Local: Library site speculation needs to be over before bonds are sold
I have no real preference regarding where to build a new branch library in North Peoria. It would be nice to remodel and use an existing structure on already developed land, so the Festival Foods location seems appropriate.
The problem, as I understand it, is that the asking price seems a bit high* once remodeling costs are considered.
I’ve been critical of any attempt to get taxpayers on the hook for this before the decision is made regarding location. Gary Sandberg, the city council’s liaison to the library district, says the new branch is just part of the overall project, and there’s no need to hold up renovations and improvements while the site is finalized. He also tells me that inflation will only drive up the cost for acquiring land.
My response: Cost of the land acquisition is only one consideration. Perhaps taxpayers simply don’t want to be told they are going to pay for land that they might not WANT to buy, or might consider an inappropriate site for other reasons.
Look at the East Bluff and D150’s desire to move Glen Oak School to a site they considered inappropriate for reasons unrelated to cost. The school board and the park bought bought a lot of bad will from the public because they moved forward too fast on the assumption that couldn’t afford to wait. The last thing the city council needs to do is make that same error.
* In fact, C.J. reports that the owner jacked the price up once the library district expressed interest.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The old K’s site. No question about it.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Care to elaborate?
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Big enough
Stand alone site
Good location
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I’m making an assumption on the big enough part.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
K’s is three times bigger than needed, so the library either becomes a landlord or you tear down 2/3 of the building assuming that the current purchaser withdraws his accepted offer. The Library worked with and negotiated with the purchaser who has a purchase agreeent with the previous owner with the intent to purchase a third of the K’s building. After several weeks of negociating, the purchaser deternined that they didn’t want to sell off a portion.
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Since the city is floating the bond, wouldn’t the city be the landlord?
Couldn’t the LD lease the unused space to the COP at a favorable rate so the COP could let loose of some of it’s more expensive lease space? Just ideas..
I just like the K’s site. Had no idea it’d be too big.