Zoning approval for Bowlby library addition appealed
An appeal was filed Friday with Greene County Court challenging the issuance of a zoning certificate by Waynesburg Borough for the expansion of Eva K. Bowlby Public Library.
The appeal, filed by Lisa and Jeffrey Schwarz of 355 N. West St., seeks to revoke a zoning certificate allowing the library to construct a two-story addition on the north side of its building, adjoining the Schwarzes’ home.
The library had applied for a variance from the Waynesburg Zoning Hearing Board to address a requirement for off-street parking for the project.
However, at a scheduled zoning hearing June 5, it was determined neither a hearing nor board approval was necessary because the library had satisfied the parking issue by presenting an agreement between it and First Baptist Church allowing the library to use the church parking lot.
The Schwarzes had attended the zoning hearing to express concerns about the development. Library officials agreed to meet with them to discuss those issues.
In their appeal, the Schwarzes note the library is not a permitted use in the R-1 residential zoning area. It is, however, considered a “pre-existing, nonconforming use,” because it existed prior to the adoption of the zoning ordinance.
“As a nonconforming use, any proposed expansion requires approval from the (zoning hearing) board,” the appeal states, citing the zoning code.
The appeal also maintains the Schwarzes have attempted to negotiate their concerns with the library, but it has failed to act in good faith.
“Appellants are not opposed to expanding the library per se and are in fact supportive of the library’s expansion in principle, but the appellants have actual and legitimate concerns about the negative impacts of the project,” the appeal states.
Among the concerns citied in the appeal are parking and the use of screens, such as a row of hedges, to obstruct a direct view from the library property into the Schwarzes’ home.
The Schwarzes also note the library has failed to live up to conditions of a previous zoning board approval in 1985 that required it to post a sign informing patrons to use the church parking lot and to have its employees park in the church lot.
Library Executive Director Kathy McClure declined Monday to comment on the matter. The library’s attorney, Aaron Smith, said he had not yet received the appeal and so would withhold comment on it.
The library maintains it needs the additional space to provide services. The addition, as well as renovation of the garage, will give the library 1,134 square feet of new space.
The top floor of the addition is expected to provide space for reference materials and the Pennsylvania collections. The downstairs will include a new media and community room, which the public will be able to reserve outside of library hours. The addition will also include a restroom and a kitchenette area.