In its quest to be a better neighbor to residents, the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library is considering buying an adjacent property to expand parking.
The library board at its Nov. 20 regular meeting passed a resolution to establish the library’s intent to purchase 9023 Lincoln Ave. to expand the library’s parking options. The parcel is immediately east of the library’s existing parking lot at 3609 Grand Blvd. and southeast of the library at 3541 Park Ave.
According to the resolution the board passed, the property costs about $265,000, which will come out of the library’s special reserve fund. The library’s working budget for fiscal year 2024 shows the fund held about $1.5 million as of Jan. 1 and the library did not expect to spend money from the fund by Dec. 31.
In a press release, officials said the property owners had approached the library in June to see if it would be interested in buying the parcel, as their parents, who had lived in the home, had died.
Executive Director Kimberly Coughran told the Landmark that library officials had been aware of issues with parking and had discussed expanding it before the homeowners approached them about buying the land. She said the library’s decision was spurred by feedback from area residents, especially those living on Park Avenue.
“We have more or less had unspoken agreements, in the effort to be a good neighbor, and those have included asking our staff members to not park on the residential streets, on Park Avenue, in consideration of the neighbors,” she said. “We have done that and tried a variety of things in order to keep our closest neighbors happy.”
She said the library did not consider buying the property to expand the parking lot until the owners suggested it.
Officials also said in the press release that acquiring the land and expanding parking aligns with the most important goal of the library’s strategic plan: “minimizing barriers to accessing library services.”
The library will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. where the board will discuss the acquisition and determining a financing plan for it. Residents are invited to attend to give public comment and ask questions of the library board.
