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But concerns over completing the library work have been raised at several Ridgefield Board of Selectmen meetings. First Selectman Rudy Marconi said he questioned how the building would be ready on schedule for an April 2014 move-in date.
“We’re six months in and they’re saying they didn’t lose any time,” Marconi said. The town held an early referendum so the library could start construction last summer, he said.
But most construction companies build in delays to their construction timetables, said Mary Rindfleisch, assistant director at the Ridgefield Library.
Part of the delay was because the library did not have a temporary home to move into until last July, she said.
“The rock under the building needed to be blasted to be removed,” Rindfleisch said. Much of the work that has been done since the library moved out last summer has been done below ground, which is why the site doesn’t look that different, she said.
Another delay was caused by the additional asbestos found in the old building that had to be dealt with.
“It just takes time,” Rindfleisch said. Also, extensive testing will be done at the end of every step to ensure the building will be sound and able to pass its LEED certification. A LEED certification is given when the building is environmentally friendly and responsible.
If necessary, the library would extend its lease and stay at the 21 Governor St. location until the new building was ready, Rindfleisch said.
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