Letter: Backs library downtown

When our family moved to Hudson 35 years ago, the downtown business district was a thriving area. Along with many other businesses, we had two grocery stores, a theater and a department store. Of course, there was little or nothing up on “the hill.”

In the last 20 years or so, we have all watched the demise of the downtown areas of many smaller towns. Typically, they end up with a few quiet gift shops and one or two large, neon-lit gas stations. The rest is either a big-box or a fast food out by the highway.

So far, downtown Hudson still manages to thrive and be attractive; but it is clearly on that precipice — with a few key decisions upcoming that will have lasting impact. One huge decision is how we handle the large, vacant Erickson/River Center property; another is the opportunity for the Lakefront Library in the NMC building on First Street.

Here is a unique opportunity to capitalize on our wonderful river town beauty and heritage, build on the success of the Phipps Center and add a permanent, cultural cornerstone to downtown Hudson.

Please make it to the polls on April 1 and show your support for the non-binding, advisory referendum on relocation of the Hudson Area Joint Library to the 700 First St. location.

Tags: opinion, hudson, lettertoeditor, library