“So, when is groundbreaking?”

“So, when is groundbreaking?”

Well……

The two months since our last building update has consisted mostly of meetings, meetings, and more meetings:  meetings with the architect, meetings with the Building Committee, meetings with utility companies, and meetings with library vendors.

We are working on finalizing the floorplan and footprint for the new building.  The geotechnical engineers have done soil borings.  The environmental engineers have been out to test for lead and asbestos.   The project engineers have drawn up plans for the utility relocations (water, sewer, electrical, etc.), and we are in talks with DTE, Comcast, and AT&T for how best to proceed.

 “And then construction will begin?”

Well….

First, schematic designs must be drawn up, followed by the library going through the site plan approval process with the city planning commission.

“And then, groundbreaking?”

Sort of…

Site preparation, relocation of underground utilities, and the purchase and demolition of the H&B building will need to happen before construction can begin on the new building.  We hope to begin this process this fall, depending on how long the site plan approval process takes.  Some of this cannot happen during the winter months, so if we do not begin in the fall, we will begin in the spring of 2018.

“So, when is the groundbreaking ceremony? When does ceremonial shovel go into the dirt?”

Spring 2018.

“Finally!”

Yes!  Please, bear with us in the meantime, and stay tuned for more updates.

Also, if you would like to learn more about the library’s developing plans, proposed utility relocations, and timeline, then you are invited to attend an informal town hall on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at 6 pm at Belleville First United Methodist Church (417 Charles St.) across the street from the library.  (Our library’s program room is in use every day that week, and the Church has been very kind in offering us a place to meet).

 

Mary Jo Suchy,

Library Director