Several alders could put the new central library project on hold until the developer shows Madison the money, if an amendment proposed for the 2010 capital budget is passed Monday.
An amendment, proposed by Ald. Michael Schumacher, District 18, would require commitments for tax credit financing and $4 million of private fundraising before the city agrees to develop the central library.
“The city will make sure the developers of the library will have something at stake,” Schumacher said. “If they have a $4 million goal, they’re going to be more aware of their direct involvement.”
Ald. Paul Skidmore, District 9, another sponsor of the amendment, said he fully supports the library at the end of the day and the amendment will add some financial guarantees to making development progress.
Skidmore said he wants the development of the library to be fiscally responsible, and the amendment will help. However, the amendment is not a deal breaker for Skidmore, as he said he will vote in favor of the library even if the amendment is not adopted.
While Schumacher, Skidmore and Ald. Jed Sanborn, District 1, support the amendment, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has actively voiced his dissatisfaction.
“The mayor opposes the amendment because he believes it would slow down progress,” spokesperson Rachel Strauch-Nelson said. “The project would be unable to take advantage of current federal funds available to the city.”
She added there are historically low rates available to the city, and it is unclear how long they will last.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, proposed another amendment to the capital budget that would investigate the possibility of either a rooftop community garden or a green roof for the new library.
“Unlike most of the budget amendments, this is revenue neutral,” Verveer said. “It does not commit any additional money to the project. If adopted, it will direct the city staff to research and estimate total costs.”
Verveer said City Hall would have not had the idea for a rooftop community garden without the efforts of the Downtown Community Gardens Group.
“The group made some compelling arguments about how (a rooftop garden) would be a good addition to the library,” said Ald. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, District 5. “We want to be responsive to citizens who come to meetings and bring good, creative ideas.”
Jane Anne Morris, a representative of the Downtown Community Gardens Group, said previously there was not any official city staff actively looking at the possibility of a community garden. The group is pleased with the amendment and is looking forward to seeing what use will be designated for the space.
The amendment will provide an opportunity for the city to look into the costs of construction and long-term operation of either option, according to Verveer.
“In a perfect world, I would love to include a community garden,” Verveer said. “We just don’t have enough information on what the costs would be — the budget is certainly tight and questions need to be answered.”
