Out city leaders, hopefully, are all pulling for the temporary
library
relocation to end up in downtown Gilroy. The first location, on
super busy Leavesley Road of all places, has fallen through,
apparently, and the intense discussions now revolve around a
downtown location. That’s great news.
Out city leaders, hopefully, are all pulling for the temporary library
relocation to end up in downtown Gilroy. The first location, on super busy Leavesley Road of all places, has fallen through, apparently, and the intense discussions now revolve around a downtown location. That’s great news.
Everyone from the City Council to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to Gilroy’s chief librarian Lani Yoshimura should be pushing for this. The construction of Gilroy’s new library will take at least two years, more likely three, and a temporary move downtown will surely provide an economic boost.
The library boasts 1,200 daily visitors, some of whom will likely want a burrito or a latte or a piece of antique jewelry from Gracie’s fine shop.
Combined with the news that South County Housing’s Cannery project is getting back on track and that Gary Walton is nearly ready to open his tapas restaurant at Old City Hall, there is reason for downtown Gilroy optimism again.
The news that the library’s temporary relocation to downtown is a done deal would be like a breath of fresh fall air. It also would justify the support this community gave to the bond measure that is making our new library possible.
Lastly, there’s a construction window of opportunity that exists which should keep costs in check. So, the sooner this deal gets done and the sooner the move is made, the better.
Imagine what a new thriving restaurant in Old City Hall, a cool bookstore, a core housing community and a library could do for downtown.
It’s a big deal. Let’s not wait.
