Goshen Public Library & Historical Society | 203 Main St Goshen, NY 10924 | Phone: 845.294.6606 | Fax: 845.294.7158 | RCLS Member
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Paying the Piper
By plnkh | December 5, 2006
The local papers are focused on the story of Goshen’s new sewer treatment plant. $23 million over 30 years with village water bills going from $100 per year to $400 per year. Planning for a new sewage treatment plant began 11 years ago. “What’s that got to do with the library?” you ask.
Nothing. Yet it is an indicator of the impact of growth on the community. Payments to the village will increase and other community needs (your new library) will be weighed in the balance with this one. It’s also a demonstration of how long it takes a public works project to come to fruition.
Publicly elected local officials (village, town, library, school) are charged with the well being of the community. They are responsible for understanding the laws and regulations that apply to their agency - and in New York State there is a major learning curve. They must be visionary, able to look further down the road than John and Mary Citizen, anticipating needs for change and infrastructure improvements, because the wheels of public action move very slowly. They must have courage and commitment to speak out for unwelcome improvements they know are necessary because they have studied the need. They are your neighbors and friends who are trying to do the best for their community. They deserve a standing ovation for their dedication to preserving the quality of life in our once rural communities.
Community residents are charged with electing responsible officials. The Library Board has spent 13 years studying the need for a new library. In those 13 years, 18 residents have served on the 7 member Board. The study began with the thought that we could add on to this building and has evolved to the current plan calling for a 30,000 square foot building for the 21st century. The same new residents who are driving the need for village water and sewer improvements, upgraded fire houses and district schools are driving the need for a new library. Unlike any of those services the library is charged with serving every person in every house in the Goshen Central School District. Your elected library trustees will be calling on you in the near future to sustain their conclusion that the time to move forward with a new library is now.
Topics: General |
