 By Heather Muench August 19, 2010
ABC has suggested two possible downtown locations, Main Street School parking lot or the present location. Both have numerous problems that will make them very expensive options, difficult to build, not expandable, and would not make the required 35% design completion by February 2011. Main Street School parking lot is the only 24 hour parking lot downtown. It is heavily used by neighboring residences, visitors and jurors at the State Office building and downtown workers. It is on a steep hill with narrow streets that would require removal of more parking to widen the sidewalks and is not accessible by Borough Bus. The nearest bus stop is at the tunnel, down another steep hill. An elevator would be needed for handicap access from the Main Street Parking lot. It would require a two story structure that would cost more to build and operate. Due to demolition debris under the parking lot and the need for geotechnical investigation of the cliff, it is not shovel ready as claimed. Remodeling the present library would not resolve the lack of downtown parking. A new museum would first have to be located and built; then the building would have to be brought to current code, requiring years. Library services would have to be suspended during reconstruction. A library of the necessary size would need 3 stories making it expensive to build and operate. Proposition 1 (Copper Ridge) will allow a one story building with ample parking and room for 25% future expansion. Front door access will be possible from the Borough bus and will be ADA accessible. It will meet the 35% design by February 2011. We need a new library. Voting Yes on Proposition 1 and No on Proposition 2 will make this a reality. Heather Muench
Received August 18, 2010 - Published August 19, 2010
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