Commissioners were briefed by City Manager Mike Herr at their July 27 meeting about a new reading room in Bruton Memorial Library.
The Library Board has unanimously agreed to repurpose the existing reading room at Bruton Memorial Library.
After seeing the secluded den made of glass walls at Dunedin Public Library, the Library Board agreed that Bruton’s existing reading room should be made into a more private, quiet space that will double as a conference room and take advantage of the available space.
“What we would like to do is enclose that room,” Tonda Morris, director of library operations at Bruton Memorial Library, said. “Everybody is very excited about it.”
The existing reading room does not have walls separating it from the rest of the library. The Library Board wants to put in a glass wall that would go across the room to create a secluded room for people to read or work in peace. Being made of glass, the wall will ensure that plenty of light still flows into the room.
Because this glass wall is not in the city budget, the Library Board is currently seeking funding through donors, an effort that is spearheaded by both the Library Board and Friends of the Library.
“In libraries back before computers, they were typically quiet,” Morris said. “We’ve been trying to think of ways to meet the need for quiet space.”
The reading room will also be getting new paint, replaceable carpet squares, and furniture that is lightweight, portable and stackable, in addition to more power outlets.
Morris hopes that the reading room will also double as a conference room. The current large tables that are in the room will be exchanged for individual chairs with smaller tables. Morris is currently receiving estimates for the project, but is unsure of a price or when the project will be completed. The current plans, Morris said, are just preliminary.
“The whole room will be updated,” she said. “It’s probably going to be a joint effort. [The board] liked taking a project on that would have a good impact.”
There is no specified donor for the project yet, but a donor would have naming rights for the reading room. The library’s goal is to have a more flexible space. Morris and other Bruton employees are currently shifting furniture around in what will become the reading room, to improve the space that they have.
DEVELOPMENT
The commission unanimously agreed to change approximately 10.3 acres of land west of County Line Road and north of Rice Road from residential use to industrial use. The land is located near other distribution centers and was found to be consistent with redevelopment strategies and economic growth.
The land was also incorporated into the County Line Road Planned Development District. The land was initially annexed on May 11, 2015.
“We are waiting for developers to submit permits,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “The property was placed together so (developers) can start development.”
Lott wouldn’t disclose who the developer is. At this time, the commission is unsure of the time frame for the permits. The commission is hopeful that this development will create jobs by taking advantage of investments on County Line Road.
The commission also approved the utilization of the City’s Traditional Neighborhood Development standards for the Varrea Planned Development District, 1,008.6 acres of land located north of Interstate 4. This will ensure that the nine neighborhood districts planned for the land will reflect a walkable, cohesive design.
Many residents spoke against the development at the commission meeting.
Dr. John Hatcher lives against the land that has been zoned for development. He is concerned about a potential buffer between his home and the new development.
Other residents are concerned about the number of homes that will be placed on one acre, and the road improvements that will be made to the streets that surround the new development.
Marsha Spivey, who lives near the area, is concerned the new development will destroy the animal habitats, specifically those of gopher tortoises and sandhill cranes.
“I love Plant City,” she said. “It’s beautiful out there.”
Katie LaBarr, a planner with Stantec, said that the goal of the development is to promote a traditional neighborhood design, economic diversity and a distinct sense of place. Stantec is the engineering firm contracted out by Varrea’s development company.
Despite the number of concerned residents at the meeting, the vote served only to change the name and approve the zoning of traditional neighborhood development standards. The site was initially annexed years ago.
“These are entitlements that have been in place a long time,” Commissioner Billy Keel said, noting that the hearing dealt more with bringing the plans into compliance.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commission approved adopting a proposed millage rate of 4.7157, the same rate that is currently in effect for this year. Two hearings on adopting this rate will both be held in September, in addition to hearings on the proposed budget.
– The commission authorized two purchases. The first is for one Caterpillar 305E2 Cr Mini Hydraulic Excavator, purchased from Ring Corp. The excavator will be used for projects dealing with infrastructure and preparing for new pipe installation. The new excavator will be replacing old equipment. The second approved purchase was for a Ford Transit 15-passenger van from Hub City Ford-Mercury Inc. The new van, which cost $29,599 dollars, was needed for replacing an old Chevrolet van that has needed costly repairs.
– The city approved a contract with Hydro Max USA LLC for the Water System Valve Maintenance and Repair program. The total cost for the program is limited to $43,197.50. The maintenance of these valves is required by Florida Administrative Code.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com