Posted in site plan, site preparation on October 27, 2011|
When searching for a new home or business, the conventional wisdom is to pay attention to location, location, location. When siting a library location is vitally important as well. We’re excited about the site for our new library – just two blocks off of main street – on the corner of Haugen and Second Street. It has easy access for drivers as well as kids headed to the library after school. In 2007 the City Council reserved this City owned site for the construction of a new public library.
The first step in constructing the new library will be to prepare the site and this will require removing the Romiad Building so there is enough room to build. The City has researched the possibility of moving the building to another site, but it has become clear this would be too expensive and difficult.
Shifting the Romiad building to another corner of the lot has also been considered. The estimated cost to shift the Romiad Building on the site is over $200,000. It would also require that the position of the new library also shift, so the library would need to be redesigned, adding expense to the project. In March 2010 and Dec 2010 public meetings were held to discuss the site plan. Members of the public and City officials voiced concerns regarding existing utilities, the proximity of the facility to the power plant, minimizing the impact on Birch Street residents and traffic flow. This public process led to the current site plan for the new library.
So the next step is to put the building up for public bid for removal, salvage or demolition this winter. We anticipate this will be a great opportunity for a local contractor. This important step will pave the way for a smooth and on-time construction process that will likely begin in April 2012.

Read Full Post »