In their continuing efforts to apprise residents of possible options for a new building, the Manhasset Library Board of Trustees recently held two community forums to present several plans to the community. Although neither session entertained a standing room only crowd, there were dozens of residents present at each session, attentive and interested in hearing what the library representatives had to say.

Before Roger Smith (the architect appointed by the board to develop initial plans for the two remaining sites up for consideration) began his presentation, Board President Carol Ascrizzi explained why the old Village Bath Club property in South Strathmore was no longer a consideration. She noted that the location has no presence on Northern Boulevard, it is further away from the schools (than the other two sites they are now presenting), and that "it would project into a residential part of the community. There wasn't a ground swell of support for the site."

Mr. Smith then proceeded with the introduction of the two remaining sites under consideration: the present library location on Onderdonk Avenue, reconfigured to include the Adam Art property and therefore extending to Northern Boulevard, and the Sabena Airlines building, on Northern Boulevard, across from Macy's. These are two possible development options for each location.

Already outlined in the April 19 edition of the Manhasset Press, the first site considers the library's current location and its possible acquisition of the Adam Art property. Both A and B options relocate the library to a new structure that would sit on the Onderdonk and Northern Boulevard corner; the present building would become parking for the new building. Both A and B offer 32,000 square feet of building, but would differ dramatically in structure. A would be a three story ground level building with 66 parking spaces, and B would be a three story raised structure, with allowance for additional grade level parking, bringing the number of spaces up to 85. The estimated cost of A is $13.9 million and B $15.1 million. Mr. Smith fielded questions throughout his presentation, and it was at this juncture that a resident inquired about the total cost of that site if underground parking were to be installed; Smith gave a figure of $16.9 million. Although the present library would attempt to maintain services while the new structure is being built, there would be little or no parking on site, and at some point during the final phase of construction, the library would have to relocate or limit services.

The second site, the Sabena Airlines building, also featured A and B options. Because it involves the renovation of a standing building, reinforcing the load (a library requires roughly twice the support of an office environment), would necessarily alter the existing space. Nevertheless, Sabena Option A would give the community 37,500 square feet of library, with approximately 126 parking spaces. The salient difference between this site's A and B options is the location of the library's community room. Option A has it within the existing structure on the third floor, but Option B would allow for the construction of a new community room at the back of the building (at ground level). B provides a 42,600 square foot library, with approximately 118 parking spaces. Option A holds an estimated cost of $14.6 million; Option B is a $15.8 million undertaking. All costs quoted by the architect include estimated acquisition of the properties in question. Also, the current library could remain in operation while the Sabena site was being developed.

At both meetings, Ascrizzi and Smith answered questions, and listened to resident concerns regarding the two proposals. Interestingly, the two meetings differed in context during this exchange. Some of Saturday's attendees regarded the difference in cost between the Onderdonk site's A and B options as "a lot of money for only 19 more parking spaces." Ascrizzi was asked what the overall difference to the taxpayer would be for each site, and she replied that the library would have actual figures available (once a site was chosen). But that "it is truly only pennies difference between all four options." They also questioned the height of the new structure on Onderdonk, "would it be imposing?" Smith answered that the estimated height would probably be 5 to 10 feet higher than Filene's.

There were some expressed concerns regarding traffic at both sites, and it was suggested that the library board consider including the construction of a walkway from the high school to the Sabena building (the bluff behind the building is part of Manhasset High School). It was at this point that Phyllis Clark, Terrace Manor resident, asked about the reality of a light for ingress/egress to the Sabena location. She was answered, "If the community agrees that this will be the site, we will request a traffic evaluation and signaling." Clark then stated that "Terrace Manor will probably fight it (the Sabena purchase)." Others, who expressed their support of the larger property and its possibilities, countered her statement.

Those in attendance on Wednesday evening took a more aggressive view of traffic in general, "there is constant traffic around Onderdonk," and "there's no proper time for walking on Northern Boulevard." A resident also questioned underground parking; "It has never been a very popular option in Manhasset." The access to and location of the Sabena site sparked lively discussion, as did the drop-off areas currently depicted in the Onderdonk options. Cost was part of the conversation as well, and the board was asked what was the current tax status of the two properties in question. Ascrizzi answered that Sabena was on the tax rolls for $260,000 per year; the Adam Art site is a $37,000 a year bill. If acquired by the library, the property would come off the tax rolls.

When asked specifics regarding internal layout, Smith emphasized that site location and initial concepts were the primary focus of these meetings; when a site was chosen, further detailed plans would then be developed. Ascrizzi assured the residents that the board would ask for their input on this as well. She noted that once a site is chosen, negotiations would then begin. A referendum is being considered for sometime in the fall.

At the beginning of the sessions, after introducing her fellow board members, Board President Carol Ascrizzi gave a statement, "Together we have worked to find the best options for a new library for Manhasset. We have narrowed it down to these two sites, these four options. These are the final options ... one of these will go to a referendum. If it doesn't pass, this will be it. The library has been turned down twice before and we (will) consider the third time quite a message. If it is turned down again, the current board of trustees will have no further plans to bring up another referendum. If this community wants a library, they need to get behind this and trust us that we have chosen the best option for all of us. It's our community, our hearts are here too, and we have worked very, very diligently to do our very best to explore all of the options." At each session's end, Ascrizzi encouraged residents to ask questions, and indicate their preferences to the library board. She also extended an invitation to residents who are part of a group and would like to learn more, to invite the board to their next meeting.