Stony Point, NY – On Friday, July 5, the Board of the Rose Memorial Library Association approved a petition to place a measure on the November 5 ballot, seeking additional funding for the library for a milestone expansion of the near 75-year old facility.
After consultations with financial advisors, architects, and engineers, Alice Meacham, Director of Rose Memorial Library announced that the proposed request of $1.1 million request was finalized. The amount is 25.5% less than the library’s previous request in 2022, which at that time did not get enough support for a measure to pass vote. Meacham stated “We took a step back to listen to public and business community input, and did our next year of research based on these points of view. We now have a new, solid plan. If this measure is approved, we’ll have a new, fully functional, accessible and useful library, with new programs and community meeting space.”
The increase aims to support a current annual operating budget of $1,425,000 from the Town of Stony Point. While the current library has some accessibility features, it has in recent years fallen behind generally accepted public building standards, in part due to what some regard as a lack of funding. The temporary funds will also cover rental and moving costs during the construction period, debt service, and the proper operation of the new library through at least 2034.
“We have and will continue to approach this project with incredible care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail,” said Meacham. “The funding request that has been decided upon achieves the Board’s desire to be exceedingly financially responsible while still creating the library and gathering place that residents of Stony Point both need and deserve.”
Floorplan of the Newly Proposed Library
Rockland News has received a copy of the proposed new library. The full document can be downloaded here. (Please note, the file is approximately 11 MB)
Proposed New Library Features
If approved, the new library is planned to include:
- A fully ADA-accessible facility with elevator and wheelchair accomodations
- A full renovation of the current basement level of the library
- A new, second floor for staffing, study rooms and service areas
- A dedicated safe, supervised space for tweens and teens
- An up-to-date meeting room available for use by local community groups
- An outdoor learning space that utilizes the current library acreage
- A local history archive on the second floor
- An early literacy space for children aged 0-6, and their families
- Quiet study rooms for remote work, tutoring sessions, study groups, and small meetings
- An experiential learning studio for art, cooking, and STEM programs
Proposed New Library Funding Details
Based on current assessed values and rates, homesteads would pay:
- $100,000 home value: $28.43
- $200,000 home value: $56.85
- $300,000 home value: $85.28
- $400,000 home value: $113.71
- $500,000 home value: $142.13
- $600,000 home value: $170.56
- $700,000 home value: $198.99
- $800,000 home value: $227.41
- $900,000 home value: $255.84
- $1,000,000 home value: $284.27
Homestead homes would pay the above stated amounts annually. The funding request specifically for 2025 is approximately $0.292 per $1,000 of full market home value for homestead parcels.
Meacham emphasized that the funds for the new library will be collected through Town of Stony Point taxes, with no impact on local school taxes. The full document can be downloaded here.
What’s Next: Meetings, Petition, Potential Public Vote in November
The construction and operation of the new building are contingent upon the funding being approved through a public vote in November. The initial step is to collect at least 25 signatures from registered Stony Point voters to qualify for the ballot. Meacham states that the petition will be circulated in Stony Point by town residents throughout July. Following qualification, a funding referendum is slated to be presented to Stony Point voters on November 5, 2024.
Community meetings to share information and gather feedback will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 12:00 PM, Friday, July 19 at 10:30 AM, and Tuesday, July 23 at 7:00 PM. More information can be found on the library’s project page: Rose Memorial Library Next Chapter.
Town, Community and Media Responses
According to local sources, including Rockland News, the North Rockland Community Facebook Group, and LoHud News, the library’s expansion plan seems to be well-received by the community, many who have publicly stated the need for improved facilities and services. The Town of Stony Point has a population of approximately 14,000 residents.
Town Supervisor Jim Monaghan stated on Tuesday 7/2 via LoHud: “I want to be supportive of the library’s desire to expand, they are an excellent resource for our community. They have not met with the Building Department or Planning Board to determine the feasibility of building 10,000 square feet on .23 of an acre.”
Rockland News will continue to follow developments on this story as they arise.