Norwalk library board votes to update building plan as funds face risk from Milligan lot acquisition

The Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors voted at its March 13 meeting to engage a consultant to update the library’s building plan and to review the library’s strategic plan in anticipation of eventual modernization and construction.

Board members said the action was prompted by recent discussions with city officials and uncertainty over capital funds that could be used to cover additional costs tied to the city’s condemnation and potential court-ordered payment for the Milligan property. “I expect the 800,000 probably gets doubled at least, and my guess is it will be even more,” board member Alex Knopf said during the discussion, describing his concern that the cost of acquiring the Milligan parcel could rise and reduce available planning funds.

Board members reported that the city previously estimated roughly $500,000 in library capital funds for planning plus about $1.45 million in economic development funds; they said portions of that pool already have been…