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Holiday Library Closings
All Gaston County Public Library locations will be closed in observance of Christmas, from Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, December 26.
All Gaston County Public Library locations will resume regular public services hours on Saturday, December 27. For more information about Gaston County Public Library hours, locations, services, and resources, consult the Website, www.glrl.lib.nc.us, or call 704-868-2164.
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Discovery Place Kids site could include more services
By THOMAS LARK
- Thu, Jul 3, 2008
BELMONT—A new Discovery Place Kids possibly coming to Catawba Street could be located with city-run centers.
Belmont developer Rich La Vecchia and Belmont Parks and Recreation Director Sallie Stevenson talked about the possible future of the former Chronicle Mill building in Monday morning interviews. Both confirmed that speculative talks are ongoing to also put in city-run recreation centers for seniors and teens, plus a physical fitness center and two basketball courts. Stevenson said that she and La Vecchia have informally discussed the matter with Belmont Mayor Dr. Richard Boyce, City Manager Barry Webb and Parks and Rec Athletic Director Gil Aguirre.
Noting the building’s age, La Vecchia said some upgrades would surely be necessary.
“But on the other hand, I think things are progressing favorably on the program,” he said, “and at this point in time, we’re looking for a large, semi-anchor tenant that will be able to be a paying tenant, rather than Discovery Place (alone), which is a nonprofit organization that basically doesn’t pay rent—they’re just a big draw for the public. So we’re looking for another tenant, though Discovery Place will be the main tenant. But we’ve got to make the lenders happy. They like to make a profit.
“We’re working on this project diligently, even as we speak,” La Vecchia added. “It’s not yet approved by the city council, of course. But much of the preliminary work has been done. I know that Sallie is very hopeful that this project can be pulled off. She’s very excited about it.”
He said an architectural rendering on what the revamped building could look like has been completed by architect Chris Byers.
“We’re looking to have a more historical façade,” said La Vecchia.
Stevenson said it all sounds great. But she emphasized that nothing is yet set in stone.
“It would be absolutely lovely,” said Stevenson. “But this has got to go before our Belmont Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board when it meets on July 21. The members will then make a recommendation to the Belmont City Council, and it could go before them as soon as the council’s August meeting. But these things must move slowly and carefully. They take time.”
Debbie Curry, director of Discovery Place Kids, discussed her side of the efforts. While a new Discovery Place Kids is a definite go for Huntersville, nothing is absolutely confirmed for Belmont—at least not yet, said Curry.
“We’re still in informal discussions, too,” she said, comparing her organization’s situation to that of Belmont’s proposed centers. “We’re trying to work through the process. There’s still no set timetable as yet.”
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