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Cost Of New Astor Library Rises

    Construction continues on a new Astor County Library, with the 6,000-square-foot facility progressing toward completion.  On Tuesday, the cost of the $3.3 million project rose, after the Lake County Commission approved extra funds related to fire suppression.
    Describing ‘unexpected costs’ associated with the library’s fire suppression system, county staff asked for and received an additional $225,000 outlay for the project.
    GSB Construction, Inc. of Wildwood is heading up the project, which includes building the new facility, removing an aging modular structure that has served as the library for many years, and building a new, 48-space parking area.  The project is based at the location of the current library on Alco Road.
    The Astor project is being funded by library impact fees, infrastructure sales tax receipts, and community block development grant funds.
    In other library news, the county is closing in on a new library facility for the Sorrento area.  The Lake County Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal to spend $468,000 for a modular facility of around 3,100 square feet.  GSB Construction and Development, Inc. will oversee the installation of the building at 24809 Wallick Road in Sorrento. The site is home to the East Lake Community Park, which remains open during the project. 
    County staff has included a requirement that the project should have 'minimal impact' on the park's many recreational activities.
    The cost of the project is expected to produce a ‘100% turnkey’ library to serve the East Lake area.