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Plum Street to close permanently for Stanford library construction

February 08, 2008|STEPHANIE SCHELL

STANFORD - Stanford City Council took the first step in what will eventually result in the permanent closing of Plum and Church streets.

Dr. Naren James, serving on the building and fundraising committee of Harvey Helm Memorial Library, and Julian Gander, secretary of the library board, presented both a sketch of the front of the new library and a bird's-eye view of the proposed facility.

"Plum Street is in our plans already," James said.

He and Gander approached the council to ensure proper steps were taken so they could rightfully construct over the street. Church Street would be partially affected, but also closed. The new library will be built on the land behind First Southern National Street, the front facing Lancaster Street.

City Attorney Carol Hill said the process appears pretty simple. She said the law states notifications must be sent to surrounding landowners who must give written consent.

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The east and west side of Plum Street is bordered by Lancaster and Depot streets. First Southern National Bank borders it to the south and the library owns what's north of it. Once consent is given, city council will have to pass an ordinance.

Hill said FSNB is very much in support of the construction and will likely give consent. Sending out the notification is the first step the city will take to allow the library's construction over Plum Street.

The land remains the city's, but the library possibly could get a deed. James said the library board prefers a deed.

"We have no idea what the future brings," James said.

Hill and council members will follow through to see what needs to happen with the deed.

The new library will be two stories with 16,000 square feet. Gander said not enough funds are available to immediately complete the top floor, which will consist of a community room and some administrative offices. Construction is expected to start in May or June.

The library board's next meeting is 4:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the library. Everyone is invited to share their input and ideas.

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