I have been following the new Sydney library debate closely and I am shocked at the lack of innovative ideas.
First of all, I am not opposed to a new library for the CBRM (Sydney). I am opposed however to the process and who is steering the development.
To be blunt as is my nature; I do not believe that the want for a shiny brand new library on Sydney's waterfront comes from the rank and file tax paying citizens of this municipality. I believe that the want and need for a new library comes from various entrenched business interests in our community who are using the library as the carrot to see that their own projects come to fruition.
The fact of the matter is if you look at the bare bones numbers- our municipality cannot afford the new library as proposed. Nor can we afford the construction and the upkeep of the library.
Councilors - it is time to drop this project like it was hot and look at what resources we already have in the downtown core; what we have in abundance is empty buildings.
Instead of building this library with its dubious origins and affiliations on Sydney's waterfront. Why not buy the old Woolworth's building on Charlotte Street and the empty Yazer's building across the street, renovate them, and build a pedway to connect them? This would provide ample footage and utilize two empty buildings in Sydney's downtown core.
One only has to look to Antigonish' beautiful downtown library that was once a car dealership to see how successful the recycling and re-use of these already existing structures can be.
Please excuse my terrible drawing.
Yours in all Sincerity,
Rod Gale
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