Printed From Acorn-Online.com
Uncommon Sense
Apr 17, 2008
Library on fast track to nowhere
You might have noticed that it is now April 2008, and Lewisboro still doesn’t have a new or expanded library. Nor has there been a single shovelful of dirt or a single nail driven by a single hammer. When I came to this realization, I didn’t think it was that big a deal, since I remembered writing about the library just a few months ago. But the mind plays tricks, and when I checked, I was surprised to discover that the last time I discussed the library was February 8, 2007 — well more than a year ago. At that point, I was lamenting the fact that the library board had no choice but to agree to move to the town park, since it had run into a dead end in attempts to expand in South Salem hamlet. So, what has happened since then?
Surprisingly, given that most everyone was led to believe a year ago that the “logjam” had finally been broken and construction of a new library was about to move full-speed ahead, the answer is: nothing. At least, nothing we can see. And that, oddly enough, might be a good thing for both the library and the town.
Even at the height of its momentum, the idea of moving the library to the town park had more of a “Let’s just finally get going and do something” appeal, rather than a “Wow, this is the best possible solution!” feel. And that’s because it’s understood that taking the library out of its neighborhood setting and sticking it out on a state highway, where its only neighbors would be ball fields, tennis courts and a swimming pool, is not really in the best interests of the library, and is certainly not in the best interests of South Salem. It goes completely against every concept of good planning. And we’re not just talking about all of the latest research into “smart growth” by any number of planning associations that emphasizes revitalizing hamlets, discouraging sprawl and encouraging pedestrians; or even all of the studies that show the importance of maintaining as much diverse green space as possible to best control and manage climate change — including the importance of trees and wetlands in absorbing the increased precipitation and runoff resulting from that change. We’re also talking about Lewisboro’s own Master Plan, the often-ignored document that emphasizes these same principles.
“What’s good about any of this?” you’re wondering. “This clown is just presenting more roadblocks and delays against something that is a fait accompli. Let’s get the thing built!” Not so fast.
The truth is that the tables have turned. The argument that the only way to “quickly” get a bigger, better library is to build it elsewhere is no longer necessarily valid. The town administration that was in charge a year ago and enthusiastically presented that as the only good option is gone. In its place is one that takes smart growth a bit more seriously, while also looking at realistic ways to accomplish things efficiently.
Another change is that, by agreeing to move to the park, the library board has actually made it easier to avoid doing just that. How? By showing that they don’t have a problem with sitting the library on a leased piece of property — which is what the town park site would be. One of the biggest complications with building an addition on the South Salem campus is that the library’s property is separate from the town’s land that adjoins it. If the library were to go ahead and sell that property to the town for, say, a dollar, I suspect that the fact that it was all one piece of town property would most likely eliminate many procedural delays. Reliable sources even indicate that the Architectural & Community Appearance Review Council (ACARC) is really not opposed to a second floor in keeping with the neighborhood; after all, the Town House is already higher than that, and most other homes are two stories.
By contrast, building in the park is far from being on the fast track. Not only do we have no idea when, if ever, the state DOT might approve a turning lane — much less a traffic light — on Route 35, we also have to consider the additional costs involved with building both those improvements and an access road (since the latest plan calls for putting the library up on the ridge where — surprise! — the ill-fated ice arena was planned, more than a decade ago). Not to mention the additional costs of site preparation, constructing a new building from scratch and purchasing the old library building for the town’s use. All of those millions, while theoretically not reaching the threshold requiring a public referendum, could be subject to one if enough people sign a petition demanding it. Past experience indicates there is no lack of people in town ready to circulate and sign such a petition. Is the library board willing to risk such a vote in this economic climate?
Perhaps it’s time to consider that the fastest way forward might, indeed, be a step back.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers |
|