By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington alderman believes voters should decide whether to build a new downtown library at the site of the city’s Market Street parking deck because taxpayers will have to fund the project.
The city council, library board trustees, and the Connect Transit board discussed prospects for a library, a bus transfer station, and parking to help revitalize downtown.
Alderman Jamie Mathy favors a referendum to gauge public support.
“Paying for this is something we have to do as a community. With something this scale, paying for it and deciding together should be the best way to do it,” said Mathy.
Mayor Tari Renner overruled five aldermen who voted to cancel Tuesday night’s special session. Three of the five council members — David Sage, Karen Schmidt, and Joni Painter — did not attend the meeting.
Downtown business owner Vicki Tilton urged government leaders to have an open mind.
“If this is a more cost-effective approach, then say the expansion of the library, and we don’t address it, are we not being very irresponsible to not at least look at it?”
Alderman Kimberly Bray, who also served on the Downtown Task Force, said no information was provided that would cause the council majority to alter its view to keep the library at its current Olive Street location.
Bray led the unsuccessful effort to call off Tuesday’s joint session.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
