Town of Victor residents struck down the proposed Victor Farmington Library project on Tuesday.
The decision came in with 1,415 votes in favor of the proposed new facility and 3,256 against.
“After dedicating over five years to researching a larger library, consulting experts, and evaluating options, we understand and respect the hard decision voiced by voters,” said Library Board President James Myers, according to WROC.
Related: New Victor Farmington Library to be voted on by residents May 17
Future of project uncertain
The proposed 24,000 square-foot facility had an estimated cost of $16.6 million. Local officials projected a tax increase of $0.82 per $1,000 assessed value compared to the current tax rate of $0.27 per $1,000 assessed value.
Officials planned for the library to be built at 160 School Street in the village of Victor with an opening date projected for 2024.
The library’s current 9,000 sqaure-foot facility at 15 West Main Street was designed to serve up to 15,000 people when it opened in 1995. Now, 25,000 residents depend on the library for its wide array of services.
It is not yet known if officials will push for the library project to be considered again at a later date.
Related: Victor Farmington Library eyes relocation, expansion
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