Seeing as neither Hennepin County Commissioners Opat nor Stenglein found the letters I wrote to them (see below) interesting enough to merit a response, I thought Camden News readers might be interested in a couple examples of ignored community support to move forward with the new Webber Park Library project. I would also like to comment on Commissioner Opat's statement from the June Camden Community News article, "A murky future for Webber Library," where it quotes him saying, "The people of North Minneapolis don't ask for much and they don't get it either." We do ask, at the very least, for a response to our letters, and at the most, for their content to be considered and acted upon by our elected leaders. At least he was half correct - we sure don't get much here in North Minneapolis.
Nick Haig
Webber-Camden
Following are the letters Nick Haig wrote to Commissioners Opat and Stenglein, the first letter was dated March 29, the second dated October 30, 2009:
Mr. Opat and Stenglein, [dated March 29]
I wrote the letter (below) five months ago and never received any response. I noticed that there was demolition activity near the potential library site last week. I have searched the Hennepin County Library web page and cannot find a project update. Could you please provide concerned and interested neighbors with an update on this project?
Thank you,
Nick Haig
Mr. Opat and Stenglein, [dated October 30 2009]
We are writing you this evening to express our disappointment after hearing about the impasse reached in the Webber Park Library project from the Camden Community News. This project has gone too far, with too many public resources invested in the planning and preparation for this important community asset to be squashed.
I would like to know what the deadline for spending County Library bonds scheduled for 2010 and 2011. In our opinion, an "impasse" is not the correct term, as a pause in progress now will surely lead to a loss of these scheduled funds. The County's leadership has spoken and the community has responded positively to this project. You must actively seek a resolution to this issue by either actively negotiating a purchase, building the library around the private property, or proceeding with eminent domain.
Time is short. You are elected to stand up for the community's best interest, and it is clear what that is in this case - a new library and gateway to Camden. This is a community that has been decimated with foreclosures and desperately needs this public project. This neighborhood is vibrant.... This library will be an important asset to keep families here and may help improve the schools. In addition, jobs will be created from this $15 million venture. Please take action to see this project through.
Please let us know if there is something we can do as concerned citizens to ensure this project's success.
Respectfully submitted,
Nick, Kael and Irie (age 3 months) Haig