Extra $18.2 Million for Central Library Urged
The Los Angeles City Council’s Arts Committee on Tuesday approved spending an additional $18.2 million on the 64-year-old downtown Central Library, bringing the city’s bill to restore the fire-damaged landmark to $56.7 million.
The City Administrative Office said additional money is needed to correct damage caused by fires and earthquakes, to remove asbestos and to plug a methane gas leak. The 1926 building has been closed since two arson fires in 1986.
The cost overrun proposal is expected to come before the City Council next week, where, observers expect it will face strong resistance.
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