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Resident urges council to preserve historic library amid proposed 12‑acre Triangle redevelopment
Summary
A resident told the Saint Francis City Council the city-funded library should not be used as a bargaining chip in a preliminary redevelopment plan for the 12‑acre Triangle property; council members said no decisions have been made and encouraged residents to stay informed.
Rick Urbanowicz, a Saint Francis resident, told the City Council during public comment that the city’s library should not be part of a developer’s proposal for a 12‑acre parcel known as the Triangle and that the community paid for the library primarily through donations. “This council needs to inform the city administrator that this library is not for sale to any developer,” Urbanowicz said.
Why it matters: The library occupies a central location on two major bus routes, and the resident framed it as a historic asset paid for largely by local donations; council members said the matter is at an early stage and no formal decision has been made.
Urbanowicz recounted past local fundraising and said the library is in good physical shape. “It would cost much less money to repair air conditioners or other items than destroying our beautiful library,” he said. He urged the council to tell developers to pursue alternatives to using the library site, saying, “The library is history to the city of Saint Francis.”
Council and staff response: After public comment, council members and staff reiterated that no decisions are pending. An alderman noted the item is “early in the process” and encouraged residents to stay informed. A council member mentioned that libraries are closing in other parts of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County and said the city must “keep options open.”
Scope and next steps: The comments addressed a preliminary presentation the council received on June 17 about a proposal from Cream City Investments for the 12‑acre Triangle. The presentation was described in public comment as preliminary, and speakers and council members said more work and formal steps are required before the council would vote on any land sale or redevelopment plan.
What the council did: No motion or formal action regarding the library or the Triangle property was taken during the meeting; the topic appeared only in public comment and subsequent brief council remarks. The transcript records council members encouraging continued public attendance and information gathering.
Community context: Several council members thanked volunteers and staff for recent city events and reminded the public of procedural rules for public comment; one council member invited the resident to return to the next meeting to speak if desired.
Ending note: The council did not take action on the Triangle proposal or on any disposition of the library at this meeting; presenters and residents said the matter remains preliminary and unresolved.
