I would favor an entire new regional library (without additional tax dollars beyond the currently millage contribution from our school taxes) , I can envision locations already mentioned such as Friendship Fire Company, re-modeling/addition to original Schuylkill Elementary School or putting in a new facility near or/on location at the existing Middle School after its demolition (which would allow the Library to keep a Main Street address). I have stated both publicly and in conversation that I am against closing Second Avenue for the purpose of an expansion. I am a fan of the library and appreciate all the hard work the staff and volunteers put into this wonderful organization, however our library needs to represent a regional feel because the library is part of our school system, therefore it needs to be readily available and used by the neighboring townships as well as borough residents. I would like to see a library that is similar to the Henrietta Hankin Library in Eagle/Chester Springs that is modern and has ample parking and is used by various communities. Some reasons I can give for being against the current location for expansion across Second Avenue are as follows: As Mr. Kirkner stated in his blog and which I agree “The purpose … is to maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods while providing for infill development which will be compatible with the general character of the district.” This is the standard which borough council members pledge to uphold when they take their oaths of office. Also, Regardless of what traffic studies have been conducted I do not feel comfortable bringing more traffic flow onto Third Avenue where you have both Holy Family School and Barkley Elementary (this area at 8 am and 3 pm weekdays is already a nightmare with pickups and many young children in and about the area; I cannot imagine bringing more traffic into the mix). As for the current location, the school district could use this beautiful facility for various reasons (admin/school board building, multi-media center, etc). I certainly respect the opinions of everyone, but cannot support the idea of closing part of Second Avenue.
Dave Gautreau
East Ward Council Candidate
6 comments
Well, it certainly seems candidates Reber and Gautreau have a good handle on this, and are able to express themselves on the matter clearly, and without evasion.
Full disclosure: I am a committeeman. I support both of them.
Nevertheless, read for yourselves, folks. I'm pretty sure I would feel the same way even if I wasn't a committeeman. So perhaps the next class of councilpeople will include some folks who are "this smart".
The argument we hear from the opponents is traffic. Relocating the library would increase traffic at the new location. So relocating the library would not solve the COMMUNITIES traffic problem just relocating it. Therefore it must be NIMBY
Well done Dave. Looking forward to your thoughtful representation on Council next year.
2:20 PM - it is not the location or relocation of the library that is going to cause a traffic problem, so much as closing an existing street AND creating a larger library that will cause the traffic problem.
Nicely stated.
I personally would get rid of the library and put a new bar restaurant in its place. Everyone eats and drinks. Don’t have to raise taxes for a new bar either, in fact will bring in new taxes that are missing on the parcel now. Based on my ideas, that could be why I’m not a candidate for public office.
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