Council approves Park Grove Library remodel and development agreement with Washington County, 4–1

Cottage Grove’s City Council on Sept. 17 approved a site-plan review and a development agreement with Washington County to remodel and expand the Park Grove Library at 7900 Hemingway Avenue South. Both motions passed by 4–1; Mayor Bailey announced a planned no vote and explained concerns about future capacity and the site’s constraints.

Senior planner Sam Parrott introduced the application as a site-plan review for façade improvements, parking reconfiguration, and landscaping. The property is zoned R6 (high-density residential) and is guided as mixed-use in the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan. The proposal will remove certain awkward angled walls, add a second-story volume over the front entry for mechanical equipment only, reconfigure parking from angled one-way stalls to 90-degree stalls (resulting in 68 required and provided stalls), improve pedestrian access with sidewalks and marked crossings and add landscaping, a fenced children’s area, an outdoor story-time berm and a reading terrace.

Jackie Kramer, Washington County Library Director, said the design reflects community input gathered during open houses; the project adds two outdoor programming spaces, an outdoor walk-up book drop with dedicated parking, updated meeting-room technology and flexible interior space for quiet study, a learning lab and teen space. County project manager Mandy Leonard said demolition and construction are expected to close the library in early 2026 with reopening anticipated around February 2027; the Cottage Grove Service Center will serve as a temporary location for basic library services and additional outreach programming will use the Cottage Grove Armory and community spaces.

Parrott and county staff said the existing site has 50 parking spaces where 71 were required under code; reconfiguration will result in 68 stalls required and 68 provided after removing building angles and reducing the collection footprint. The library project is proposed in conjunction with potential reconstruction of Hemingway Avenue to improve sidewalks and on-street parking that will connect to the library’s new pedestrian access.

During discussion, Mayor Bailey read a prepared statement outlining objections to keeping the library at the current, landlocked site. Bailey cited population projections (current population stated at 43,000 and an estimate of approximately 50,000 by 2035), concerns that the site will not adequately serve future growth, and a preference for siting a larger facility closer to the city center. “I cannot support the renovation of the current location … I will be voting no on this proposal not because I’m against the library but because I believe we as Cottage Grove residents deserve better,” Bailey said.

Council then voted. Resolution 2025-144 (site-plan review for building addition, façade remodel and site improvements) passed 4–1. The related development agreement with Washington County (subject to minor modifications as approved by the city attorney) also passed 4–1.

Actions

- Resolution 2025-144: Approve site-plan review for Park Grove Library (7900 Hemingway Ave S). Outcome: approved 4–1. - Development agreement with Washington County (subject to minor legal modifications): approved 4–1.

Quotes

“We’re very happy with the work Alliance architects has done to redesign and reimagine the library … The design features consistent use of nature and natural materials,” Jackie Kramer, Washington County Library Director, said describing the project’s design and community input.

“I cannot support the renovation of the current location … I will be voting no on this proposal,” Mayor Bailey said, citing concerns about site size and future parking and access needs.

Ending

County and city staff said they will finalize minor legal modifications to the development agreement as approved by the city attorney and proceed toward permitting and construction planning. Library staff said they will provide temporary services during construction and continue community outreach.