To The Editor:
Wildwood Crest library will be moving to the Masonic Lodge at a cost of $3 million to purchase and make required renovations to the property. Apparently, after purchasing the building for $1 million, those involved discovered the structure wasn’t strong enough to support the weight of…what else…books.
Although I don’t have any evidence to support this, there is certainly the appearance of an inside deal. Were the Masons looking to unload this property because of repairs? Something doesn’t smell right. How does the library commission buy a building for $1 million and then discover it won’t hold books or that it unexpectedly needs $2 million more in renovations?
Was the building purchased without anyone doing an inspection, i.e. sight unseen, and if so, who did the inspection? This looks like the Wildwood ice skating rink all over again. This is after all, $3 million in taxpayer money. Did they look at making an offer on St. Ann’s school? Consider: it could have been combined with the purchase from the Catholic Church of the field at Seventh and Central which means they may have paid less with a two-for deal.
There’s a park across the street for people to sit and read. There’s already a parking lot and it’s far enough from the beach that beachgoers won’t take all the spots away from library patrons, like they do now in the Crest. It’s on the main street on the island so it’s easy to find. It’s adjacent to Pacific Avenue for people who want a bite to eat and can help with that street’s revitalization efforts. It has a gym/cafeteria which can be used for the desired large meeting room and best of all, it already has a library so we know it can hold…books.
JACK WILSON
Wildwood Crest
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
