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Lewisboro Library Expansion Plans Take First Step

LEWISBORO, N.Y. – Plans to renovate and expand the Lewisboro Library took their first official steps this week when library officials and their architect brought the proposal before the planning board to seek its feedback and advice.

“It was just a preliminary meeting and we were looking for the (information) that we need to supply (the planning board) with,” said Gary Page, president of the library’s board of trustees. “I thought it went very well. Everyone was very positive and the project has every chance of success.”

The $2 million renovation plan would create a conference room and an enclosed children’s library section, Page said. It would add approximately 1,500 square feet to the library’s existing 5,600 square feet.

“It wouldn’t affect the existing parking lot or any of the town campus,” Page said. “We’ve sized this project so that it’s achievable.”

Planning Board member John O’Donnell said he liked the plan because most of it focused on the building’s interior. He offered up some other suggestions as well.

“I think this is a plan that will work,” O’Donnell told architect Donald MacDonald and John Watson, vice president and project manager from Insite Engineering. “You may want to consider some bike racks for the outside. Also, sustainability is an issue and I would like to hear about solar collectors if that makes sense for the project.”

Planning Board member Ron Tetelman noted that there has been a plethora of library expansion proposals over the past decade that have failed for one reason or another.

“This is a smart plan,” Tetelman said. “I only wish it had been considered earlier.”

Page said the plan has many more stops to make before it comes to fruition.

“We still have to go before the ZBA, the Architecture and Community Appearance Review Council, the county health department and eventually the town board,” Page said. “There are still quite a few things we need to fulfill.”

Page said that if everything goes as planned, the renovations would begin in the spring or summer of 2013.

 

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