The Zoning Board of Appeals at a February 4 meeting unanimously approved the Fletcher Memorial Library Board’s application for a variance in order to build a proposed addition on the south side of the library. Specifically, the request asked to extend the structural setback requirement.  As was the case with the firehouse, which was granted a variance last year in order to construct an addition to the building, the existing setback requirements for the library are already non-conforming, with only 32 feet between the building and Cedar Swamp Road. The proposed addition would reduce that space to 22 feet.

Library Board Chairman Anne Christie explained the plan to expand the existing sun room, currently 10 by 17 feet, by an additional 14 feet to create an area to facilitate larger groups of people for the programs the library sponsors. Twenty of the events last year exceeded the 15 participants accommodated in the main room where most programs take place, she said. Use of the space upstairs is not an option as it is only accessible via the staircase.

With the parking lot to the west of the building and the septic system to the north, there are limited opportunities to expand.  Christie stressed the importance of preserving the village view east of the library’s façade, a fine example of Italianate architecture. The addition will follow the library’s roof line and include the windows which currently comprise the sun room’s south wall.

During a public hearing prior to the meeting, resident Angelika Hansen questioned whether or not the addition could extend west from the sun room to the rear of the property, as the architectural lines would remain completely intact from the vantage point of Main Street. However, Christie said that plan would be more costly as it would require the construction of another wall and would not allow for as large an area. Hansen also questioned the library’s maximum occupancy. Christie said that the library board hadn’t obtained that information from the Fire Marshall yet as they were waiting for approval from the zoning board as a first step. Similarly, funding sources are yet to be determined. Though the board has sought estimates, they were reluctant to spend money securing bids prior to approval of the variance. Christie said the board is exploring multiple funding options, which might include taxpayer contributions, for the construction project they hope to start this spring.

At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen directly after the public hearing, the selectmen said that partial funding from the town is a possibility, through next year’s budget or the general fund, noting that it is difficult to determine the commitment without an estimate of the cost.