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September 10, 2009

Millville mayor wants new library and to drawsyoung professionals to city

Wednesday, September 09, 2009
By JASON LADAY
jladay@sjnewsco.com
MILLVILLE - Mayor Tim Shannon on Tuesday committed himself to the construction of a new public library to replace the current 40-year-old facility on Buck Street.

Shannon called for a modern, state-of-the-art library during a State of the City address before residents and city officials at the Greater Millville Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting.

He also called for the formation of a city youth counsel and the cultivation of professional jobs in order to attract more young professionals to Millville.

"We can't continue to use Band-Aid repairs on a 40-year-old building - we need to commit ourselves to building a new library that will replace the current one," said Shannon. "We still want to pursue a hotel and parking garage in (near Buck Street), and this will set the tone for private sector there.

"Private dollars will find itself in that area."

Shannon stated Millville Economic Development Director Don Ayres and city Planning Director Kim Ayres, who accepted the GMCC Outstanding Citizen Award during the same meeting, would seek out grants for "seed money" to get the project started.

"At that point, it'll give the city time to re-evaluate what is needed and what it's using as a public library," Shannon later added. "We could possibly use (federal) stimulus money."

Members of the library board of directors were in the audience during the mayor's speech and reacted especially favorably to a commitment from Shannon.

Earlier this year, Library Director Irene Percelli stated computer use at the library had jumped 523 percent from late 2007 to early 2009.

"There's been an enormous jump in demand for our services lately, and it's taking a lot of staff time and energy to meet all of this demand," said Percelli. "People realize they can apply online for jobs, the elderly come in to use the e-mail to save on postage."

Officials at the library expressed serious doubt whether the current facility can support the skyrocketing foot traffic.

Staff and patrons alike have also complained of numerous roof leaks, and a problem of limited space has seen the library bursting at the seams.

"This is something that's been a topic of discussion and a priority of mine ever since I (became mayor)," said Shannon. "And it's been part of the steady conversation for about eight to nine years."

The mayor, a few weeks past his 100-day milestone as mayor, also pledged to attract jobs that can "support families" to the area throughout the next four years.

He emphasized retaining residents currently in their 20s who looking to leave Millville for better-paying jobs.

"The city has to provide jobs that can become careers," he said. "We have to attract young professionals and reach out to a new generation of 20-somethings to get involved in business and city government."

To this end, Shannon proposed the development of a city youth counsel.

"A core group of young people giving their opinion on how to keep young people here and how to attract them back to Millville once they've finished college.

"I want to ask them what they want their town to look like in five years. We want to make it so they want to keep their hometown their hometown."

Shannon recognized the tough economic time experienced by many in the city, but expressed optimism that the city can overcome such hurdles.

In closing, Shannon, a Republican, channeled a certain Democratic president.

"You heard President (Barack) Obama in the campaign say Yes we can?" he remarked. "Well, I say to you: Yes we will."

Posted by tumulty at September 10, 2009 5:35 PM

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