Neighbors challenge Phoenicia Library's rebuilding plans

In this week's Woodstock Times: The Phoenicia Library, whose building was gutted by fire last March, has run up against a roadblock in its plans to rebuild and return to 48 Main Street:

Neighbors on both sides of the Main Street library building have taken legal action against the Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the library, alleging technical errors in the ZBA’s approval of the renovation plans. After consulting with lawyers, the library board has decided to withdraw its application and reapply.

“The neighbors filed an Article 78, challenging technicalities in the process,” said [library board president Kurt] Boyer. “After review, it turns out they have a pretty good case. Everything the zoning board did, the variances they passed, they were in their legal right to do it, but there were technicalities in the way they did it that were in error. Neither the town nor the library has money to fight this. We’re going to withdraw and reapply, and try to make sure everything is done properly this time.”

On the bright side, the library now has a new interim director to replace the departing Tracy Priest: Former board member Elizabeth Potter, profiled in the Woodstock Times article.

 On Saturday, May 12, the Mama's Boy coffee house, across the street from the library's old digs, is hosting a bake-off to benefit the rebuilding effort.

Entry fee is $10, and the bake-off starts at 1pm. Come with a confection to enter for judging, or just bring your sweet tooth. All proceeds will go to the Phoenicia Library.