Letter: Against NMC library site

The letter I submitted for last week’s paper edited out some points I thought were important. I made reference to the fact that the members of the Hudson Area Library Foundation had never been identified. This week, I made some inquiries as to the makeup of the membership and now am more knowledgeable about the scope of the diversity of the membership. I was surprised there were so few people actually involved. This further emphasizes the need for greater diversity of opinions from various sections of the area.

We tried the route of renovating an existing building at the current Fourth Street location. It did not work then, and it won’t work at the NMC site. Library buildings have different needs than office buildings. The weight of the books demand more reinforcement. It is easier to do this in the planning and less costly than in a renovation project.

The site on Crest View (old Perkins site) is easily accessible and familiar to everyone. It is on the beaten path to shopping, restaurants, offices, theaters and inns. It is in a location that could enhance the city’s image to all who enter or leave the area on I-94 and would ensure that the south side of I-94 continues to present a good image for our area.

The city also owns land that would be suitable but is in a less desirable location. I refer to the former hospital land that is located at the west end of Wisconsin Street. The land was at one time part of Prospect Park (Liberty Hill). The city donated the land for the original Hudson Hospital.

Somewhere along the way, a private entity gained control instead of the original private fundraisers that instigated the drive. This could happen again if the a new library is financed in the same way.

It would be a mistake to rush to grab the NMC building because of the threat that it might be snapped up by someone else if we don’t hurry. We do need to look at alternatives.

There are many legal problems to be worked out between the city, village of North Hudson and the towns. The referendum was not binding but just to determine if the municipalities were willing to consider such a move.

Tags: opinion, hudson, letter, library, zappa