Senoia’s library has a new location

Thu, 03/06/2008 - 3:54pm
By: John Thompson

Senoia’s long-delayed new library will be located in the city’s newest park on Pylant Street.

After an executive session Monday night, the City Council announced plans to purchase a one-acre tract next to the park for $55,000. City Administrator Richard Ferry said the purchase will be paid by $40,000 in cash and $15,000 in a line of credit.

“This should settle the question as to where the library is going to be,” added Ferry.

But when the library will be built is still up in the air, thanks to the General Assembly. Earlier this year, city officials learned that $1.2 million has been earmarked by Gov. Sonny Perdue in his bond package to help improve educational opportunities in the state.

“Im pleased, but I was also pleased last year,” said City Administrator Richard Ferry.

Ferry was alluding to the fact the city was slated to receive grant money last year, but the money was not approved by the General Assembly.

If the city gets the state funding, Ferry is hopeful ground could be broken by later this year.

“With state funding, we would not have to rely on county crews to build the library,” he said.

This week’s announcement was only the latest chapter in the city’s efforts to build a new building.

In February, 2006, the Senoia City Council decided to place the building in the city’s Seavy Street park. But in May, 2007, the city learned indirectly that state officials did not like the location of the building because of its proximity to railroad tracks and overhead power lines. Previously, the town had applied for a grant from the state for the building, but thought it had been turned down. In late May, the city learned the grant had been approved, but in June it did not receive funding in the state budget.

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