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March 19, 2010

Watchung announces semifinalists for library project

c-n.com
By LAURIE LEVOY • STAFF WRITER • March 15, 2010

WATCHUNG — Three architectural firms have been named to submit their formal proposals to remediate crowded building conditions at Watchung Public Library.

Debra Downs, chairwoman of the Library Advisory Committee, made the announcement at Thursday's 3/11 Borough Council meeting.

This step comes nearly four years since the borough appointed study and then advisory committees to address the conditions at the library, which essentially is the 2,000 square-foot, 1945 home of Harlan Pratt, who opened his Valley Furniture Shop in 1947 just yards from his home on Watchung Circle.

The library has become overcrowded from the increasing amount of technological equipment its patrons want and use. The building also is not a sufficient meeting destination for the community.

Doug Poswencyk, director of the library for nearly 20 years, said the library for some time has found it difficult to operate as a modern public library.

The Library Advisory Committee has met regularly for more than 18 months to research and make recommendations about the library's issues.

Each of the architectural firm candidates have been asked to have their proposals include the following:

A recommendation to either build a new structure or renovate and expand the current building;

Create a multipurpose room to accommodate 150 people, to function as a community hub;

Have certification in a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building program that promotes "green" initiatives;

Provide a preliminary design, layout and floor plan the community can examine;

Provide a project timeline and identify any zoning and environmental issues that need to be addressed;

Proposed, estimated costs.
The winning architectural firm will be chosen before the end of the year.
"This is a big investment to make and that's why a preliminary design the towns can look at and put online is important," said Councilman Steve Pote.

A referendum question and public donations could be part of the process in determining how to fund the library project, said Mayor Albert Ellis.

The library is a member of the Somerset County Library System and receives funding for staff and books. The municipality pays for and maintains the facility.

Laurie Levoy; 908-243-6614; llevoy@MyCentralJersey.com

Posted by tumulty at March 19, 2010 12:34 PM

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