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Should Portland library acquire the former public market?
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Portland Press Herald Monday, November 20, 2006
Officials of the Portland Public Library think that the former Portland Public Market, just a block away, would make an excellent new facility.
That's no surprise: The market is one of downtown Portland's most attractive indoor spaces.
According to library officials, the former public market space would be ideal for housing the facility's most popular sections -- music, computers, magazines and best-selling books. Acquiring it might let the library close down most of its present location except for some storage and research space, according to a "conceptual plan" submitted to the city earlier this month.
Calling the former market "an ideal spot" and "wonderful space," library director Stephen Podgajny said he hopes to discuss a possible purchase with city councilors soon.
He may have to bring his piggy bank. The public market was listed for sale for $4 million by its broker, even though the plan said its owner offered it to the city for $2.5 million to $3 million.
The library has raised $2.2 million in a capital campaign to renovate its current facility. Another $4 million is available from an as-yet-unspent bond approved by voters for the present plan. City officials say voter approval would be required to apply that bond money to another site.
Even more important, acquisition of the market would mean the city would give up any property tax revenue it would receive from a private sale. That income, which would flow in year after year, would seem badly needed for other city priorities, including school renovations.
Thus, councilors should look closely at the library's new idea -- and bring their calculators along to the meeting.
E-mail this page Reader Comments (below)
Portland Press Herald Monday, November 20, 2006
Officials of the Portland Public Library think that the former Portland Public Market, just a block away, would make an excellent new facility.
That's no surprise: The market is one of downtown Portland's most attractive indoor spaces.
According to library officials, the former public market space would be ideal for housing the facility's most popular sections -- music, computers, magazines and best-selling books. Acquiring it might let the library close down most of its present location except for some storage and research space, according to a "conceptual plan" submitted to the city earlier this month.
Calling the former market "an ideal spot" and "wonderful space," library director Stephen Podgajny said he hopes to discuss a possible purchase with city councilors soon.
He may have to bring his piggy bank. The public market was listed for sale for $4 million by its broker, even though the plan said its owner offered it to the city for $2.5 million to $3 million.
The library has raised $2.2 million in a capital campaign to renovate its current facility. Another $4 million is available from an as-yet-unspent bond approved by voters for the present plan. City officials say voter approval would be required to apply that bond money to another site.
Even more important, acquisition of the market would mean the city would give up any property tax revenue it would receive from a private sale. That income, which would flow in year after year, would seem badly needed for other city priorities, including school renovations.
Thus, councilors should look closely at the library's new idea -- and bring their calculators along to the meeting.