South End Library Building Project Update

 Our last Community Meeting about the SEL new building was on May 28, 2025.  Since then, the architects have been working to finalize the design and get drawings ready for the bidding/contracting process which was planned for Fall/Winter. 

In October we learned that neighborhood associations adjacent to the library had raised concerns about the ability of plows and garbage trucks to negotiate the alleys between and perpendicular to the new library building footprint.  In the months since this issue was raised, relevant city departments have been determining specific requirements for ensuring these vehicles can service the residents who use these alleys. 

In a recent conversation with David Leonard, Boston Public Library President, we learned additional information.  He shared, “We hope we are now in the very last stages of a design adjustment caused by these clarified requirements for a turning circle coming in and out of the alley. This should be completed in a matter of a few weeks.”

Also impacting the progress of this project is more-than-normal uncertainty about funding and rising costs.  Even though the City’s Capital Budget was approved for FY 27 in late 2025 during the city’s budget process, there is an Office of Budget Management release that must take place before the funds are available for planned capital projects. That release has not yet occurred. He is hopeful that the library will be given an update on this prior to the release deadline of April 8th.

We will continue to keep the South End community informed of both design progress and funding status.