A plan to construct a children's library in Lompoc took a major step toward reality Monday night as the city planning commission approved the Charlotte's Web Children's Library.

The project's negative declaration of environmental impacts as well as the development plan were approved with a 3-0 vote. Commission member Helen Free was absent and commissioner Jack Rodenhi recused himself.

The proposed 4,650-square-foot project, located at 211 South I St., was presented to the commission by Molly Gerald, director of the city library.

The Charlotte's Web Children's Library Learning Center project was the vision of Charlotte Benton, Lompoc's first female mayor, who donated the land and start-up funds for it.

The design plan will showcase environmentally conscious building techniques, such as straw baling wall materials, large windows to utilize more natural lights and a south-facing rooftop covered in solar panels.

Exterior architectural plans for the library include painted stucco exterior walls in copper red with white window trim, and metal roof panels painted colony green.

“It will educate adults and children about what it is to build sustainably,” Gerald said.

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“I'm very excited about this project, “ said Planning Commissioner Judith Grames-Lyra.

Commissioner Ronald Fink also spoke in support of the project, calling it an “exciting and practical” environmental design.

One member of the public, Rani Kokatnur, spoke during the hearing. Kokatnur lives on South J Street near the project site.

“I'm curious how the traffic will circulate, how the traffic goes in and where it will come out,” she said.

Kokatnur said she supported the project, but feared potential traffic and parking issues might occur.

The new library would feature a one-way entryway off I Street and an exit into the alley at the rear of the property, with a parking lot to accommodate 13 vehicles.

The Lompoc Planning Department completed an environmental impact report of the plan, concluding that the project presented no significant impact to the surrounding community if built. Those findings were accepted by the Planning Commission members as part of their motion.

Glenn Wallace can be reached at 688-5522, Ext. 6007, or gwallace@lompocrecord.com.

December 11, 2007