North Conway Public Library to expand parking lot

Number of spaces will be doubled to 12

The North Conway Public Library received conditional approval from the Conway Planning Board last week to double the number of parking spaces to 12 behind the non-profit facility.It marked the second time that library trustee and local engineer Ed Bergeron of HEB Engineers had appeared before the board to discuss parking for the library."I was here a year ago in regards to North Conway Public Library's parking, Bergeron told the board, and at the time I wanted a waiver of site-plan review requirements and your response was you felt that the existing lot did not meet the requirements, and you were absolutely right. You directed me to go back and redesign it so it did comply and now it does.Bergeron's approved plan is to add six parking spaces by expanding the lot northward. Currently, cars sometimes park on the gravel on the south end of the lot toward the Joe Jones end of the property. The new plan eliminates that practice, Bergeron said.I came back with a 12-car plan for a lot that measures 24 feet wide instead of 16 feet, so it allows for two-way traffic at the entrance [from Mechanic Street], said Bergeron. I took away some of the gravel that was used for the bootleg parking on the south end adjacent to Mechanic Street. The parking lot is always full, and that is why we are here tonightIn response to questions from board member Pat Sell, Bergeron said the plan is to replace the gravel area with grass on the Mechanic Street side of the lot and to pave all 12 spaces.Town Planning Director Tom Irving said the changes to the parking lot were insignificant, and his recommendation was that site-plan review was not necessary. The board agreed and unanimously okayed the plan.Bergeron said he hopes the increased lot could be built and paved by this summer.