Soil tests OK for library

Soil tests on the courtyard at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library show slightly elevated levels of benzene and diesel organic substances, but the levels are not serious enough to delay construction.

Library Director Agnes Ho said the state environmental agency is advising architects to proceed with plans to expand the building, and is asking for more tests after construction begins.

“All we will have to do is get a few more core samples,” Ho said. “This is great news. I’ve been waiting for it.”

The Kinston Planning and Inspections Department is examining drawings for the building now and Lenoir County must send the plans to its bond counsel for final approval. Bids will be solicited as soon as all parties approve the plans. That should be soon, Ho said.

Two sets of bidding documents will be released. The primary set will not include a covered walkway or a local history room. An alternate set will include both features. Bids are scheduled to be opened April 6.

The covered walk is expected to add $100,000 to construction costs. The local history room would cost $35,000.

“I really hope to have enough money to do covered walk,” Ho said. “If it’s raining or snowing, the public won’t have to worry about (getting wet). Thy local history room means a lot for people growing up in our community.”

The walkway would be on the front of the building. The history room would be on the Queen Street side.

Groundbreaking, originally planned for April 30, may be delayed until June. Ho said the early ceremony might cause people to believe construction is ready to begin. She said she doesn’t want residents to be disappointed when they see no work occurring for several more weeks.