Weather a factor in delayed library opening
Sickels: Setbacks typical in renovations of older buildings in winter
BY LAYLI WHYTE
Staff Writer

RED BANK - Weather conditions have extended the closure of the Red Bank Public Library, which is now expected to open partially in late spring.

The library first closed for renovations in October, and was scheduled to reopen in mid-December. But the need for asbestos removal in mid-December extended the reopening until March. Due to inclement weather, including last month's ice storm, renovations were once again slowed, according to a press release from the library.

"Weather has slowed the installation of the new water service and sprinkler system pipes from the street into the library," according to the release. "Major excavation for these systems in the front yard of the library took place in late January, but cold weather and ice have hampered progress. Once ice on the flat steel roof of the 1967 addition to the library has melted, contractors plan to extend the elevator shaft through the ceiling of the main floor of the library."

Borough Administrator Stanley Sickels said last week that the project remains within the original budget, not withstanding the change order for the asbestos testing and removal that was approved by the council in December.

"We never really had a set deadline," Sickels said. "I think the librarian was just hopeful of getting the library open as soon as possible. Rather than try to reopen early, I think it's better to try to get the bulk of the work done, and let the contractor move forward and move quickly."

Sickels said that the weather has been a factor in slowing some of the work and that there are always delays during renovations of older buildings.

"If we had a warmer winter," he said, "we could have moved faster, but we had some cold snaps that prevented us from completing the water line. You don't cut the roof open when rain is in the forecast. This is typical construction with an older, occupied building this time of year."

Sickels said that the borough hopes to have the library fully open by mid-May, but that residents need to understand that delays, especially with renovating an older structure, often take place.

The renovations of the library, which was built in 1937 for the Eisner family and donated to the borough in the 1960s, are a result of a lawsuit brought against the borough for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A complaint had been filed against the borough in 2002 because of the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities in certain borough facilities, including the library and Count Basie Park.

The children's section of the library is located in the basement of the structure and has no wheelchair access.

The cost of installing an elevator in the building will be partially covered by a $60,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

According to the release, a new roof has already been completed on the oldest portion of the building, which is the former home of the Eisner family. Improvements that have yet to be started include new ceilings, flooring, furnishings, painting, the addition of an accessible bathroom, replacement of windows and improved access to the building and parking area in accordance with ADA requirements, according to the press release.

The architectural firm of Kaplan Gaunt and DeSantis prepared the bid specifications for the project, and the Borough Council awarded a $1.2 million contract to Santorini Construction, Neptune.

During the closure, library patrons are encouraged to take advantage of on-line library services, which can be found at www.lmxac.org/redbank.

Patrons with Red Bank Public Library cards may use them to borrow materials from other libraries in the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMXAC), including locations at Long Branch, Matawan-Aberdeen, and Old Bridge. More information about these sites can be found at the LMXAC Web site.