Library vote a land grab at Lilacia Park

Lombard will vote Nov. 8 on the building plans for the Helen Plum Library. As advocates for this $23 million project continually claim the current building is on its last leg and far beyond repair, one would think condemnation is just days away and that library patrons enter at their own risk.

That is far from the truth and just more of their "woe is me" spin. Their own building assessment clearly states the current building can be updated and upgraded over the course of the next several years at a cost of $8 million - all without taking more space from Lilacia Park.

To put this into perspective, imagine homeowners putting a sizable addition on their home. They pull together a grand plan with their architect while ignoring the fact that said plan encroaches by several feet into a neighboring yard. Construction is sure to wreak havoc on that neighbors' prized rose garden - but in the end it will be so much better so permission is not really needed because it's, you know, for the children. This same owner continues with this addition, well aware of the impact it has on their neighbor.

They are again confident permission will be granted and that all will welcome this encroachment with open arms. This same scenario is what is happening with the park district and the library's assumption that they can simply impact the park with no regards to its history and significance to Lombard's character as the Lilac Village.

Voters have a chance to tell this "homeowner" no. This is an expensive land grab at Lilacia Park that must be stopped. In spring, voters should be asked to approve a library renovation plan that works within their current footprint and with a more manageable budget.

Robert Biddle

Lombard