January 12, 2008
Saturday AM

To Charlotte L. Glover: Thank you for setting the record straight on the facts regarding the public vote for funding of a new library building. I should have done my research. I stand corrected.

This being said, I do not believe that I am the only citizen questioning and concerned about the selection of the Main School property as the site for a new library. Some of the things that I am interested in having the facts on (in layman s terms) are:

1) What is the build-able square footage of the Main School lot (not including the stand alone parking structure to be built concurrently below at the corner of Main and Grant )?

2) How many parking spaces would be required for the new building? (Not to include the stand alone parking structure to be built concurrently below at the corner of Main and Grant. )

3) Has the Ketchikan Gateway Borough been approached regarding bus service to this location on top of the hill?

4) What mitigation plans have been made for alternate parking due to the removal of the parking lot? (Not including the plans for the stand alone parking structure to be built concurrently below at the corner of Main and Grant. )

5) How will the 10% grade issue be addressed, with both access roads to the new library site chosen appearing to be well in excess of a 10% grade? (See, Charles Edwardson letter to Sit News, January 02, 2008)

I am very interested in a discussion about the merits of building the library on the Main School Lot WITHOUT the stand alone parking structure to be built concurrently below at the corner of Main and Grant. I seriously question the real need for a parking garage. The trend is for many businesses (including the School District Administrative office) to move away from downtown and relocate to Newtown/West End. Is it financially prudent to go to the expense of building a parking garage because we need an elevator for public access to a new library building?

In closing, I think it is great that the staff of the Ketchikan Public Library can help folks research any issue of personal or political interest in Ketchikan. I will most certainly make the effort to verify my facts in the future.

Linda Koons Auger
Ketchikan, AK

Received January 11, 2008 - Published January 12, 2008

Related Viewpoint:

Library Building Project By Charlotte L. Glover

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