County may build new library in Magnolia Green

Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer An upcoming renovation of the Ettrick-Matoaca Library won't increase the branch's size but will make better use of its space. The Matoaca District could get a new library, in addition to scheduled major improvements to the existing Ettrick-Matoaca Library.

About $2.9 million is being set aside for a possible library in the planned community of Magnolia Green, located on Route 360 five miles west of Route 288, but additional funds from a later bond referendum will be needed.

"Magnolia Green is a reasonable area for library services but a bit further west than we'd like, but the population is moving there," said Library Director Mike Mabe. "[Supervisor Marleen] Durfee is looking at Magnolia Green because it's easier if you already have the property."

The library issue came up last week during a community meeting at Matoaca High School. Durfee, Matoaca School Board member Omarh Rajah and Matoaca Planning Commissioner Wayne Bass were there to answer questions from citizens.

Some Ettrick residents wanted the funding for the proposed Magnolia Green library to stay in southern Chesterfield County.

"We feel like disinherited children," Dr. Harold Braxton told Durfee.

Durfee said she asked for funds to be shifted because Magnolia Green proffered a library site years ago during its rezoning approval.

"We are underserved," she said.

According to Budget and Management Director Allan Carmody, the board has not formally approved the Magnolia Green site. Since site acquisition can be expensive, that would likely occur before a proposed referendum scheduled for sometime between 2010 and 2012.

The Ettrick and Matoaca areas of the county are largely rural with a significant African American population while the western Route 360 corridor is more heavily populated with Caucasians living in large planned communities. One resident voiced hope for splitting the magisterial district because of the differences and the geographical size of in the district.

Carmody said the 2004 referendum budgeted $2.72 million for renovations at the Ettrick-Matoaca Library, which has grown to $3.55 million. An additional $1.2 million is being added from the county's general fund to total $2.9 million for the proposed Magnolia Green site.

"This was always and is still a renovation project," explained Carmody.

Improvements to the Ettrick-Matoaca Library will not enlarge the size of the building but will make better use of the interior space.

"There's some wasted space," acknowledged Mabe. "We'll challenge an architect to look at the entire layout since we've been successful with other similar library footprints."

There has been some consideration for converting the building into a police station and constructing a new library in southern Chesterfield. Mabe said previous references to an additional library in the Matoaca District have identified it as "west Beach Road" or "Winterpock Library" before the Magnolia Green site was considered.

Other issues raised at the meeting included:

• There is a lack of community centers in the area for youths.

• The approved electronic sign for Matoaca High School is being redesigned because "there were engineering disagreements."

• Police Chief Thierry Dupuis said the southern part of the county has been impacted because there are "47 authorized vacancies" on the police force. One resident complained of vandalism to vehicles in her neighborhood. Another parent said others are not exercising "their responsibilities" as parents.