Ogdensburg library seeks $2.8 million for accessible addition, museum space
The Ogdensburg Public Library is seeking about $2.8 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding for a rear addition that would improve access, expand library services and provide a new home for the Ogdensburg History Museum.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Ogdensburg Public Library is seeking about $2.8 million in state Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding for a rear addition at 312 Washington St. The proposed project would address accessibility concerns, expand library space and give the Ogdensburg History Museum a new home.
The library's current layout includes narrow aisles and steep stairs that can be difficult for disabled visitors, according to library Executive Director Penny Kerfien. The proposed three-story addition would spread out shelving and add storage and a kitchen for cooking programs.
The project would also bring the history museum's collections and the library's historical archives together in one location. The museum currently rents space in a downtown office building.
Ogdensburg is working with about $9.7 million in available DRI funding from a $10 million state award. The 19 proposals under consideration represent about $24.4 million in total project costs, with about $21.2 million requested through the program. Projects have not yet been selected.
Residents can review the proposals and complete the city's online survey by noon Oct. 23. The Local Planning Committee is scheduled to hold working sessions Oct. 28 and Nov. 17, followed by a final meeting Nov. 18. The 11-member committee is co-chaired by Mayor Michael Tooley and Anthony Adamczyk of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority.
Committee meetings are open to the public and include time for public comment. Meetings are scheduled on weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The committee is expected to recommend projects to the state before the end of the year, but final funding decisions will be made by the state.
More information is available through the City of Ogdensburg's Downtown Revitalization Initiative page.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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