost ($46.1M) includes $3M contingencies, but $13.7M remains unraised. Detailed breakdowns of spent/committed funds are unclear.
Historic Compliance: Redesigns to meet federal standards (e.g., retaining slate roofs) could delay the project or require new bids.
Temporary Relocation Costs: The lease for 101 University Drive and moving expenses are unspecified.
By addressing these gaps and adopting adaptive strategies, Amherst can balance preservation, fiscal responsibility, and community needs.
How will the Town Manager (or any other responsible parties) be persuaded to respond to these questions and suggestions?
Is publishing them here in The Indy compelling enough? Or must you resort to the legendary tactics of Martin Luther
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses
and nail them to the door of Town Hall and the Jones Library?
Larger print might be wise. And there are better, less damaging adhesives, recalling that both of these are historic buildings.
Another idea might be to project them onto the north wall of the Jones library from the CVS parking lot at night. Or might gain some First Amendment protection if the projection vehicle were parked in the Town-owned lot just north of there instead.”
These thoughts were all suggested by Know-It-All AI, and are neither certified nor endorsed by the poster.