Phase 3 of The Andover Community Hub’s “Come On In” capital campaign is about to launch. We are hoping to raise approximately another $35,000 in order to continue construction of a community kitchen and to cover additional operating costs associated with keeping Andover’s old town hall open for longer hours.  

Phases 1 and 2 of the “Come On In” effort have been completed.  Replacement of the asphalt roof was accomplished in June, and construction of the universal-access ramp was completed in November.

Why a community kitchen?  As The Hub’s outreach material explains, “Adding a kitchen will be a particularly effective way to help build a broader sense of community in our small town.  It will open up the possibilities of community dinners, cooking classes for kids and adults, senior meals, and potentially even making production space available to home-grown businesses that have outgrown their residential kitchens, thereby playing a small role in the economic development of our town.”

According to Doug Phelps, chair of The Hub’s Buildings and Grounds Committee that planned the three campaign projects, donations and pledges totaling roughly $107,000 have already been received.  As Beacon readers know, the original goal for all three was $100,000, but rising prices dramatically increased costs for both the roof and access ramp, necessitating another round of fundraising.

As soon as Phase 3 brings in about $5,000, construction could begin, with a possible opening date for basic operations in the second quarter of 2023, according to Phelps.

For more information on the capital campaign or to make a donation, visit The Hub’s website at andoverhub.org.