Residents push to preserve Alfred Noble Library as council and staff outline ADA upgrades

Residents urged the Livonia City Council on Monday to move faster on plans to preserve the Alfred Noble branch of the city library and to complete delayed accessibility upgrades, while the mayor’s office outlined an ongoing schedule of ADA improvements at Silver Village housing. The city learned this week that the Alfred Noble Library building is included in an architectural exhibition in Europe, a point raised by resident Cindy Fleming during audience remarks. “I implore each of you to please take the time to research the building’s architecture and architect and its importance to Livonia’s culture and community,” Fleming said. She asked the council to consider public–private partnership options and to preserve the mid‑century modern building. City staff and council members said library projects and ADA upgrades have been under discussion and that budget timing and committee workframes have delayed some items. Council Member Budzinski said the library restroom work was included in a recent budget request and that the council should know the funding status when the budget is presented next week. On behalf of Mayor Brosnan, Chief of Staff David Vargas told the council the city is already carrying out accessibility upgrades at Silver Village, a public housing complex for older residents. Vargas said the housing commission has budgeted $82,000 from the Silver Village Operating Fund for modifications at Building 10, converting tubs to walk‑in showers and making one building accessible. “Of the six two‑bedroom units in that building, two were improved last year while they were vacant. Another is currently in progress,” Vargas said, adding that contractors’ delays have caused friction with a resident whose unit work overlapped with occupancy and that staff remain in daily contact to address concerns. Vargas said an additional unit will be upgraded later this year and two more next year, and that the commission plans to upgrade all 108 apartments over future years. Council members said they will track budget hearings and committee work to ensure any funding or scheduling decisions are clear to residents. The council did not vote on any library preservation ordinance or an immediate preservation contract. Instead, several council members and staff urged residents to continue providing input and sign up for upcoming budget and committee meetings to monitor funding decisions and project timing. City officials gave dates and procedural context for next steps: the city’s budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 and committee work on building activation and public‑private partnership options is ongoing. The council and mayor’s office repeatedly cautioned that federal and state funding sources and timing — and the need to finish the city’s own budget process — will determine how quickly capital work can move forward. Residents who spoke urged the council to preserve the Alfred Noble building and to prioritize accessibility improvements in city facilities; staff emphasized the multi‑year schedule and funding constraints.