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LEWISBORO, N.Y. After years of failed attempts, Lewisboro Library officials are trying once again to move forward with a proposal to expand the library. This time theyre optimistic it will come to fruition.
A plan to physically modify the building was submitted to the planning board this week for renovations that would cost approximately $2 million, according to Gary Page, the library board of trustees president.
Over the past decade, there have been various proposals set forth that ranged from expanding the library at its present site to moving it to another location.
There have been building projects that gone before but havent made it through for various reasons, Page said. I dont want to spend time talking about the past and rehash those things where it became a political issue. We believe this current plan is feasible.
The expansion would come at no cost to the taxpayers. Page said the library has already raised significant money from past expansion plans and if the current proposal is approved it would begin more fundraising in earnest.
Its in the very early stages and its before the planning board, Page said. Weve been working on it for close to a year.
Page said the current plan calls for an enclosed childrens area and three extensions that would make the area more meaningful and comfortable. It would include a small bump-out in the front of the building with more significant expansion in the rear.
Officials hope the library will be able to remain open during most of the construction time.
Any closure would be for a minimal amount of time, Page said. We want to make it the least problematic as possible.
Last week the town board approved a request by the library to waive its application fees. Library officials also sought some relief from engineering fees. Supervisor Peter Parsons said he would work with the town engineers, Kellard Sessions Consulting, in an effort to strike a deal.
Page said he believes that town residents are behind the project.
Ive received a lot of positive feedback from the community, Page said. I am optimistic this will go forward. The library has been like a neglected child for a long time and we want to change that.
Page said that if everything goes as planned, the renovations would begin in the spring or summer of 2013.
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