The Greenburgh Library had to close early yesterday and today because the heating system failed. We have experienced other problems with the mechanical systems at the Library since the library was built a few years ago. Problems this season have included the failure of an electronic control part, failure in a control valve, and just recently failure of another compressor. Experience has shown that a failure of just a single component creates significant problems maintaining adequate heat in the building. Repairs (a new part) will take place on Monday. Hopefully, the library will be much warmer on Tuesday.
We need to come up with permanent solution (more than replacing broken parts) so we don't experience heating and air conditioning problems every time the weather gets very cold or hot. I met with Genie Contrata, head of the library today, Victor Carosi, Commissioner of Public Works and Rich Fon, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works. Have been advised that the best solution is to appropriate funds in the capital budget for a secondary boiler to work during these excessive temperatures. I support the request and will ask that this solution be pursued. The next step: to engage a consulting engineer to design a solution to this problem.
The library is only a few years old. I believe the town should seriously consider taking legal action against the designers/contractors of the library. We paid $20 million for the library and our residents and library staff should not have to put up with lack of heat at a new library.
PAUL FEINER