LIBRARY FENCED IN
Officials seek to replace ‘aging, chain-link’ barrier with 800-foot industrial grade aluminum enclosure
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Kingston Library officials are preparing a project to replace an aging fence that surrounds the Midtown facility.
Margie Menard, the library’s director, said in emails this week that the 7-foot-high, “aging, chain-link fence” is to be replaced sometime in the first quarter of next year.
The upgraded 800-foot-long fence, which will be the same height as the current one, will be made of industrial grade aluminum, “with the look of wrought iron,” Menard said.
“The design of the fence will be architecturally appropriate and will frame and highlight this historically significant building,” Menard said.
Additionally, Menard added, other outdoor amenities will be added as part of the project at the 55 Franklin St. library.
“The new perimeter fence is being designed to include additional pedestrian gates to enhance access as well as streetside enhancements in the form
“The design of the fence will be architecturally appropriate and will frame and highlight this historically significant building.” — Margie Menard, library director
of mini-plazas at the corners of the property that may include seating and possibly checkers/chess tables,” Menard said.
She said the estimated cost of the entire project is between $350,000 to $400,000, depending on the final scope of work.
Menard said the library has about $400,000 in a capital reserve fund. Additionally, the project is
expected to be helped by $93,290 through the New York State Aid for Public Library Construction Program; $50,000 secured by state Sen. George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, as a New York State Bullet Aid Grant; and $16,815 from a Community Development Block Grant through the city of Kingston.
She said the library hopes to collect donations toward the project as well.
“No donations have been received specifically for the fence, but the Friends of Kingston Library are considering
a fund-raising campaign to help “fund the fence,” Menard said.
The fence project is being done, in part, after library officials heard from the community.
“This project is being undertaken as a result of feedback received in the context of community focus groups held during the development of a master plan for the renovation of the library’s building and grounds,” Menard said. “During these conversations, we heard repeatedly that the existing fence is an eyesore and creates the wrong impression of a heavily used facility that’s considered a valued anchor institution in Kingston.”
She said the library grounds have become a “de facto public green space in Midtown.
“The fence defines the perimeter of the library grounds and provides a comfortable, enclosed space for families and individuals to relax and work, play, and picnic,” Menard said.