News:

On Monday, February 13, 2012 the Brandon Selectboard approved the plans and funding of the renovations of the basement of the Town Hall. The necessary permits have been obtained and we expect demolition work to begin Wednesday, February 22, 2012!  The McKernon Group has been chosen to be our contractor. 

The Friends addressed funding of the bathrooms, and more, in the basement before the Selectboard.  Prior to this meeting we had conversations with the architect and a potential contractor about the bathroom project.  As a result of these conversations we decided that it was price effective to enlarge the project to renovate the entire basement.  This increased the cost of the project from $130,000 to approximately $165,000. 

The additional work will include a set of stairs from backstage to the basement (that part of the project will be funded by an anonymous donor who gave $15,000 to the Friends in May 2011 specifically for the staircase).  Also included is opening up some of the interior walls to make a gathering area in the basement (which is heated in the winter) to allow for some activities to take place in the Town Hall year-round.  Mundane things like moving the oil tank to allow for an emergency second exit from the basement is included, along with creating a janitor's space, removal of the existing ramp to one of the bathrooms, modifications to the fire suppression "heads" to allow for new interior walls, rough in the plumbing for a cater's kitchen, and creation of a "green room" for the performers. 

The Friends submitted an application to the Town's Revolving Loan Fund to borrow up to $40,000.  The application was approved with an unanimous vote!  We take that as a vote of confidence that the Friends have been responsible in restoring our Town Hall and Community Center, as well as understanding that this revitalization is an integral part of Brandon's recovery from the recession. 

We have been given three years to repay the loan, and anticipate paying it back ahead of time!  Your continued support of our efforts for this building revival as well as attendance at our events will allow this to happen. 

http://www.cushycms.com/temporary_uploads/168440/3 30 11 Brandon Town Hall LOWER LEVEL-lower 1117.pdf