By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
“It is time to get this built,” said councilwoman Laura Lanese.
Lanese was referring to the Grove City Library.
At the May 4 meeting, Grove City Council approved the development plan for the library, to be located at 3957 Broadway. The legislation passed with a 4-1 vote.
Councilman Steve Bennett was the sole vote against the development plan. He said he did not give his approval for all those in the community who have spoken out against the exterior design of the building.
The building is mostly made of brick and glass. It is the glass entryway design that the councilman opposes.
“I was hoping the city would reconsider the glass,” said Bennett. “It is inappropriate for the Town Center.”
Bennett said he approves of the building in general; he just wants the designers to “tone it down.”
Dan Meehan, representing HBM Architects, said the glass support structure is unique to Grove City. He said he has heard more positive feedback from the community than negative.
Council members Lanese and Jeff Davis said the glass support adds a ‘wow factor’ to the downtown area.
Inside, the library will feature a community living room, children’s activity corner and reading rooms that overlook the Town Center. It will also include meeting room space and a technology area.
The city plans to take ownership of the current library facility on Park Street.
Construction on the library is scheduled to begin next month.
