Mayfield Library Plans Presented to Village Officials

After an informal session in July, architects from URS returned to make a formal presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Plans presented Thursday night were similar to what were shown earlier and maintained a look that blends in with area wetlands, a planned trail behind the building and the nearby Cleveland Metroparks .

"The library's set to feel like what we call a nature center," said Ivan Valentic, URS landscape architect.

The 30,000-square-foot building would sit on a 5-acre site at 502 SOM Center Road. About 120 parking places are planned for the facility.

There was no vote taken Thursday, which was a workshop session. The commission is expected to vote on the library plan on Nov. 7.

Much of the conversation dealt with landscaping and storm water management. Rick Christian, whose property is next to the proposed site, was concerned about flooding problems already occurring in the area.

Village Engineer Tom Cappello acknowledged that there's a problem, but said the development might present an opportunity to correct the ponds that settle on Christian's land.

The library was designed to keep all storm water contained on site, according to URS officials and village Building Commissioner John Marrelli.

A rain garden is planned to filter runoff from the roof and at least a portion of the parking lot will be paved with permeable concrete to help ease water flow. Plans also call for a detention pond near SOM Center Road.

Assistant Law Director Diana Calta pointed out that no rezoning is needed for the library development. Although the land is zoned residential, libraries are permitted in any zoning classificiation as a special use, she said.