Library wants land deal official

BY JENNIFER HOEGG

Kings County Advertiser

Kentville’s Friends of the Library has asked the town to put its promises in writing.

When the Friends’ previous deal with the County of Kings for a plot on Justice Way for the proposed Kentville library fell through last fall, Kentville offered a River Street location.

Town council voted Jan. 25 to respond to the Friends’ request with a letter of its own.

Known as the Welton property, the parcel was expropriated by the town to allow for flood prevention measures. Because of the expropriation, the town must use it for government purposes.

A letter on behalf of the Friends by regional librarian Frances Newman stated the land had been considered during the group’s initial site search, but there were concerns with its location on the Cornwallis River’s flood plain. “Since the town has taken steps to rectify the flooding problem,” Newman wrote, “the River Street site is now a viable and desirable site for the library.”

However, the Friends are eager to have more than council’s word on the matter. Kentville will oblige with a letter confirming the offer, but further details – including value of the property - depend on survey work of the site and a memorandum of understanding.

Several councillors requested funding arrangements for the library project with the County of Kings be addressed in the final letter.

Now “the ball is in our court,” Deputy Mayor Boyd said, “I don’t want to lose sight of operating funding arrangements.” “Just so I’m clear,” Councillor Mark Pearl asked chief administrative officer Keith Robicheau, “the final version of this letter will have some language about operating?“

Robicheau confirmed it would.

Friends of the Library members on hand for the meeting were pleased when council voted to confirm the offer. “Thank you very much,” Friend and former councillor Larry Honey said. “We do appreciate your deliberations.”