Letter to the Editor: Embrace the new library

The petition brought before the City Commission last Monday by Mr. Michael Poole and his attorney appears to be simply a NMBY (not in my back yard) response to the city’s plan. Speaking with several of the petitioners, there appears to be no consensus on a better location, simply dissatisfaction with the location chosen. This is not a toxic waste dump or a prison. This complex will be a huge asset to all the citizens of Winter Park, particularly the west side. Part of the issue is that the new library/civic center will take up green space in MLK Park. Yet the plan uses very little space beyond what is already covered by the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center and parking lot. If the loss of green space is a concern, this battle should have been fought back when the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center was built.

Some of the supporters of the petition accused the commissioners of not providing enough information prior to the citywide vote earlier in the year. One petitioner said that 80 percent of the people she spoke with had been confused about what they were voting for. In the first place, it had to be discouraging to the commissioners and library staff who have spent thousands of hours over several years trying to bring the citizens into the decision making process. From the other side, how humiliating it must be for the petitioners to admit that 80 percent of their supporters don’t know what’s going on in their city. Then, when presented with a petition, they feel well enough informed to sign it.

As to the location, some are arguing that traffic will be a problem, while others want the library closer to the town core (Park Avenue). If it’s built closer to the town core, traffic will be worse, so that’s not a solution. As to the distance from Park Avenue, it’s three blocks further than the existing library; less than half a mile. It’s a great compromise location on a four-lane road.

Hopefully we can proceed with this project and embrace it with all the enthusiasm that Dr. Thad Seymour expressed that Monday afternoon. We have an opportunity to improve our unique city once again. Let’s get on with it.

— Alan Price, Winter Park