Wallkill Public Library Director Lisa Palmer and Butler, Rowland & Mays Architect Steven Rowland recently presented a proposed addition to the library at the Shawangunk Town Board meeting.

The addition consists of a 350-square-foot room on the west side of the library. Rowland explained that the first-floor addition provides for flexible space that can be used for a reading room, programming and small meetings. The library’s roof has not been replaced since the construction of the building in 1935 and will be replaced if this project goes through.

“We have a very small building when it comes to offering programming, particularly for people with mobility issues,” Palmer said. “If they need more space they have had to in the past go downstairs, which for some isn’t possible. So this will give us additional space on the first floor for meetings, programming etc., which is much needed.”

Rowland’s firm has been working with the historic nature of the building considering the exits, windows, stone, lighting and glass. The work will be done at no cost to the taxpayers. The library applied for and received $198,461 in New York State construction aid and is matching 50 percent of that from the maintenance and building funds.

One concern that needs to be addressed is the driveway between the library and town hall. Rowland’s firm believes that it is a safety hazard and would like to eliminate it and replace it with a lawn area. They are considering removable bollards be placed there for snow removal.

If agreeable with the town board, they would like to connect the sidewalk to the town hall. By doing this, they would be eliminating two parking spots, however two parking spots would be added on the other side.

The purpose of Palmer and Rowland’s appearance at the town board meeting was to request the waiving of fees, similar to what the town board did to the Wallkill Firehouse.

Planning Board Chairman Mark Watkins advised that there was a special committee set up to review the firehouse proposal. He noted that this committee decided what fees could be waived after reviewing the plans. A motion was made by Town Councilman Robert Miller and seconded by Town Councilman Brian Amthor to refer the Wallkill Library application to the special committee for review so they can make a recommendation on waiving fees. The town board voted 4-0, as Town Councilman Matthew Watkins was absent from the meeting.

The architects for the project are still meeting with the town to sort out the details of the project. The Town of Shawangunk Planning Board approved the site plan contingent upon some details they wish to iron out with the town.

Palmer is thankful for the town’s help throughout this process.

“The town has been really willing to bend over backwards for us also,” she said. “They have said that if they can waive any fees they will. We just don’t know what all the fees are involved at this point.