Should Portola Valley abandon library, classroom buildings? Should Portola Valley abandon library, classroom buildings? (February 09, 2005)

The near-term future of the Portola Valley library, multi-use room, artists' studios, art gallery and classrooms is likely to hinge on a discussion planned for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, February 9.

Councilman George Comstock proposes to immediately abandon these buildings and move the library to a temporary building, as was done with the Town Hall months ago. The council has considered putting the artistic, fitness, and martial arts classes in temporary buildings as well.

The council plans to discuss Mr. Comstock's proposal at the meeting, which begins at 8 p.m. in the Historic Schoolhouse.

A 2002 geologic study identified earthquake faults running across the Town Center site and under some of the buildings. A map prepared for the report shows most Town Center buildings inside a "building exclusion zone."

The council closed the old Town Hall months ago and moved staff to a temporary building.

The town's insurer has called occupancy of the buildings "an unacceptable risk."

The location of the tennis courts is outside the exclusion zone and considered acceptable for new construction, and the town is well along in creating a master plan for a new complex at that location.

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