Thanks to Ellen Arnold-Robbins for this update, which originally appeared in the FTPML fall newsletter.
On July 31st, the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance which authorized a phased approach to funding for a replacement library. For that purpose, architect Greg Lukmire submitted a proposal with engineering and design components at a total cost not to exceed $300,000.
This proposal advances the project through design development, and establishes the flood plain implications for the final design. Subsequent phases of the project will be reviewed by the Council prior to approval.
Public comment at the July 31st meeting included many statemenst of support and affection for the library by residents.
People told of the role the library had in their lives, and those of their children. A documentary video, filmed in the library by [board member ] Gina Lambright and Kenneth Somodevilla, was also viewed by the Council. It featured a number of kids talking about the library’s importance to them, the range of books they found and enjoyed, and how its central location in the neighborhood was ideal for them. [The video can be viewed on this website in an earlier post.] Prior to the meeting, letters of support for the project were submitted to the Council by members of the Friends Board and others.
We are looking forward to work on the library renovation project resuming in the very near future!
ftpml.org 