Great Neck Library renovation remains on schedule for now

Christian Araos

Members of the Great Neck Library Building Advisory Committee expressed concerns Thursday with a couple of potential delays in the ongoing renovation of the Great Neck Library’s Main Branch.

The primary source of frustration for the committee was with a mandatory upgrade of the library’s fire alarm and sprinkler system at a cost of more than $400,000. 

“I cannot believe the length of time it’s taking,” committee member Leslie Kahn said. “Quite frankly, it’s unacceptable.”

Dominic Calgi, president of Calgi Construction, which is managing the project’s construction, attributed the delays to a fire marshal’s demand for more fire strobes and sprinklers.

But, he said, the additions will not impact the construction schedule. 

“Everything is still on schedule,” Calgi said. “Right now we are anticipating a completion date of April 22, 2016 with a final completion date on May 22 or 23.”

The committee also expressed frustration with a late upgrade required by PSEG for an above-ground, pad-mounted electrical transformer. 

Calgi said PSEG did not request an above-ground transformer during the design phase back in October 2014. 

The cost of the electrical transformer have yet to be determined but the approved changes have brought the total project costs above $10 million, according to documents presented  at the meeting.

The board has been asked to approve a $54,000 upgrade to the electrical feeds for the library’s exterior light poles. 

Committee member Don Dillon said the wiring needs to be replaced despite the cost.

“The existing wiring has been bastardized,” Dillon said. 

The committee also reviewed a study by the KG&D architectural firm about the cost of installing solar panels on the roof of the library, which they estimated to cost $245,000. 

That sum, they said, could be reduced with a $28,000 rebate from the state. 

Committee member Mike Currie said he was concerned about PSEG’s efforts to eliminate the rebate program. Other board members questioned whether the money saved by using solar panels would be enough to justify the costs. 

Library Board President Marietta DiCamillo said the next committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 20, but would change the date to ensure a greater representation of Calgi officials.

“The issues would be better handled by three representatives instead of one,” DiCamillo said. “I will change the meeting date to endure that they all get here.”

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