Friday, September 10, 2010
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: The city has not had a response to the last letter to the Urban League. [See Sept. 3 entry, copy of the letter below.] There is a question from [a former Library Commissioner] as to use and occupancy [fees]. The Urban League has not made any payments to date. The lack of communication has heightened my concerns. We need to go over the progress of the renovations and timeline. If we cannot get a confirmation of their move and if they cannot accommodate our plans, we may have to seek court intervention.
From John Ramsay, Assistant Library Director: We have attached a preliminary timeline from the architects, along with this note from Carol Leaders: Here is the timeline that has been prepared; note -- we still do not have a firm time for the roof replacement, but City Facilities is prepared to move forward. All other renovations hinge on the roof repairs and the Urban League vacating the building. [I've asked that this time-line be posted on the Springfield Library website.]
Friday, September 3, 2010
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: I'm forwarding Attorney Ed Pikula's update to you. As Attorney Pikula states in the email below and in the attached letter, this latest issue may be based on a misunderstanding and not be a problem. As soon as we have a response from Mr. Thomas, we will forward it to you.
I'm also sending you a link to several new photos provided by Janet Stupak:
www.springfieldlibrary.org/branches/ms.html
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: In speaking with Steve Mollica, I asked him for an update as to the Urban League's progress in moving. He spoke with the Urban League relocation expert and was unable to obtain an assurance that the Urban League would be out by the deadline promised. This may simply be miscommunication between the part of the Urban League relocation expert and Mr. Thomas, but in order to assure this stays on track, I have sent a letter to Mr. Thomas. I am attaching a copy for your information. [The letter from Atty. Pikula to Henry Thomas at the Urban League follows:]
THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
September 3, 2010
Henry Thomas III, President/CEO
Urban League of Springfield, Inc.
765 State Street
Springfield, MA 01109
Re: 765 State Street, Springfield, MA
Dear Mr. Thomas:
In your letter dated June 25, 2010 received June 29, 2010 you provided assurances that fact that the Urban League will vacate “no later than September 30, 2010” and you stated that you anticipated that “the actual date will be earlier than September 30, 2010.”
I received a report from the City’s relocation expert which is causing me to write to you to express my concern that the Urban League stay on track to meet the deadline of September 30, 2010. Based upon my conversation with Mr. Mollica, it appears that he has had some difficulty with respect to confirmation of the Urban League plans and efforts to move. Please confirm that the Urban League will vacate by September 30th. Considering the Library Plans for renovation and move-in schedule, it is very important that the Urban League meet the deadline.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience to confirm.
Very Truly Yours, Edward M. Pikula
Friday, August 27, 2010
From Edward Pikula, Springfield City Law Dept: Our relocation consultant indicates that UL has signed agreement for their new space and are on target to move out by the 9/30 date. I have not been able to meet with the SLF and SMA on the renovation bills as I have been tied up with the WMECO case and hope to have more info next week.
From Molly Fogarty, Director, Springfield Library Dept: Carol and I met with Steve Jablonski and he is working on a schedule which will include target dates for renovation projects, furniture , shelving , and equipment delivery and installation. As soon as that's available, I will send it out to you.