November 9, 2009

While nothing is set in stone yet, an Albemarle County review team has made a recommendation to postpone or eliminate several major projects.

With 25,000 materials, several book programs, and only eight parking spots, Crozet Library in it's current building is not cutting it.

"Our job is to serve the community, and we're finding it more and more difficult to do that," said Wendy Saz, the Crozet Library Branch Manager.

The Crozet Library Steering Committee recently found out the project could be postponed until 2015. This came after a recommendation by the county's technical review team.

"In order for the technical review team to balance the program, they've had to make dramatic reductions in our capital program," said Bill Letteri, the Facilities Development Director for Albemarle County. "We're essentially dealing with a maintenance only program."

Crozet Library isn't the only project getting pushed back. Other major projects dealing with fire stations, schools, and courts are also included in the Capital Improvement Program, which is lacking funding.

"It's so hard for us to predict our revenues," said Letteri. "We think it's prudent at this time that we take a very conservative approach."

Saz says this project cannot wait five years. They have turned old bathrooms into storage rooms. Book programs have moved to other locations in the town. Also, a lot of money has already gone into the project.

"There is a lot invested in this," said Saz. "Practically, financially and also emotionally the community is so eager for this to go through."

She says the plan is in place on their end. As soon as they get the go ahead from the county, they will bring a new library to Crozet.

Bill Letteri also said there are a number of big projects going on in Crozet, like a street scape program, utility relocations and a storm water management program. Letteri says those projects will most likely not be postponed.

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