Friday, August 15, 2003
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Friday, August 15, 2003 |
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Proposed library project to cost $4.7 million By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
The Peachtree City Library Commission met Wednesday night for its regular monthly meeting, followed by another presentation on the possible library expansion and renovation and a public workshop. It was an important meeting because the $64,000 question was answered. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million. Blaine Paxton of the Leo Daly Company explained to the commission and the members of the audience that that amount translates to an average of $25 a year for each family in Peachtree City for the next 15 years. "It's the price of one hardcover bestseller a year," he explained. "Or an extra-large Big Kahuna pizza a year." What does the city get for the $4.7 million, which could be a little higher than the actual amount as it includes money for contingencies that may not be needed? It includes a rebuilt and clear entrance to the library, a renovated and larger children's section, a small coffee shop area near a new and larger adult and young adult section, an expanded audio/visual area, reworked shelves, improved lighting, an outdoor terrace/courtyard, more parking at the bottom of the library and a loop road, walkways, landscaping, a connecting canopy to city hall, and new books, stacks, tables and chairs. The money would also be used to fix existing deficiencies with the current roof and HVAC system and getting things up to par with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. "This is a great time to set a bond," said Paxton, who said that he hasn't see rates this low in the past 15-17 years. "When you set the bond, the rate freezes. The economy is starting to turn around and rates will soon go up." He continued by reiterating that this is a 20-year plan for the library. "We don't want to go back in front of City Council a few years down the line to try to get more money." The crowd at the meeting was not as large as meetings in the past, but there were a few concerns. One gentlemen with a background in construction felt that the skylight over the children's area would produce too much heat. A Daly company representative stated that the material used for the skylight would be a special kind of fiberglass used on past projects that blocks out heat during the day and keeps heat locked in at night. Another gentlemen wanted to know if it was possible to survey the community to see if they wanted the library to expand, but this idea was shot down by the members of the commission. "The vote will be where the issue will be decided," said commission member Barbara Chapman Swafford. The rest of the commission agreed with her, also stating that there would not be enough time to survey the community if they were to get the question on this November's ballot. In fact, the Library Commission will go before City Council next Thursday evening, and if all goes well, they will have a workshop the following Wednesday to discuss how to get the word out to the public. The project already has the blessing of the Peachtree City Planning Commission. Paxton represented the Daly Company at Monday's meeting and gave them a brief overview of the project. While some members were concerned that the plaza would lose some of its symmetry, all were excited about the project, felt the plans looked good and were pleased with the presentation. Commission member Bob Buckley admitted he was a frequent user of the library and really liked the idea of a coffee shop. Chapman-Swafford mentioned at Wednesday's meeting that 90 percent of library bonds pass and that everyone should stay positive and hope that "the community will step to the plate and get a nice library for the city."
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