Library director asks Greenburgh board to separate $1.4M roof project to pursue state grant

Christina Ryan Linder, director of the Greenburgh Public Library, asked the Town Board at its Feb. 10 work session to create a dedicated capital line for the library's roof replacement so the library can pursue New York State construction aid.

Linder said the most recent contractor estimate for the work is about $1.4 million and that state grant rules require the town to show the money appropriated to the specific project. "I'm requesting that our portion be separated out," she said, adding that the library board is prepared to use a portion of the library's fund balance to help cover costs.

Board members and staff asked for more detail. One member said the town's adopted capital roofing budget was $2.5 million; a DPW memo cited a $2.8 million lump-sum figure for roofing across several municipal buildings. Members asked staff for an itemized breakdown showing how much of the adopted totals were intended for the library so the board can decide how to allocate town funds while preserving resources for other municipal roofing needs.

Board members also raised questions about warranties and whether rooftop solar should be integrated when the roof is replaced. Linder said she has discussed solar with town staff but that solar would be an additional cost on top of the $1.4 million quote: "That would be on top of the $1,400,000," she said. She asked that the town allow a separate library capital account even if the town initially moves a smaller amount into it, so the library can document the appropriation required by grant applications.

The board agreed to request the DPW and comptroller provide a detailed breakout of the roof allocations and to continue the discussion at a subsequent meeting.

The matter remains in discussion; no vote was taken at the Feb. 10 work session.