For the time being, the Hicksville Public Library will have to keep its Computer & Resource Center (CRC).
The building is at 101 Jerusalem Ave., a quarter-mile from the main facility. It has been on the market with an asking price of $1.9 million.
Several audience members at the July meeting of the Hicksville Library Board of Trustees heard the bad news regarding the sale falling through.
In response to a question from resident Deborah Lein, board President Harry Single stated,
“Right now, the buyer is not going to take the building, and we’re going to discuss in executive session the next options we have for the building.”
“There has been several buyers back [out] on us. Is there a factor or a group of factors that cause that to happen?” Lein wondered.
Board attorney Thomas Wassel answered, “We’ve had only one buyer back out. We’ve had several people who’ve entered into discussion, but there’s been only one buyer who signed a contract.”
Earlier, to another inquiry from Lein, Single had responded, “I don’t want to speculate on what buyers are thinking. There are pros and cons to the building and certainly the board is not going to publicize the cons. We’re trying to get people to buy it.”
Wassel noted, “One of the issues that’s not a big secret is the parking over there.”
“It’s a shame because it’s a great property. It really is,” said Lein.
The library purchased the .567-acre parcel in June 1999 for $256,000. The CRC was dedicated in October of 2006.
According to the Nassau County Office of Assessment website, the property had a fair market value of $2.2 million as of April 1. Its parking space can hold about 20 cars.
“We have held computer training classes, community group meetings, limited exercise programs and offered internet access at this building,” said library Director Elizabeth Goldfrank. “It was to be used primarily as an internet access resource with limited programming and meeting space. As computers became universal, access was underutilized.
For example, Hicksville residents used the internet 31 times in January, 49 times in February and 51 times in March. Attendance at programming in January was 203. In February, 292, in March, 395.”
Goldmark added, “With the anticipated sale of the building, arrangements were made to begin moving some furniture to the main library. Internet carrels were relocated to the lower level, affording patrons with laptops a quiet area for work and study. Chairs, table and laptop computers could be relocated in the main library upon sale of the building. Since our August programs and classes were already scheduled for the main library, we will reopen [the CRC] on Sept. 6 so as not to inconvenience our patrons.”
The board is working with broker Charlie Montana to find a buyer.
And what will it do with the money if and when a sale comes through?
“As the trustees have discussed over time, since capital funds were used to build the CRC, proceeds from its sale will be used for capital improvements urgently needed at the main library building that among other things would include multi-year, long-term HVAC system upgrades, replacement of a 50-year-old elevator, and a number of vital interior space improvements to enhance services, programs and accommodations for our patrons and employees,” said Single in a statement.
