by Steve Kim
Ridgewood NJ, If you want more details on how the Library renovation discussion has evolved over time… past Library Board minute excerpts:
* Minute excerpts from 2015…
Reissue of Architectural Schematics RFP Ms. Greene reported:
Ms. Greene recapped that in late summer 2014 the Library issued an RFP for architectural schematics and received proposals from three architects. At the October 2014 meeting, the Board authorized the use of up to $70,000 from Library reserve funds to select an architect.
Ms. Greene spoke with Ridgewood Library’s Building Consultant Leslie Burger, who recommended that the Library re-issue their 2014 RFP to expand the pool of applicants. Ms. Burger also suggested next steps of the process – 1) after preliminary interviews with the Library’s Administrative Staff, the finalists would make presentations to Library Board who would make a selection and 2) the Library Board would then develop a committee for marketing and fundraising of the renovation.
Mr. Johansen asked for input from the Board. Ms. Diorio responded positively and thought reissuing would create more options. She also inquired which architect did the renovations at Princeton Library. Ms.Greene replied that she would distribute a list of architects who have done exemplary work in libraries. Ms.
Driscoll agreed that reissuing the RFP would be beneficial, adding that there would be no additional cost to the Library to do so.
Motion to reissue Architectural Schematic RFP, was made by Ms. Diorio and seconded by Ms. Driscoll. Motion passed unanimously.
* Minute excerpts from November 2016…
Mr. Gisolfi presented revised floor plans and new hand-drawn renderings for the proposed library renovation.
Option A is the new plan which gives the Teen Center a prominent location with windows and an adjacent Makerspace Lab. Option B places a large Meeting Room in that location. Both versions show new meeting rooms of all sizes throughout the Library, and feature a circular central opening with spiral staircase that connects the 1st and 2nd floors under two new rooftop skylights. Phase 1 of the project would renovate all areas of the existing library, and Phase 2 would update the Auditorium into a Performing Arts Center, featuring tiered seating in a slightly larger footprint. From very early cost estimates, Phase 1 and Phase 2 are forecast to cost roughly $4 million and $1 million, respectively.
The plans were well received by all present. Mr. Gisolfi will firm up and verify the construction cost estimates, and will prepare a proposal for architectural design development.
Ms. Greene noted that the Library will need to develop a full Capital Budget Proposal to include all related costs – construction, site work, professional fees, furnishings, technology, moving and storage of all holdings and contingency. The Trustees discussed where to base the Library’s operations during the year or so of major
construction. Ideas mentioned: Elks Club, Zusy Center at Village Hall, Brakeorama site, a storefront similar to the mini-mall space used by Wyckoff Library during their construction, or a temporary modular library in the
parking lot, delivered by tractor trailer.
* Minutes excerpts from January 2018…
Ms. Campbell and Ms. Greene will present a brief talk about the Library’s preliminary renovation planning, at the Village Council Meeting on Wednesday, January 25. Ms. Holt has helped to refine the PowerPoint presentation, which focuses on the Library’s roles and why a renovation is needed. Councilman Voigt encouraged the Board to emphasize the value of the Library to the community, the effects of 20 years of high traffic, and how public libraries are evolving nationwide. Ms. Campbell encouraged
Trustees, Friends and Foundation members to attend.
Ms. Sarappo asked about soliciting public suggestions about library building needs. Ms. Greene responded that during the Strategic Planning process in 2014, Alan Gray conducted open public sessions as well as focus groups and individual interviews with community stakeholders. The Library
should again undertake focus groups and surveys to get community input on any future building
changes.
* March 2018 minute excerpts…
Renovation fundraising may be guided by Victoria Bixel of Semple Bixel Associates, who briefed the Trustees, Friends, Foundation and Administrative Staff on the process of developing a successful capital campaign, which would need to begin with a Feasibility Study at a cost of $30K. She is currently also working with the Maplewood, NJ Public Library which is planning a major addition and renovation.
A complete waste of money. Give it a rest Nancy.
Sorry everyone but the library is tired and outdated looking. Time to enter the 21st century.
What I find interesting is, Steve Kim is always complaining about the town of Ridgewood. First it was the high school football field, then it was the school budget, and now it’s the library. Steve continues to bash everyone but continues to live in Ridgewood. What is so hypocritical is he doesn’t even send his children to the Ridgewood public schools. If he cared so much about the schools, and wants to improve them, why wouldn’t he send his children to them? It makes me wonder what his agenda really is.
so is this the party line , ‘my way or the high way” ???
This is not about Steve Kim, you bigoted asshole. We need more people like Mr. Kim, and less like you
Let’s face it a 21st century library = Starbucks. You can get any book you want on your phone so why build something that looks like Terminal C at Newark Airport?
How is the previous comment being bigoted? He or she is giving their opinion. Don’t you find it strange that Mr Kim is against everything the town is doing but yet doesn’t believe it’s good enough for his children to go to our schools? I find it very disturbing if it’s true.
Also, using foul language shows your education level. I guess if something offends you, you will say it’s bigoted. Stop watching CNN.
“you bigoted asshole” Aren’t you a nice person? You probably pulled the wings off flies when you were a kid, or still do.
Because modern libraries are about more than books.
Look at that rendering you boobs. There are chairs for seven people in what looks like 1,500 square feet of space. Maybe an underground hangar level is needed?
To the third commentator, aka Denise Lima, Library Foundation President opted for private school. RW residents that pay taxes and don’t use services relief the burden. Look past the tip of your nose and stop being ventriloquist dummy.
To the third commentator, aka Denise Lima, Library Foundation President opted for private school. RW residents that pay taxes and don’t use services relief the burden. Look past the tip of your nose and stop being ventriloquist dummy.