L&M Publications
Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Freeport-Baldwin Leader • Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

North Merrick residents will head to the polls on Monday, April 11, to vote on a proposed $6.75 million renovation project  of its library. The vote will take place at the North Merrick Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.
   
The proposed renovation consists of the construction of an addition of 3,200 feet to provide for meeting and other space; roof, window and door replacements; interior reconstruction and space reconfiguration; and mechanical, plumbing, electrical system and masonry improvement.
   
In a previous interview with Merrick Life, library Director Tom Witt said the HVAC system will be state-of-the-art and solar panels will be installed on the roof to help cut future energy costs. These improvements should cut utility costs by approximately $12,000 a year.
   
The project will cost $6.75 million, of which 86% is for renovations; the hard construction costs of the addition are $974,750.
   
Mr. Witt defended the project in a January 20 article in Merrick Life. “Construction costs are down,” said Mr. Witt.
   
“Interest rates are at an all-time low and we must address an aging building with a premeditated plan instead of trying to fix things when there is a crisis. In the end it is cheaper to address these issues in a comprehensive project than piece meal.”
   
If approved, the project could be funded either through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York or through bonds for a period of 20 years and will levy a tax payable in annual installments not to exceed $595,000 per year in addition to the amount raised annually by tax for the library’s yearly budget appropriations.
   
Mr. Witt said a home assessed for $450,000 in North Merrick pays approximately $344 annually in library taxes. The cost of the renovation would be an additional $132 a year for that same house assessed at $450,000.
   
Mr. Witt will conduct two public presentations at the library – Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. and then on Monday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. Voter registration will also take place on Monday, April 4, from 3 to 7 p.m.
   
The construction report is on file and available for public inspection at the library.
   
If the bond passes, construction could begin in the spring of 2012, with minimal or no impact on providing services, said Mr. Witt.

By Laura Schofer

Laura Schofer, staff writer for L&M Publications, has been recognized with several awards for many of her feature pieces published in Bellmore and Merrick Life, The Citizen and The Leader.