'Out of character' for Southold
To the Editor:
I read with dismay your page 3 article ("A glimpse into the future," Aug. 15), complete with
artist's rendition, about the proposed addition to Southold Free Library.
Although the article proclaims an "overwhelmingly positive reaction" to this venture, allow me to
present a voice of dissension. I am opposed to this addition for two reasons. First, the
appearance of the building, and second, the need versus the cost of the project.
As to my first objection, I feel that the rendition as presented, with the modern appearance, the
three-story glass enclosure and the rooftop "green" areas, is totally out of character for this
quaint little country hamlet. (If we aren't fighting to keep a CVS out of here, we now have to
struggle with our library board to prevent the destruction of our way of life.) I think the board
would be well advised to communicate with the folks who designed and put forth the 1991
addition, which, in my humble opinion, was a beautiful addition to the original structure.
My second dissension has to do with the cost. The figure of $7.5 million seems to me to be
quite an astronomical amount for a community of this size. I would love to see the cost
estimates for a concrete block addition with brick facing similar to the existing structure, devoid
of glass enclosures and rooftop "green areas." If you need that, buy an umbrella and read in
your backyard! This is Southold, not Manhasset. We who live here year-round are mostly
working class folks, struggling to keep up, and seniors, retired and doing likewise. You quote
the $115 to $135 per taxpayer cost of this endeavor (although you omit that this is per year for
20 years) as relating to the cost of a full tank of gas for an Escalade truck. It may surprise you to
know, we don't drive Escalades, [but] mostly Fords, Hondas, Toyotas and Jeeps.
My advice to those who care about this town, if this project goes forth as outlined: vote no, no,
no!
Barry Charles
“This informative letter was published in The Suffolk Times, August 21, 2008 edition.
Southoldvotes.com shares Mr. Charles’ view and will be actively involved in promoting a
substantial NO vote.”
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