East Haddam library committee discusses site size, ADA needs and planning‑board input for new library

The New Library Siting Committee in East Haddam discussed the criteria it will use to find a site for a proposed new town library, focusing on land size, accessibility and when to involve the town planning and zoning staff.

Committee members referenced Connecticut State Library guidance that suggests a building should occupy about 10% of the total site area, noting members’ rough estimates that a 14,000–16,000 square‑foot library could ideally sit on about 3.25 usable acres. "If it's a good volunteer question…if a library's going to be 15,000 square feet, how much land do you need?" one member asked; other members responded that 3.25 acres would be an ideal but uncommon town parcel.

The committee emphasized usable acreage (not acreage that includes wetlands or unusable slopes) and cautioned against identifying a parcel that would prevent future expansion. Members said they would consult Jim Ventres and the town planning and zoning department to determine whether any town‑owned properties in Moodus Village or East Haddam Village meet those size and access criteria.

Committee members also noted that accessibility and ADA requirements reduce usable interior space (wider aisles, accessible restrooms and reaches from wheelchairs) and factored that into the building‑size discussion. Evelyn (committee member) and another volunteer agreed to review Connecticut accessibility guidelines and report back to the group.

The committee did not vote on a specific site or authorize acquisition; members agreed to defer serious site work for several meetings while staff and volunteers perform preliminary checks and consult planning officials. The chair said they will inform the Board of Selectmen as needed to clarify the committee’s charge regarding what 'centrally located' means for the town.

Next steps: committee volunteers will check state guidelines in detail, contact planning and zoning and Jim Ventres about town‑owned properties, and bring findings to the next meetings for discussion.