Editor;
There is a lot of public interest in saving the historic 1913 library as a stand-along building, yet the New Canaan Library Board and New Canaan Town government seem oblivious to this sentiment.
Members of the Town Council have stated that the ship has left the dock and that the issue is no longer a matter for public discussion. Others have said that First Selectman Kevin Moynihan wants this to happen, so why continue the debate, as the new library will be a gift to the town? The Board of Finance was angered when it was publicly accused of not doing proper due diligence on the library’s request for a $10 million capital contribution from the town. A member of the finance board later admitted privately that the due diligence had in fact been very superficial.
Everyone is excited by the prospect of a new library. Officials have been dazzled by artist renderings of the modern structure and statements that the library and new “town green” will revitalize the downtown area. The town is being asked to contribute $10 million toward the $30 million “back of the envelope” estimated construction cost. I can find no detailed construction drawings or capital and operating cost estimates, or business plan for the new library.
The COVID-19 pandemic is and will change the way citizens use public spaces. Will a 300-seat auditorium and vast library open spaces attract a public fearful of future pandemics? Will those who have made pledges honor them given the current economic recession? What will the actual cost of the construction be? Who will pay for cost overruns? At what percentage of town financing is the requirement that union wages be paid for construction triggered, resulting in a 25-plus% increase in construction costs? How, as fiduciaries of the town’s financial resources, can the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and Town Council make responsible decisions regarding spending $10 million or more of taxpayer money without a detailed business plan for the proposed new library?
The New Canaan Preservation Alliance’s expert historic preservation architects have inspected the 1913 building and found it to be structurally sound and in very good condition. It is estimated that it will cost about $700,000 to restore the building for standalone use. Those who would like to save and repurpose the historic core of the old library are also supportive of a new library.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the library and town has apparently been drafted by First Selectman Moynihan, and is soon to be reviewed by various town governmental bodies. The MOU has not been made public. What are the terms for the town’s commitment to provide $10 million and 75% of ongoing operating costs? How will cost overruns be addressed? Is there a prohibition against selling any library land for commercial development to make up for a potential failure to raise necessary funding from private donors? Will the town have one or more seats on the library Board? Can there not be a provision that preserves the 1913 library if an organization is able to secure the necessary funding and find a tenant for the building?
Given the economic and competing budget issues facing New Canaan, our elected and appointed officials must conduct very thorough due diligence on the proposed library before committing tax payer moneys. A final decision should not be made until detailed drawings and cost estimates with appropriate sensitivities in presented by the library Board.
It will take at least two years to build the new library before the old library is demolished. There is no urgency to cut off further consideration of finding a way to preserve the 1913 library. It is an iconic aspect of New Canaan’s history and small town character.
Skip Hobbs
(Hobbs is a board member of the NCPA, but the views expressed herein are his own)
Every town building is historic but that does not mean every building should be saved. We should ask why should it be saved? Were any historic decisions made at the library? Was it the site of a historic event? Are these decisions or events worth spending the restoration costs and the ongoing annual maintenance.
I believe the town should focus on expenses. I do not support the new library as it adds another $10M to town expenses for a marginal benefit.
What Covid19 and BLM protests have shown is that expensive real estate in NC is popular and in demand as city folks want to move out. That means more revenue to the town in fees and taxes, so our budget will probably increase.
I do not believe the new construction, as shown in the Library’s renderings, will come in anywhere near 35 Million as has been stated. Why doesn’t a part of the $ already contributed go to schematic design for a more accurate figure? Seems like a lot of wasted time without construction documents….. A fundamental requirement, especially for a potential project of this magnitude.
Eloquently stated Skip. Need blue prints for public access, cost analysis for tax payers. Transparency lacking.
Having grown up in NC, family here from Manhattan since 1947, Little Red School House, 1 yr boarding, NCHS 65, returned after almost 10 yrs overseas NY international banking 3 foreign assignments, I feel strongly with fond memories to retain present 1913 structure, upgrade & add more modern functional facility.