Mayfield Library Plans Nearing Completion

Planning & Zoning Commission members said their concerns have been addressed regarding the new to be built on SOM Center Road.

The commission reviewed library plans at a work session Thursday and is expected to vote on the matter on Feb. 6. Mayfield Village Council would still need to approve the development, which requires a special use permit.

But commission members were pleased at the progress made with development plans.

David Hartt, village planner, said landscaping and drainage concerns were addressed by changing retention design and using a much more natural landscaping plan that features rain gardens with perennials and ornamental grass.

Architect Ivan Valentic of URS said the plan is to reconnect the empty field in front of the proposed library to the wooded areas on either side. There also would be a sculpted mound near SOM Center to screen the 120-car parking lot from the street.

Valentic added that they will try to save existing trees at the site.

"We're trying to save whatever we can," he said.

The proposed 30,000-square-foot building would sit on a 5-acre site. Groundbreaking is expected to take place this spring and the building is scheduled to open in 2013.

Council will conduct a public hearing on the special use permit, but the commission's approval of plans will complete design review, which included several meeting with the Architectural Board of Review.

"This pretty much wraps up the project," Building Commissioner John Marrelli said at Thursday's meeting.