JOEL GINGOLD--THOUGHTS ON THE LATEST GOUVEIA SCHEME, THE LIBRARY'S PLANS, ETC. ETC. ETC.

To the Editor:

Last Monday night, Architect Paul Mays outlined the plans for the renovation and upgrading of the Croton Free Library. The plan would increase program space, improve patron flow, and perhaps most importantly, repair or replace those library features and systems nearing or exceeding their design lifetimes. The presentation was very well received by a large audience who obviously appreciates the numerous programs currently offered by the library to the community, be they performances, art exhibitions, group meetings, etc., etc., etc. Some of these programs are so well attended that parking and seating space has been fully consumed prior to their commencement. Thus, the increased program space would be heartily welcomed by the library’s numerous patrons, and all that right here in the center of our village.

While the true cost will have to await the final design, early estimates are in the millions of dollars which might be raised, at least in part, by grants and public subscriptions among the thousands of patrons of the library and its services.

At the same time, Croton’s Village Board, in its infinite wisdom, has announced plans to spend additional millions of dollars on the renovation of the house at Gouveia Park and other “improvements” to create a “community center” on the property. The center would also host performances, art exhibitions, meetings, etc. And the Village’s Recreation Department would be banished to Gouveia, creating great inconvenience for both the Recreation Department staff and the numerous villagers who avail themselves of the department’s services. These funds would also be raised, at least in part, by grants and public subscriptions among the residents of Croton.

For the roughly dozen years since the village foolishly accepted ownership of the Gouveia property, the Board has been desperately—desperately— seeking a use—any use—for the property. This is just the latest, equally foolish and wasteful, iteration.

The big difference between the library and village plans is, of course, that we already know what kinds of public services are offered by the library and many, many of us have already attended one of more of the programs it offers to the public. The programs offered at the proposed Gouveia “community center” are vague, at best, and it is not clear whether the Village Board would compel programs currently provided by the library to be transferred to Gouveia. Similar programs are currently provided, not only by the library, but also by the Croton-Harmon schools, essentially all of the Houses of Worship in the village, and a number of private venues, including the newest one, The Grand, located right in the center of the village business district. Would these programs also be compelled by the Board to transfer to Gouveia to ensure the “community center” is fully subscribed? We do not know, because the Board will not tell us.

The Board has taken the “if we build it, they will come; father knows best” approach to Gouveia. They will spend the money and make the “improvements” and then decide what programs will be presented at our new “community center.” Exactly the wrong prescription and the reverse of an intelligent approach to the issue.

If we’re serious, we should start with a blank calendar for a typical year. Then, we’ll inscribe on that calendar each of the events that already take place in our village and their schedule. This will necessarily involve discussions between the village and the owners of our current cultural venues, as well as obtaining their input as to the necessity and desirability of the new center. By the Board’s own acknowledgment, such critical discussions have not been held with the operators of the current venues in the planning for Gouveia. Of course, the Board will likely not want to go there, as they have traditionally been adverse to hearing anything that doesn’t totally agree with their own vision.

Next, we’ll go week-by-week and add the additional events to be held at the new center and decide which existing events will be relocated there. This will, of course, involve some speculation, but the Board has assured us that there is a great demand for such additional events. Once complete, we will have a full picture of the cultural life of our village and we will be able to determine how much, if any, demand there is for the new facility and how much of its space will be utilized for how much of the time.

And it may very well turn out that the village is doing just fine with the current arrangement and that the new “community center” is not really needed. Expansions, such at that proposed for the library, will easily compensate for any increase in programs envisioned for the future. And our current venues for such programs will not be seriously injured by the Village Board insisting that their programs be transferred to Gouveia to ensure that the “community center” is “successful” and not just an expensive empty shell much of the time.

While the village and the library may approach different sources for their anticipated outside grants, there may well be overlap between them and they could be in direct competition for these precious funds. Seeking public subscriptions from village residents will definitely result in competition for the Croton residents’ dollars, likely meaning that neither entity will be successful in raising an appropriate amount. This will certainly be to the detriment of the village and its residents, and we could well end up with neither the needed expanded, renovated library or a functioning “community center” at Gouveia.

Full disclosure. I have for decades been a patron of the library and its programs and, some years ago, served as President of the Library’s Board of Trustees. I also opposed the acceptance of the Gouveia property when it was originally offered to the village and feel that every nickel spent on the property is a total waste of money.

So let us approach this whole question intelligently, despite what the Village Board may tell us. Let us proceed with the necessary renovations and upgrades to the library. And before we spend another dollar at Gouveia, let us determine whether we really need the “community center” on the property, exactly which programs will be conducted there and on what schedule, and whether any other venues in the village will be negatively affected.

As for me, I will be happy to donate as generously as I am able to any fund established for improvements to the Croton Free Library. But unless and until it can be conclusively demonstrated that a “community center” at Gouveia is necessary and beneficial, I shall not be willing to contribute anything to its development.

Sincerely,

Joel E. Gingold