Last revision of the Frederick Schwartz design .  The Library Board will now consider other less costly options.

MILFORD – The Pike County Public Library Board has ended its contract with the architect who designed a proposed new main library.  Following the resounding rejection, by voters, of the special one mill tax, It now appears unlikely that specific project will move forward.

“In the wake of the November 3 referendum vote, the Pike County Public Library has terminated its contract with Frederic Schwartz Architects for architectural services for a new library system headquarters building to be constructed at 221 E. Harford”, says a statement posted on the PCPL website.

The Schwartz design was approved by the Milford Borough Council in June.  That particular design had generated strong opinions, on both sides.  Critics said it was more building than was needed and the design did not fit the ambience of Milford.  Supporters said the design was a reasonable option for replacing the antiquated main library in the Community House.

“The Community House building is too small to serve as a library, is not ADA compliant, and is in poor repair”, says the statement, which adds the PCPL is in the process of analyzing a range of alternatives that would make it possible to continue to provide adequate library services in Milford, at a lower cost for construction and operation than the planned Frederick Schwartz building.

PCPL owns the East Harford street site, but does not own the Community House building where the Milford branch library is now located.

 “In considering the possibilities, the PCPL is conscious that many private donations, as well as state grants worth $2 million, were dedicated specifically for the Schwartz design. It may or may not be possible to obtain permission from the donors and grantors to use any part of these donations and grants for any other library building in Milford. In addition, the PCPL will forfeit almost $1 million from the Dorothy Warner gift if that gift is not used in the very near future for a new Milford library. There has been no decision yet with respect to what action, if any, to take.”