Library

Sea Isle City picks site for new library
By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, 609-463-6713
Published: Saturday, October 27, 2007

SEA ISLE CITY - Officials picked a site for a $4.5 million library this week, choosing an empty lot on 48th Street instead of the site of an existing library downtown.

A lack of available parking downtown in the summer months prompted City Council's decision, Council President Michael McHale said.

Finding a location for a new county library branch has been a matter of some contention after county library officials announced earlier this year they would build new branches for the city and Stone Harbor.

Because library funding is based on ratables, the two shore communities are the biggest contributors, each paying about $1.4 million annually.

City Council formed three committees to address location, content and whether the city was interested in the county's offer or should consider funding their own library outside the county system.

Although council has not voted on the question about pulling out of the county library system, the committee recommended the city stay in the system, McHale said.
City Council passed a resolution this week to use city-owned land on 48th Street, which was the site of a former sewer plant, for the library.

The city's branch library is now located in downtown Sea Isle City on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Mayor Leonard Desiderio first championed the site for a new building, citing its central location.

He said Friday that he backs City Council's choice.

"If this is the location council feels it should go with, and as long as we get a new library and stay in the system, I'm happy," he said.

"We're a three-months community, and in the summer months there's no parking in the area," McHale said of the downtown location. "Between people going to the beach and the Promenade, the parking is just not there."

"Our idea is we'd like to see it as a cultural center for the town," he said.

The city also considered a location near the Sea Isle City Elementary School.

New buildings in Sea Isle City and Stone Harbor are expected to cost the county library system about $8.5 million.