AVALON – A large lot that once housed Avalon’s school and library will be used to help alleviate parking congestion in the area. That was the word from Business Administrator Scott Wahl in response to a question during public comment at the borough council meeting Wednesday, Oct. 11.
The building that once sat on the lot in the middle of a residential street has been demolished and the debris removed. What remains is a bare lot covered with gravel.
According to Wahl, an examination of the building’s structure led to a conclusion that it could not be saved and repurposed. Wahl added that an estimated $2 million price tag for reconstruction of a similar structure on the lot was considered to be too expensive for a facility that would not house more than 70 people at one time for any type of event or community use.
Wahl said Mayor John McCorristin consulted with the library board and the borough’s historical society before deciding that the 120-foot frontage lot should be converted, at least temporarily, to parking. Wahl said that McCorristin does not support development on the site.
Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
