Discussion about Arcade, library continues

The Dayton Metro Library board of trustees didn’t outright reject a proposal to do a feasibly study to see if the Main Library would be a good fit for the historic downtown Arcade, but they also didn’t embrace the idea.

A small group of patrons asked the seven-member board at a meeting Wednesday to halt for 90 days plans to spend more than $60 million to renovate the main library at 215 E. Third Street, so the study could be completed.

Gunther Berg, owner of the Arcade, told the Dayton Daily News Wednesday, that a group of his associates known as the Dayton Arcade Development Group had volunteered to pay for the study, if the library board agreed to it.

That check would come with a condition. The development group wants to create a Dayton Arcade Library Advisory Committee to assist with the process. All members would have to be approved by the library board.

Dayton City Commission candidate A.J. Wagner and local businessman Sandy Mendleson were among the study supporters. Mendleson also made a pitch for the board to consider other older buildings downtown, including his own near Fifth-Third Field.

Tim Kambitsh, executive director of Dayton Metro, said public discussion on the plans for the main library will continue at a 5:30 p.m. community meeting on May 2 in the Main Library auditorium.

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