Viewpoints
New library building site
By Heidi Ekstrand
September 15, 2007
Saturday PM
As a member of the Friends of the Library, I was on the site
selection committee that evaluated the first round of land proposals
submitted for consideration as possible sites for a new library
building.
On paper, it's easy to see the appeal of Pat Jirschle's proposed
library addition over Ketchikan Creek. I actually think it's
a neat idea and could be beautiful! But there are a couple of
disadvantages that don't make it realistic and eliminated it
from the committee's list of preferred sites.
First, the original concept of a library built over a parking
garage on the Main and Grant streets location was rejected due
to high construction costs associated with that type of structure.
I assume a heavy structure suspended over the creek would be
equally cost-prohibitive.
Second, Mr. Jirschle doesn't own the property he suggests using,
and the actual land owner apparently isn't interested in selling
it.
The City Council will be evaluating another round of proposed
sites this fall. I would encourage anyone interested in a new
library building to contact council members and urge them to
choose a feasible site soon so this project can move forward.
Heidi Ekstrand
Ketchikan, AK
Received September 14, 2007 - Published September 15, 2007
Related Viewpoint:
 Library
FRP By Patrick Jirschele - Ketchikan, AK
Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:
Webmail
Your Opinion Letter to the Editor
Note: Comments published
on Viewpoints are the opinions of the writer
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
E-mail your letters
& opinions to editor@sitnews.us
Your full name, city and state are required for publication.
SitNews
©2007
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska
|