Timeline Laid Out For New Library

A timeline has been laid out for the future library and multi-use arts center to be located on South Greensboro St. between Carr and Roberson St.

According to Mayor Lyida Lavelle, a development agreement could be coming soon.

“We’re in the process of finalizing a development agreement with the county commissioners who are also excited about this project,” said Lavelle.

Lavelle says creating a site plan for the lot could take up to a year and groundbreaking is scheduled for next fall.

Architect Jim Spencer presented plans for the center at a town meeting in late June, which includes a library, offices and a parking deck.

Spencer noted that the project is still in the planning stage.

“I’m stressing that it’s a concept plan,” said Spencer. “We’re not here to show a design for the building on the site particularly, we’re here to show how the program for the library and associated parking and some other town programs can fit onto the site, potentially.”

Spencer’s plans have an estimated cost upward of $18 million.

Although the community is enthusiastic about the project, board member Jacquelyn Gist expressed concerns about the lack of parking the project could cause.

“I know all of us that live downtown know what happened when S Greensboro was shut down,” said Gist. “It really hurt some of our small businesses.”