Saving Brainerd has many benefits

The March 18 Brainerd referendum is a double-win opportunity for Libertyville.

First, we preserve and honor a treasured landmark. Brainerd is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been recognized by the prestigious Landmarks Illinois.

Here's why: When the Brainerd High School opened in 1917, Libertyville's long-standing commitment to education was extended with the first high school in Central Lake County. Keeping this building active and serving will again help attract community-oriented families to Libertyville and boost our home values.

The second win for our community is a well-located facility that provides space for activities and events that heretofore had been out of town or made do with barely workable spaces. Libertyville has rich resources of talent and quality programs in the performing arts. They and we as the audience deserve a proper theater home. The Brainerd auditorium can be that home.

Libertyville families and organizations need an in-town venue for large celebrations such as wedding receptions; the Brainerd auditorium can be a splendid banquet hall and is within three blocks of five churches.

The design of the rehabbed building is flexible to meet the needs of all the meetings and programs currently housed at our Civic Center and with more parking and better handicapped access.

The village's portfolio of public buildings is underutilized because of remote locations, inflexible spaces and limited parking. The Brainerd Community Center is well located, has a flexible interior and ample parking.

Its large-scale events would draw patrons to our vibrant Mainstreet businesses boosting sales tax revenue to the village. At less than five dollars a week for most homeowners, we should honor our heritage and invest in the future.

Please vote "yes" on March 18.

John Snow

Libertyville