What is the Hiccup with our Bellview Library Project? A 2+ YEAR delay is UNACCEPTABLE!

After weeks and weeks of no movement whatsoever on the fully-funded, District 1 Bellview Library project--I requested a meeting this week with staff to go through the issue in detail to figure out what the holdup is.

Apparently the parking on the facility as it sits has been deemed insufficient and so additional parking has been contemplated and added to the project.

But the addition of this additional parking apparently triggers the requirement for the addition of stormwater mitigation--due to the creation of an additional, impervious surface.  And this, in turn, is triggering a cascade of delays that could push this project back by more than 2 YEARS!

After the meeting, a new timeline flowchart was provided, (above) illustrating what could be up to a yearlong delay ----if additional parking is tied to the project---before any of the project could even be put out to bid!!

I believe this is unacceptable and I am having staff research two possible work arounds so that we can get this project jumpstarted:

1.  Beginning the work on the facility alone---with the parking/stormwater project continuing on a separate track and as a standalone project.

2.  Making the overflow parking (over and above what is currently on the property) of a type that is porous and therefore not a feature that would trigger the necessary stormwater mitigation that an asphalt parking lot would.

I'll make a follow-on post that details what the new plan going forward will be.

WOW! Take a Look at The Video "Flythrough" Rendering of the Soon to Be Constructed D1 Bellview Library!

This video, above, walks the viewer through a rendering of what we believe the Bellview Library will look like once completed.  This project is moving forward, stay tuned for the groundbreaking in late summer.

Wow--it is going to be something else!  I can't wait for this to open!!

Thanks to Director Todd Humble and his staff for forwarding this to me and for all the hard work going into getting this project moving.

Expected completion, 2021.








****(NOTE: the video has no music---- so just imagine a favorite, catchy tune playing while you watch.  for me-
I think "My Own Worst Enemy" by the band LIT would sound very cool played behind this video 😀

District 1 Bellview Library Update

An initial rendering of what the layout of 
the Bellview Public Library in District 1 
may look like upon construction 
later this year. (Courtesy of Todd Humble)

I have recently had several conversations with Escambia County's Library Services Director Todd Humble on the topic of our soon-to-be built library in District 1.  Specifically, I wanted to know where we are in the planning/design stage, and what the timeline is going forward for construction.

Artist's initial draft rendering of what the
entrance to  District 1's soon to be
constructed Bellview Public Library may look like
(Courtesy of Todd Humble)

Mr. Humble came to our 30th Coffee with the Commissioner event last Wednesday, and gave the citizens in attendance an update in person.

(those who are on Facebook and would like to watch the video and hear Todd Humble's comments  directly can find the video of the coffee here)

Artist's initial draft rendering of what the
entrance to  District 1's soon to be
constructed Bellview Public Library may look like
(Courtesy of Todd Humble)

According to Director Humble, we should complete the design in early March, at which point it will be put out for bid and that process will take approximately one month.  Upon the award of the bid, we will do a groundbreaking event at the site for the public to attend if they wish in the May/June time frame.



Folks have asked about the size of the facility--and according to Director Humble "We believe we will be between the size of our current Southwest Branch (7,500 SF) and our Tryon Branch (12,000 SF) but it is too soon to say for sure which one we will be closer to in size.  Obviously the costs of construction are a concern and we have a finite budget."

The branch will have meeting spaces for adults and children and the branch will have ebooks and magazines available to library card holders--meaning thousands of book titles will be available for download to a user's individual tablet, cellphone, or laptop device.  "There will also be roughly 250 different e-magazines available to download for free as well--many titles with which most will be familiar" said Humble.

Artist's initial draft rendering of what the
main reading room at District 1's soon to be
constructed Bellview Public Library may look like
(Courtesy of Todd Humble)

We all look forward to the opening of this facility with eager anticipation.

Read more about West Florida Public Libraries here.

The District 1 Public Library is Coming!

A 4'X4' sign will like the one above will soon be placed at our newest library location in District 1, on the former site of the Wells Fargo Bank on Mobile Hwy and Bellview Ave.

We have purchased the former Wells Fargo Bank building on Mobile Highway near Bellview elementary school.  We are in the process of re-purposing this facility as District 1's first public library.

According to staff, here is the latest information on the state of this project:

"As it stands now, a design firm will be chosen by April of 2019, the design will be finalized by September 2019, and work will be started December of 2019 with construction finished a year to a year-and-a-half later. Keep in mind all of these dates are tentative and can change."

"We were able to reserve the Bellview Elementary School, across the street from the new library sight [SIC], for Monday, February 25, 2019 with an intended 6:00 pm start."

The meeting on the 25th of February will be for the benefit of the public, and it is expected that we will give updated project timelines and details at this meeting in February.

I can't wait for this library to open, what a benefit this will be to northwest Escambia County and District 1!