DPW Sites Revisions In Drainage Requirements
It was six years ago, on November 1, 2017, when Anne Arundel County Library held its first official meeting to introduce the community to the new Riviera Beach branch library project.
Since then, a great amount of progress has been made on construction of the 20,000-square-foot building; however, an opening date is still unknown.
“I know this has been a very frustrating experience, but we’re hopeful it will be soon,” said Christine Feldmann, marketing & communications manager for Anne Arundel County Public Library.
Last month, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works released a statement that the work needed to complete the new facility and open doors to the community will extend into early 2024, due to delays with contracts and materials.
According to the AACDPW, the drainage requirements on site are in need of revisions, which will require new permits. During this permit processing period, all outside construction will be paused. Interior construction will, however, continue.
“There’s a number of things going on in the inside of the building. We’re doubling the space of the previous location. There’s a large children’s area. We’ll also have a brand new collection of books,” Feldmann noted. “It’s going to be a super modern library.”
Once construction is complete, Feldmann noted some exciting opening plans. “We are eager to have a grand opening celebration, which will include a community day and ribbon cutting. Obviously what time of year it is will depend on when it will be held,” she said.
Grimm & Parker, a Calverton, Maryland-based architectural firm, created a design concept that ties into the local nautical context and the area’s history of being a Chesapeake Bay resort community. “It’s going to be a phenomenal space. I can tell you from seeing it myself there are so many wonderful features that incorporate Pasadena and living by the water,” added Feldmann.
Currently, the only open library in Pasadena is the Mountain Road Library, which relocated from Long Point Mall to Lake Shore Plaza earlier this summer. The Mountain Road Library’s new 4,000-square-foot location sits next to Two Rivers Steak & Fish House. It offers the ability to browse and borrow materials, pick up book holds, and includes a children’s play area, Chromebook computers and printing capabilities.
As for now, the Pasadena community will continue to await the opening of the new Riviera Beach Library. “We are eager to open this library that will provide education, enrichment and inspiration for generations to come,” Feldmann emphasized.
For any questions on the Riviera Beach Library project, Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 410-222-7582.
