Baker District - Project Update - 2020-148
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Baker District - Project Update - 2020-148 General Correspondence – Revised Agenda *** We do not need yet another iteration of not funding a new library due to OTHER PRIORITIES. That rational has become a red herring to those who do not understand the proven countless benefits to all age cohorts in any community. Thank you for listening. Sharleen Cornelius Ward 5 *** This is to voice our displeasure at this proposal. We do not need a new library! It is quite obvious that the councillors in favour of this have not paid attention to the current pandemic and the costs associated with it. This discussion has been going on for years and each time the majority of the Guelph citizens have said NO! Councillors, take note and listen to the very people and their families that will have to pay for this. Why didn't we use the old post office when offered. It was going to be so reasonable to purchase and renovate? But no, these self righteous ones wanted brand new! Enough is enough! Wayne and Vivian Warren *** This library project should be cancelled. Its not feasible in the current climate. Jordan Vaughan-werner *** I am writing to express my compete support of the Baker Street development. The city desperately needs a new downtown library. The pandemic has highlighted to me even more strongly how out of date the current downtown library is. It is tight and cramped and doesn’t have the space necessary for ease of use and accessibility, even when we aren’t required to maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Accessibility is a big concern of mine, particularly for a downtown community space. I am able bodied, and I wish to stand up for those who are not. As the current library stands, it is just not accessible to people. I have used the elevator with a stroller on numerous occasions, and it is extremely difficult to navigate. My stroller is significantly smaller than most wheelchairs and I had to back in/out because there is no room to turn around in or near the elevator. I am quite certain that some wheelchair users, especially those that require a caregiver to be with them, would not be able to access the upstairs or downstairs of the library because of the elevator size and location. I also believe that we need to be investing in ways to develop community. The pandemic had shown many of us how important community and social connections are. A redeveloped library, community space will allow for this. Please, build this community space, and don’t listen to the ignorant naysayers who continually bring up that a new hospital is more important. Thank you for your time, Angela Brnjas *** Hi, I would just like to express that I do not support the proposed library plan, the only plan I could support would be a plan that does not include a tax payer levy. We are in the midst of a very uncertain time, and Guelph has many libraries that are perfectly serviceable for the current time. Thank you, Mary Pigozzo *** I am a huuuge supporter of the library and wholeheartedly believe it should proceed. In 2007 when first proposed....what was the population and land tax and other tax base. What is it today? I know we have poured more money into policing...and so we should. But please do not take it away from our culture and arts. Reading is affordable, enjoyable and educational. It benefits everyone equally. Thank you Margaret Williams *** I am very much in favour of the revised plans for the library. This has been in the works for many years and should be provided. The old library is not safe anymore for health and mobility reasons. This project would bring much needed revitalization to the downtown core. I hope this is approved. Thanks Heather Culford *** I am against the building of any new library, and the additional tax burden that it would place on the tax base. Dan Caissie *** I am born and raised in Guelph. My wife retires in one year. I am currently retired as well. We are leaving Guelph for many reasons. Taxation, special levies, budget over runs on capital projects, unsafe downtown, high cases of petty crimes,abundance of drug addicts....i could go on and on. Although this may be the case in all cities of this size,it is with a heavy heart I say goodbye to Guelph and welcome leaving all the problems behind. My wallet can no longer take another hit. Let's say the proposed library is the last straw. Then after the library is built i foresee another 20 year special levy for another hospital. Guelph needs more help with infrastructure than a proposed library. I formally recommend that a libary NOT be built. Thank you. J White *** To whom it may concern You probably receive a ton of emails so I will be brief. I strongly believe that the new proposed library is way too expensive. We as tax payers already have tax Levies. During the time of the pandemic, many people are struggling. We do not need more financial burden. I think we should either scrap the project, delay it until we have more certainty regarding the financial impact of the pandemic or scale the project way down so it does not burden the citizens. Let’s utilize places like the River Run more to its ability Instead of building the Taj Mahal of libraries. Thank you for your time Vicky Vicky Weiler, ND *** New library? NO! Third levy on tax payers? NO! ENOUGH! Thank you Raymond Duchesne *** The city does NOT need to spend millions of tax dollars on a new library we DON'T need! NO LIBRARY! Rob Statz *** Dear Mayor, I dont know if my opinion is going to make any difference to the final decision about the proposed new library. It feels like a fait accompli However, I would like you to know that as a fairly long time resident of Guelph, whose children used the library system extensively over the years, it seemed perfectly adequate for their needs. True, it's not a pretty building or one which architects might swoon over, but it does the job. I live in a 60 year old house that also needs some attention, with a living room that has stood empty for 3 years because I cannot afford to renovate it. My pay increase this year, which, by the way has to last 3 years until the next contract negotiations, was 1%. Yes, that's right; 1% . Now in the 15 years we have lived here, we have seen our property taxes double . They have gone up $300 every single year. Just how much more do you think hardworking taxpayers can afford? We have just gone through the most challenging economic turmoil since the great depression and the knock on effects are still to come in 2021. Is Guelph committed to bankruptcy for its citizens? We cannot afford this!! Please re- think this white elephant! Respectfully, Philippa Clarke R.N *** Hello I will just make this short and sweet. I’m not in favour of a new library at that price and i don’t know why you don’t just do a 10 million update to the original building now. You could extend it take out the parking lot. I have 3 kids and I might take them there twice a year. I have a perfect little library in my area that works great. That what library should turn into in the future. With COVID people have lost their jobs and businesses. Things have changed In a big way. Our City council has got to see this. This email is from me Nathan brousse Alisha brousse Sharon brousse Amy Brydges Dan Brydges Betty malison dyson Marlene malison All tax payers who can’t afford this tax hike If the provincial and federal government think it’s a bad idea maybe city council should too. Also a idea is have a city vote. If yes wins build it but if no put it on hold or build it somewhere else for a cost that the city in on board with Thanks Nathan brousse *** Good Afternoon, I love Guelph. I love to read. I believe we need a community library. I understand the value of a library and its connection to our cities’ prosperity. We can’t afford to not build a new library. However, not at the proposed of $62M. Please go back to the drawing board. Thank you, Beverly-Ann Woods *** No to spending millions of our tax dollars for 10 to 20 years on a new Guelph public library that we don’t want or will ever use! I use the current Guelph libraries regularly but do NOT support a new costly downtown location. Especially during these uncertain pandemic times!! Jayne Ford *** As a regular user of our existing libraries I am totally against the idea of a new one, not required in my mind. Dianna Ford *** Hello. The Mayor asked we comment on our distain for council approving the 67 million dollar library going forward. WE DONT WANT IT. With this pandemic most of us are already having a difficult time paying bills. Let alone the different departments of Guelph asking for more money. We as taxpayers are not a endless supply of revenue. Look for ways to reduce spending because we are sick of year over year increases and reductions in service. Thank you. Tim. Tim Caughill *** It's absolutely ridiculous that the the idea of spending 62 million (that will cost 90 by the time it's completed) on a library that almost nobody wants.