Architect's rendering of the new building
June 2000 |
Jackson Lincoln-Mercury (43-49 Croton Avenue) closes its doors after 75 years of business. |
|
September 2000 |
 |
The Library goes public with plans to aquire the former Jackson property. |
October 2000 |
|
A space planning study is commissioned to determine the present and future needs of the library. The study concludes that the current building should be 25,000 square feet, and grow to between 40,000 to 49,000 square feet by the year 2020. The current building is 17,300 square feet. |
January 2001 |
|
The School Board schedules a referendum for March 14, 2001 to seek public approval for the purchase of the Jackson property. The referendum asks for up to $700,000 in acquisition costs. The Library Board and staff begin a three-month campaign to raise public awareness about the need to expand the present library. |
March 2001 |
|
The referendum passes 1,076 to 165. The Library commissions an environmental study of the Jackson building. |
November 2001 |
|
The School District closes on the property. The Library Board recruits volunteers for an Expansion Committee to suggest ideas for the new building. |
November 2002 |
|
Architect Todd Harvey makes his first public presentation, showing early concepts for the new library and answering questions during the 2-hour program.
The Building Committee selects the construction management firm of J.M.O.A. to join the design team. During the pre-referendum stage, CMs assist the architect with cost estimates and evaluate the ’Äúbuild-ability’Äù of various design concepts. |
March 2003 |
|
The library holds its second public information meeting with architect Todd Harvey.> |
May 2003 |
|
The Trustees select the firm of Ferrandino & Associates (Elmsford) to provide environmental review services for the expansion project. The SEQR process (State Environmental Quality Review) must be followed carefully before the expansion project can be brought to a vote. |
June 2003 |
|
Ferrandino & Associates begin the environmental review process, including traffic survey and visual impact assessment. |
July & August 2003 |
|
The Library Board accepts the findings of the environmental assessment report as submitted by Ferrandino & Associates. A resolution is adopted to make a Negative Declaration on the environmental impact of the project.The Trustees formally request the School District to set a date for a referendum on the new library. The vote will take place on October 21 at Ossining High School. |
september 2003 |
|
Newsletters are mailed to all District residents, explaining the history and details of the expansion project. |
October 2003 |
|
The Library Referendum passes on a vote of 1640 to 633. All three local newspapers endorse the expansion referendum. |
February 2004 |
|
Site work begins. |
October 2004 |
|
Design plans for the new building are delivered to Albany for review. |
February 2005 |
|
A building permit is granted to the library for new construction. |
April 2005 |
|
With some bids coming in higher than expected, the project committee meets to reduce construction costs and to consider re-bidding some contracts.The library applies for well-drilling permits for the three geothermal wells. |
July 2005 |
|
July 15th: The public and press attend a 'Cement-Pouring' celebration on the site. |
January 2006 |
|
Steelwork is completed. |
August 2006 |
|
Staff starts re-tagging collection with RFID tags. |
January 2007 |
|
Old library closes January 8th. Books moved. |
February 2007 |
|
Problems with geothermal system delay opening. |
March 2007 |
|
Certificate of Occupancy granted. March 25th: Grand opening. |
may 2007 |
|
May 20th: John Cheever Reading Room dedicated. |
Minutes of Project Committee MeetingsMeeting #69 January 8th, 2008 |