Just as the trustees were finalizing their review of the two options under consideration as the best-suited location on which to build a new library - either at the Adam Art Center or the Bath Club - it was learned that the SABENA building, at 1155 Northern Boulevard was for sale.

The trustees were given an extensive tour of the building and parking area. On first examination, it has some strong points in its favor and, as well, a number of serious problems. On the plus side, it has 34,000 square feet and 165 parking spaces. It isn't in anyone's backyard and won't impact any neighborhood's traffic patterns. It's a building that's already built, 10 years old. Further, the library would not have to be torn down and could be available for community use.

On the minus side, the SABENA building wasn't built as a library and cannot support the book stacks without major reconstruction. Preliminary estimates indicate that the cost of acquiring and altering the building could approximate the cost for the Adam Art and Bath Club sites. Either the second floor could have to be reinforced - an expensive undertaking requiring installation of additional columns which would reduce open spaces on the floors - or a new wing for all the stacks would have to be constructed at the rear of the building, taking away some of the parking space. Both of the upper two floors would need to be completely remodeled to fit the library's needs. Further, the first floor would need to be enlarged to provide space for the circulation desk, its staff, and a small work area. All the rest of the library's activities would take place on the upper two floors, with access by elevator.

There is a bus stop in front of the building and there are sidewalks but probably not many people would choose to walk. Patrons arriving by car would drive in off Northern Boulevard, find a parking space and enter the first floor. To leave the parking area, the patron would follow a designated loop around some spaces and exit right next to the entrance. There is no traffic light there, and all exiting traffic would have to make a right hand turn, toward Community Drive. In addition, if the library acquires the building, it will be taken off the tax rolls, which will reduce tax receipts by $261,767.

Our architect, Roger Smith, and an engineer are making extensive studies of this building and will present their detailed findings to the trustees within the next few weeks. If the necessary changes can, in fact, be made at a cost not exceeding that of either of the two sites being considered and the layout seems feasible for use as a library; we will have another public forum and solicit community views.

The Library Board of Trustees

Carol Ascrizzi, President

Seval LaRocca, Vice President

Francis J. Hone, Financial Secretary

Senetta Koch and James E. Pelzer, Trustees