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Letter Sent to Architects Requesting Proposals
May 9, 2002
(sent to 8 firms in tri-state area)
The Ossining Public Library, a popular and growing community resource in Westchester County, is considering a major expansion and renovation of its 35-year-old facility. Your firm has come to my attention through the recommendations of my peers, and I am inviting you to explore the possibilities of this exciting project with the library's Board and staff.
The Ossining Public Library, which celebrates its centennial next year, is one of the oldest school district public libraries in New York. We have provided service from our current facility since 1968. During this time, we have seen our collections and services grow and change, and we feel that the building no longer supports our program. We were able to purchase the property adjacent to the library last year through a public referendum that passed 7 to 1, and we are now looking for ways to develop it. The combined area of both properties is approximately 1.8 acres. The building on the neighboring site is structurally unsound, and must be demolished.
Our library is located 35 miles north of midtown Manhattan. It is chartered to serve the residents of the Ossining Union Free School District, which includes the Village of Ossining, most of the 'town outside', and small parts of the Towns of Yorktown and New Castle. The current population is 33,300, and our service area covers 34 square miles. The library is located near the commercial and population center of the District, but many of our patrons drive to us from the more suburban parts of town. We serve a diverse ethnic and racial community: approximately 55% Anglo/White, 22% Hispanic/Latino, 18% African American/Black, and 5% Asian/Other.
I have enclosed some fact sheets about the Ossining Public Library, photos of both properties, and some documents that have been circulated to our trustees for discussion over the past year. I am also listing some specific concerns that will probably be raised during the interview process:
- As a school district library, we will be subject to the referendum process to raise funds for this project. How can your firm help us mount a successful campaign?
- Although we are exempt from local zoning and building codes, we will ultimately need project approval from the State Education Department. Do you have any experience negotiating this lengthy and sometimes frustrating process?
- This project will need some thoughtful and imaginative site work - the photos tell only part of the story. How will you make maximum use of the site for the building and for parking?
- Who does your firm use for interior design work? Technology consulting? Do you contract out for these services, or do you have in-house expertise?
- If at all possible, we would like to remain open during construction and avoid temporary quarters. Can the project be phased to allow this?
If you are interested in finding out more about this project, or if you would like to arrange a site visit, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Edward Falcone
Director
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