All PoconosB2B, News, Classified and all about life in Poconos
  

Read News

Pocono News Section

Scranton Libary Authority Approved, Some Taxpayers Upset

Scranton Libary Authority Approved, Some Taxpayers Upset - Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 2:37PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Tuesday, Dec 15, 2009 @ 02:37pm EST

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Some people who live here are upset after city council approved a Scranton Public Library Authority by a 3-2 vote. Taxpayers question the December vote, as a much different council will be in place come January.

"They're an independent government is what they are," said Andy Sbaraglia. "Once they're formed, they do what they want."

Taxpayers fear their money will be spent to build a new $16 million library in South Scranton proposed by Mayor Chris Doherty.

The authority will now own the Albright Memorial Library, the Green Ridge Library, and the former Providence Branch at the Silkman House.

"The properties are under-insured," said Jack Finnerty, Director of Scranton Public Library, who says creating an authority was a must. "We're unable to insure them unless we own them."

People are especially concerned about the future of the Albright building.

"The library itself is a treasure, and it belongs to the people of Scranton," said Sbaraglia. "This is the last gem that's left in the city that they can sell off."

"What Albright cannot continue to do is to serve as the only main library in the city of Scranton," said Finnerty. "It's simply too small. It lacks parking and isn't fully handicapped accessible."

The authority members are the same ten people who are current members on the libraries' board. City officials say creating this authority does not necessarily mean a new library will be built, but taxpayers believe it's the first step towards the multi-million dollar plan. An architect has already been brought in.
 


Discuss this news

Your Name (nickname):
Your Email: (will remain private)
Your Comments:
  


Home | News | Businesses | PA places | Classified | Cars for Sale | Account | Products | Home Recipes | Manuals | Stock Images | Earn Commissions | Advertise | Contact Us | Search
Raw Hack

© 2024 AllPoconos.Com All rights reserved.