To those who are not convinced that a new library is in the best interest of the city of Greenfield, this reality was brought to my attention:
Whether we go ahead with receiving the $9 million one-time grant and raise the rest or decide to forgo the deal, we as a city are up against a stark bit of illegal shenanigans.
That is, if our city were to be sued (which is entirely possible if not likely) for non-compliance with American with Disabilities Act standards, (which we are, in fact not in compliance with), we would be required to meet those standards at a cost that would insist that we provide a wheelchair accessible elevator, wider aisles between the stacks (which would mean a big reduction in accessible books), arrange for more space between computers necessitating fewer computers, redesign of book stacks for handicapped folks to reach all levels, ramps to replace the front stairs and rear accessibility, handicap accessible restrooms, etc.
To reconfigure the current library would not only cost us at least $7 million of our own funds out of pocket with no grant to help us, we still would have an outdated building with fewer reading materials and services than we currently have.
Are any of us willing to be at the losing end of a lawsuit? I don’t think so. City Councilors, please vote yes on this project so vital to our town’s health and development for all.
Becca King
Greenfield