Now that the voting community has roundly defeated the inopportune enlargement of that Main Library facility it is time to think about repair and renovation. Assuredly the ladies toilet facility needs updating.
A new A/C unit is a must, just not to put it on the roof in case of another earthquake.
I plan to meet with the director and give suggestions for relocating some of the special areas. I was an officer in the U.S. Air Force, as a youth, in a communications outfit and was responsible for $millions in equipment. Libraries are communications outposts.
Movement of books is simple, cases less so, minds much more difficult. Word has it that the current board is thinking of getting another vote on the same issue. Strike one, strike two, three out. Maybe time for a new board.
I was interviewed by the nominating committee some years ago. When they heard my thoughts (as posted in this paper) they bypassed me as uncooperative, and freethinking. The followers of Mr. X would then not be able to control me.
Renovations go for about $125 a square foot. At 45,000 sq ft. it should be about $5.6 million. A suggested $12 million to $15 million renovation is outrageous. Who is giving and who is taking? They will convince you that you saved $35,000,000 by voting down the addition and ruination of the pond. We need the New York State Attorney General monitoring them.
Perhaps a new rug after all the renovations. Perhaps another employee to count the ballots. Perhaps additional illegal influencing of the vote.
Norman Roland
Great Neck
