Consolidated Countryside Library Coming to Recreation Center Space

City leaders approved plans to develop a new, $5.46-million library near the Countryside Recreation Center Wednesday.

The expected cost to build the 22,500-square-foot building on Sabal Springs Drive is less than renovating and expanding the existing Countryside Library on State Road 580.

However, traffic is a concern.

While the road would be capable of handling the increase, moving the library is expected to generate an additional 153 vehicle trips on Sabal Springs Drive during peak afternoon hours, according to a traffic study by DKS Associates.

Still, some residents worried about that impact.

“Please understand: the traffic is already too heavy and dangerous on Sabal Springs Drive. We need to improve/reduce traffic on that road right now, not add more traffic to it,” resident Barry Westmark wrote in an email to the city council.

In addition to the traffic study, Mayor George N. Cretekos asked if the library and recreation center would have enough parking during peak times.

There would be some overlap in use on Saturdays, said Barbara Pickell, director of the library, but she was assured there would be enough parking for little league players and library users.

City leaders still have to approve the final design of the building before construction begins.

Both the Friends of the Library and Library Advisory Board endorsed building the new facility close to the recreation center on Sabal Springs Drive.

Related coverage:

• Countryside Library Construction Choice to be Made Wednesday

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