Why we’re not taking a position

Selecting a site for a new Cedar Rapids Public Library is an issue on which we normally would take an editorial position. But The Gazette Editorial Board won't be doing that, at least not as long as The Gazette Communications block is among sites being considered.

This is one of those rare times when our company is thrust into a public issue debate and becomes part of the news instead of only reporting or commenting on it. And lately, there has been a great deal of media attention on the library site-selection process. For good reason - the public library is a vital service. How and where the flood-damaged main facility on First Street SE is rebuilt presents one of the bigger civic tasks facing our community.

Certainly, Gazette and KCRG-TV9 news staffs have and will continue to report as developments unfold. Reporters and editors will strive to serve readers and viewers with the straightforward information they need.

As for the Editorial Board, we want to be transparent about any editorial stand we take. If we took a position on the library site now, we see a conflict of interest dilemma no matter where we land. If we editorialize for our block as the preferred site, that could be seen as lobbying in our self interest instead of the community's. If we support another site, some might wonder if we just want to avoid a forced move.

Actually, The Gazette block wasn't even on the list of recommendations until December. In August, the library's board of trustees announced three sites for consideration: True North across Fourth Avenue SE from Greene Square Park; Skogman Homes' main office at 411 First Ave. SE; and a site on First Avenue SE between Seventh and Eighth streets SE where the old Emerald Knights Hall was located. Later, Banjo Equipment, diagonally to the east of the park, replaced Skogman.

Earlier this month, trustees whittled that list to Emerald Nights and added Gazette Communications.

City Council makes the final decision. And there's no guarantee either of the library trustees' two finalists will get final approval. True North is still on the radar.

It's fair to say each of those sites affects the project differently in several key areas: Property tax base. Proximity to the downtown core as well as a possible new Intermodal Transit Facility. Parking space. Cost of site preparation.

And then there's considerable sentiment for returning to a site somewhere in the perimeter of Greene Square Park, where the library's home for nearly 80 years was 424 Third Ave. SE.

What we can fully support is a healthy public debate. Such has evolved in the past several months, and we hope to hear more before the city council makes its final decision next month. We encourage you to listen and offer your input to the council.