Woodside to reconsider library lot improvement Woodside to reconsider library lot improvement (December 10, 2003)

A project to refurbish the front of the Woodside Library with landscaping, additional parking and lights is headed back to the Woodside Town Council.

Although the council approved the project in October, the library's next-door neighbors weren't notified about the meeting and asked the council to reconsider the plan at a future meeting.

James and Stephanie MacDonald told town officials that the placement of additional lights and new parking spaces would subject their property to noise, odors and "an ambient glow similar to what you might find at Albertsons."

The council agreed that the MacDonalds should have an opportunity to weigh in on the project, and at the November 26 meeting voted 6-0, with Paul Goeld absent, to put the project on the agenda in January.

"This is a no-brainer," said Councilman Pete Sinclair. "Let's move it to January and make sure everyone is notified."

The council also directed staff to come back with recommendations for improving the town's notification procedures.

Town Manager Susan George apologized for the oversight and said that the staff would work with the MacDonalds to address their concerns. Although the town was not legally required to notify nearby property owners in this instance, Ms. George said the McDonalds nevertheless should have received a courtesy notice about the meeting.

The volunteer Woodside Landscape Committee has been spearheading the project to beautify and improve the front of the library, located at 3140 Woodside Road.

The project is to be funded by about $35,000 in private donations and $125,000 in surplus property tax revenues earmarked for library improvement. It includes increasing the paved area of the parking lot, adding lights, and installing extensive landscaping while preserving existing oak trees.

Making it safer for patrons and staff to navigate the parking lot after dark is the chief reason for the project, according to library manager Thom Ball.

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