Timeline
Sept. 1: Execution of developer agreement and obligation of funds within Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Dec. 15: Final approval of building plans, specifications
Jan. 15, 2011: Begin rehabilitation
May 1, 2011: Rehabilitation complete, transfer property to city
June 1, 2011: Library, community center open
MONROE — The City of Monroe could have a brand new library and community center next summer.
If approved by Butler County commissioners, the former Davita Monroe Dialysis building on East Avenue will be refurbished for the use. The commissioners are scheduled to vote on the deal — after approved by City Council and the developer — during their meeting Monday, Aug. 16.
Susan Wise, a volunteer on the board of directors for the Monroe Lending Library, said she is excited after seeing conceptional design plans for the new library and community center during the council meeting.
“It was amazing. For the residents of Monroe and Middletown, it’s going to offer something for everybody. If Monroe doesn’t want to drive all the way to Middletown, they can come right down the street,” she said.
“It’s going to be a fabulous space on both sides whether it be the library or the community center.”
Council approved the legislation because the county needed to have a signed development agreement — at the direction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials — by September, according to City Manager William Brock.
The agreement also required not only architectural designs, but the ability for the selected developer to build the final design concept.
The county requested bids for the project and three design and build firms — Fraley Companies, 3PT Properties and Single-Point Design-Build — submitted concepts and cost. SinglePoint Design-Build was chosen to build the facility within the city’s $1.4 million budget, Brock said.
“SinglePoint Design-Build LLC, has extensive experience in library and public use building realm and county and city staff are confident in their approach to the project,” he said.
Due to Neighborhood Stabilization Program requirements, the county will purchase the structure at 6 East Ave. and turn possession of the building over to the developer. After completion of the project, the city will take possession of the new library, as well as community center space, Brock said.
Council approved legislation in May to accept the NSP funding and to commit $400,000 in additional financing and future maintenance costs to develop the facility.
The city has been pursuing a library branch location for more than 10 years to relocate the all-volunteer library from its current trailer behind Monroe Primary School on Macready Avenue.
The library receives no state or levy funding. It relies on fundraisers such as quarter auctions for building and operating expenses, the city said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.
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