Evansdale library proposals vie for support of public, council

Mar 3, 2010 — Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

Matthew Wilde

Mar. 3, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- EVANSDALE -- Community volunteers and developers will compete next week to garner public and city support for different proposals a new public library.

At stake is a $500,000 federal grant to help pay for it.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 123 N. Evans Road, to allow officials with competing library project propoals to convince residents and City Council members their idea is the best.

City leaders' support is critical to qualify for the $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Libraries Grant.

The catch is the grant application is due by April 1 and matching funds are required. City leaders indicated during Tuesday's City Council meeting they're not ready to endorse a plan just yet.

"I want to hear community input. We have to take a look at all the options in front of us," said Councilman Rick Hibben.

The proposals are:

The nonprofit Evansdale Economic Development Corp. wants to convert a portion of the former Jewett Elementary, 600 Collins Ave., into a $1.7 million library. It's part of a larger multi-million dollar Community Expansion Project, in the works for almost five years, that includes a community center and condos for seniors. The local YMCA also expressed interest in the project.

Local developer and real estate agent Jim Benda, in cooperation with Huff Contracting, wants to turn a large portion of the Evans Crossing strip mall into a library and community center at an estimated cost of $1.5 million. The mall is located in the heart of the town's business district on Lafayette Road. Benda is part owner of the facility. He didn't rule out the possibility of leasing the proposed facility to the city.

A library built over a proposed storm shelter in Deerwood Park. Councilman Gene Walker said, "That's not going to fly."

Councilman Kenny Loftus Tuesday suggested remodeling and adding on to the woefully undersized library located at City Hall.

Officials said Jewett and Evans Crossing are currently the two legitimate contenders. Both proposals were on Tuesday's City Council meeting agenda.

The EECD asked for the city's support, so they could apply for the grant. Council members tabled the request to learn more about the other projects.

Ron Kettwig, EEDC member and Jewett supporter, was disappointed in the council's inaction. The group will pitch their plan again next week.

"We wanted them to sign the letter (of support). We were here (council meeting) two weeks ago and working on the grant for a month," Kettwig said. "I would like to see that (strip mall) for retail."

Benda unveiled his proposal officially to the public and city leaders on Tuesday, and will do so again next week. He floated the idea to the Evansdale Library Board 1 1/2 years ago, he said.

"We believe it's a good project that will add to the existing business district," Benda said. "Our goal is to bring services and new retail to downtown."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0150-42538506