fbpx
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Sign up for Free Newsletter
  • Print Edition
    • Get Home Delivery
    • Read ePaper Online
    • Newsstand Locations
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Customer Support
    • Submit A News Tip
    • Where’s My Paper?
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Free HV1 Trial
  • Movie Night Gift Subscription
Hudson Valley One
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Featured Events
      • Art
      • Books
      • Kids
      • Lifestyle & Wellness
      • Food & Drink
      • Music
      • Nature
      • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Help Wanted
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Podcast
  • Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Featured Events
      • Art
      • Books
      • Kids
      • Lifestyle & Wellness
      • Food & Drink
      • Music
      • Nature
      • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Help Wanted
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Podcast
  • Log In
No Result
View All Result
Hudson Valley One
No Result
View All Result

Library trustees debate applying for DEC permission to build annex

by Nick Henderson
April 24, 2017
in Uncategorized
1

library SQWoodstock Library trustees debated on September 18 whether to file for a DEC permit to settle the question as to whether an annex can be built on the site of the former Library Laundromat. At the same time, their facilities task force made preparations for the first of what they say will be many public-input meetings on the proposed annex project, on Tuesday, September 30.

Under the heading of “new business” at the end of the meeting, Trustee Geoffrey Hanowitz pushed the issue of a permit application through the state Department of Environmental Conservation, arguing that it’s the only way to find out if new construction would be allowed on the site, alongside the Tannery Brook on Library Lane. The DEC has jurisdiction since any building on the site would be right next to the waterway. Library officials had begun the permitting process, but stopped when public outcry stalled the project.

“With all due respect to the people in the community and on the task force, we have a substantial amount of money spent on the annex,” Hanowitz said, arguing for the move. “We hired engineers, architects, we paid good money.”

Board members took a variety of positions.

Trustee Dorothea Marcus disagreed, saying it would create a public relations disaster. “We’ve made tremendous progress to see if there’s a better solution,” Marcus said.

Trustee Jesse Jones said he’s had little time to think about it and wanted to give it more time.

“There’s a reason there’s a task force,” said board member Barry Miller. “They will make a recommendation.”

But Hanowitz feels all other work may be a waste if it turns out nobody can build on the site. “A lot of really generous people donated money to buy that property. I think we owe it to them,” he said. “We need to see if we can build across the street. I’m not asking to put shovels in the ground. The only people who can tell us whether we can build on this property are the DEC.”

Trustee Katryna Barber was astounded nobody on the task force thought to ask earlier if anyone could build on the site. She suggested the task force look into the issue.

The proposed $1.6 million annex design by Joel Sanders includes a 2,050 square feet of space on an 1,800-square-foot footprint at the site of the former Library Laundromat across Library Lane that includes a 65-seat meeting space that can be divided into smaller areas, a “maker-space” workshop, two unisex bathrooms, a small kitchen, storage room, front and rear decks and a roof deck.

The project was originally estimated at $400,000-$500,000, but costs skyrocketed when trustees realized building the former laundromat’s small footprint was inadequate for the library’s needs.

Although trustees plan to have the bulk of the annex funded through private donors, the project is on hold after public outcry over its scope, environmental issues and accusations of mismanagement.

President Stuart Auchincloss recommended the permit matter be tabled, noting a DEC permit application requires a public comment period and would create troublesome public relations. But Hanowitz disagreed with that. “I really resent that people are putting public relations before the needs of this library,” said Hanowitz. “I don’t want to make decisions based on the fear of people with sharp pencils who are going to write letters to the paper.”

Barber thought going around the task force and seeking a permit “didn’t seem right” and is almost insulting.

Page 1 of 2
12Next
Tags: Annex projectwoodstock library
Join the family! Grab a free month of HV1 from the folks who have brought you substantive local news since 1972. We made it 50 years thanks to support from readers like you. Help us keep real journalism alive.
- Geddy Sveikauskas, Publisher
Previous Post

Reaching all the kids

Next Post

Hugh Reynolds: State Senate slugfest

Nick Henderson

Nick Henderson was raised in Woodstock starting at the age of three and attended Onteora schools, then SUNY New Paltz after spending a year at SUNY Potsdam under the misguided belief he would become a music teacher. He became the news director at college radio station WFNP, where he caught the journalism bug and the rest is history. He spent four years as City Hall reporter for Foster’s Daily Democrat in Dover, NH, then moved back to Woodstock in 2003 and worked on the Daily Freeman copy desk until 2013. He has covered Woodstock for Ulster Publishing since early 2014.

Related Posts

Molinaro pressed on Social Security cuts during constituent meeting in Saugerties
Politics & Government

Molinaro pressed on Social Security cuts during constituent meeting in Saugerties

March 20, 2023
It Won’t Be This Way Forever at Opus 40
Uncategorized

It Won’t Be This Way Forever at Opus 40

August 11, 2022
The New Paltz Paint Swap keeps old paint out of the landfill and saves money for DIYers
Uncategorized

The New Paltz Paint Swap keeps old paint out of the landfill and saves money for DIYers

July 6, 2022
Letters to the editor (2/23/22)
Uncategorized

Letters to the editor (2/23/22)

March 8, 2022
Halloween was a real treat and at its peak in New Paltz
Uncategorized

Halloween was a real treat and at its peak in New Paltz

November 3, 2021
How Saugerties streets got their names, part II
Uncategorized

Town of Saugerties sets 7 p.m. Halloween curfew

October 28, 2021
Next Post

Hugh Reynolds: State Senate slugfest

Please login to join discussion

Trending News

  • After months of speculation, Uptown Kingston’s Market Basket reopens for business 1.7k views
  • Students sent to hospital after Rosendale crash involving school bus 1.3k views
  • School “swatting” strikes Kingston High as police issue statewide advisory 1.3k views
  • Stony Run deal passes, not everyone is celebrating 1k views
  • New Paltz Planning Board considers proposal for feline-themed café 637 views
  • Benefit concert for beloved Woodstock musician known for giving back to community 564 views

Weather

Kingston
◉
43°
Cloudy
6:38 am7:21 pm EDT
Feels like: 43°F
Wind: 0mph NNW
Humidity: 82%
Pressure: 29.77"Hg
UV index: 0
SunMonTue
48/27°F
61/43°F
63/45°F
Weather forecast Kingston, New York ▸

Subscribe

Independent. Local. Substantive. Subscribe now.

  • Subscribe & Support
  • Sign up for Free Newsletter
  • Print Edition
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Contact
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Free HV1 Trial
  • Movie Night Gift Subscription

© 2022 Ulster Publishing

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Crime
    • Politics & Government
  • What’s Happening
    • Calendar Of Events
    • Featured Events
      • Art
      • Books
      • Kids
      • Lifestyle & Wellness
      • Food & Drink
      • Music
      • Nature
      • Stage & Screen
  • Opinions
    • Letters
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Local
    • Special Sections
    • Local History
  • Marketplace
    • All Classified Ads
    • Help Wanted
    • Post a Classified Ad
  • Obituaries
  • Podcast
  • Subscribe & Support
  • Contact Us
    • Customer Support
    • Advertise
    • Submit A News Tip
  • Print Edition
    • Read ePaper Online
    • Newsstand Locations
    • Where’s My Paper
  • HV1 Magazines
  • Manage HV1 Account
  • Log In
  • Free HV1 Trial

© 2022 Ulster Publishing