Waldwick August 24, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 9 Library expansion reviewed; fundraising continues During the architect’s discussion, Councilwoman Anita Bozzo asked about the possibility of constructing a second level in the future. Koch said the construction crew could “oversize” the footings to accommodate a second level, but planning for future stairs and an elevator to allow access to a second story would be the issue. Library Director Patty Boyd also told Bozzo that staffing a second floor would be expensive. Koch said he would try to keep the project on budget. He estimated that the construction could take six to seven months depending on the severity of the winter weather. He noted that the addition will be built using a “bump-out” along the east side of the building. The existing meeting space will be converted into a multi-purpose room that will provide storage space for local history materials, and serve as a conference room and an area for quiet study. The bump-out method of construction will allow the library’s operations to continue without interruptions. The (continued on page 16) A rendering of the proposed addition for the Waldwick Library. Charles Koch, architect from Environetics of Englewood Cliffs, and Jesus Mones, project manager and Waldwick resident, recently presented the Waldwick Council with the plans for the proposed addition to the Waldwick Library. Koch said the addition will be constructed on the east side of the building, and will expand the library’s meeting room from 625 square feet to 1,175 square feet. He said the addition has been moved back slightly in the interest of aesthetics. Plans call for the expansion and renovation of the existing meeting room, which will also serve as a local history room and as a space for quiet study. The library regularly hosts a wide variety of programs for citizens of various ages and interests, but people must often be turned away due to the limited seating capacity of the 625 square foot meeting room. Since 2003, more than 78,000 people have attended 3,975 programs in the library meeting room. The addition will feature similar stone and window details as the existing building so the new construction will look as if it had been part of the original structure. The Waldwick Planning Board has already given its nod to the plans with a minor update. At the planners’ request, a new 25-foot section of sidewalk will be constructed leading from the emergency exit. The new walk will connect to the existing pathway around the perimeter of the building. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz indicated that the project will likely be put out to bid at the end of August or in early September. If the bidding process is successful, the contract could be authorized by late September and work could begin in October. At press time, Kratz noted that the bid specifications are currently being developed.