A worker scrapes lead paint from the exterior of the Downieville Community Center

DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Community Center Remodel Project got underway on Monday with the scraping of lead paint off the east face of the building. Demolition of interior elements is also taking place. The project has closed off Maiden Lane and the first few spots in the Community Hall parking lot closest to the building, a closure which is expected to last until the project’s completion.

Planning Director Bryan Davey is pushing for work to wrap up in July, a schedule he believes is “optimistic” but possible. Unexpected developments are common in a project of this scale, so a more explicit timeline will likely develop further into construction. For now, locals are crossing their fingers, hoping no significant structural issues are discovered during this first phase.