Fight over library location rages on

Winter Park’s ongoing library location saga took yet another turn late last month as motions recently filed by Chief Assistant State Attorney Richard Wallsh were withdrawn, expediting the city’s quest to put its new library in Martin Luther King Jr. Park once and for all.

Wallsh had contended in a series of motions filed to a circuit court judge last month that the city never formally designated Martin Luther King Jr. Park as the site of the new library in an ordinance, a referendum, or any ballot language – a stance that gave further weight to the argument presented by a group of residents hoping to keep the project out of the park.

The motions also requested a separate hearing to be conducted before Oct. 20, the trial date for a bond validation request by the city – a legal process that gives the city assurance that the bond referendum process for the new library money approved by the voters in March is moving forward appropriately.

But a new agreement between Wallsh and the city ensured that the motions would be withdrawn, though it also states that State Attorney’s office has the right to “make any and all arguments on the merits of the two withdrawn motions at the (bond validation) hearing, if the state so elects.”

“The State Attorney’s decision to enter into the stipulation agreement will help expedite the legal process for all involved,” City Spokesperson Clarissa Howard said. “The city’s goal is to honor the will of the 5,416 voters who voted to build a world-class library and events center for this community. The citizens of Winter Park are eager to start this exciting project. However, until the legal challenges are completed, the project they approved is on hold.”

For more information about the motions filed by Wallsh, see the Observer’s previous story at http://bit.ly/Libraryreferendum