Takoma Park May See Library Renovations In The Future

TAKOMA PARK, MD — The bond issued for the renovation of the Takoma Park Library passed its first reading unanimously and has moved onto a second one, The Sentinel reports.

The City has discussed library renovations since at least 2014. Officials say the bond amount for the renovation is $7 million.

“I think this is going to be, once it’s done, a magnificent facility for our city,” council member Fred Schultz said.

Takoma Park representatives ensured the library will not mimic the one in neighboring Silver Spring, which opened in June of 2015. The Silver Spring library is 63,000 square feet in area, which is almost four times bigger than the city's former library.

“I assure you that we’re not going to create another Silver Spring-type spaceship in our community, we’re going to create one that is reflective on our values,” said council member Rizzy Qureshi.

The bond will also fund improvements to the Ethan Allen Gateway and the Flower Avenue Green Street project.

A large part of Flower Avenue is located in Ward 5.

“This is probably the most money that the city has ever invested in Ward 5," council member Jarrett Smith said. "Ward 5 is one of the poorest wards in the city, so I’m just delighted that this has happened."

See The Sentinel post here.

Patch File Photo