www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 20, Number 15
Town planners approve library; design slammed
Friday, April 14, 2023
RAILROADERS TALK
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — Town officials approved plans for a new library despite concerns about reduced parking and a design they described as looking like a factory. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 April 4 in favor of the plan for a new library building on Main Street. The building will be constructed, then the old building will be torn down. Library building committee members have struggled to get the price of a new library within the $17 million approved by town voters. Their design came to the planning commission for approval.
Conceptual design of the planned new library in Southington. Photos courtesy of the Southington Public Library
Planners were worried about the reduction of parking despite assurances from engineers that the original parking lot was overbuilt. There are more than 170 spaces at the library now, which are used as overflow parking by Derynoski School across the street. The new building will have more than 90 spaces.
Unattractive library? None of the planners who spoke at last week’s meeting were happy with the design or aesthetic of the new library either, the harshest criticisms coming from commission chairman Bob Hammersley. See Library, A8
Animals considered for idle farm By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON – Greenleaf Stables may again have animals as the owner decides the next step for the Laning Street farm. Selling the land to a builder is off the table since the town holds development rights on the 15-acre property.
Paul Greenleaf owns the property and lives next door. Although he had interest from developers, he chose to sell development rights to the town in 2020 for $225,000. “I didn’t really want it developed,” he said. “I don’t want to look out my window and see condos.”
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The Plainville Historical Society will present the program “Time Was ... The Last Generation of Railroaders” Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. Al Virelli, pictured on the right, and Bill Sample will detail the history of the railroad in Plainville and surrounding towns. Virelli, who worked on the freight line that came through Plainville, will talk about the job and the customers along the route. Sample was the ticketmaster at the Berlin station and will share his vast knowledge of railroads in the area. The April 22 program will take place at the Plainville Historic Center, 29 Pierce St. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Register by sending an email to plvhistorical@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and number of people in your party.