The council will have a public hearing May 15 to discuss exterior improvements for the Lilly Mansion, which houses the library.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE The City Council will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting May 15 to discuss exterior improvements worth almost $160,000 for the Lilly Mansion, which houses the Lambertville Free Public Library.
After the public hearing, officials will vote whether to proceed with the work. The council introduced an ordinance to authorize the expenditure April 17.
The total for the project is $158,160. Of that total, professional fees account for $20,631, and $19,436 is built in for unforeseen problems and expenses.
If officials approve the expense, they later will determine what type of debt the project will incur, either long term or short term, according to Mayor David Del Vecchio.
Recommendations for the project were made by Public Works Director Paul Cronce and architect Michael Burns, chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission.
The mansion on Lilly Street, built in 1820, was the home of Dr. John Lilly and his nephew, Dr. Samuel Lilly, who was the city’s first mayor. He held office from 1849 to 1852. He also was a Democratic congressman from 1853 to 1855.
His final resting place is Mount Hope cemetery, not far from the home that became the city’s library.
Work on the roof, gutters and flashing would include repairs, scraping and repainting, extended downspouts and new copper roofing material.
Eaves, soffits and other wood surfaces also need to be scraped and repainted. A handrail needs to be replaced at the main entry, and some concrete and masonry needs reconstruction. Reconstruction also is needed on the side porch.
The chimney needs pointing, painting and sealing, recapping and screens. Window frames and sills need caulking, reglazing, primer and paint. Walls need pointing, power washing, priming and paint.
The last time the building underwent any major work was in 1992 when the city installed elevators, put up a new roof and rehabbed the interior, according to Mayor Del Vecchio.