South end library plans edge closer to fruition

Underwood Park will be new location

Plans for a new library in the southeast corner of Warren are moving forward but with a slight change of location.

The modular library that was to be built on a parcel on Couwlier Avenue near Schoenherr Road will now be constructed at Underwood Park, which is located on Sidonie Avenue, one street over from the original site.

Residents in attendance at an April 25 Warren Library Commission meeting where the plans were announced said they were in favor of the library being built at a neighborhood park.

“I just want a library,” said resident Elaine Edwards. “I think this is a good idea.”

The reason for shifting location of the library to Underwood Park is related to amenities that already exist at the park that would not have to be included in the cost of library construction.

“The main thing is the parking,” said assistant city attorney Cecil St. Pierre. “At the Couwlier property, we determined there would only be room for six parking spaces, but the park already has sufficient parking for the library as well as a play structure, which was something that was going to be added at the original location.”

It is unclear what will be done with the property originally slated for library construction, but the current plan is to sell it.

“Someone could build homes there; it could be a great little project for someone,” said St. Pierre.

St. Pierre expects to have a site plan ready for approval at the next library commission meeting in May. The library commission also called for soil testing at the park and a survey of the land to ensure construction may move forward.

The estimated cost of building the library was originally $2.1 million; not having to add the parking

lot and play structure will save an estimated $200,000 on the project.

The library commission also agreed to explore grant opportunities that could help to fund library construction and upgrades to Underwood Park.

There are currently no libraries located east of Van Dyke Avenue in Warren.