New Plan for Old Library

WILDWOOD CREST – Since the facade of the south wall collapsed due to high winds in 2018, Wildwood Crest Borough Commissioners have debated the former library’s future.
According to Commissioner Joyce Gould, expenses and safety concerns should have sealed the issue. She suggested tearing it down for a parking lot. 
However, Mayor Don Cabrera and Commissioner David Thompson share a different vision. By creating a communal “living room,” said Cabrera, both residents and guests could use the space for multiple purposes/functions.  
William McLees of William McLees Architecture, LLC submitted a $2.6 million proposed budget in December 2018 for the project. However, Cabrera said adjustments in the design lowered the cost to $1.7 million. 
The borough will apply for additional funding through the county Open Space program; a $354,545 Small Cities Grant was awarded by the state Department of Community Affairs for new bathrooms. In June 2018, officials received a $121,000 insurance payment to cover wind damage inflicted on the building. 
Cabrera revealed McLees’ latest architectural drawings Sept. 18, featuring a modern design, new lighting on Ocean Avenue, and landscaping.
The floor plan includes a common area or “living room” area, as referenced in the plan, gift shop, senior center/historical room, environmental outreach conference room, concession area, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compatible bathrooms. 
Cabrera explained the purpose of each area: 
* Gift Shop: Crest-themed merchandise will be sold in this area, including t-shirts, baseball caps, flags, and beach chairs emblazoned with the borough’s logo. The retail space will go out to bid. 
* Senior Center/Historical Room: Displays will tell the borough’s story while allowing residents to gather in the designated area. 
* Environmental Outreach Room: The borough’s Green Team could utilize the space. It could also be used as a conference room for other associations. 
* Concession Area: The potential for iced coffee, juice bar, and/or food composes the vision. Cyclists could access the space from the bike path. 
“I don’t want the building to sit,” Cabrera said, explaining the need to bring the project to fruition. 
The project is divided into four phases, with the first finishing work on the exterior walls. The second comprises the bathrooms and the third, interior renovations.
Phase four includes exterior siding, new doors and windows, parking lot expansion, and site furniture. 
Outside will feature fire pits and Adirondack-style chairs. Cabrera said he envisions music events held on the lawn, perhaps a guitarist seated by the fire, drawing cyclists and pedestrians.
Expanding on the Crest’s evolving identity and logo is important to the community, said Cabrera. However, the mayor emphasized that the Crest is not trying to “distance” itself from surrounding communities, namely Wildwood. 
Confusion arises for visitors who have no reference for “the Crest,” but recognize “Wildwood Crest.” “We (commissioners) can do both,” the mayor said, referring to developing the Crest while supporting the Wildwoods.
“Wildwood has all the potential in the world,” Cabrera added. 
Though the mayor and Thompson share the same enthusiasm, Gould retains her position that the borough would be better served by converting the site into a parking lot. 
“It’s time we (Crest) got something back,” Gould said in previous comments.
Cabrera agrees with the need for additional revenue but sees the potential in transforming the library instead of tearing it down. 
According to the mayor, phase two will be incorporated into the capital bond ordinance for 2020. 
Cabrera said the building was donated by the Fox family, and the name “living room” may be used in some capacity; however, “living room” is featured on the artist renderings. 
The mayor invites input from the public as the plan unfolds. Residents may view the rendering on the borough’s website, http://bit.ly/LibraryConcepts.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.