Quincy steps forward on library addition

Store remains open

QUINCY - Quincy City Council members took the first step in changing the Vordahl's Department store into a new library.

Members approved an estimated $6,400 proposal to pay Wenatchee-based MJ Neal Associates to start an environmental impact survey. The study would determine whether or not the city would purchase the building on D street in Quincy.

"The Vordahls are still in business," City Administrator Tim Snead said. "If we do it (it would) over double the size of the existing library."

Until then, the Vordahl's are still in business. They won't know whether the city would be willing to buy the land until late September. If the city purchases the store, the current business wouldn't have to be off the premises until Dec. 1.

"People already think we're closed," Bonita Vordahl said. "The city can still back out … We've put out a sign saying that we're open."

A question rose among council members about whether the $3,200 the company asked for to check for asbestos was necessary.

Council member Jose Saldana said the money they'd pay to have them check for asbestos would pay for itself.

"The cost not to remove it could be much higher," he said.

If the construction crews got to the site and found there was asbestos in the foundation of the building, it could mean the work would stop.