A plan to build a new library in Queens is up in the air once again.

During budget discussion in March, council decided to spend $3 million on replacing the aging Thomas H Raddall library in Liverpool. A six-member steering committee, consisting of two people from South Shore Public Libraries, two members of the library board and two library users, were tasked with devising criteria and determining the best location for a new library in South Queens.

They were looking for a centrally located site with access to sidewalks that offered space to build a 6,000 square foot library and 24 parking spaces, easy emergency access, good exterior lighting, outdoor space, and no known flooding.

Of the eight possible locations, the board was unanimous in selecting Queens Place. The recommendation was brought before Region of Queens council at the June 14 meeting and was rejected in a 5-3 vote.

Some councillors raised concerns moving the library away from the schools and some private daycare operators would deter students from using the services. Others wanted to see the new library build tied to the construction of a new privately funded pool.

With seven options remaining, council agreed to meet July 5 to discuss the criteria and provide clearer direction to the steering committee about what locations they would be willing to accept.

After eliminating the steering committee’s unanimous first choice, Mayor Darlene Norman says council wrestled with how to word their direction to the committee.

“It ended with a recommendation that the library steering committee choose the second-best site,” said Norman.

The meeting was lively as some councillors argued residents of the old town of Liverpool would not make their way across the bridge to a library at Queens Place. Others pointed out the new Queens Manor long-term care home will be situated next door to Queens Place allowing residents greater access to library services.

Depending on which of the remaining sites make the short list, Norman says a recommendation from the steering committee on a location may not come back to council before September.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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