Architectural Services for A New Public Library and more

[fyi]

REQUEST for LETTER OF INTEREST and QUALIFICATIONS For Architectural Services for A New Public Library
http://www.cranburytownship.org/bid/library.pdf

The October 9, 2013 Parks Commission meeting agenda has been posted.
http://www.cranburytownship.org/parks_agendas/2013/Parks_agenda100913.pdf

CRANBURY FIRE COMPANY ONE – SPECIAL SERVICES APPARATUS: ADDENDA #1
http://www.cranburytownship.org/bid/SPECIAL_SERVICES_APPARATUS_add.pdf

[anon-0742]

I wonder how this architectural design is being paid, is it taxpayers or library foundation money?

[anon-sp08]

[anon-5n11]

The library can choose to return the excess money received from taxes to the township to lower taxes, reduce debt, etc. It appears the choice has been made to start spending taxpayer money on a new library.

[question?-rrq7]

Awhile back (maybe several years ago) when the library was just a concept, I thought the township committee said they would put the issue of a new library to a vote for the taxpayers, and let the taxpayers decide. Now it seems that the new library is a done deal, and is definitely happening. Is this the case? Will we be allowed to vote up or down on the new library?

[anon-45o8]

I believe the TC view has always been that if the library wanted the town to build or bond then it would go to vote. If the library could build it on their own then the TC was fine.

[Guest65-8694]

I do not believe you will see the library ever appear as a referendum on the ballot. It would not have much of a chance of passing. The Township has agreed to donate the land should private funds be raised. I suggest that any resident interested in the building of this library who is still working and not nearing retirement dig deep. Too many seniors who have been on fixed incomes for years are being asked to donate when they are least able to afford it.

[anon-97on]

A lot of misinformation in the posts above.

First, the TC has never committed one way or the other to whether the library would go to a public vote or referendum. There's not a single TC member currently serving who was in office the last time the library was the subject of a public hearing, back when there was still discussion of buying the bank site that is now occupied by Sweetwater Construction and the adjacent new home. Back then members of the public requested at two different hearings that the TC at the time put it to a public referendum, but that notion was rejected both times by the TC majority, which contributed to the public resistance to the project. Subsequently, some of the current members of the TC have informally made comments about their support or lack of support for a publically funded Library or seeking public referendum, but that has not been discussed by the TC as a group or in any public session.

Second, it’s not remotely true that the Library is a “done deal.” Where did anyone get that idea? All that has happened so far is that the Library Board and an affiliated foundation have raised about $700,000 in pledges for private donations. It's not even clear whether all that is banked money or includes uncollected pledges. And the Library Board has about the same amount in surplus. That’s still less than half the cost needed for their design, let alone any affiliated cost that might be required of them should the project proceed, such as parking and tennis court modifications or road work that is still to be determined. And it has taken years to get to that point.

What’s happening now are public hearings put on as a p.r. effort by the Library Board and foundation, completely unaffiliated with the TC. And they apparently want to use some of the money they have raised or saved to hire an architect. (Worth noting the firm they have used for the concept phase to date has partners who current members of both the Planning and Zoning Boards, though they have recused themselves from any discussions on it in those bodies.) Hiring an architect does not mean that the project is a go. They are being aspirational, hoping that this helps build more support for the project and gets them closer to being able to construct it. All that they are saying about a possible “open date” is completely speculative and hopeful on their part, not a commitment.

Unless they suddenly secure another $1.5-2 million, they can’t build. And they won’t be able to build without actions by the Township Committee and probably also the Planning Board since it would be on public land. And the TC has made absolutely no commitments to the project yet, nor pledged any public money beyond that which the Library annually receives.

I’m all for people keeping a close eye on this project, whether they are for or against it, and making sure their voices are heard when/if it goes to the Township Committee. But no need for alarmist misinformation.

[anon-9085]